Baseball Roundtable

Once again, it’s time for Trivia(l) Tidbit Tuesday. I hope you are enjoying this weekly presentation of baseball occurrences that for some reason caught The Roundtable’s eye.  (I’m particularly fond of unexpected performances and statistical coincidences.) These won’t necessarily be momentous occurrences, just events, statistics or coincidences that grabbed my attention.

This week we’re looking at players with the most games with four or more hits in a season – specifically players with ten or more four-hit games a single campaign.  There have been a thirteen such seasons in the Modern Era (post-1900), fashioned by 11 different players.  In this post, I’ll focus primarily on the only player with multiple such seasons – the Browns’ George Sisler with three. Sisler is also the only Modern Era player with a season of 12 games with four or more hits (two). But before we get into Sisler’s accomplishments, a few observations about the players with ten or more four-hit games in a campaign.

• Zero players joined this list between 1948 (Stan Musial) and 2004 (Ichiro Suzuki).
• Seven of the 13 such seasons occurred in the 1920’s – the early “Live Ball” years.
• Saint Louis appears the place to be for such campaigns. The Browns (five) and Cardinals (2) account for seven of the thirteen.
• Eight of the players on the list are in the Hall of Fame (and Ichiro Suzuki is a good bet to join them in 2025).

 

If You’re Interested

The Modern Era record for games in a season with five or more hits is four, shared by Ty Cobb (1922 Tigers); Stan Musial (1948 Cardinals); Tony Gwynn (1993 Padres); and Ichiro Suzuki (2004 Mariners). Move it up to six or more and you find more than 100 players tied at one such game in a season.

 

George Sisler – King of the Four-Hit Games

We don’t talk about George Sisler enough.  The man was a hitting machine.  He finished his career with a .340 average (19^th all-time among players with at least 3.000 plate appearances).  In his 15-season MLB career, he hit over .300 13 times, twice topping .400.

In the 1920 season, his first with 12 four-hit games, Sisler hit .407 (257-for-631) – the seventh-highest qualifying MLB batting average in the Modern Era. He led the league in games (154), at bats (631), hits (257), average (.407) and total bases (399).  He finished second in runs scored (137), doubles (49), triples (18), home runs (19), runs batted in (122) and stolen bases (42).

Well, that Lasted Awhile

In 1920, George Sisler set an MLB single-season record for base hits that stood for 84 years – until Ichiro Suzuki’s 262 hits in 2004. Before Sisler, the record was held by Ty Cobb (248 hits in 1911).

In Sisler’s 1922 season, his second with 12 four-hit games, he hit .420 (246-for-586), the third-highest qualifying average in the Modern Era.  That season, he won the batting title and led the league in hits, runs scored (134), triples (18) and stolen bases (51).  He finished second in total bases (348), third in doubles (42); and fourth in RBI (105).

Another Broken Record

In 1922, George Sisler had a 41-game hitting streak (July 27-September 17), during which he hit .454 (79-for-174). MLB.com lists it as the fifth-longest streak in MLB history. Sisler’s 1922 streak gave him possession of the American League’s longest hitting streak. He held the American League record until Joe DiMaggio’s 56-game streak in 1941. In 1922, Sisler hit .400+ in every month except July.

 A Little More By George

Sisler was a multi-sport athlete at Akron (Ohio) High School – an end in football, a forward in basketball and a lights-out southpaw on the baseball mound. His next stop was the University of Michigan, where he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering and starred as a pitcher and hitter/outfielder on the baseball squad. The University Michigan Hall of Honor reports that Sisler went 13-3 as a pitcher and hit north of .400 at a hitter.  His exploits earned him All American honors and, eventually a sport in the College Baseball Hall of fame.

After Michigan, Sisler’s baseball journey took him to the St. Louis Browns, where (in 1915) as a 22-year-old rookie, Sisler pitched in 15 games (eight starts, six complete games) and went 4-4, 2.83. That same season, he also appeared in 67 games at 1B or OF and hit .285-3-29, with ten steals. His bat and speed made an impression.  Sisler appeared on the mound in only nine more games after his rookie season.

