Two Panamanian baseball players, Carlos Xavier Quiroz and Jonathan Saavedra, have indelibly written their names in the history of the National Major Baseball Championship by reaching the 800-hit mark. They joined a select group that until now only included Rodolfo 'Candelilla' Aparicio. Both players achieved this feat during Chiriquí's 8-7 victory over Panamá Oeste in extra innings on April 12th. Quiroz was the first to reach the number in front of his home crowd. Aparicio remains the all-time leader with 831 hits, while Quiroz also ranks second in all-time doubles (152) and third in RBIs (452). Saavedra, for his part, is the all-time leader in doubles (154) and second in RBIs (454). 'I am grateful to him (Aparicio) for all the advice and teachings he gives us every day,' Quiroz said. It was then Saavedra's turn, who replicated the feat and became the third player in history to reach 800 hits in the major leagues, thus cementing a historic night for the Chiriquí team. 'It's a mark that not everyone can reach. I feel very happy, I dedicate it to the fans and my family,' he stated at the conclusion of the game. The legacy of these three hitters transcends the number itself.
