Mookie Betts’ streak has ended, though not before the Boston Red Sox prospect garnered national attention.
Betts, who currently is playing for Double-A Portland, saw his on-base streak snapped at 66 consecutive games Saturday following an 0-for-4 effort against the Trenton Thunder. The 21-year-old second baseman fell five games short of matching the minor league record held by former Red Sox Kevin Youkilis and Kevin Millar.
Betts reached base in 66 consecutive regular-season games split between Portland and High-A Salem before Saturday’s contest. The former fifth-round pick reached base in 30 straight games with Salem last season and reached base in Portland’s first 36 games this season.
Betts actually reached in 71 straight games if you include the playoffs — he reached in five postseason games at the conclusion of his 2013 campaign — but postseason statistics do not count toward the minor league record.
Youkilis’ streak came with Portland and Triple-A Pawtucket in 2003. Millar’s streak occurred when he was in the Florida Marlins system, and was split between Double-A and Triple-A from 1997 through 1999 — Millar had some major league games mixed in during that time.
While Betts fell short of making minor league history, he undoubtedly has become an intriguing prospect of national prominence. Betts, who was ranked the No. 7 prospect in the Red Sox organization before this season, has all of the tools to become something special.
Photo via Facebook/Mookie Betts