In 1916, now primarily a first baseman, Sisler hit .305-4-76, with 83 runs scored and 34 steals.  It was the first of nine consecutive .300+ seasons for Sisler who proved not only a superior hitter, but also an accomplished fielder and a leading base stealer. Between 1917 and 1922, Sisler won two batting titles, three times led the AL in steals, twice led the league in hits, once led in runs and twice led in triples.

Prime Numbers

Over the 1920, 1921 and 1922 seasons, George Sisler averaged .400 over 434 games. During that span, he averaged 43 doubles, 18 triples, 13 home runs, 110 RBI, 132 runs scored and 43 steals per season.

Looking at where Sisler stood in 1922 makes the 1923 season, which he lost to illness, seem even more significant.   Who knows what kind of carer numbers Sisler might have put up had it not been for a severe sinus infection that hit him with chronic headaches and double vision and cost him the entire 1923 season. Although he came back to play another seven seasons (1924-30), his numbers (while still very good) were not the same. There are indications the double vision plagued him for a time.  In a March 1924 St. Louis Post Dispatch article, Yankee pitcher Bob Shawkey is quoted as saying “When he (Sisler) came back we soon learned something. When he was up to the plate, he could watch you for only so long, and then have to look down and get his eyes focused again.  So, we would keep him waiting up there until he he’d have to look down and then pitch.  He was never the same hitter after that.”

Later, in a 1929 Baseball Magazine article, Sisler was quoted as indicating “The injury to my eyes which occurred some years ago was real and serious. But is seems unnecessary, as well as unjust, that the memory of that injury should overshadow the remainder of my career. As a matter of fact, my eyes are alright, have been perfectly normal for some time.”2

The facts may be lie somewhere in between. It seem likely the vision issue did bother Sisler for a period of time after the missed 1923 season, but we may never know for exactly how long.

We do know that in his eight seasons prior to 1923, he hit .361-60-612, with 732 runs scored, 242 doubles, 100 triples, 60 home runs and 282 steals.  In the seven seasons after 1923, Sisler hit (a still respectable, but less spectacular) .320-42-566, with 552 runs, 42 home runs, 183 doubles, 64 triples 42 homers, 566 RBI and 93 steals.  And, remember, he was in his prime and coming off a .420 season when the illness hit him.

For his 15-season MLB career (1915-22, 1924-30, Sisler hit .340-102-1,178, with 1,284 runs scored and 375 stolen bases. He won two batting crowns and the 1922 American League MVP Award. He led the league in runs scored once (four times scoring 100 or more), hits twice (six-times notching 200+ hits), triples twice, total bases once and stolen bases four times.

A Diversion … But I do Like Numbers

Some of the articles I came across while researching for this post suggested that Sisler’s accomplishments should be considered in light of the times (generally higher batting averages).  I decided to do a little math.  Taking Sisler’s three prime seasons (1920-22), over which he hit .400 (before his illness-lost 2023 campaign), we find the MLB overall batting average during that period was .282. That puts Sisler’s .400 average over that period 41.8 percent above the overall MLB average.  Then I looked at the most recent three MLB seasons (2022-24), and found the overall MLB average over those seasons was .245. Finishing 41.8 percent above that average would require a .347 average. The six AL/NL batting champions from 2022-24 (looking at the seasons they won the batting title) had a combined average .323 and only one (Luis Arreaz at .354 in 2023) reached that .347 equivalency.  (The others ranged from .314 to .332 in their title-capturing seasons.)

Footnotes: 1) “George Sisler: A Close Look at the Vision Problems that Derailed Him,” by David A. Gross, Jim Provenzale and Rick Huhn, 2008 Baseball Research Journal; 2) Excerpt from a June 1929 Baseball Magazine article by F.C. Lane as reported in Baseball History … Did the American League Blunder?” at stevensteinberg.net.

