Cincinnati Reds: Top 10 all-time leaders in doubles in team history

1 of 10

WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 17: A detail view of the bat and batting gloves worn by Scooter Gennett #3 of the Cincinnati Reds and National League before the 89th MLB All-Star Game, presented by Mastercard at Nationals Park on July 17, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

Two is better than one, right? One of the all-time leaders in doubles in Major League Baseball history played the majority of his career for the Cincinnati Reds, but who are the team leaders in that category?

The Cincinnati Reds, the oldest professional sports franchise, have a rich history. Sean Casey and Ted Kluszewski were doubles-machines during their time with the Reds. Jay Bruce and George Foster also hit more than 200 career doubles in their time with the team as well. But, who are the all-time leaders in doubles in Cincinnati Reds’ history?

While statistics like home runs, RBIs, and now WAR typically dominate the minds of baseball fans, doubles are a key stat that will always move the needle. Tris Speaker, who played for four different teams from 1907-1928, is the career leader in doubles in Major League Baseball history with 792 total.

Doubles do two things, they put runners in scoring position and they drive in runs. Singles are good, but doubles are better. Hitting a ball to the outfield gap almost guarantees you a two-bagger and if there’s enough speed on the base paths, a runner standing on second is going to score. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the Cincinnati Reds all-time leaders in doubles.

10. Bid McPhee, Second baseman (1882-1899)

John Alexander “Bid” McPhee is probably better known for his defense, as the last second baseman to play the field without a glove, but he was no slouch at the plate as well. McPhee, who played his entire career for the Cincinnati Reds racked up 303 career doubles in his 18-year career.

McPhee’s best career, in terms of two-baggers, was his next-to-last season with the Reds. Bid McPhee smashed 26 doubles in 1898 while playing 133 games at the age of 38. He logged 60 RBIs that season and recorded 72 runs.

In 6 of his 18 seasons in Cincinnati, McPhee hit 20-plus doubles. In 1887, McPhee hit .289 with a .360 on-base percentage. He smacked 20 doubles and a league-high 19 triples that season. McPhee had a career batting average of .272 during his 18 seasons in the Queen City.

McPhee was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2000 by the Veteran’s Committee and became part of the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame in 2002. McPhee also managed the Reds from 1901 to 1902. While not very well known by many fans, Bid McPhee is a big part of the storied history of the Cincinnati Reds.