Archives for July 2018

Newcomb Loses No-Hit Bid With Two Outs in the Ninth – Joins a Pretty Big Club

July 30, 2018 by David

There have been (at least) 67 MLB no-hitters lost with two outs the ninth inning.

*Note: Five of these were in games tied in the ninth, so the no-it bid did not end with two outs in the final inning.

Yesterday (July 29, 2018), Braves’ southpaw Sean Newcomb, went into the top of the ninth inning having fanned eight and allowed just one Dodgers’ base runner – on a sixth inning, five-pitch walk to Dodgers’ RF Yasiel Puig. Newcomb was just three outs away from his tenth victory of the season, his very first MLB complete game, a shutout and, of course, a no-hitter. Note: For a look at pitchers whose first complete game was a no-hitter, click here. He would get only one of those rewards.

Newcomb started the ninth on a roll, getting LA second baseman Logan Forsythe to fly out to left in a two-pitch at bat. Things then got a little tougher, as it took nine pitches to get the next batter (1B Cody Bellinger) on a fly to short right. At this point, Newcomb, one out away from a complete-game, no-hit shutout had tossed 128 pitches. Next up was leadoff hitter/SS Chris Taylor. On a 2-2 count, Taylor shot a mid-90s fastball from Newcomb into the hole between third and short to end both the no-hit bid and Newcomb’s outing (Dan Winkler came on in relief). Winkler got the final two outs, but gave up a run-scoring single (run charged to Newcomb) to 3B Manny Machado.

Now, losing a no-hitter with two outs in the ninth may seem an unusual occurrence, but it’s really not. In fact, there have been (at least) 67 no-hitters lost in the ninth – 13 of them perfect games. (These are instances BBRT has been able to document.)

A total of 13 perfect games have been lost with two outs in the ninth inning – although three of those ended as no-hitters.

Here are a few other stories about no-hitters lost with two down in the final frame.

It’s Tough being You … Especially in a Year that ends in “13.”

The number 13 keep coming up as you look at lost no-hitters and perfect games. In 2013, two guys names “Yu” actually lost perfect games with two-outs in the final frame.

April 2,2013, the Rangers’ Yu Darvish went into the ninth inning of a game against Houston with a 7-0 lead and a perfect game in progress. He started the inning in fine form, getting DH Jason Castro and catcher Carlos Corporan on ground outs (to SS and 2B, respectively). Then Astros’ shortstop Marwin Gonzalez hit the first pitch in his at bat (and Darvish’s 111th pitch) up the middle for a ground ball single. With that safety, Darvish’s day was done, as Rangers’ Skipper Ron Washington brought in Michael Kirkman to close it out (which he did with a single and a strikeout).

On September 6, 2013, the San Francisco Giants’ Yusmeiro (Yu) Petit joined the unlucky “almost perfect” rotation. With two out in the ninth, Petit – with a 3-0 lead over the Diamondbacks – had retired all 26 batters he had faced, fanning seven. The Diamondbacks sent up pinch hitter Eric Chavez, who worked the count full. Then, just one strike away from a perfect game, Petit gave up a single to right field. Petit retired the next hitter CF A.J. Pollock on a grounder to third – settling for a one-hit shutout.

The Consolation Prize -Perfect Games that Became No-Hitters

Of the thirteen perfect games broken up with two outs in the ninth inning, three did end up as no-hitters.

On July 4, 1908, New York Giants’ hurler Hook Wiltse (who would win 139 games in 12 MLB seasons), retired the first 26 Phillies before hitting Philadelphia pitcher George McQuillan with a pitch on a 2-2 count. It was a scoreless game through nine, and Wiltse went on to pitch a hitless tenth (preserving the no-hitter) as the Giants won 1-0.

On September 2, 1972, Milt Pappas of the Cubs had an 8-0 lead over the Padres – and a perfect game in progress – as San Diego batted in the top of the ninth. After retiring the first two batters, Pappas walked pinch hitter Larry Stahl on a 3-2 pitch. Pappas retired the next hitter, so while he lost the perfect game, he did save the no-hitter.

On June 20, 2015, Nationals’ right-hander Max Scherzer came within one out – within one strike actually – of pitching a “perfecto.” He entered the top of the ninth with a 6-0 lead over the Pittsburgh Pirates – having retired the first 24 batters, striking out 10. In the ninth, Scherzer retired the first two batters (RF Gregory Polanco on a pop out to the catcher and SS Jordy Mercer on a liner to center) and then worked the 27th hitter (pinch hitter Jose Tabata) to a 2-2 count. Tabata fouled off three 2-2 pitches before Scherzer lost the perfect game in perhaps the most painful way (in more ways than one) possible – by hitting Tabata with a pitch (a breaking ball to the elbow). Scherzer then got Pirates’ second baseman Josh Harrison on a fly ball to left, completing the no-hitter.

Another Unlucky 13 – 12 Perfect Innings for the loss

For a real hard luck story, consider the Pittsburgh Pirates’ Harvey Haddix, who took a perfect game into the 13th inning – AND LOST.

On May 26, 1959, Haddix took the mound against the power-laden Milwaukee Braves (who had won the National League pennant the previous two seasons and came into the game again leading the league). Haddix retired the first 36 hitters in order – fanning eight, carrying a perfect game into the bottom of the 13th. A 20-game winner in 1953, the 33-year-old Haddix had come into the game 4-2, with a 2.67 ERA in seven starts – and had thrown complete games in his two previous outings. (He would end up 12-12, 3.13 on the year.)

Unfortunately, the Braves’ Lew Burdette, despite giving up 12 hits and fanning only two, had held the Pirates scoreless. (Like Haddix, Burdette had not issued a single free pass.) Milwaukee 2B Felix Mantilla led off the 13th by reaching on error by Pirates’ third baseman Don Hoak. Slugging 3B Eddie Mathews bunted Mantilla over to second, which led to an intentional walk to RF Hank Aaron, bringing up 1B Joe Adcock.

Adcock rapped a 1-0 pitch over the right field fence for what appeared to be a three-run home run. However, the Braves, in celebrating the tension-filled victory, forgot how to run the bases. Adcock passed Aaron between second and third and, after some deliberation, Adcock was called out – ultimately changing his three-run homer to a one-run double. So, despite 12 perfect innings, Haddix lost the no-hitter, the shutout and the game itself. But he did etch his name forever into baseball lore; and countless trivia quizzes.

No-Hitter Lost with Two Out in Ninth in the World Series

Only one of the no-hitters lost with two outs in the ninth came in post season play. On October 3, 1947, Yankees’ right-hander Bill Bevens was on the verge of World Series history. Bevens went into the ninth with a 2-1 lead over the Dodgers and had yet to yield a hit (the Dodgers had scored one run in the fifth inning on two walks, a sacrifice bunt and a fielder’s choice). Bevens sandwiched a fly out and foul out around a walk to Dodgers’ center fielder Cal Furillo (Bevens’ ninth walk of the game), and so was just one out from a World Series win and no-hitter. That’s when the wheels came off. The dangerous Pete Reiser was sent in to pinch hit for pitcher Hugh Casey. Al Gionfriddo, pinch-running for Furillo, stole second and Reiser was walked intentionally – putting runners on first and second with two outs, the Yankees still with a one-run lead, the no-hitter intact and Cookie Lavagetto pinch hitting for Eddie Stanky (Eddie Miksis was also brought in to run for Reiser). Lavagetto doubled to right on Bevens’ second pitch, both runners scored and Bevens lost the no-hitter and the game.

Dave Steib’s Hard Luck – Three No-Hitters Lost with Two Outs in the Ninth

Two In Consecutive Starts

Photo by Bobolink

The Blue Jays’ Dave Stieb took the mound on September 24 and September 30, 1988 (consecutive starts) against the Indian and Orioles, respectively, and produced the same result. In both games, he lost a no-hitter with two outs in the ninth (and a two-ball/two-strike count on the batter). Stieb did get two complete-game shutouts, 1-0 over the Indians and 4-0 over the Orioles. The games were his final two starts of the season, so he had the entire off-season to contemplate his bad luck.

The following season (on August 4, 1989), Stieb found himself again on the brink, this time taking a perfect game in the ninth inning, holding a 2-0 over the Yankees. He started the inning as though ready to make history, striking out pinch hitters Hal Morris and Ken Phelps on nine pitches. Then the number-nine hitter, center fielder Luis Polonia, broke up the “perfecto” and no-hitter with a double to left. Second baseman Steve Sax followed with a run-scoring single, before left fielder Polonia grounded out to end the game. Stieb did finally get his no-hitter on September 2, 1990.

Perfect Game Lost on a Bad Call

Photo by Kevin.Ward

Perhaps the most heartbreaking “no-hitter breakup” took place on June 2, 2010, when Detroit Tigers’ righty Armando Galarraga found himself on the mound in the top of the ninth 26 outs into a perfect game (three strikeouts). The Tigers had a 3-0 lead and Galarraga was facing Indians’ second baseman Jason Donald. Galarraga induced Donald to ground to right side of the infield and first-sacker Miguel Cabrera moved to his right to make a fine play, spinning and throwing to Galarraga covering first (who clearly beat Donald to the bag). Umpire Jim Joyce called Donald safe, a mistake he admitted and apologized for after the game. (Talk about a bad time for a bad call.) The official scorekeeper gave Donald and infield single, ending both the perfect game and the no-hitter. Galarraga retired the next batter – CF Trevor Crowe – on a groundout. Joyce’s call, despite the post-game mea culpa, stood, and Galarraga joined the list of pitchers losing a perfect game with two outs in the ninth.

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My Chilly Evening At AT&T Park … And A Bit Of Old-Style Hardball

July 28, 2018 by David

Yesterday, I added the 29th entry to my list of MLB parks in which I have enjoyed a ballgame – the San Francisco Giants’ AT&T Park; the beauty by the Bay. Unfortunately, it was pretty much an “in (for one game) and out” experience, since I was in the Bay Area on family rather than baseball business. Still, I would like to share just a few observations.