Primary Resources: Stathead.com; Baseball-Reference.com; George Sisler (@SABR.org), by Bill Lamberty (originally in Deadball Stars of the American League, Potomac Books, Inc, 2006);  University of Michigan Hall of Honor, @mgoblue.com

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P 1085

Today seems like a pretty good day to reflect on the professional baseball career of former major leaguer Steve Christmas – a tale that intersects a couple of times with my hometown Minnesota Twins.

Christmas’ first brush with professional baseball came – on a less than happy note – with the Twins, who selected him in the 33^rd round of the 1975 MLB Draft (out of Colonial High School in Orlando). The Twins made an offer (reportedly a $2,500 bonus and $500 monthly salary) that Christmas found unacceptable (and maybe even a bit insulting).

So, it was on to Oklahoma City Southwestern College and Southwestern Oklahoma State University before a 1977 tryout with the Reds earned him an acceptable offer.  Converted from a corner infielder to a catcher, the 19-year-old Christmas got off to a merry start – hitting .306-6-30 for the A-Level Eugene Emeralds.

By 1982, he had honed his catching skills and worked his way up to the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians, were he hit .306-7-37 in 85 games. In 1983, having another solid year at Triple-A (.271-6-38) earned him a September call up to the Reds, where he went 1-for 17 in nine games. Following the season, he was traded to the White Sox and, in 1984, he spent most of the season with the Triple-A Denver Zephyrs (.278-4-29 in 74 games). He did get into a dozen MLB games for the ChiSox (three in June and nine in September) and went four-for-eleven (.364), with a home run and four RBI. Ironically, Christmas’ first (and only) MLB home run came against the Twins. (Remember those intersections I mentioned earlier?)

n a September 19 game in Minnesota, Christmas was called on to pinch hit for C Marc Hill with the game tied at three, two outs and two men on base.  Christmas delivered a three-run home run and the ChiSox went on to a 7-3 win. Ah, sweet payback for those 1975 negotiations. It was not only his only MLB home run, but accounted for three of his seven MLB career RBI.

In December of 1984, Christmas was granted free agency by the White Sox – and then resigned by Chicago as a free agent month later.  The White Sox sent him back to the minors for 1985, where he hit .298-16-56 in 127 games for the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons. He was released in October and signed with the Cubs, where he went one-for-nine in three April 1986 games and .300-4-25 in 62 games for the Triple-A Iowa Cubs.  It was his final professional season.

Christmas’ professional career: ten minor-league seasons (.274-72-401 in 942 games); three MLB seasons (.162-1-7 in 24 games). The key fact – Christmas was gifted enough and gritty enough to reach the major leagues.

Primary Resources:  Stathead.com; Baseball-Reference.com; “Off the Rubber; The Almost Unbelievable True Story of Steve Christmas,” by Roger Cormier, BaseballProspectus.com

 

THERE IS STILL TIME TO VOTE IN BASEBALL ROUNDTABLE’S  READER/FAN BASEBALL HALL OF FAME BALLOTING (and we want to hear your opinions)

For a post on this year’s candidates, as well as The Roundtable’s predictions and preferences, click here. To skip the post and go directly to the fan ballot, click here.

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P 1084

Ten Quick Strikeouts – Not Always the Sign of a Good Mound Outing

Once again, it’s time for Trivia(l) Tidbit Tuesday. I hope you are enjoying this weekly presentation of baseball occurrences that for some reason caught The Roundtable’s eye.  (I’m particularly fond of unexpected performances or statistical coincidences.) These won’t necessarily be momentous occurrences, just events, statistics or coincidences that grabbed my attention.  This week, we’re looking at outings in which a pitcher was on the mound for four or fewer innings, but notched ten or more strikeouts.

A few notes before we look more deeply at what The Roundtable sees as clearly the best of these outings and arguably the worst.

