How many players recorded a home run on their 3,000th hit? Examining the milestone moment for some MLB legends

One of the signature milestones in the MLB is the coveted 3,000-hit threshold. The exclusive club of players to have ever reached this number is small, with only 33 recording 3,000 more hits in history. Only two players have ever reached 4,000: Pete Rose and Ty Cobb.

The most recent players to join the elite 3,000-hit club are Miguel Cabrera (2022), Albert Pujols (2018), Adrian Beltre (2017), Ichiro (2016), and Alex Rodriguez (2015). While this was a monumental moment in all of their careers, when it comes to A-Rod, he achieved something that only three players have ever done.

"12 years ago today, Derek Jeter joined the 3000 hit club, RE2PECT @short_porch" - @StoolBaseball

While recording his milestone hit, Alex Rodriguez did so in an epic fashion, smashing a home run. Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, and Wade Boggs are the only players who record a home run while crossing that coveted threshold. Given the small number of players to have ever recorded the historic feat, the fact that three players did so with a home run is incredibly impressive.

It may be some time before fans are able to see another player join the exclusive club as the current leaders still have a long way to go. Freddie Freeman is the hits leader among active players. However, he is only sitting at 2,163 hits and is already 34 years old. It is certainly possible that he achieves the milestone, but time is not on his side.

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Recording 3,000 hits tends to lead to a Hall of Fame enshrinement

Ordinarily, once a player achieves this iconic milestone, it is usually an indication that they will eventually be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. However, there are three players who have not been voted into the Hall of Fame and are part of the 3,000-hit club.

"On this day in 2003, Rafael Palmeiro hit his 500th home run. One of just 7 players in history to have 500 home runs and 3,000 hits. What are your thoughts on Palmeiro?" - @RetroCardSnaps

Only Rafael Palmeiro, Pete Rose, and Alex Rodriguez have not been inducted into the Hall of Fame. However, this is the result of issues outside of the on-field production.

Rose remains ineligible for Hall of Fame induction due to the lifetime ban he received for gambling on baseball games. Palmeiro and Rodriguez's ties to steroid usage have kept them out as well.