Braves' Matt Olson evolving, matching iconic starts by Mickey Mantle, Babe Ruth, Tris Speaker
Atlanta's slugger paced the MLB-leading lineup in several key offensive statistics, including home runs and RBI.
Braves' Matt Olson evolving, matching iconic starts by Mickey Mantle, Babe Ruth, Tris Speaker originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . Near the MLB season quarter pole, Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson continues enjoying an iconic start.
Leading the Braves (28-13) to the league's best overall record, Olson paced the highly-rated lineup in home runs (14), RBI (36), runs (36), doubles (15) and walks (22). The three-time All-Star became just the fourth player to accomplish the feat through 40 games in the live-ball era. Evolving as an 11-year veteran, Olson matched the efforts of three Hall of Famers, Cleveland's Tris Speaker (1920) and New York Yankees ' Babe Ruth (1923) and Mickey Mantle (1956).
On Saturday, hours after legendary Braves manager Bobby Cox died , Olson joined another exclusive club. When the game became official, Olson appeared in his 822nd consecutive MLB game, joining the top 10 of ironmen. Braves' Matt Olson remains productive, consistent, on-call On Sunday, Olson, who hit his 300th career home earlier this season, moved past Gus Suhr and into 10th place on the list of most consecutive games played.
Here is a look at the top-10: 1, Cal Ripken Jr. , 2,632 games (1982-98) 2, Lou Gerhig, 2130 (1925-39) 3, Everett Scott, 1,307 (1916-25) 4, Steve Garvey, 1,207 (1975-83) 5, Miguel Tejada, 1,152 (2000-07) 6, Billy Williams, 1,117 (1963-70) 7, Joe Sewell, 1,103 (1922-30) 8, Stan Musial, 895 (1952-57) 9, Eddie Yost, 829 (1949-55) 10, Matt Olson, 823 (2021-current) Then a member of the Oakland Athletics , Olson has not missed a game since May 2, 2021. The Braves open a series against the NL Central-leading Chicago Cubs at Truist Park on Tuesday.