Harris Sets Pinch-Hit Mark
NEW YORK — Lenny Harris of the New York Mets became baseball’s career leader in pinch hits, lining a single with one out in the sixth inning of a 4-0 victory over the Montreal Expos on Saturday night at Shea Stadium.
Harris, batting for shortstop Rey Ordonez, hit a 1-and-2 pitch from Carl Pavano just past the outstretched glove of a diving Geoff Blum at second base for his 151st career pinch-hit, surpassing Manny Mota’s record.
After Harris rounded first base, the game was stopped and the Met dugout and bullpen emptied.
His teammates surrounded Harris on the base and the crowd gave him a standing ovation that lasted more than a minute.
Harris is 21 for 83 as a pinch-hitter this season with eight runs batted in.
He has 30 hits this season and 926 for his career.
Harris broke into the majors in 1988 with the Cincinnati Reds.
He has also played with the Dodgers, Colorado Rockiesand the Arizona Diamondbacks.
This is his second tour with the Mets.
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