You’re as Cold As Ice … Foreigner

Photo by RalphArvesen

There are three things I will always remember about my first experience at AT&T Park – the Juan Marichal, high-kicking statue, the view of McCovey Cove and the shiver-inducing wind chill (All the people with hoodies, multiple layers and stadium blankets I saw heading into the park should have been a hint.)

Location-Location-Location … The Bay

First, this is one beautiful ballpark – thanks primarily to its location on San Francisco Bay. The views of the Bay Bridge and McCovey’s Cove are spectacular(ly) unique. The ships, boats and kayaks that dot McCovey Cove, many waiting to join in spirited competition over long balls that splash down beyond the right field wall, just add to the ambiance. (AT&T is one of the few parks that justify the word ambiance over atmosphere.)

History-History-History

Make sure you take in the statues – Willie Mays, Juan Marichal, Willie McCovey, Orlando Cepeda, Gaylord Perry — on the approach and at the entrances to the ballpark. Also visit the Giant Vault, lots of great Giants’ memorabilia. Located just inside the Lefty O’Doul Gate entrance, the rotating exhibit currently includes such items as a Willie Mays’ 1957 jersey, the last home plate from the Polo Grounds, the first home run ball hit in San Francisco and much more.

Picture This-Picture This-Picture This … Photo Ops

Lots of great photo ops. Just a few: With one of the Giants’ stars statues – Juan Marichal’s is located near the main park entrance and you can get a nice shot with the ATT&T Park “gateway” in the background; the #44 Cable Car on the right-center field concourse; from the second deck behind home plate with the field, Bay Bridge and McCovey Cove in the background. I’m sure you’ll find other photo-worthy spots (like seated on the park bench with “” in the bar area below the left-center bleachers.)

Location-Location-Location … Your Seats

If you want the full panoramic experience of “Baseball By the Bay” get a seat in the infield area of the grandstand, second deck. (The pictures below show the difference in what you see from lower-level outfield (bleacher) seats versus (infield) View seats. (View seats on the top.) Also, if you have back issues avoid going for the bleacher bargain. These are true bleacher seats (although reserved), with no seat backs. Locals providing free advice say to avoid Arcade Level seats in the 150’s and Left Field Reserve in the mid-330s due to difficult views. (I didn’t get there to check them out.)

THERE WAS A GAME …and it was a bit old style.

We took in the Brewers and the Giants – won by the Brew Crew 3-1. With today’s game dominated by strikeouts and home runs, this contest was a bit old-style (great for me, I’m a bit OLD-style myself). Consider these observations:

No home runs and only eleven strikeouts.

The game moved briskly, only two hours and 33 minutes.

The starting pitchers each had two at bats.

Giants’ starter (and losing pitcher) Madison Bumgarner went eight innings (before being lifted for a pinch hitter).

Old-style small ball made the difference.

After the Gaints took the lead in the second on a pair of doubles (C Buster Posey and SS Brandon Crawford), the Brewers tied it in the sixth – without getting the ball out of the infield. It went: Leadoff hitter/CF Keon Broxton was safe on a throwing error by Giants’ 3B Evan Longoria; RF Christian Yelich walked; 1B Jesus Aguilar grounded out short-to-first (with runners going) and Broxton and Yelich each moved up a base; LF Ryan Braun grounded out second-to-first, Broxton scoring and Yelich taking third. 3B Tyler Saladino flies out. The Brewers manufactured a run on no hits, a walk, an error, a stolen base and a couple of ground outs.

The Brewers then further used small ball to take the lead in the top of the seventh. Hernan Perez rolled a ground single through the right side to open the inning; Manny Pina sacrificed Perez to second (nice bunt to the right side, with Pina thrown out by Bumgarner with 2B al Nansen covering first); Perez then stole third and scored on an Orlando Arcia ground out (third to first). A successful sacrifice – now that’s old-style hardball.

Milwaukee added an insurance run in the eighth on a Christian Yelich double and a Ryan Braun run-scoring single.

Those who follow BBRT know how much I love the 6-4-3 and 4-6-3 double killing. Well, I got one in the bottom of the seventh, as the Giants’ 1B Pable Sandoval hint into a nifty second-to-short-to first, inning-ending double play (with Evan Longoria, who had walked on first).

The crowd (40,000+) had been pretty quiet – perhaps literally frozen in their seats – until the Giants tried to rally in the eighth, loading the bases (two ground ball singles and a walk) for Buster Posey (with two out). Chants of “Posey – Posey” rippled across the stadium. Posey is clearly an SF favorite. Unfortunately, he ended the threat, grounding out third-to-first.

Food-Food-Food … But bring your wallet.

This IS San Francisco, where the locals love to eat, so there are plenty of great options – from sausage to sushi to … clam chowder to caramel corn (hand tossed) … and Ghirardelli chocolate to garlic fries. Again, this IS San Francisco, so you can expect a little sticker shock. I recommend walking the concourse (they are a bit narrow by the way), to take in the sights and smells before making your decision. A few recommendations: Garlic Fries are really an AT&T staple; Crazy Crab’s Dungeness Crab sandwich on sourdough is a local favorite; clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl is perfect for cold, breezy SF evenings (aren’t they all); and, if you have a sweet tooth, you cannot beat the Ghirardelli Chocolate’s Hot Fudge Sundae. There are some bargains to be found. For example, hot dogs, brats and the like are grilled (not steamed or boiled) around the park and can be reasonably priced. I tried the Giant Dog – grilled and served with fried onions – form The Doggie Diner for just $6.50. Also, you’ll see lots of “independents” selling grilled sausages and other treats on the way into the park. Well worth a try and you can bring food into AT&T.

Service-Service-Service … Now that’s an usher.

Okay, one bit of gripe – maybe the Twins have spoiled me – no free scorecards (the Twins scorecard is inside the free Twins Magazine.) I searched for a scorecard for about 20 minutes and with game time getting close, I asked an usher where I could find one. I learned that the scorecard is included in the five-dollar program. I was about to look for a souvenir booth offering programs, but the usher (seeing we were close to game time and not wanting me to miss any action) took down my section and seat number and said he would find one, bring it to me and I could pay him then. Three batters into the contest, he showed up with my program and I was good to go. Now that is fan-friendly service.

Wind-Wind-Wind … Bring your jacket

A night game on the Bay can get pretty cold. After my AT&T experience, I’ll never complain about a Twins’ Opener again. It was in the low 50’s with a chilly breeze off the Bay. Lots of blankets, hoodies and jackets in use throughout the game – and after the sun set, it was shivering cold.

Fans-Fans-Fans … Did you lose your watch?

Okay, a watch is old school and, maybe, showing up for the first inning is as well. The stands were only about half-full at game time and not looking like the announced 40,000 until by the fourth. A few of other general observations: I saw literally no one near me keeping score; the crowd didn’t really seem to get into the game until the Giants loaded the bases late; and, at one point, I looked down my row and saw fiveof the eight people closest to me looking at the cell phones (mid-inning). Seemed like a subdued crowd – possibly a combination of recent World Series Championships and this years around-.500 squad? Anecdotally, I’ve heard that Giants’ fan are a good crowd, might just have been the chill of the eventing. Yes, I’m back to that again.

Photo by mvmarconi

Lou Seal … the Giants’ mascot … have a very mininmal presence during the game (a blessing for us old-school fans. In fact, I only recall one t-shirt tossing trip around the field. As a side note, my daughter and I actually thought Lou was a mouse. Look at the photo, what do you think.

Beverages-Beverages-Beverages – For Adults that is.

Plenty of wine, spirits and brews around the park – but again, bring your wallet. One person in our group, for example, paid $19.25 for a 24-ounce craft beer. (Team Marketing Report found the Giants had MLB’s fourth-highest average beer cost.) As usual, I tried a ballpark Bloody Mary – from the Jack Daniels Barrel House under the left-center field bleachers (a very cozy social area worth a visit. It ran $14, included a generous pour of vodka, spicy mix with added tobacco, three olives, a wedge of lemon and a wedge of lime. It could have used a bit more seasons (celery salt and pepper, for example), but was still a solid (not spectacular) Bloody Mary. Kind of in the middle in terms of my ballpark Bloody Mary experiences, but near the top in terms of price.

Getting There-Getting There-Getting There .. Use public transit.

Parking is a bit difficult (and expensive), but public transit options abound. I’d use them.

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Tyrone Horne and Pro Baseball’s First (and for a long time only) “Home Run Cycle.”

July 27, 2018 by David

Time to celebrate “Tyrone Horne Day” … and professional baseball’s first “Home Run Cycle” (solo, two-run, three-run and Grand Slam homer all in one game).

Tyrone Horne – Sultan of Swat on this day 20 years ago.

It was on this date (July 27) in 1998 that (Roger) Tyrone Horne, playing for the Double-A Arkansas Travelers, became the first professional player to hit for the “Home Run Cycle” – bashing a solo, two-run, three-run and grand slam home run all in the same game (a 13-4 win over the San Antonio Mission). (Update: This record was tied by the Springfield Cardinals’ Chandler Redmond in 2022.) They were the only home runs in the game, in which Arkansas collected 13 hits. Horne ended the day four-for-five, with four runs scored and ten RBI.

Horne hit three of his four dingers off San Antonia starter Pete Zamora – a two-run shot in the first inning, a grand slam in the second and a solo homer in the fifth. His final homer, a three-run long ball, came in the sixth off reliever Miguel Garcia. The Cardinals’ farmhand came up once more, with two on, in the eighth, but reliever Jeff Kubenka struck him out.

Horne’s feat was the highlight of an outstanding Double-A season, in which the 27-year-old outfielder would go .312 with 37 home runs, 139 RBI, 94 runs scored and even throw in 18 stolen bases in 123 games for Arkansas. His performance at Double-A earned Horne a call up to the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds at the end of the season, where ht hit .364 (four-for-eleven) in three games, with one double, one run scored and one RBI. (The 5’10”, 185-pounder showed good speed throughout his minor-league career, racking up 185 steals in 13 seasons, hitting double digits in steals eight times and topping 20 twice. He also hit double digits in home runs seven times, but only topped 20 twice.)

Appropriately, right after his historic “homer cycle” game, Horne headed off to the Texas League All-Star Game where he proceeded to win the Home Run Derby.

