June 19, 1960
Thierry, Juday Extend Record Hitting Streaks
Michaël Thierry of the Kiev Comets came to the plate in the bottom of the 7th. The Comets were up 6-2 and cruising on their way to another victory, their 40th of the season. But the home crowd grew tense, shifting to the edge of their seats.
Thierry lined a shot over the third baseman's head and into left field, and the stands erupted. It was the 30th straight game in which Thierry has recorded a hit, and it's become standard fare for the Kiev faithful. Come to the ballpark, root for the Comets, eat a hot dog, and see Michael Thierry get a hit.
The streak began with an unassuming 1-5 day against Istanbul on May 13th. Thierry had hit decently well over the first month with a .306/.330/.435 line. But in the five weeks since, he's raised that up to .340/.385/.506, quickly turning into a sensation as reporters rush to interview him after each game.
Meanwhile in the North American League, Gene Juday of the New York Empire has hit safely in 27 straight games, raising his batting average from .274 to .336. His streak hasn't caught the attention of the baseball world quite like Thierry's, though. While the Comets are becoming known as perhaps the favorite to win the World Baseball Alliance championship, the Empire are just 25-31 and currently tied for last place in their division.