Baseball is a simulation. It's all just one big math equation.

You're all about these stats we've compiled because you listen to

Effectively Wild.

With Ben Lindberg and McRowley, come for the ball, be banters free.

Baseball is a simulation.

It's all just one big conversation.

Effectively Wild.

Hello and welcome to episode 2503 of Effectively Wild, a baseball podcast from Fangraphs, presented by our Patreon supporters.

I am Ben Lindberg of the Ringer, joined by Meg Rally of Fangraphs. Hello, Meg.

Hello.

Well, my curiosity has been satisfied.

I think we might have an answer to the riddle, the mystery that has consumed me since we

potted a couple days ago about Tyler Tolbert and the undistinguished group of five guys

who have had 12 consecutive hits, at least in 12 consecutive at bats, or three guys in 12 consecutive

played appearances. And it's the Pinky Higginses, the Jose Miranda's, the Walt Dropos, the Johnny

Klinges, the Tyler Tolberts of the world. They have made history, but they are mostly not players anyone would know

otherwise unless they're true scholars at baseball. And I wondered, and we wondered, why this was.

Because, yes, there's plenty of randomness when it comes to hits and hitting streaks,

especially small sample hitting streaks. But wouldn't it stand to reason that there would be at least some stars in that group,

some standout hitters?

And you know what?

Maybe not.

...