Cardinals' Walker equals historic rookie hitting feat

St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Jordan Walker. Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports

Cardinals' Jordan Walker equals historic rookie hitting feat set in 1912

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 4/12/23

On Wednesday, St. Louis Cardinals first-year sensation Jordan Walker continued his impressive start to the 2023 campaign, equaling a historic rookie hitting streak.

In the Cardinals' 7-4 win over the Colorado Rockies, Walker extended his hitting streak to 12 games, matching the longest in MLB history by a player 20 years old or younger.

Walker ties Eddie Murphy, who set the mark with the Philadelphia Athletics in 1912.

longest hitting streak to start career, age 20 or younger, since 1900:

2023 Jordan Walker: 12 ** active streak
1912 Eddie Murphy: 12
1939 Ted Williams: 9

h/t @EliasSports
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) April 12, 2023

The feat nearly alluded Walker, who was 0-for-3 before tallying his first hit of the day. In the top of the ninth inning, Walker singled up the middle off the first pitch he saw from Rockies reliever Connor Seabold, etching his name in the record books.

It's been 111 years since a rookie 20 years or younger opened their career with a hit in 12 consecutive games.

Welcome to the history books, Jordan Walker! pic.twitter.com/wl3xMNJvsM
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) April 12, 2023

Earlier this week, Walker extended his hitting streak to nine games, tying Boston Red Sox's legend and Hall of Famer Ted Williams, who hit safely in nine-straight games to start his rookie season in 1939.

The Cardinals selected Walker in the first round (No. 21) in the 2020 MLB Draft out of Decatur High School in Decatur, Georgia. After a strong showing in spring training, Walker broke camp with the Cardinals, making the Major League roster.

Born on May 22, 2002, Walker is the youngest player to play an MLB game this season, beating out Rockies shortstop Ezequiel Tovar (21), per MLB.com's Rob Terranova.

Walker has two home runs and eight RBI, slashing .319/.360/.489 over his first 12 MLB games.

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