In baseball, a single is the most common type of base hit, accomplished through the act of a batter safely reaching first base by hitting a fair ball (thus becoming a runner) and getting to first base before a fielder puts him out. As an exception, a batter-runner reaching first base safely is not credited with a single when an infielder attempts to put out another runner on the first play; this is one type of a fielder's choice. Also, a batter-runner reaching first base on a play due to a fielder's error trying to put him out at first base or another runner out (as a fielder's choice) is not credited with a single.
On a single hit to the outfield, any runners on second base or third base normally score, and sometimes the runner from the first base can advance to third base. Depending on the location of the hit, a quick recovery by the outfielder can prevent such an advance or create a play on the advancing runner.
Pete Rose is the all-time leader in singles with 3,215. Ty Cobb (3,053) is the only other player in MLB history with over 3,000 career singles.
As of September 27, 2026, no active players are in the top 100 of career singles. The active leader is Jose Altuve, tied for 108th all time with 1,735 singles.
Key Rank Rank amongst leaders in career singles. A blank field indicates a tie. Player (2026 1Bs) Number of singles hit during the 2026 Major League Baseball season. 1B Total career singles hit.*Denotes elected to National Baseball Hall of Fame. BoldDenotes active player.A player is considered inactive if he has announced his retirement or not played for a full season.
List
Stats updated as of September 27, 2026. RankPlayer (2026 1Bs)1B1Pete Rose3,2152Ty Cobb*3,0533Eddie Collins*2,6434Cap Anson*2,6145Derek Jeter*2,5956Ichiro Suzuki*2,5147Willie Keeler*2,5138Honus Wagner*2,4249Rod Carew*2,40410Tris Speaker*2,38311Tony Gwynn*2,37812Paul Molitor*2,36613Nap Lajoie*2,34114Hank Aaron*2,29415Jesse Burkett*2,27316Sam Rice*2,27117Omar Vizquel2,26418Carl Yastrzemski*2,26219Wade Boggs*2,253Stan Musial*2,25321Lou Brock*2,24722Paul Waner*2,24323Rickey Henderson*2,182Robin Yount*2,18225Frankie Frisch*2,17126Doc Cramer2,16327Luke Appling*2,16228Nellie Fox*2,16129Eddie Murray*2,15630Roberto Clemente*2,15431Jake Beckley*2,13032George Sisler*2,12133Richie Ashburn*2,11934Luis Aparicio*2,10835Cal Ripken Jr.*2,10636Zack Wheat*2,10437Sam Crawford*2,09738Lave Cross2,05639Craig Biggio*2,04640George Brett*2,035Al Kaline*2,03542Lloyd Waner*2,03343Fred Clarke*2,030Brooks Robinson*2,03045George Van Haltren2,02846Rabbit Maranville*2,02047Miguel Cabrera2,01948Max Carey*2,017Dave Winfield*2,01750Adrián Beltré*2,015 RankPlayer (2026 1Bs)1B51Bill Buckner1,99452Albert Pujols1,97953George Davis*1,97654Stuffy McInnis1,97255Willie Mays*1,96756Ozzie Smith*1,96157Jim O'Rourke*1,96058Patsy Donovan1,95759Julio Franco1,95260Harold Baines*1,94561Charlie Gehringer*1,93562Al Simmons*1,93263Roberto Alomar*1,93064Rogers Hornsby*1,91965Al Oliver1,91866Brett Butler1,91367Iván Rodríguez*1,91068Johnny Damon1,90369Tim Raines*1,89270Vada Pinson1,88971Rusty Staub1,87872Maury Wills1,86673Fred Tenney1,86274Red Schoendienst*1,86075Jake Daubert1,85576Juan Pierre1,85077Willie Davis1,84678Steve Garvey1,84479Harry Hooper*1,84280Alex Rodriguez1,84081Buddy Bell1,83282Rafael Palmeiro1,82883Pie Traynor*1,82384Larry Bowa1,81585Goose Goslin*1,81486Mel Ott*1,80587Bill Dahlen1,80188Kenny Lofton1,79989Dave Concepción1,788Ed Delahanty*1,78891Billy Hamilton*1,787Edd Roush*1,787Jimmy Ryan1,78794Harry Heilmann*1,78495Tommy Corcoran1,78196Willie Randolph1,77597Dave Parker*1,77298Bert Campaneris1,77199Tony Pérez*1,769100Heinie Manush*1,763Billy Williams*1,763
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