This little Piggy went to bat

Piggy Ward in 1894 with Washington

The aptly named Piggy Ward reaches base for a major league-record 17th straight plate appearance 133 years ago today during Baltimore’s 6-3 loss at Philadelphia.

Ward, the pride of Chambersburg, Pa., sets the record in 1893 while playing with the Orioles, who acquire the infielder only three days earlier in a trade with Cincinnati that sends pitcher Tony Mullane to the Reds.

During his streak, Ward collects eight hits and eight walks, while also getting hit with a pitch.

Ward, measuring 5-foot-9 and weighing close to, ahem, 200 pounds, finishes the 1893 season batting .271 with an on-base percentage of .415.

The 26-year-old Ward is well-traveled that season, also spending time in the minors with the Altoona Mud Turtles and Harrisburg Senators.

Ward’s record of reaching base 17 straight times still stands today.

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