Kevin Kouzmanoff’s hit streak longer than DiMaggio’s

Apr 12, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff (6) hits an RBI single during the first inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

Now by this title I mean no disrespect to the great Joe DiMaggio, but Kevin Kouzmanoff currently has a major league hitting streak that has lasted 934 days. That beats out the greatest hitting streak of all time (56 games in May-July of 1941) by 871 days. Kevin Kouzmanoff hit safely in the last 2 games of the 2011 season with the Colorado Rockies and continued it for his first 8 games as a Texas Ranger in 2014. Kouzmanoff spent the 2012 and 2013 seasons in the minor leagues and did not break camp with the Rangers in 2014 but was the last player cut from the big league roster.

Kevin Kouzmanoff would get his chance when Adrian Beltre would be put on the disabled list April 9th. With the Rangers offense being as sluggish as it was in early September of last year, Kouzmanoff has provided a spark since his call up. In his 8 games so far this year, Kouzmanoff is hitting .414 and slugging .690. He has 12 hits in 29 at bats. Half of those hits have gone for extra bases: 5 doubles and 1 homer. Kouz also has 6 RBI and 6 runs.

The Seattle series was particularly impressive for Kevin. He had 7 hits, 4 doubles and his only homer of the season so far. Twice the Mariners elected to intentionally walk Prince Fielder to get to get to Kevin, and twice Kouzmanoff smashed an RBI double to make them regret their decision.

This impressive streak may keep Kevin Kouzmanoff in the majors even upon Beltre’s return to the lineup. Regardless of that, it is nice to have a hot bat in the middle of the lineup while Prince gets his timing down. All I know is that when Beltre does make it back to the Rangers, the bench will be one dangerous offensive force to contend with.