Horne never made it to the major leagues – completing a 13-year (1,286 games; 1989-2001) minor-league career (in the Expos, Yankees, Mets, A’s, Marlins, Cardinals and Phillies systems) with a .288 average and 143 home runs. The bat he used on his historic day with Arkansas, however, has made it to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.

Here’s the line score of the game.

July 27, 1998

Arkansas 2 5 0 0 2 3 0 1 0 13 13 0

San. Ant. 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 4 8 3

Time: 2:40 Attendance: 5,010

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All Star Game …. More Whiffs and Wacks … BBRT “Trot Index” 49.5%

July 18, 2018 by David

Baseball Roundtable has been providing a monthly “Trot Index” … tallying MLB plate appearances that involve no action on the basepaths or in the field, but rather end in a trot (to first base on a walk, hit by pitch or catcher’s inteference – back to the dugout on a strikeout – around the bases on a home run). Through June, a full 35 percent of all 2018 MLB plate appearances were “trotters.” The 2018 All Star Game was even more of the same with 49.5 percent of the 91 plate appearances ending in a trot. It went like this:

Strikeouts – 27.5% of plate appearances
Home runs 11.0%
Walks – 9.9%
Hit by pitch – 1.1%

A few other observations: In line with the hard-throwing/free-swinging trend in MLC, All Star Game strikeouts (25) outpaced hits (20) and half of the base hits in the game left the yard.

And now, we will have a short break from baseball, as Chili Pepper and I attend the annual Vintaqe Triumph Register convention/show/competition in LaCrosse, Wisconsin.

THE BRITISH ARE COMING! THE BRITISH ARE COMING!

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It Can Get a Little Uggla Out There

July 15, 2018 by David

In thus date (July 15) ten years ago (2008), Marlins’ All Star second baseman Dan Uggla had a tough day at the ballpark 0 in front of a pretty large audience.

It was during the 2008 MLB All Star Game, played in front of 55,632 fans at Yankee Stadium. Uggla came into the All Star break with a first-half average of .286, with 23 home runs, 59 RBI and 58 runs scored. He entered the game – won by the American League 4-3 in 15 innings – in the bottom of the sixth inning, replacing starter Chase Utley at second base. During his nine-innnig stint, Uggla came to bat four times, going down on strikes (swinging) three times and hitting into a short-to-second-to first double play. In four at bats, Uggla accounted for five outs – and saw just 13 pitches (11 for strikes). In the field, Uggla (who had made just six errors in 81 regular-season games), had seven chances, putting up one putout, three assists and an All Star Game-record three errors.

On September 28, 2008, Dan Uggla hit the last home run ever at Shea Stadium. It came in the eighth inning of a 4-2 Marlins win over the Mets.

A tough day at the office … but still, it was the MLB All Star Game.

In a ten MLB seasons (2006-15 – Marlins, Braves, Giants and Nationals), Uggla was a three-time All Star and hit .241, with 235 home runs, 706 RBI, 759 runs scored. He topped 30 home runs five times (consecutively, 2007-11), and drove in at least 90 runs in four season. His best campaign was 2010 (Marlins) – when he hit .287, with 33 home runs, 105 RBI and 100 runs scored.

Dan Uggla first MLB stolen base was a theft of home in the sixth inning of a April 21, 2006 Marlins 4-3 win over the Phillies.Uggla stole a total of 26 bases in ten MLB seasons.

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IF I Only Knew Then What I Know Now … a Look at John Paciorek’s New Book and an Interview with the Author

July 13, 2018 by David

IF I KNEW THEN WHAT I KNOW NOW

By John Paciorek

Page Publishing, Inc., 2018

Available in print or electronic form. It can be found/ordered at bookstores, or online at the Apple iTunes store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

FIELDS OF DREAMS

Most baseball fans share a “dream” – getting that one appearance on a major league mound or in an MLB batter’s box. You know, getting that notation, no matter how short, in The Baseball Encyclopedia. If I Knew Then What I Know Now is about a different kind of dream. The kind of dream that drives a player who made it to the big leagues (if painfully briefly) – the dream of rising toward true perfection as a ballplayer. Baseball Roundtable

Let’s get one thing straight right from the start; If I Knew Then What I know Now is not your typical baseball book. Even author John Paciorek says he would assign it to a newly coined genre – “semi-autobiographical fiction.”

It is generally acknowledged that John Paciorek had

the most successful one-game MLB career in history

It is also not written by a typical baseball player – more on the baseball playing part of that observation in a minute, but first a look at the “writing” side of this baseball story.

I mean, seriously, in what other book would you find a former player (or even a sportswriter or biographer) correctly and effortlessly using the term “equipollence” in describing a batter’s swing or in what other baseball book would you find a chapter headed “Einstein’s ‘Home Run’ Principle”?

Ultimately, If I Knew Then What I Know Now is both thought-provoking and thought-requiring. Oh yes, and the chapters are best read in the order they are presented.

A “THOUGHT” FROM BBRT’S INTERVIEW WITH JOHN PACIOREK

“Nothing productive happens without thought. ‘Thought precedes action’ is an expression with which most people will concur, at least until they are asked to delve deeply into its true practical significance. Throughout my book, reference is made to ‘physical prowess’ that is enhanced only as it proceeds from conscientious thought.

The book is unique in its approach because its principle lays a foundation that supersedes that standard batting protocol of ‘See ball, hit ball.’ For example, ‘Einstein’s Home Run Principle’ offers this approach ‘Most analysts subscribe to the notion that a batter must be extremely strong to be a consistent home run hitter. While strength is an asset, mechanics play a more important role! If a person can hit one home run, he can hit seventy or more, if all the required conditions are present every time.’ I would add that those conditions include both the physical (mechanics) and mental approach to the at bat.

I believe that, gradually, this book will become the ‘standard textbook’ for ultimate baseball success.”

This review – like the book – will not be typical. It will include notable excerpts from the book and finish with an interview with Paciorek, looking in more detail at the principles he brings forth.

In the book, Paciorek describes his pursuit of his dream of perfection on the baseball diamond as a combination of the physical and metaphysical. He delves deeply into the physical aspects of the game, detailing the mechanics of building the perfect swing, laying down the perfect bunt or making the perfect pitch. He also looks, perhaps even more in-depth, into the mental aspects of reaching for perfection on the ball field – the power of positive thinking; mind/body balance; visioning; patience and expectations; and perfect practice. Clearly, Paciorek is a dedicated student and teacher of the game.

Along the way, Paciorek cites a diversity of personal influencers – a range that stretches from:

Baseball’s Ted Williams and Mickey Mantle; to

Martial arts’ Bruce Lee; to

Philosophers Socrates and Plato; to

Christian Scientist Mary Baker Eddy; founder of chiropractic D.D. Palmer; physicist Albert Einstein; and the teachings of Abraham (Law of Attraction).

Note: I must admit, at times I had to make the effort to further familiarize myself with the work of these influencers in order to better understand Paciorek’s message.

Paciorek delivers his message from the “stage” of 1964 baseball Spring Training – and the scenes are populated by such characters as: Paciorek himself; teammates like Jimmy Wynn, Walt (No-Neck) Williams, Rusty Staub and Joe Morgan; and opponents like Mickey Mantle, Don Drysdale, Dick Allen and Casey Stengel. And, Paciorek illustrates the impact of his “influencers” with plenty of baseball action on the field and in the club house.

Excerpt from If I Knew Then What I know Now …

The Scene: John Paciorek batting against Whitey Ford in Spring Training.

I saw an uncommon sense of frustration (probably in himself) on the face of Ford, so I knew he didn’t want a “rookie” to be a “hero” in this situation. He was a “hard-nosed,” as well as “smart,” pitcher.

Sure enough, his first pitch to me was a fastball, high and tight. I’d guess he would have expected a rookie to hit the dirt. Just before the pitch, catcher Elston Howard said, “Be alert!”

From my low and quiet stance, I could see clearly the release point of Whitey’s pitch. It started inside and never deviated from its straight-line trajectory. It was about shoulder high, so from my slightly “leaned-over” position, I simply leaned back and watched the ball skip past my left shoulder.

As the pitch was coming, Elston yelled, “Down!”

After he reached to his left to catch the ball, his eyes indicated a surprised look that I hadn’t “hit the ground.”

No need for me to panic – from my low and stable stance, I saw the ball clearly, and casually leaned back to avoid it.

The book can be a bit of a roller coaster ride – or more aptly “roller coaster read” – and, as I noted early on, it is both thought-provoking and thought-requiring (with some fun and considerable insight into the national pastime to be had along the way).

IF I ONLY KNEW THEN WHAT I KNOW NOW …

Going back to the source can explain how Paciorek got to the destination that resulted in this book.

John Paciorek grew up in what he describes in the book as a “low-middle-income, Polish-Catholic” Detroit neighborhood. He also grew up in a baseball family – John and his brothers Tom and Jim made it to the major leagues. Young John Paciorek emerges as an individual driven towards perfection in all endeavors – capable of dedicating himself (sometimes) to a fault to being not just one of the best, but the very best, every time he took to the competitive field.

John Paciorek’s drive got him onto a major league field by September 29, 1963 – at the age of 18 – for the Houston Colt .45s (that‘s what they were called then). Batting seventh and playing right field, Paciorek had an auspicious debut. In addition to four errorless outfield chances, he racked up five plate appearances, three hits, two walks four runs scored and three RBI. As surprising as his debut major league performance is the fact that the game also represented Paciorek’s major league finale. It is, in fact, generally acknowledged that John Paciorek had the most successful one-game MLB career in history (a 1.000 batting average; on-base percentage; slugging percentage; and fielding percentage). That assertion is successfully chronicled in Steven K. Wagner’s book – Perfect: The Rise and Fall of John Paciorek, Baseball’s Greatest One Game Wonder.

What happened? Paciorek’s major league potential was cut short by a back injury that required surgery in 1964, sidelined him for all of 1965 and limited him to four minor league seasons going forward.

