Hit Milestones

2,000, 10, and 1. Three numbers that came up during last night's Braves/Dodgers game. Two go with an Atlanta veteran outfielder and a favorite player of mine. The other was a first hit for a Braves top prospect. Let's start with the veteran.

Nick Markakis reached the 2,000 hit milestone last night with a fourth-inning single off former Brave Alex Wood. He added number 2,001 later in the game. Nick has never made an All-Star appearance. He does have two Gold Glove awards and is 2nd all-time in fielding percentage as a right-fielder. 

These are the first two Markakis cards from 2017 I've picked up. Still need to pick up Series 2.

Here's the stat for Markakis that jumps out at me. He's 10th among active players in hits. Here's a list of guys behind him who are the same age or older:

Adrian Gonzalez (35)

Brandon Phillips (36)

Joe Mauer (34)

Chase Utley (38)

Dustin Pedroia (33)

David Wright (34)

Hanley Ramirez (33)

Yadier Molina (34)

Ryan Braun (33)

Edwin Encarnacion (33)

Joey Votto (33)

Ryan Howard (37)

Brian McCann (33)

There's a lot of All-Star appearances in that list. Markakis is a model for consistency and solid play. Outstanding career with hopefully several more years left.

Still adding versions of 2016 Topps to my collection. These bring the total to five cards for Markakis (Series 1, Gold, Opening Day, Chrome, Mini).

This brings us to someone who's career is just getting started at the big league level. Ozzie Albies broke through with his first hit, a three-run home run in the 9th inning of last night's game. I love seeing guys get their first hit as a home run. Same thing happened with Rafael Devers for the Red Sox the other day. Here's hoping Ozzie gets to 2,000 someday.