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That painful distinction belongs to Hughie Jennings, who got walloped 287 times during his baseball career. Jennings, a Hall of Famer best known for managing the Detroit Tigers, also holds the record for most plunks in a single season -- in the 1896 season, his body took 51 pitches. Stepping in front of the pitch was part of Jennings' batting strategy. During one particular game, he took a pitch to the head during
the third inning. He played out the game but promptly collapsed when it was over and remained unconscious for three days. Jennings was one of the first players who made an art out of getting hit by the pitch. Many players continue the practice today, perfecting the technique and even wearing special clothing or gear to help protect them from the sting of the hard-flung baseball.
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