As you move through If I Knew Then What I know Now, you see how Paciorek’s Polish-Catholic upbringing, sports-oriented (particularly baseball) family, relentless pursuit of perfection and brush with greatness laid the foundation for this book. Paciorek’s life after professional baseball provided the finishing touches to that foundation. He earned degree in physical education from the University of Houston and enjoyed a long career – retiring in 2017 – as a physical education teacher.

Paciorek has written two previous books: Plato and Socrates, Baseball’s Wisest Fans and The Principle of Baseball and All There is to Know about Hitting. He also has a blog at www.johnpaciorek.com

A final observation from the pages of

If I Only Knew Now What I Knew Then ….

Center field was the easiest of the three outfield positions to play because you can see the batter-pitcher relationship most clearly and directly … The angles of vision were not as direct in right and left fields.

—–THE JOHN PACIOREK BASEBALL ROUNDTABLE INTERVIEW—–

BBRT: What prompted you to write the book – and is there an overriding message (about baseball and/or life) you would like readers to come away with?

JP: Steve Wagner’s book (Perfect: The Rise and Fall of John Paciorek, Baseball’s Greatest One Game Wonder) was so well written, but I knew he didn’t have the information that would complete the story. So, I was inspired to offer a new and more complete version. A consistent message across the book’s pages is that in baseball and in life, always remember that no matter how poorly your day may have gone, you always have tomorrow to resurrect and reestablish your formidable prospectus.

BBRT: If you really did know then what you know now, is there something you would have done differently in 1963-64?

JP: I would never have had the back operation that ended my major league career. The book explains why!

BBRT: Can you describe, for those of us who will never realize that dream of a big league at bat, the feeling when you first stepped to the plate in an MLB game?

JP: My experience may have a different tone and feel to it than that of Moonlight Graham – as portrayed in Field of Dreams. Here again, I’d go to an excerpt from the book, this one describing my first major league plate appearance.

“With utmost confidence, Johnny stepped into the right-handed batter’s box. He’d been there before – not only in his mind, but in big-league Spring Training camp. It’s not going to be any different. I hit ‘em then. I’ll hit ‘em now. ‘This is where I belong, here I’ll stay’ were the thoughts resonating through his mind.”

The fact is, I was excited, but also “cocky.” I thought I belonged in that setting, so I wasn’t nervous or intimidated, just ready to do something good. I walked. The rest of the story of my major-league day is found in Chapter Four.

John Paciorek’s “View” on Baseball, Teaching and Life (and even physics)

Change the way you look at things, and the things you look at change.

The preceding principle, made practical by Dr. Wayne Dyer applies to physics, baseball and general education. Physicists Albert Einstein and Max Plank proved that merely observing a particle of light changes its composition and position in space. Expanding the application of that concept, a teacher who views a particularly poor student from a more positive perspective will see improvement in that student that an otherwise negative view could not have imagined. And, a baseball batter, who assumes a low and stable stance, with little or no head and eye movement, will see the “descending:” pitched ball more clearly, enabling a better approach to hitting it. Conversely, a less stable stance – and, therefore, less stable way of seeing the ball, will detract from a hitters’ potential.

BBRT: What is it that most attracts you about the game of baseball?

JP: I think an excerpt from the last chapter of the book says it best: “Baseball’s enduring attributes, to all levels of civilized society, are those which foster relevance to equal opportunity for the individual and a sense of genuine contribution to a collective effort. Every player in a lineup bats. Every position is held equally accountable for mental and physical errors. The same standard for all players! What can be a fairer way of evaluating performance? Is there any other arena in “sports” that epitomizes the universal “American Experience” more than that displayed on baseball’s level field of play?”

BBRT: Is there any specific piece of advice you think is most important when it comes to the mechanics of hitting?

JP: In my first book (The Principle of Baseball: And All There is to Know About Hitting), I expounded on the Principle of Simplicity. To make hitting a baseball simple, a batter must remove many or all of the margins for error that would prevent the batter from effectively contacting the ball with the bat.

The foremost advantage for attaining a mechanical advantage in hitting a pitched baseball is clarity of vision. Thus, the more stable the batter’s head and eyes, the clearer the focus on the moving ball. Whatever the length of a batter’s stride, the head and eyes are moving to that same degree. If a batter wants to be as perfect as possible in the approach to hitting a baseball, that batter should eliminate the stride. My first book and posts on my website go into more depth on all the margins for error in a hitter’s swing, and provide further explanation for those who cannot fathom eliminating the stride.

BBRT: From personal observation, who are the most “perfect” hitters you have ever seen?

JP: First is Barry Bonds. Second is Ted Williams. Both Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton have the potential to be among the greatest ever, if they altered one aspect of their batting mechanics. I go into some detail on both Judge and Stanton in posts on my website at johnpaciorek.com

BBRT: You built a long career as a teacher and coach. What did you find most satisfying about that part of your life? And is there a coaching/teaching philosophy you could share?

In the most straightforward of terms, it would be that “Teaching is a constant learning process – for both teacher and student.”

I actually present that teaching philosophy in the new book. At one point in the story, Plato and Socrates are heard reading a treatise by a mysterious extrapolator of wisdom: “Education is a circular evolution of thought, whose cultivated experiences are predicated on learning and teaching, and teaching and learning. To teach is to learn. Teacher and learner are the same. To teach is to demonstrate what I learn and believe. Teaching is a constant learning process. From my teaching demonstration, others learn, as well as I. It is in constant learning that teacher and learner are the same.

BBRT: One – and only one – big league game. Are there any regrets from the standpoint of would it have been better not to taste that “major league fan adulation” if it was going to be a one-game experience.

How can you regret realizing the big-league dream? Just as that old-saying might be paraphrased: It is better to have fought and lost than to have never fought at all. But, in my situation, It is better to have fought, even if never to fight again, than to have never fought at all.

Then, of course, there is the game itself – and records that will probably never be broken. How could it ever be imagined that someone would make their MLB debut in the last game of the season, play the field flawlessly, bat five times, collect three hits and two walks, score four runs and drive in three – and then have an off-season back operation that would prevent him for every playing in the big leagues again.

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Baseball Roundtable’s John Paciorek Award

In 2014 BBRT launched its annual John Paciorek Award, recognizing players who had brief – but in some way significant or notable – major league careers. To check out the stories of those recognized, use the links below.

2018 … Keith McDonald here.

2017 … Chris Saenz here.

2016 … John Allen Miller here.

2015 … Roy Gleason here.

2014 … Brian Dallimore here.

I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT

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Member: Society for American Baseball Research; The Baseball Reliquary; The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.

Filed Under: Reviews

A Little Baseball Irony – Roger-Maris Style

July 5, 2018 by David

Baseball Roundtable always likes a little irony, so …

In two successive seasons, Roger Maris set the record for the most home runs by a player who received NO intentional walks in a season – and the MOST intentional walks received in a single game (since broken).

Photo by rchdj10

During the 1961 season, Yankees’ RF Roger Maris – in the process of winning his second consecutive MVP Award and setting a (since-broken) record for home runs (61) in a season – did not draw a single intentional walk. This despite leading the AL in home runs (61), RBI (141) and runs scored (132), with a .269 average. The following season, dropping to a .256-33-100 line, Maris received eleven intentional free passes and an AL-record (since tied) four IBB in a single game (a May 22, 12-inning, 2-1 Yankees’ win over the Angels.) In six plate appearances in that game, Maris drew five walks (again, four intentional) and flew out to center (in the second inning). His day went like this:

Second inning – fly out to center leading off against Dean Chance.

Fourth inning – walked by Dean Chance with one out and no one on. (Angels were leading 1-0. Yankees did not score.)
Sixth inning – Intentional walk from Chance with runners on second and third and no outs. (Yankees tied the game 1-0 in the inning).
Eighth inning – Intentional walk from Ryne Duren with a runner on second and one out. (Two fly outs followed the IBB, keeping the score at 1-1.)
Tenth inning – Intentional walk from Jack Spring with a runner on second and two out. (A fly out after the IBB kept the game tied 101.)
Twelfth inning – Intentional walk with a runner on third and one out. (A second IBB, this on to Hector Lopez, loaded the bases. The winning run then scored on an Elston Howard sacrifice fly to right.)

Maris’ AL record for intentional walks in a game was tied by the Red Sox Manny Ramirez in an 18-inning, 4-3 Boston win over Detroit on June 5, 2001.

The current record for intentional walks in a single game belongs to the Cubs’ Andre Dawson who drew five intentional passes in an 18-inning, 2-1 Cubs win over the Reds on May 22, 1990. Barry Bonds is the only player to draw four intentional walks in a nine-inning game – and he did it twice in one season (May 1 and September 22, 2004.

________________________________

BREAKING A TIE, IRONICALLY, COULD MEAN LOSING A RECORD …

and more “In baseball, we track everything.”

More recent irony: Yesterday, YankeeS’ catcher Kyle Higashioka collected just his third MLB hit – making him 3-for-34 (.088 average) in 34 MLB at bats. The long ball tied Higashioka with the Cardinals’ Keith McDonald for the most hits in a career by a player whose every MLB base rap cleared the fences. (McDonald had nine total MLB at bats and collected three hits, all home runs.) To learn more about McDonald, click here.

Of course, when Higashioka collects his next safety, the record will again be solely in McDonald’s hands (unless of course, Higashioka’s next hit is a home run.) Even if Hagashioka hits a fourth round trippers for his next hit, McDonald will get the record back as soon as the Yankee rookie hits anything but a dinger.

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A FINAL THOUGHT ….

The final score of the game in which Roger Maris hit his then record-breaking 61st home run (October 1, 1961) was 1-0 … a Yankee win over the rival Boston Red Sox. The homer came off Red Sox starter Tracy Stallard. (The Yankee starter was the similary named Bill Stafford … don’t know why that caught my eye.) BBRT found a touch of irony and/or coincidence in the facts that:

the 61-HR season came in 1961;
that a fellow Yankee broke Ruth’s record;
the long ball came in the final game of the regular season and the 161st game Maris played that campaign;
Maris’ homer accounted for the only scoring in the contest; and
the historic homer came against the rival Red Sox.

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Member: The Society for American Baseball Research; The Baseball Reliquary; The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Rube Marquard Starts the Season 19-0.

