Golden Sombrero

The Golden Sombrero is a tongue-in-cheek term for when a batter strikes out four times in a single game. It's an unwanted achievement that expands on the hockey term "hat trick" (three of something).

The Sombrero Family

Baseball has created a whole hierarchy of strikeout achievements:

• Hat Trick: 3 strikeouts in one game (borrowed from hockey)
• Golden Sombrero: 4 strikeouts in one game
• Platinum Sombrero: 5 strikeouts in one game
• Titanium Sombrero: 6 strikeouts in one game (extremely rare, requires extra innings)

Why "Sombrero"?

The joke is that each additional strikeout earns you a "bigger hat" and what's bigger than a hat? A sombrero! The "golden" modifier adds to the ironic prestige of this dubious achievement.

It Happens to Everyone

Even the greatest hitters have earned golden sombreros. It's simply part of baseball, some days, the pitcher wins. Notable players have had multiple golden sombrero games in their careers.

The Silver Lining

Getting a golden sombrero usually means:

• You were in the lineup for at least 4 at-bats
• Your team likely had a long game
• Tomorrow is a new day

Extra Innings Records

In extra-inning games, some players have reached the platinum or even titanium sombrero, though these are mercifully rare occurrences.