Pete Rose of the Cincinnati Reds equaled Wee Willie Keeler’s all-time National League batting-streak mark in 1978, hitting safely in 44 straight games.
Gene Garber. Braves’ pitcher whose ninth-inning strikeout of Rose on August 1 at Atlanta Stadium ended Rose’s streak. Rose had lined into a double play against Garber in the seventh inning.
Pete Rose acknowledges a standing ovation at Atlanta Stadium on July 31, 1978, after singling against the Braves and equaling the all-time National League batting-streak mark of 44 games. Ron Plaza, Cincinnati first-base coach, takes note of the “Pete” being flashed on a message board.
Larry McWilliams. Braves’ rookie pitcher who helped to stop Rose’s streak August 1, retiring him on a liner in the third inning and a grounder in the fifth after walking him in the first.
Phil Niekro. Braves’ pitcher who allowed a sixth-inning single to Rose on July 31, enabling Rose to tie Keeler’s mark (set in 1897).
Dave Roberts. Chicago Cubs’ pitcher off whom Rose started his streak June 14 with two hits.