July 3, 2018 by David

Photo by The Library of Congress

On this date (July 3) in 1912, Giants’ southpaw Rube Marquard (seen passing out some pitching tips in the photo) pitched a gem in the first game of a doubleheader against the rival Brooklyn Dodgers. Marquard went the distance in the 2-1 victory, often pitching out of trouble (he gave up nine hits and three walks – but just the one tally).

For a look at current MLB action, click here for Baseball Roundtable’s Wrap Up of June 2018 MLB highlights.

The game wasn’t significant in the standings (the Dodger were 25-30, the Giants 53-11), but it was notable historically. It ran Marquard’s season record to 19-0 … and his record of 19 victories without a loss from the start of a season still stands.

Those 19 wins came over a span of 21 mound appearances. During the streak, Marquard threw 160 1/3 innings, giving up just 138 hits and 29 earned runs (1.63 earned run average). He fanned 99 and walked 39. The 21 games included 18 starts (16 complete games) and three relief appearances. He won all 18 starts and picked up one win in a June 19 relief appearance of 2 1/3 innings. Marquard’s streak was broken on July 8, when he gave up six runs (five earned) in six innings in a 7-2 loss at Saint Louis. He then lost two more games before getting back on the winning track. On the season, the future Hall of Famer went 26-11 (leading the NL in wins), 2.57.

Carl Hubbell holds the record for most consecutive wins over multiple seasons, fashioning a 24-game victory streak from July 17, 1936 through May 27, 1937. Over his streak, Hubbell appeared in 27 games (22 starts), threw 19 complete games. He pitched 207 1/3 innings and gave up 42 earned runs (1.82 ERA).

I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT.

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Member: Society for American Baseball Research; The Baseball Reliquary; The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Baseball Roundtable Looks at June – Another Month of Whacks and Whiffs

July 1, 2018 by David

It’s July 1, and – as always – the start of a new month signals Baseball Roundtable’s wrap up of the previous month. So, here we go with another (perhaps, too) detailed look at the stats and stories that grabbed BBRT’s attention in June, as well as a look at the standings and stars (BBRT’s players/pitchers of the month). This post does tend to run a bit long, but I’m confident that – along the way – you’ll find a treasure or two that appeals to you.

BBRT TROT INDEX … THROUGH JUNE

Through June 30, 35.0 percent of all MLB 2018 plate appearances had ended in a trot (back to the dugout, around the bases, to first base). We are talking about strikeouts, home runs, walks, hit-by-pitch and catcher’s interference – all outcomes that are, basically, devoid of action on the base paths or in the field (unless of course a hit batsman should charge the mound). Here’s the breakout:

Strikeouts – 22.4% of all plate appearances;

Walks – 8.6%;

Home Runs – 3.0%;

Hit By Pitch – 1.0%;

Catcher’s Interference – .0.02%.

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POST-SEASON SQUADS

If the season ended as the month of June came to a close, your post-season teams would be …

American League: Red Sox; Astros; Indians. Wild Cards: Yankees, Mariners.

National League: Brewers; Braves; Diamondbacks. Wild Cards: Cubs, Phillies.

Full standings as of the end of play June 30 – and each team’s record for June can be found in a chart later in this post.

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BEFORE WE LOOK AT JUNE PERFORMANCE AND HIGHLIGHTS …

LET’S SEE BBRT’S PLAYERS AND PITCHERS OF THE MONTH

American League

Player of the Month – Alex Bregman, 3B, Astros

Photo by Keith Allison

The 24-year-old Alex Bregman really upped his game in June. He came into the month hitting .262, with five home runs, 23 RBI and 28 runs scored in 56 games. In twenty-five June games, he raised his season average 15 points, tripled his home run total, more than doubled his RBI total and nearly doubled his runs scored. For the month, Bregman hit .306, rapped 11 home runs (tied for the most in the AL with the Mariners’ Nelson Cruz), drove in 30 runs (tied for first in the AL with the Astros’ Evan Gattis) and scored 24 (tied for the most in the AL with the Twins’ Eddie Rosario).

Other contenders: Nelson Cruz, DH, Mariners – who powered the Seattle offense with a .326-11-24 June line (and scored 20 runs); Jose Altuve, 2B, Astros – who topped the AL in June average (.354) and base hits (34 – a four-player tie), scored 22 runs, drove in 12, hit three home runs and swiped six bags in seven tries; Mike Trout, CF, Angels – who was second in the AL with a June average of .352 and had an eye-popping .496 on-base percentage for the month. Trout also popped six home runs and drove in 13.

Pitcher of the Month – TIE: Luis Severino, Yankees & Tyler Skaggs, Angels

Yankee righty Luis Severino went 4-1 in five June starts (no AL starter picked up five June wins) and put up the AL’s second-best ERA (among pitchers who tossed at least 25 June innings) at 1.60. Severino also fanned 40 batters in 33 2/3 frames, while walking just five. Now 12-2, 2.10 on the season, he’s putting himself into Cy Young Award contention.

Angels’ southpaw Tyler Skaggs, went 3-1 in five June starts with an MLB-best 0.84 earned run average.His June performance included 36 strikeouts in 32 innings (versus eight walks and 27 hits). On the season, Skaggs is 6-5, 2.64 in 16 starts.

Other contenders: Indians’ right-hander Trevor Bauer has to be right at the top of this list. In fact, with a little better run support, he could have been BBRT’s pitcher of the month. Bauer went 3-3, 2.18 in six June starts (the Indians got him a total of four runs in his three losses). Bauer also led the AL with 62 strikeouts in June, with just 11 walks in 41 1/3 innings; Tampa Bay lefty Blake Snell also deserves mention here, after a 3-1, 1.74 June, during which he also fanned 37 batters in 31 innings.

National League

Player of the Month – Paul Goldschmidt, 1B, Diamondbacks

Paul Goldschmidt led all MLB players (with at least 75 plate appearances in June) with a .364 June average – tied for tops in the NL with ten home runs in the month (the Brewers’ Jesus Aguilar and Dodgers’ Max Muncy also had ten); led the NL with 25 runs scored; and was second in the league with 25 June RBI. How badly did Goldschmidt need a big June? He came into the month hitting just .209 (Goldschmidt began the season with a .299 career average over seven MLB campaigns), with just seven home runs and 17 RBI. Clearly, he’s turned his season around.

Other contenders: There were plenty of solid contenders for this recognition in June. BBRT’s leaders are: Cardinals’ OF Marcell Ozuna, with a .333-7-21 month; Brewers’ 1B Jesus Aguilar at .313-10-24; Dodgers’ 1B Max Muncy at .289-10-16; and Phillies’ 3B Rhys Hoskins, who put up a .312-8-22 month.

Pitcher of the Month – Zach Eflin Phillies

Photo by DandreaPhotography

The 24-year-old Phillies’ right-hander tied for the most June wins in MLB at five – going 5-0, with the NL’s third-best earned run average (among pitchers with at least 25 June innings) at 1.76. He also fanned 28 hitters in 30 2/3 innings, walking just six. On the season, Eflin is 6-2. 3.02.

Other Contenders: Cubs’ southpaw Jon Lester went 5-0, 1.13 in June, giving up just four earned runs in five starts (32 innings) – proving you don’t have to be a power pitcher to succeed (he fanned just 20 hitters in those 32 frames.); If Mets right-hander Jacob deGrom pitched for the other New York squad, he surely would have won more than one game in June – given his 2.36 earned run average and NL-topping 49 June strikeouts (42 innings). However, he went only 1-4 in six starts for the month. In the five starts in which he did no pick up a win, the Met tallied a total of seven runs.

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JUNE’S TOP TEAMS

American League

The Astros and Mariners had June’s top records in the AL, 19-8 and 19-9, respectively. The Astros tied for the AL lead in June scoring (144 runs in 27 games); while the Mariners plated the fifth-most runs (126). Both squads also were among the league’s top-five in June home runs. Among the key offensive contributors for Houston were: Jose Altuve, who hit .354 for the month; Evan Gattis, who drove in a league-topping 30 runs, despite a .265 average; and Alex Bregman (BBRT Player of the Month), who put up a .306-11-30 line (which tied him for the most June home runs and RBI.) Seattle got exceptional offensive performances from Nelson Cruz (.326-11-24 for the month) and Mitch Haniger (.284-6-21). Houston also got solid pitching, with the league’s third-best June earned run average (3.17), while Seattle’s ERA (3.99) was middle of the pack. Also putting up a solid June record: The Yankees (18-9), behind an MLB-best June team earned run average of 2.62, led by Luis Severino (4-1, 1.60), C.C. Sabathia (3-2, 1.93) and a lights out bullpen. The A’s and Red Sox each went 17-10.

Only two AL teams failed to win ten games in June: The Royals (5-21) and the Orioles (6-20). Their problems were deep, as they finished thirteenth and fifteenth in the AL in runs scored and earned run average.

National League

Three teams acheived at least 17 June wins in the NL and they were all in the NL West: Diamondbacks (19-9); Giants (18-10); and Dodgers (17-9). No surprise, these three finished 1-2-3 in earned run average for June: Giants (2.70); D-backs (3.48); Dodgers (3.70). In addition, they put up respectable offensive numbers, with the D-backs scoring 152 runs (second in the NL); the Dodgers plating 140 (fourth); and the Giants 118 (seventh). The Diamondbacks got great June results from a couple of key veterans – Zack Greinke (5-1, 2.97 for the month) on the mound and a resurgent Paul Goldschmidt (.364-10-23) at the plate. The Dodgers got surprising offense (and double-digit June long balls) out of Joc Pederson (.283-10-14) and Max Muncy (.289-10-16). Overall, LA mashed 55 June roundtrippers, eleven more than the nearest runner-up (Yankees) and 18 more than the second-highest NL total for the month (Cardinals – 37). The Giants put up middle-of-the pack offensive numbers, but found quality on the mound. Starters Madison Bumgarner, Andre Suarez and Derek Holland all put up earned run averages under 3.00. The Giants also put the bullpen to good use: Tony Watson (a 0.00 ERA in 13 games); Will Smith (0.75 in 12 appearances); Ty Blach (1.33 in ten games/20 1/3 innings). On offense, Brandon Crawford (.326-4-14) and Andrew McCutchen (.303-6-17) played important roles.

