Scan the players listed on this summer’s American League All-Star ballot and Lonnie Chisenhall’s name is nowhere to be found. During Spring Training, when teams turn in names for the annual vote, there were no guarantees that Chisenhall would be on the Opening Day roster.
Now, with roughly one month remaining until the Midsummer Classic, it is hard to imagine Chisenhall not being worthy of a spot on the league’s elite squad.
On Monday night in Texas, Chisenhall continued one of baseball’s most unlikely first-half surges, belting three home runs, churning out five hits and collecting nine RBIs in a 17-7 rout of the Rangers. It was not just a career night for the Cleveland corner infielder, but one of the greatest single-game performances in baseball history.
“I know a day like today is kind of a once-in-a-lifetime thing,” Chisenhall said. “I’m just so happy.”
In helping lead the Tribe to a series victory and its ninth win in 10 games, Chisenhall became only the fourth player in all of baseball in the past 100 years to have at least three homers, five hits and nine RBIs in a game. The others on that short list include Boston’s Fred Lynn (June 18, 1975), Brooklyn’s Gil Hodges (Aug. 31, 1950) and Cincinnati’s Walker Cooper (July 6, 1949).
Chisenhall is the only one within that historic quartet to not record an out.
Chisenhall’s nine RBIs matched a franchise record, which was first set on May 4, 1991, by Chris James. This marked the 32nd time in club history that a player had at least three home runs in a game, falling one blast shy of Rocky Colavito’s four-homer game in 1959.
Simply put, Chisenhall enjoyed arguably the greatest offensive night in Cleveland’s 114-year history.
“I’m enjoying it as much as I can,” said Chisenhall, whose bat, jersey and spikes were being authenticated after the game. “I don’t know the history of it — who’s done it in the past. They told me it’s a short list and I’m proud to be any part of a short list.”
When camp opened for the Indians during the spring, Chisenhall was not sure how he would fit into the team’s plans. Carlos Santana was given the regular at-bats at third base and Chisenhall’s career track record convinced manager Terry Francona to limit his exposure to left-handed pitchers. When camp broke, Chisenhall accepted his job as a role player and looked to earn back the Indians’ trust.
These days, Francona is looking for any way possible to keep Chisenhall in the lineup. The 25-year-old infielder has handled third base, been slotted in as a designated hitter and, more recently, slipped on a first baseman’s glove to help out across the diamond. Chisenhall has even offered to play the outfield if it means his name will be in the lineup.
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