Will Johnny Damon Reach 3,000 Hits?

Despite the reception Johnny Damon receives Friday night when he returns to Fenway Park once again, there’s an impressive milestone within reach for the 16-year veteran. And with a few more years and some good luck with his health, there’s a good chance he’ll grab it.

Damon is roughly 500 hits away from 3,000 — the almost guaranteed stat for a Hall of Fame pass. In fact, of the 27 members of the 3,000-hit club, only three aren’t enshrined in Cooperstown: Pete Rose (banned), Rafael Palmeiro (suspended for testing positive for steroids) and Craig Biggio (retired in 2007, eligible for HoF bid in 2011).

Damon, who signed a one-year, $8 million deal prior to the 2010 season, currently stands at 2,520 hits (730 of which came in a Red Sox uniform) and is on pace to add 62 more hits this season. He has averaged 169 hits over 149 games per season since becoming a full-time starter in 1996.

With such a healthy history and consistent bat (.288 career batting average), there’s a good shot Damon can reach the incredible mark by the time the 36-year-old reaches his 40th birthday on Nov. 5, 2013.

Only three players — Ty Cobb, Hank Aaron and Robin Yount — reached the mark prior to their 37th birthday, so the idea of a 39-year-old batsman reaching the mark isn’t crazy.

Will Damon eventually reach 3,000 hits?

Text “SOX1” to 542542 if you think he will, or
text “SOX2” to 542542 if you think he won’t.

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