• There have been just a dozen outings of four or fewer innings and ten or more strikeouts in the Modern Era.
• Eleven of the twelve have taken place since 2013.
• The team with the double-digit/four-or-fewer innings strikeout pitcher won just two of the twelve games. Going forward, let’s save space by just calling them “10/4 outings.”
• The twelve pitchers went 1-8 in those games.
• Ten of the 12 pitchers started the game in which they produced a 10/4 outing.
• The 12 pitchers on this list gave up an average of 3.4 runs in these appearances, putting up an ERA north of 7.50.  (It is unclear whether the one run given up in the first of these 10/4 outings was earned.)
• The most batters faced by the pitchers on the list was 22 (three different pitchers), the fewest was 12.

A few other tidbits before we look at the easily the best performance on the list and arguably the worst.

• The Red Sox’ Smokey Joe Wood was the first pitcher (and also the youngest at 19) to reach ten whiffs in four or fewer innings. He did it (in relief) in a July 17, 1909 Red Sox 6-4 win over the Naps. He got the victory, after giving up five hits and one run (no walks/10 strikeouts) over four innings. He remained the only MLB pitcher to fan ten or more batters in an appearance of four or fewer innings for more than a century (2013).
• In his ten-strikeout, 3 2/3 inning appearance, Tigers’ reliever Tyler Alexander (per Baseball-Almanac.com) tied the American League record for consecutive batters struck out in a single game (nine). He’s also the only pitcher on this list to not surrender at least one run in his qualifying appearance.

Brief Diversion

The most strikeouts consecutively in a nine-inning MLB game is ten (a record shared by three National Leaguers: Mets’ Tom Seaver; Phillies’ Aaron Nola; Brewers’ Corbin Burnes). Seaver‘s is the most unique among these record-sharers. His ten whiffs were the final ten hitters in a nine-inning, two-hitter (a tight 2-1 Mets’ win). When he started the string, he had already thrown 90 pitches. (He ended up throwing 135 in what was a 19-strikeout game.)  

• The Mets’ Noah Syndergaard gave up the highest run total in a 10/4 outing at seven, as well as the most hits (10).
• In his qualifying 10/4 appearance, The Mariners’ Felix Hernandez walked four, hit one and tossed one wild pitch (yet only gave up one run). The Cardinals’ Micheal Wacha tied Hernandez’ five gift runners (all walks) in his 10/4 game.
• Seven of the 12 pitchers gave up at least one home run in their 10/4 game, six gave up at least two dingers and the Yankees’ Masahiro Tanaka gave up a list-topping three long balls in his 10/4 appearance.

Now, let’s look at a couple of 10/4 outings that stand out.

Easily The Best

Tyler Alexander, Tigers … August 2, 2020 … 3 2/3 innings, ten strikeouts.

Alexander, in his second MLB season, came into the game in the top of the third inning., with no one out and no one on – and the Tigers trailing 3-0.  At the time, his record on the season was 1-0, 2.25 in three appearances. This was the Covid-shortened season, which opened in late July, hence the small number of appearances.) Also unique were the facts that this was a scheduled seven-inning game – first of a doubleheader – and, of course, there were zero fans in attendance.

In that August 2 game (versus the Reds), Alexander came on in the top of the third (in relief of Rony Garcia) with none out, no one on and the Tigers Trailing 3-0. The southpaw made his presence known in a hurry – and, in fact, struck out every batter in the Reds’ lineup his first time through. Here’s how his 3 2/-inning outing went:

Third Inning:

• 2B Mike Moustakas – strikeout swinging (2-2 pitch);
• 3B Eugenio Suarez – three-pitch strikeout (looking);
• DH Jesse Winker – three-pitch strikeout (swinging);

Fourth Inning:

• CF Nick Senzel – fans (swinging) on a 1-2 pitch:
• 1B Josh VanMeter – three-pitch strikeout (looking):
• SS Freddy Galvis – strikeout swinging on a 3-2 pitch (8-pitch at bat).

Fifth Inning:

• C Tucker Barnhardt – strikeout looking on a 1-2 pitch;
• LF Shogo Akiyama – strikeout looking on a 1-2 pitch;
• RF Nick Castellanos – strikeout on a 2-2 pitch.

