Tuesday night at home against Florida Atlantic, senior Brian Ellis’ first-inning walk broke an unofficial NCAA record by making it 102 straight games in which he reached base safely. The NCAA does not record consecutive safe trips to the plate as an official statistic; they must occur via a hit, a walk, or being struck by a pitch.
Mark Payton of Texas established the previous record in 2013–14 with 101, which Ellis surpassed.
When Ellis reached first base, Swanson Stadium roared like he had hit the game-winning home run. Ellis took his BP as if it were routine, but it wasn’t. Dave Tollett, the team’s coach, congratulated the team captain, and Ellis lifted first base over his head with a wide smile.
Ellis said, “It’s a great feeling to have any record here. To have that one at the NCAA level is a huge accomplishment that I’m happy about.”
Tollett said, “I think out of all the records anyone could have, I think this one definitely says who he is. He is the most selfless player I’ve ever coached. It’s just his job to get on base. He just does it better than anyone I’ve ever coached and, right now, probably better than anyone in the country.”
The streak started on April 30, 2021, when Ellis walked and was struck by a pitch while playing North Florida. He reached base in the final 11 games of the 2021 season, all 58 games of the 2022 season, and all 33 games this year, USA Today reports. During his record-breaking run, Ellis amassed 143 hits in 401 at-bats, earning 78 walks and taking 39 pitches.
The No. 15-ranked Eagles (26-7) have been led this season by leadoff hitter Ryan Ellis, who has 43 runs, 28 RBIs, and five home runs to go along with a.500 slugging percentage.