Josh Bell homered Wednesday afternoon, helping the Pirates to a 7-2 win over the Reds. His 18th home run of the season bring his extra-base hit total to 39. One third of the way through the season, that puts him in a great position to accumulate 100 extra-base hits for the season. In my life time, that was accomplished six times. Albert Belle collected 103 EXBH in 1995, a strike shortened season in which he played 143 games. Todd Helton matched that number in 2000, but in 160 games. Then 2001 saw four player reach the century mark; Luis Gonzalez with 100, Sammy Sosa with 103, Helton with 105, and Barry Bonds with 107. Bell would be putting himself in good company.

Note that only fifteen player-seasons produced 100 EXBH. Bell actually has a shot at the record, 119 by Babe Ruth in 1921. If he gets to 108, he would be just the third player to reach that level. We could be watching an historic season.