Joc Pederson’s journey through the early part of the season with the Texas Rangers has been anything but smooth. After a staggering 0-for-41 hitless streak that lasted nearly three weeks, he finally found redemption on Wednesday night. Amid the pressure of a 5-2 deficit against the Oakland Athletics at Sutter Health Park, Pederson, who had been sitting out of the starting lineup, was called upon in a clutch moment. Facing Athletics’ closer Mason Miller with two outs in the ninth, he stepped up to the plate more determined than ever.
With the weight of countless at-bats hanging over him, Pederson faced a first-pitch fastball clocked at an impressive 100 mph. In that moment, he connected, sending the ball soaring rapidly into center field for a double that clocked in at 107 mph. It was a beautiful sight — the crowd buzzing as they watched the ball sail over center fielder JJ Bleday’s head. That hit marked a significant milestone not just for Pederson but for the franchise as well, as he broke the record for the longest hitless streak in Rangers history. Previously, infielder Justin Foscue held the record at 0-for-39, but Pederson’s challenging quest finally came to an end at 0-for-41, a historic low.
While this moment marked a crucial turning point, it’s important to remember it wasn’t anywhere near the all-time record for the longest hitless streak in Major League Baseball. That infamous title belongs to Chris Davis, who went through a staggering 0-for-54 in 2018-19. Still, Pederson’s experience in navigating this hitless ordeal is profound, especially given the expectations that came with his hefty $37 million, two-year contract signed in the offseason. His early performance had been tough to watch, with a painful .052/.141/.069 slash line, featuring just two extra-base hits and a struggle to reach base.
Yet, what stands out more than the numbers is Pederson’s remarkable attitude throughout this struggle. In interviews following the game, it’s clear he’s maintained a sense of positivity despite the weight of expectations pressing down on his shoulders. “We were happy for him,” Rangers manager Bruce Bochy shared after the game, expressing relief that Pederson was finally able to secure a hit. “Just getting off the snide there as far as just getting a base hit. Good at-bat, obviously. The guy’s throwing 100 out there and he got ahead of it and smoked him. You hope something like this gets him going.”
It’s this kind of resilience that truly sets Pederson apart. Even when the statistics were bleak, his commitment to the game and his teammates remained unwavering. Manager Bochy highlighted this tenacity, noting, “It’s all about being resilient in this game, whether it’s individually or collectively. I love the fact that he’s not showing any kind of effects from this little skid he’s in. He’s upbeat through all of this, he knows he’s going to come out of it, and he knows he’s going to help us win some games.”
That perspective is a testament not only to Pederson’s character but also to his experience in the league. This isn’t the first rough patch he’s faced, although it may be one of the worst. Yet, he draws on those past experiences, understanding that slumps are a part of the game. “Joc is Joc,” Bochy reiterated, reflecting on Pederson’s established track record. “It might be his worst [slump], I don’t know. But at the same time, he’s been through them, and what’s happened happens.”
Although the Rangers ultimately fell to the Athletics that night, Pederson’s breakthrough provided a glimmer of hope for him and the team. As they look ahead, there’s an optimistic belief that this timely hit could be just the spark necessary for him to regain his form. With his mental fortitude intact, both the player and the fans share the same hope: this moment is the turning point. As Pederson steps back into the batter’s box in future games, there’s a sense of renewed energy, a reminder that every great player can weather the storm, and come out stronger on the other side.
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