Florida Gulf Coast's Brian Ellis sets NCAA baseball record by reaching base in 102nd consecutive game

A Florida Gulf Coast outfielder made NCAA baseball history by just taking a walk.

Senior Brian Ellis' first-inning walk at home against Florida Atlantic on Tuesday night marked the 102nd consecutive game in which he had safely reached base, setting an unofficial NCAA record. The NCAA doesn't chart consecutive games reached base safely – only either via a hit, a walk or being hit by a pitch – as an official statistic.

Ellis surpassed Texas’ Mark Payton who set the mark at 101 during the 2013-14 seasons.

Ellis took his base like it was business as usual, but when he got to first, Swanson Stadium erupted as if it was a game-winning home run. With a big smile, Ellis lifted first base over his head as coach Dave Tollett walked out to congratulate his team captain.

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"It’s a great feeling to have any record here," Ellis said. "To have that one at the NCAA level is a huge accomplishment that I’m happy about."

"I think out of all the records anyone could have, I think this one definitely says who he is," Tollett said. "He is the most selfless player I’ve ever coached. It’s just his job, to get on base. He just does it better than anyone I’ve ever coached and, right now, probably better than anyone in the country."

The streak began on April 30, 2021, when Ellis walked and was hit by a pitch against North Florida. He reached base in the final 11 games of the 2021 season, all 58 games of the 2022 season, and all 33 games this year. Ellis recorded 143 hits in 401 at-bats during his record-setting march, drawing 78 walks and being hit by a pitch 39 times.

Ellis, who bats leadoff, has set the tone for the No. 15-ranked Eagles (26-7) this season boasting a .500 slugging percentage with 43 runs, 28 RBIs and five home runs.

Known for his dedication to hard work, Ellis leads the Eagles not just at the plate, but in all aspects.

"There’s a reason that in my 37 years as a coach, he’s the only captain I’ve ever had," Tollett said. "He leads by example in the classroom, in the community, and on this field. But to be a part of what he’s done is something special. He’s not going to take credit for it, that’s just who he is. But man, it’s an unbelievable record that I think is going to stand for a long, long time."

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Florida Gulf Coast's Brian Ellis sets consecutive games reached record