15 Unwanted Baseball Records

MLB’s unwanted records reveal the struggles and loss in form of some of the greatest players. This reminds us that baseball’s history includes failures alongside greatness and lessons for everyone.

Rajat Srivastava
October 10, 2025
7 min read

15 Unwanted Baseball Records — Imagn Images

Baseball history is filled with incredible achievements, but also records players and teams would like to forget. From Reggie Jackson’s strikeout total and New York Mets most errors in a season to the 1899 Cleveland Spiders’ disastrous season, these unwanted marks highlight the game’s uncertainity and failures. Even legends like Cy Young, Nolan Ryan and Craig Biggio appear in this list that show baseball’s imperfections. These stories remind us that even the greatest players have to go through a rough patch in their career.

15. Most Career Losses by a Manager - Connie Mack

Connie Mack remained a manager for an incredible 50 years, winning over 3,700 games and five World Series titles. But his longevity also brought with it the most career managerial losses at 3,948. While his success and impact are legendary, this record highlights the other side of such a long career. For every win, there were plenty of losses, making this an inevitable part of his legacy.

14. Most Consecutive Scoreless Innings at the Plate - Eugenio Velez

Eugenio Velez set a tough record when he went hitless in 46 consecutive at-bats, the longest run for a position player. This slump in form stretched across the 2010 and 2011 seasons, crushing his confidence and ending his career soon after. Baseball is indeed, a very competitive sport, but this one is a harsh reminder of the difficulty level of MLB.

13. Most Walks Allowed in the MLB History - Nolan Ryan

Nolan Ryan is respected for his strikeouts and no-hitters, but he also holds the record for most walks allowed, which is 2,795. His extraordinary fastball made him a dominant player, but his lack of control was visible at times. While his strikeout totals and longevity are legendary, this unwanted record has stayed with him. This shows that even the best pitchers sometimes had trouble consistently finding the strike zone.

12. Most Errors in a Season - New York Mets

The 1962 New York Mets’ inaugural season was infamous for their chaotic performance. The team committed 210 errors, the most ever in modern MLB history. Miscommunication and inexperience contributed to this unwanted record. While the Mets eventually became a great franchise, that first season remains an example of how new teams can face historically rough starts in professional sports.

11. Most Career Passed Balls - Lance Parrish

Lance Parrish, an All-Star catcher in the 1980s, was known for his power at the plate but also for defensive issues. He set the record for most career passed balls, with over 190. Catching is one of the toughest jobs in baseball, but this record stays, reminding us that even strong players can be troubled by their defensive weakness behind the plate.

10. Most Strikeouts in a Single Season - Mark Reynolds

Mark Reynolds was known for his raw power at the plate, but with big swings were followed by big misses. In 2009, while playing for the Diamondbacks, Reynolds struck out a staggering 223 times, setting the all time single season record. Though he did hit 44 home runs that year, his free swinging approach added an unwanted record to his name in the MLB history.

9. Longest Championship Drought - Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs had to face baseball’s longest championship drought, going 108 years between World Series titles, from 1908 to 2016. The curse became legendary, with fans experiencing heartbreak after heartbreak. Whether it was the “Curse of the Billy Goat” or Steve Bartman in 2003, the drought was an unwanted part of the team’s identity until it finally ended, bringing long awaited joy to generations of fans.

8. Most Hit By Pitches - Craig Biggio

Craig Biggio had a legendary career with over 3,000 hits, but he also set the record for being hit by pitches 285 times. While it showed his willingness to cover the plate and get on base, it was also painful and a poor record. Biggio wore countless bruises throughout his career, making this unusual record a mix of toughness, persistence and the negative impact of an aggressive batting style.

7. Worst Season Record - Cleveland Spiders

The Cleveland Spiders in 1899, posted the worst record in MLB history, winning only 20 games while losing 134. Their roster was emptied by their owners, making them uncompetitive. The team lost the support of their fans and often had to play on the road. This season was so disastrous it led to the team closing down completely. Thus, securing their place in baseball history as the ultimate example of a poor performance.

6. Most Home Runs Allowed in a Season – Bert Blyleven

Bert Blyleven, the legendary pitcher was a master of the curveball, but in 1986 he allowed 50 home runs, a single season record at the time. While hitters took advantage on his mistakes, Blyleven’s ability to still win games showed his quality. This record stands as proof that even top level pitchers can have difficult seasons where hitters consistently punish their pitches, despite their talent.

5. Most Consecutive Games Lost by a Team - Philadelphia Phillies

The Philadelphia Phillies set an unwanted record with 23 straight losses in 1961. The streak remains one of baseball’s longest and ugliest runs of defeats. Fans suffered game after game of disappointment, and the losses defined their season. While the Phillies eventually built championship teams, this embarrassing streak still stands out in baseball history as one of the lowest points.

4. Most Career Losses by a Pitcher – Cy Young

Cy Young is celebrated with the award that is named after him, honoring pitching excellence. Yet he also holds the record for most career losses, with 316. Though, he also won 511 games, a record that will never be broken. His loss total highlights his workload, pitching in an era where starters threw continuously. Still, it’s an unwanted record attached to one of baseball’s greatest legends.

3. Most Career Blown Saves - Goose Gossage

Legendary closer Goose Gossage dominated late innings with superb fastball and dominating presence. Yet, despite his greatness, he also holds the record for 112 career blown saves. This dark mark reminds us that even elite closers can struggle under pressure. Gossage’s career showcases both brilliance and human error, proving that saving games in the MLB is never easy, even for legends.

2. Most Career Strikeouts by a Non-Pitcher - Adam Dunn

Adam Dunn was a classic power hitter, capable of sending the ball out of the park or missing it completely. Over his career, he struck out 2,379 times, the most by a non-pitcher in MLB history. Known for his “three true outcomes” style, which was either home run, walk or strikeout. Dunn’s record reflects the modern power era’s extremes, which is either going for the glory or back into the hut.

1. Most Career Strikeouts by a Hitter – Reggie Jackson

Reggie Jackson is a Hall of Famer and clutch situation hero, but he also struck out more than any player in the history, with 2,597. He was popularly called as “Mr. October” as he had enormous power, but his all or nothing approach came with plenty of failures. While his home runs defined his career, this strikeout record remains a dark spot on his career, showing that even great players can add up embarrassing numbers alongside legendary achievements.