Sixth Inning;

• Moustakas – hit-by-pitch on a 1-2 count;

Note: Tom Jankowski pinch runs for Moustakas.

• Suarez – strikeout swinging on a 1-2 pitch;
• PH – Matt Davidson six-pitch walk.

Jankowski thrown out (P-1B-2B) before first pitch of Davidson at bat.  

Alexander relieved by Carson Fulmer.

In the outing, Alexander threw 55 pitches 38 (69%) for strikes/foul balls.

Alexander finished 2020 at 2-3, 3.96, with 34 strikeouts in 36 1/3 innings. He, (still active) has pitched in six MLB seasons (2019-24 … Tigers, Rays), going 17-28, 4.55 in 143 games (52 starts) He has recorded 363 strikeouts in 449 innings pitched. To date, he has had just the one double-digit strikeout outing.

Arguably the Worst

Noah Syndergaard, Mets … June 2, 2015 … ten strikeouts, four innings pitched.

Syndergaard’s four-inning/ten-strikeout game came in his rookie season and just his fifth MLB appearance (all starts). He came into the game (against the Padres) with a 2-2, 1.82 record with five walks and 22 strikeouts in 24 2/3 innings. It was not to be his day. Among the pitchers on the 10/4 list, Syndergaard gave up the most hits (10), most runs (7) and tied for the most batters faced (22). Bright side – he was also one of two pitchers on the list who didn’t give up a walk.

 

 

 

First Inning:

• CF Will Venable – strikeout (swinging) on a 2-2 pitch;
• C Derek Norris – infield single on a 3-1 pitch;
• LF Justin Upton – strikeout (swinging on a 1-2 pitch);
• RF Matt Kemp – groundout on a 1-2 pitch.

Not a bad start: 18 pitches, just seven balls, nothing hit out of the infield, only one baserunner and two strikeouts.  But things were about to change in a hurry.

Second Inning:

• 1B Yonder Alonso – single to left on a 1-0 pitch;
• 3B Will Middlebrooks – single to center on a 2-2 pitch;
• 2B Cory Spangenberg – bunt single on first pitch;
• SS Alexi Amarista – two-run single to short RF on a 1-2 pitch;
• P Ian Kennedy – sacrifice bunt on first pitch;
• Venable – two-run triple to right on a 1-2 pitch;
• Norris – strikeout swinging on an 0-2 pitch;
• Upton – strikeout swinging on a 3-2 pitch.

Twenty-seven pitches in this frame, just four balls, still no walks, two more strikeouts, but five hits and four runs.

Third Inning:

• Kemp – strikeout swinging on a 1-2 pitch;
• Alonso – ground ball single to left on first pitch;
• Middlebrooks – strikeout swinging on a 1-2 pitch;
• Spangenberg – RBI triple to left on an 0-1 pitch;
• Amarista – strikeout looking on a 1-2 pitch.

Still in the zone … 15 pitches,  just three balls – two more hits, one more run.

Fourth Inning:

• Kennedy – strikeout swinging on a 2-2 pitch;
• Venable – single to right on a 2-0 pitch;
• Norris – two-run homer to left on a 1-2 pitch;
• Upton – strikeout looking on a 3-2 pitch;
• Kemp – strikeout looking on a 1-2 pitch.

Twenty-three pitches, nine balls.  Two hits, Two runs.

At this point, Syndergaard had thrown 84 pitches with just 27 balls (no walks, only three three-ball counts among 22 batters faced.   While a lot of his pitches in the zone were swung at or taken for strikes (hence the ten strikeouts in four innings), too many were hit well.  As a result, Syndergaard, pulled for a pinch hitter in the top of the fifth, left after four innings pitched with the Mets down 7-1.