Two teams failed to win ten June contests in the NL and they were both in the NL East: Mets (5-12); National (9-16). They both finished among the league’s four worst June teams in terms of runs scored and earned run average.

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A FEW QUICK OBSERVATIONS BEFORE WE GET INTO DETAIL

Twenty-three players with at least 75 June at bats hit under .200 – and 17 of them were in the American League.
Ten pitchers (who threw at least 25 innings) put up earned run averages under 2.00 – led by the Angels’ Tyler Skaggs at 0.84
The Reds had two pitchers hit Grand Slam home runs in June – Anthony DeSclafani and Michael Lorenzen.

You Want a Piece of Me? The Yes and No of it.

YES … The Rays’ C.J. Cron led all of MLB in being hit by a pitch through June with 14 plunkings.
NO … The Angels’ Mike Trout led MLB in intentional walks through June with 11.

No one pitched more June innings without giving up a run than Ryne Stanek of the Rays, who appeared in 12 games and tossed 15 2/3 scoreless frames – fanning 19 hitters.

Thirty-five pitchers with at least 20 June innings pitched averaged at least one strikeout per inning. The Rockies’ Jon Gray led the NL a 14.33, while Trevor Bauer led the AL at 13.50.
Dodgers’ pitcher Ross Stripling fanned 30 batters in 29 June innings – and walked just one; while going 3-1, 2.48.

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—TEAM STATISTICS (leaders) FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE—

RUNS SCORED … MLB Team Average – 116

AL: Astros & A’s (144); Red Sox (135)

NL: Rockies (153); D-backs (152); Reds (146)

The Royals scored an MLB-fewest 58 runs (26 games) in June and also hit an MLB-low .193 for the month.

BATTING AVERAGE … MLB Team Average – .244

AL: Astros (.275); Red Sox (.267); Mariners (.265)

NL: Reds (.281); Rockies (.272); Cubs (.268)

HOME RUNS … MLB Team Average – 31

AL: Yankees (44); A’s (43); Astros (41)

NL: Dodgers (55); D-backs & Cardinals (37)

STOLEN BASES … MLB Team Average – 13

AL: Indians (29); Red Sox (25); White Sox (17)

NL: Brewers (23); Nationals (21); Cubs (17)

The Blue Jays and Cardinals stayed on the bag(s) in June – each swiping an MLB-low four bases.

STRIKEOUTS … MLB Team Average – 226

AL: White Sox (285); Rays (252)’ Tigers (249)

NL: Phillies (254); Cubs (253); Marlins (251)

The Pirates topped the major in pinch hits in June with 13 and their .333 pinch-hitting average (13-for-39) for the month trailed only the A’s at .444 (8-for-18) and Mariners at .400 (two-for-five).

EARNED RUN AVERAGE … MLB Average – 4.04

AL: Yankees (2.62); Rays (2.92); Astros (3.17)

NL: Giants (2.70); D-backs (3.48); Dodgers (3.70)

ERA North of Six

The Rockies put up June’s worst team earned run average at 6.20. Only two other teams even reached 5.00 – Royals (5.11) and Phillies (5.26).

STRIKEOUTS … MLB Average – 276

AL: Astros (290); Yankees (282); Indians (248)

NL: Phillies (257); Rockies (247); D-backs (238)

The Astros had MLB best strikeouts per nine innings ratio at 10.70 – and nine of MLB’s 30 teams recorded a strikeout or more per inning for the month.

SAVES … MLB Average – 7

AL: Mariners (13); Yankees & A’s (11); Rangers (10)

NL: Dodgers (10); Reds & Phillies (9)

The Yankees (11 saves), Marlins (8 saves) and Indians (7 saves) were the only teams without a blown save in June.

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Now let’s take a look at some plays and achievements that caught BBRT’s eye.

—–A FEW HIGLIGHTS FROM JUNE—-

Diamondbacks Show June Likely to be a “More of the Same” Month

BBRT has written often about the current era of home runs and strikeouts (hard-throwing/free-swinging baseball). The Diamondbacks started June with a performance that promised a continuation of that trend. Not only did D-backs’ pitchers fan ten Marlins in a 9-1 win, Diamondbacks’ hitters tied a franchise record with six home runs in the game (Ketel Marte –two and one each for Daniel Descalso, Jake Lamb, David Peralta, John Ryan Murphy).

One Snell of a Start

Photo by petestokke

Another harbinger of more of the same – a season of whacks (home runs) and whiffs (strikeouts) came on June 3. Blake Snell started on the mound for the Rays (at the Mariners). Snell fanned the first seven Mariners he faced, tying the American League record for K’s to open a game. Snell got a no-decision in the contest, won by the Mariners 2-1. The Rays’ starter gave up just two hits (no runs) and fanned twelve in six innings.

More #WhyIHateTheDH

Max Scherzer is arguably the currently the best pitcher in baseball – and, apparently, no slouch with the bat. On June 2, the Nationals were locked in a 13-inning two-two tie with the Braves in Atlanta. In the top of the 14^th, with no one on, one out and pitcher Justin Miller due to hit, the Nats went to the bench for a little offense – bringing in Scherzer to pinch hit. The three-time Cy Young Award winner delivered a pinch-hit single and eventually scored the winning run.

Need more? Read on.

In the bottom of the fifth inning of a June 7 contest against the Rockies, the Reds found themselves trailing 3-1. Starting pitcher Tyler Mahle was the slated batter, so the Reds sent up a pinch-hitter – relief pitcher Michael Lorenzen. Lorenzen laced a single off Tyler Anderson and (even though I’m not a fan of these new statistics) Statcast TM measured the ball’s exit velocity at 116.5 MPH (the highest of any Reds’ batter on the season and the hardest hit by a pitcher in the Statcast era.).

Just seventeen days later (June 24), Lorenzen was called on to pinch hit again – coming up with two outs in the bottom of the fifth and the Reds trailing the Cubs 5-0. This time, he took Cubs’ starter Mike Montgomery deep, punching a solo home run down the left field line for the Reds’ first tally. (The Reds eventually prevailed by an 8-6 score.)

And Lorenzen wasn’t done yet. The Reds’ reliever homered again on June 29.

Wait, there’s more.

On June 30, the Reds called on Lorenzen to pinch hit once again. This time with the bases loaded in the bottom of the seventh of a game in which the Reds led the Brewers 6-3. Lorenzen delivered a Grand Slam. So, between June 24 and June 30, Lorenzen made four plate appearances and went three-for-three, with three home runs, a walk, three runs scored and six RBI.

Still not convinced?

On June 23, Reds’ starting pitcher Anthony DeSclafani came to the plate with two outs, the bases loaded. Facing Cubs’ reliever Brian Duensing, DeSclafani worked the count to 3-2 and then laced a Grand Slam home run to deep left. Yes, the Reds got Grand Slams from two different pitchers in the same month.

GOTTA WIN THE CLOSE ONES

On June 27-28, the Mariners topped the Orioles 8-7 in eleven innings and 4-2 in ten innings – making them:

3-0 in extra inning contests in June;
8-0 in extra frames on the season;
and on a streak of 14 consecutive overtime wins dating back to July 16 of last season. (At the other end of the spectrum, the Angels have the worst 2018 record in extra-inning games – through June – at 1-7.)

The Mariners, who ended June with a 53-31 record, have shown a propensity to win the close ones. Twenty-five of their 2018 victories have been by a single tally.

Youth Will Be Served – and More of “Yes, we track everything.”

On June 13, the Nationals’ rookie sensation – 19-year-old Juan Soto – bashed a pair of home runs as the Nats prevailed 5-4 over New York at Yankee Stadium. The two long balls not only led to a Nationals’ victory, but made Soto just the fourth teenager to record a multi-homer game at Yankee Stadium (old or new). The others were the Mariners’ Ken Griffey, Jr. (May 30,. 1989); The Braves’ Andruw Jones (in Game One of the 1996 World Series); and – the most unlikely of the quartet – the White Sox’ Brian McCall (September 30, 1962). Why was McCall the most unlikely? His MLB career was comprised of only seven games and his two home runs and three RBI in the Yankee Stadium tilt were his career totals in both categories.

Base Hits Not Foreign to Beltre

On June 13, in the fourth inning of a Rangers 3-2 loss to the Dodgers in LA, Texas’ 3B Adrian Beltre lined a 2-2 pitch to center, for a double off LA’s Kent Maeda. The hit, coming in Beltre’s 21st MLB season, was his 3,090^th – pushing him past Ichiro Suzuki for the most base hits by a foreign-born major leaguer. The 39-year-old Beltre is showing little sign of slowing down. He ended June hitting .311 on the season – and extended his hit total to 3,107 (21st all-time)

Not Too Handy

On June 18, Giants’ closer Hunter Strickland blew more than his fourth save of the campaign – he also blew six-to-eight weeks of his 2018 season. That day, Strickland came into a contest against the Marlins with his Giants up 4-2 in the top of the ninth. Seeking his 14^th save of 2018, Strickland started by walking Brian Anderson after a tough eight-pitch battle. J.T. Realmuto then hit a first-pitch double, scoring Anderson – and Strickland’s troubles were just beginning. He followed with a five-pitch walk to Justin Bour (with Jose Urena coming in to pinch run). Then Strickland induced a grounder to short out of Cameron Maybin. The Giants took the force at second, leaving runners on first and third, with one out and San Francisco still up by a run. Line drive singles off Strickland by Lewis Brinson and Miguel Rojas followed – giving the Marlins a 5-4 lead and ending Strickland’s outing with a blown saves and a loss.

Frustrated, Strickland punched a door after leaving the field, breaking his right index finger. He went on the Disabled List with 3-3, 2.84 stat line (13 saves).

OUCH!

The June 18, punch-out injury to Hunter Strickland (see above) does not rank very high among unusual relief pitcher mishaps. Let’s not forget these classics from the past: the Tigers’ Joel Zumaya, who strained his wrist playing Guitar Hero; the Brewers’ Steve Sparks, who dislocated his shoulder tearing a phone book in half; or the Rangers’ Greg Harris who strained his elbow flicking sunflower seeds.

