Vizquel heads to New York one hit behind Babe Ruth's total

It's not as if Toronto Blue Jays infielder Omar Vizquel is going to match Babe Ruth in home runs or anything. That might take several more careers.

But it could be a neat way to wind up a superb career by equaling or surpassing Ruth in career hits this week. Doing it at Yankee Stadium would be even sweeter for Vizquel, a 45-year-old veteran who for years was the top defensive shortstop in the game.

He stands at 2,872 hits, one behind Ruth for 41st on the all-time list, after hitting a double and a run-scoring single Sunday in the Blue Jays' 5-0 win over the Boston Red Sox.

Vizquel has not been getting token hits, either. His third-inning double was the only hit that Jon Lester allowed until the seventh inning, when Yan Gomes singled with two outs.

Rajai Davis ran for Gomes, stole second, and Vizquel singled to put Toronto into a 1-0 lead. He is tied for 42nd with Jesse Burkett in career hits.

"Not even in my wildest dreams was I going to think that you can bring the name of Babe Ruth next to mine and compare it with hits and other things there have been in my career," Vizquel said. "When I started the season, I wasn't really thinking about numbers. I was just trying to go out there and finish my career strong."

At Fenway Park on Sept. 9, Vizquel hit two sacrifice flies, including the game-winner, as the Blue Jays completed a three-game sweep.

"It's exciting to watch him chase that milestone, and when it's the name Babe Ruth, everything is magnified," said teammate Brandon Morrow, who started Sunday's game. "I think it's great that it looks like he's going to pass him. Omar has been great all season, in the clubhouse, in the dugout, and obviously on the field. He's been a lot of fun to be around."