Exception to the Rule

Cal Ripken Jr. could become the first player since Lou Brock in 1979 to reach 3,000 hits without getting one as a designated hitter. A look at the players who have reached the 3,000 mark since 1979, or should reach that mark this season, with number of hits as a DH:

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Player Hits As DH Carl Yastrzemski 3,419 395 Paul Molitor 3,319 1,455 Eddie Murray 3,255 611 George Brett 3,154 538 Robin Yount 3,142 153 Dave Winfield 3,110 400 Rod Carew 3,053 94 Tony Gwynn 2,982 5 Wade Boggs 2,981 126 Cal Ripken Jr. 2,950 0

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Researched by HOUSTON MITCHELL / Los Angeles Times