A Scorecard Nightmare …. or …We Used to Do This In Little League

On June 13, Cubs’ manager Joe Maddon took a page right out of Little League – using four left fielders in one inning. It happened in the top of the eighth inning of a Brewers’ 1-0 win over the Cubs. The inning – a nightmare for those keeping scorecards – went like this:

Cubs’ Albert Almora, Jr., who had pinch hit for Brewers’ 3B Tommy La Stella in the top of the eighth, stayed in the game in center field.
Ian Happ, who had started in center for Chicago, moved to third base.
Right-hander Steve Cishek was brought in to pitch, replacing southpaw Justin Wilson.
Brewers’ shortstop Orlando Arcia singled off Cishek.
Brewers’ Eric Thames was announced as the pinch-hitter for Milwaukee reliever Josh Hader, with Cishek on the mound.
Maddon brought in lefty Brian Duensing to face Thames, sending Cishek from the mound to left field and left fielder Kyle Schwarber to the dugout.
Duensing did his job, fanning Thames.
Next up was left fielder Lorenzo Cain.
Maddon brought Cishek back to the mound and sent Duensing to left field.
Cishek got Cain on a ground out, second-to-first.
Next up was right fielder Christian Yelich.
Maddon then brought Duensing back to the mound and brought Willson Contreras (usually a catcher) from the bench to play left field.
Yelich flied out to Contreras.

Made for a very messy scorecard.

The Tools of Persistence

On June 17, Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina was behind the plate for the Cardinals 5-0 victory over the Cubs in Saint Louis. Molina not only caught/called a scoreless game, he collected a double, RBI and run scored in four trips to the plate. It was his 1,756 game at backstop for the Cardinals – tying him with the Cubs’ Gabby Hartnett for the most games caught for one team in MLB history. On June 18, he was even better – breaking the tie with Hartnett – and going three-for-four with a double, home run, RBI and two runs scored. Now every time he puts on the “tools of persistence,” he sets a new record.

Back to the Future

On June 18, Washington Nationals’ rookie outfielder Juan Soto hit a pinch-hit, two-run home run in the bottom of the sixth inning of a Nationals’ 5-3 wins over the Yankees. The long ball came as the Yankees and Nationals completed a May 15 game – five days before Soto made his MLB debut – that had been suspended due to weather in the sixth inning. Due to a scoring technicality, the stats from that game (including Soto’s home run) will be officially counted as occurring on May 15; while Soto’s MLB debut datse will remain as May 20. Further, while he will be credited with a May 15 home run, a long ball he hit May 21 will remain as his official first MLB home run.

Colon Add a Couple Exclamation Points

On June 18, the Rangers’ Bartolo Colon won his 244^th MLB game – topping Hall of Famer Juan Marichal for the most victories by a Dominican-born pitcher. The 45-year-old Colon evened his 2018 record at 4-4 – giving up three runs over six frames as Texas topped Kansas City 6-3. Colon picked up his 245th career win on the last day of the month – moving into a tie with Nicaraguan-born Dennis Martinez for the most victories by a Latin American.

Even More “In Baseball We Track Pretty Much Everything”

On June 22, Elias Sports reports, Brewer’s 1B Jesus Aguilar became the first player in the Expansion Era – noted as since 1961 – to break up a no-hit bid of at least five innings with a home run and also hit a walk-off home run to win the game. Aguilar’s home run with one out in the seventh inning was the first hit off Cardinals’ starter Jack Flaherty and his ninth-inning long ball off Redbirds’ reliever Bud Norris gave the Brew Crew a 2-1 win. They were Aguilar’s 15^th and 16^th round trippers of the season.

Photo by apardavila

Give Me Five, Bro

On June 22, the Phillies’ Odubel Herrera hit his seventh home run of the season – a two-run shot in third inning of a 12-2 Phillies win over the Nationals. It was part of a four-for-five day for the Philadelphia center fielder – and also his fifth consecutive game with a dinger, tying a Phillies’ franchise record. Other Phillies to homer in five straight contests include: Dick Allen (1969); Mike Schmidt (1979); Bobby Abreu (2005); Chase Utley (2008 – two times); and Rhys Hoskins (2017). The following day, Hwerrera took an zero-for-four to halt the streak.

Does It Have to be About the Long Ball?

On June 24, as the A’s loss to the White Sox 10-3 in Chicago, Oakland got a solo home run from CF Mark Canha. With that long ball, the A’s set an MLB record – hitting at least one homer in 25 consecutive road games. (The Orioles had held the record at 24 since 1996). The A’s added to the record with a two-homer game (LF Chad Pinder & 3B Jed Lowrie) in a 9-7 win at Detroit on June 26. They were finally kept in the park on the road on June 27, in a 3-0 A’s win over the Tigers.

Lucky Number Seven

BBRT is pretty fond of numerical coincidences. You know, like when a batter comes up with his team trailing by two runs, with two on and two out and runs up 2-2 count. Well, on June 24, the Reds earned their seventh consecutive victory, behind a seven-hit, seven-run, seventh inning. The Reds came into the bottom of the seventh, trailing the Cubs by five runs (6-1). They scored seven times to take an 8-6 lead (the eventual final score).

13 … Not So Unlucky

Photo by Keith Allison

On June 25, 34-year-old right-hander Edwin Jackson started on the mound for the Oakland A’s in Detroit. Jackson pitched well, giving up just six hits and one run over six innings, while fanning seven – and he made a bit of history along the way. Jackson was playing for his thirteenth team – tying Octavio Dotel for the most franchises played for in an MLB career. Jackson’s collection of uniforms includes: The Dodgers, Rays, Tigers, Diamondbacks, White Sox, Cardinals, Nationals, Cubs, Braves, Marlins, Padres, Orioles and A’s. For the full story, click here.

_____________________________________________

—INDIVIDUAL LEADERS FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE—

BATTING AVERAGE (75 or more plate appearances)

AL: Jose Altuve, Astros (.354); Mike Trout, Angels (.352); Shin-Soo choo, Rangers (.347)

NL: Paul Goldschmidt, D-backs (.364); Alberto Amora, Jr., Cubs (363); Gerardo Parra, Rockies (.354)

The lowest June average among players with at least 75 plate appearances in the month belonged to the Royals’ Alicides Escobar at .115 (10-for-87). In the NL, that (dis)honor gelonged to D-backs’ Jarrod Dyson at .158.

HOME RUNS

AL: Nelson Cruz, Mariners (11); Alex Bregman, Astros (10); five with 8.

NL: Paul Goldschmidt, D-backs (10); Jesus Aguilar, Brewers (10); Max Muncy, Dodgers (10)

RUNS BATTED IN

AL: Evan Gattis, Astros (30); Alex Bregman, Astros (30); Nelson Cruz, Mariners (24)

NL: Jesus Aguilar, Brewers (24); Paul Goldschmidt, D-backs & Nolan Arenado, Rockies (23)

RUNS SCORED

AL: Eddie Rosario, Twins & Alex Bregman, Astros (24); three with 22

NL: Paul Goldschmidt, D-backs (25); Matt Carpenter, Cardinals (24); D.J. LeMahieu, Rockies (22)

HITS

AL: J.D. Martinez, Red Sox; Jose Altuve, Astros; Eddie Rosario, Twins; Matt Duffy, Rays – all with 34

NL: Paul Goldschmidt, D-backs (39); Trevor Story, Rockies (37); four with 34

STOLEN BASES

AL: Jose Ramirez, Indians (7); Jose Altuve, Astros, Delino DeShields, Rangers & Andrew Benintendi, Red Sox

NL: Starling Marte, Pirates (8); Billy Hamilton, Reds, Javier Baez, Cubs & Trea Turner, Nationals (6)

BATTER’S STRIKEOUTS

AL: Yoan Moncada, White Sox (45); Matt Davidson, White Sox (40); Aaron Judge, Yankees (38)

NL: Brandon Nimmo, Mets (39); Bryce Harper, Nationals (33); Ian Desmond, Rockies (32)

Show me what you got.

The Tigers’ Jeimer Candelario saw an MLB-best (among players with at least 75 plate appearances) 4.68 pitches per plate appearance in June.

WALKS DRAWN

AL: Mike Trout, Angels (24); Shin-Soo Choo, Rangers & Jose Ramirez, Indians (20)

NL: Joey Votto, Reds & Carlos Santana, Phillies (28); Max Muncy, Dodgers (25)

Among players with at least 75 June plate appearance, the Phillies’ Carlos Santana had the best walks-to-strikeouts ratio at 2.15-to-one (28 walks versus just 13 strikeouts). As a result, despite a .235 June average, his on-base percentage for the month was .417.

PITCHING VICTORIES

AL: Luis Severino, Yankees; Gerrit Cole, Astros; David Price, Red Sox; Lou Trivino, A’s – all at (4-1)

NL: Jon Lester, Cubs & Zach Eflin, Phillies (5-0); Zack Greinke, D-backs (5-1)

Jakob Junis of the Royals, Jason Hammel of the Royals and Mychal Givens of the Orioles shared the lead in June losses – going 0-5, with ERA, respectively, of 7.14, 6.43 and 6.46.

EARNED RUN AVERAGE (minimum 25 June innings)

AL: Tyler Skaggs, Angels (0.84); Luis Severino, Yankees (1.60); Blake Snell, Rays (1.74)

NL: Jon Lester, Cubs (1.13); Ivan Nova, Pirates (1.75); Zach Eflin, Phillies (1.76)

The highest ERA among pitchers with at least 25 May innings or four June starts belonged to the Rockies’ Chad Bettis – five June starts and an 8.54 ERA in 26 1/3 innings.

STRIKEOUTS

AL: Trevor Bauer, Indians (62 in 41 1/3 innings pitched); Chris Sale (60 in 41 IP); Justin Verlander (46 in 37 1/3 IP).

NL: Jacob deGrom (49 – 42 IP); Max Scherzer, Nationals (45 – 35 IP); Jon Gray, Rockies (43 – 27 IP);

Among pitchers with at least 20 inning pitched in May, the Dodgers’ Ross Stripling had the best strikeouts versus walks ratio at 30-to-one; the AL leader was the Indians’ Corey Kluber at nine-to-one.

