Rennie Stennett

On September 16, 1975, Stennett became the only player in the 20th century to collect seven hits in a nine-inning game, going 7-for-7 in a 22-0 rout of the Cubs. Stennett was good enough to beat out Dave Cash and Willie Randolph for the Pirates’ second base job. The strong-armed Panamanian was used frequently at shortstop and in the outfield in 1972 and 1973 before Pittsburgh traded Cash to make room at second base. Stennett responded by leading NL second basemen in both putouts and total chances per game (and did it again in 1976) while batting .291 with 84 runs. He just missed Ken Hubbs‘s record of 418 consecutive errorless chances, falling short by eight.

The contact hitter had his best season in 1977, finishing second to teammate Dave Parker in the batting race with a .336 mark while stealing 28 bases, both personal highs. He never hit above .250 thereafter, however, and was pushed out of the 2B job by Phil Garner. Stennett was signed by the Giants to a big free agent contract after the 1979 season, but was replaced by Joe Morgan in 1981.