SAVES

AL: Edwin Diaz, Mariners (12); Aroldis Chapman, Yankees (11); two with eight

NL: Kenley Jansen, Dodgers (9); Sean Doolittle, Nationals & Kyle Barraclough (7)

Dellin Betances of the Yankees and Alex Colome (Mariners/Rays) topped the Al in “holds” in June, with nine. In the NL, Tony Watson of the Giants had nine holds. Betances appeared in 12 games and fanned 22 batters in 12 innings – without giving up a run. Betances and Watson put up 0.00 ERA’s in 12 and 13 appearances, respectively.

_____________________________________________________________________

—–LEAGUE LEADERS – TEAMS – YEAR-TO-DATE (through June 30)—–

RUNS SCORED … MLB Team Average – 361

AL: Red Sox (438); Astros (431); Yankees (406)

NL: Cubs (409); Braves (407); Rockies (388)

The Royals scored the fewest runs through June at 288. The only other team to plate fewer than 300 runners was the Orioles (297). The lowest total in the NL went to the Marlins at 309.

BATTING AVERAGE … MLB Team Average – .246

AL: Red Sox (.267); Astros (.263); Mariners (.261)

NL: Cubs (.265); Braves (.262); ; Reds (.257)

The Orioles had the lowest team batting average through June (.226); while the Diamondbacks were at the bottom of the NL (.227).

HOME RUNS … MLB Team Average – 94

AL: Yankees (131); Red Sox (120); Indians (114)

NL: Dodgers (111); Brewers (105); Rockies (104)

Only three teams had fewer than 70 home runs through June: Marlins (66); Royals (66); Tigers (67)

STOLEN BASES … MLB Team Average – 40

AL: White Sox & Red Sox (64); Indians (58)

NL: Nationals (64); Brewers (63); Braves (47)

If you like speed on the base paths avoid Oakland …

The A’s swiped the fewest bases through June (16), and also had the worst success rate at 53.3 percent (tossed out fourteen times in 30 attempts). By contrast, the Red Sox were the most successful sack thieves, stealing 64 bags in 77 attempts (83.1 perent).

BATTERS’ STRIKEOUTS … MLB Team Average – 703

AL: Rangers (790); White Sox (780); Orioles (732)

NL: Padres (796); Phillies (777); D-backs (759)

EARNED RUN AVERAGE … MLB Average – 4.07

AL: Astros (2.83); Yankees (3.43); Red Sox (3.50)

NL: D-backs (3.43); Cubs (3.53); Brewers (3.54)

PITCHERS’ STRIKEOUTS … MLB Average – 703

AL: Astros (888); Yankees (818); Red Sox (810)

NL: Dodgers (782); Nationals (750); Phillies (744)

Through June, the Astros were averaging MLB-tops 10.43 strikeouts per nine innings. The only other team averaging at least 10 K’s per game was the Yankees (10.17).

SAVES … MLB Average – 22

AL: Mariners (33); Red Sox (27); A’s (25)

NL: Nationals & Rockies (26); Padres (25)

Complete Game A Rarity

Cleveland led all teams with four complete games through June. While no team in the NL had more than one. Sixteen of the thirty MLB tams have yet to record a complete game in 2018.

__________________________________________

––INDIVIDUAL LEADERS FOR YEAR TO DATE (through June) —

BATTING AVERAGE (qualifiers)

AL: Mookie Betts, Red Sox (.341); Jose Altuve (.338); Jean Segura, Mariners (.336)

NL: Scooter Gennett, Reds & Albert Amora, Jr. , Cubs (.332); Nick Markakis, Braves (.324)

The lowest average (through June) among qualifying players belonged to the Orioles’ Chris Davis at .155 (38-for-245). The Marlins’ Lewis Brinson had the lowest average in the NL at .186 (52-for-279).

HOME RUNS

AL: J.D. Martinez, Red Sox (25): Jose Ramirez, Indians & Mike Trout, Angels (24)

NL: Bryce Harper, Nationals & Nolan Arenado, Rockies (20); Jesus Aguilar, Brewers (19)

RUNS BATTED IN

AL: J.D. Martinez, Red Sox (67); Mitch Haniger, Mariners (62); Manny Machado, Orioles (57)

NL: Eugenio Suarez, Reds (60); Javier Baez, Cubs (59); Trevor Story, Rockies (58);

Among players with at least 25 plate appearances with runners in scoring position, the Pirates’ Josh Harrison has the highest average in those spots at .433 (13-for-30). In the AL, the Astros’ Yuli Gurriel leads thw way at .422 (27-for-64). At the other end of the spectrum was the Indians’ Greg Allen with no hits (one RBI) in 26 at bats with RISP.

RUNS SCORED

AL: Francisco Lindor, Indians & Mike Trout, Angels (66); Mookie Betts, Red Sox (64)

NL: Ozzie Albies, Braves (64); Charlie Blackmon, Rockies (60); Cesar Hernandez, Phillies (57)

HITS

AL: Jose Altuve, Astros (114); Jean Segura, Mariners (108); Nick Castellanos, Tigers (101)

NL: Nick Markakis, Braves (104); Scooter Gennett, Reds (101); Freddie Freeman, Braves (99)

The Angels’ Mike Trout had an MLB-best .461 on base percentage through June (among qualifiers); while the Reds’ Joey Votto topped the NL at .429. Just five players were at .400 or above. In addition to Trout and Vott0, they were: Mookie Betts, Red Sox (.431); Freddie Freeman, Braves (.408); and Jose Altuve, Astros (.407). Barry Bonds holds the single season on base percentage record at .609 (2004).

STOLEN BASES

AL: Dee Gordon, Mariners (21); Tim Anderson, White Sox (17); three with 16

NL: Michael Taylor, Nationals (23); Trea Turner, Nationals (22); Ender Inciarte, Braves (21);

BATTER’S STRIKEOUTS

AL: Joey Gallo, Rangers & Yoan Moncada, White Sox (116); Aaron Judge, Yankees (109)

NL: Paul Goldschmidt, D-backs (96); Trevor Story, Rockies & Lewis Brinson, Marlins (91);

Andrelton Simmons of the Angels has drawn an MLB leading 1.86 walks per strikeout through June (26 walks versus 14 K’s in 270 at bats) – second is the Phillies’ Carlos Santana, well behind at 1.34. Only nine qualifying players have drawn as many walks as they have recorded whiffs.

WALKS DRAWN

AL: Mike Trout, Angels (74); Aaron Judge, Yankees (56); Shin-Soo Choo, Rangers (53)

NL: Bryce Harper, Nationals (65); Joey Votto, Reds (63); ; Carlos Santana, Phillies (62)

PITCHING VICTORIES

AL: Luis Severino, Yankees (12-2); Corey Kluber, Indians (11-4); three with 10

NL: Jon Lester, Cubs & Aaron Nola, Phillies (10-2); Max Scherzer, Nationals (10-4)

EARNED RUN AVERAGE (qualifiers)

AL: Luis Severino, Yankees (2.10); Justin Verlander, Astros (2.12); Blake Snell, Rays (2.31)

NL: Jacob deGrom, Mets (1.84); Max Scherzer, Nationals (2.04); Mike Foltynewicz, Braves (2.14)

STRIKEOUTS

AL: Chris Sale, Red Sox (164 – 116 IP); Gerrit Cole, Astros (151 – 111 2/3 IP); Trevor Bauer, Indians (148 – 113 2/3 IP)

NL: Max Scherzer, Nationals (165– 114 2/3 IP); Patrick Corbin, D-backs (134 – 106 IP) & Jacob deGrom, Mets (134 – 107 IP)

Among pitchers with at least 80 inning pitched through June, the Nationals’ Max Scherzer had the highest rate of strikeouts per nine innings at 12.95. The only other hurlers above 12.00 were Chris Sale (12.72) of the Red Sox and Gerrit Cole of the Astros (12.17).

Using the 80-inning qualifier, the Indians’ Corey Kluber had the best strikeouts per walk ratio at 8.85 (just 13 walks versus 115 whiffs in 113 1/3 innings pitched). Kluber far outdistanced the next best ratio – Max Scherzer at 6.11. Among pitchers with ats least 80 2018 innings on the mound, the White Sox Luis Giolito had the worst BB/K ratio at 1.00 (51 walks and 51 whiffs in 84 2/3 innings).

SAVES

AL: Edwin Diaz, Mariners (31); Craig Kimbrel, Red Sox (24); Aroldis Chapman, Yankees (23)

NL: Wade Davis, Rockies & Brad Hand, Padres (23); Kenley Jansen, Dodgers & Sean Doolittle, Nationals (21)

Don’t Face These Guys at Contract Time

Only seven qualifying pitchers (one inning pitched for each team game), held batters to an under .200 batting average – and three of that group were in the Astroa’ rotation. Here they are: : Max Scherzer, Nationals (.172); Gerrit Cole, Astros (.173); Chris Sale, Red Sox (.179); Blake Snell, Rays (.182); Justin Verlander, Astros (.183); Mike Foltynewicz, Braves (.191); Charlie Morton, Astros (.195).

Primary Resources: ESPN.com; MLB.com; Baseball-Reference.com

I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT

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Member: Society for American Baseball Research; The Baseball Reliquary; The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.

Filed Under: BB Fun Facts, News

Archives for July 2018

Newcomb Loses No-Hit Bid With Two Outs in the Ninth – Joins a Pretty Big Club

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My Chilly Evening At AT&T Park … And A Bit Of Old-Style Hardball

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Tyrone Horne and Pro Baseball’s First (and for a long time only) “Home Run Cycle.”

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All Star Game …. More Whiffs and Wacks … BBRT “Trot Index” 49.5%

It Can Get a Little Uggla Out There

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IF I Only Knew Then What I Know Now … a Look at John Paciorek’s New Book and an Interview with the Author

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A Little Baseball Irony – Roger-Maris Style

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Rube Marquard Starts the Season 19-0.

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Baseball Roundtable Looks at June – Another Month of Whacks and Whiffs

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