Syndergaard, a first-round draft pick in 2010, finished the season at 9-7. 3.24 with 166 strikeouts and just 31 walks in 150 innings. He went on to pitch in eight MLB seasons (2015-19, 2021-23 … Mets, Angels, Phillies, Dodgers Indians) going 59-47, 3.71 in 164 games (162) starts). He was an All Star in 2016, when he went 14-9, 2.60 for the Mets.

Primary Resources: Stathead.com; Baseball-Almanac.com

THERE IS STILL TIME TO VOTE IN BASEBALL ROUNDTABLE’S  READER/FAN BASEBALL HALL OF FAME BALLOTING (and we want to hear your opinions)

For a post on this year’s candidates, as well as The Roundtable’s predictions and preferences, click here. To skip the post and go directly to the fan ballot, click here.

Baseball Roundtable – Blogging Baseball Since 2012.

 

Baseball Roundtable is on the Feedspot list of the Top 100 Baseball Blogs.  To see the full list, click here.

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

P 1083

Once again, it’s time for Trivia(l) Tidbit Tuesday. I hope you are enjoying this weekly presentation of baseball occurrences that for some reason caught The Roundtable’s eye.  (I’m particularly fond of unexpected performances or statistical coincidences.) These won’t necessarily be momentous occurrences, just events, statistics or coincidences that grabbed my attention.

Last Tuesday, I focused on disappointing MLB pitching debuts, with emphasis on pitchers who gave up four or  more runs without recording a single out. This week it’s disappointing offensive debuts (with special emphasis on – but not limited to – players who struck out at least four times in their MLB debut.)  Side note: Individual game details for the Negro Leagues from 1920-48 have not been fully documented and incorporated into the MLB record books, so the included lists could change in the future.

At the top of the disappointing MLB offensive debuts list, we have a tie.

Ron Wright, DH, 2002 Seattle Mariners … April 14, 2002

Three plate appearances … nine pitches, six outs

Wright was a seventh-round pick (Braves), out of high school, in the 1994 MLB Draft. He didn’t make his MLB debut until his ninth professional season – despite being a legitimate prospect and a three-time minor-league all-star.  Wright hit 32 home runs for the Macon Braves as a 19-year-old. He added another 36 minor-league dingers for the Durham Bulls and Greenville Braves the next year. Wright was traded to the Pirates in 1996, and would later play in the Cincinnati, Tampa Bay and Seattle systems.  Injuries, however, took him off track.  Wright missed most of the 1998 and 1999 seasons with a back injury (surgery, ultimately left him with ongoing numbness in his right leg), but worked hard to regain his prospect status.

In 2001, playing for the Durham Bills, he hit .262 with 20 home runs and was considered one of the International League’s top fielding first-sackers.  The following season, an injury to Seattle DH Edgar Martinez led to an April call-up to the Mariners. On April 14, he started (and ended) his MLB career in a game won (at Texas) by Seattle 9-7, with Seattle getting 18 hits.  Wright’s day went like this:

• Second Inning; With Ruben Sierra on second and John Olerud on first and no outs, Wright struck out on three pitches from Rangers’ starter Kenny Rogers;
• Fourth Inning; With Sierra on third and Olerud on first, Wright hit a grounder to Rogers (on a 2-2 pitch), who threw to SS Alex Rodriguez at second for the force. Sierra, who had broken for home, was caught in a SS-C-3B-P rundown for a second out, and Wright, who tried to take second during the rundown, was thrown out P-2B.  An unusual triple play.
• Sixth inning; Again, up with both Sierra and Olerud on base (second and first, respectively), Wright hit Rogers’ first-offering into a more traditional short-to-second-to first double play.
• Seventh Inning; Up again with Sierra and Olerud on base (first and third) with one out, Mike McLemore pinch hit for Wright (ending Wright’s Day).  McLemore, by the way, struck out.

Wright went back down to the minors before getting another MLB at bat and never made it back to “The Show.”  So, his major-league career consisted of three at bats (with a total of six runners on base) and six outs – strikeout, triple play, double play.  And, as for that fielding expertise, Wright’s spent his short MLB career as a DH.  Still, in all his interviews since then, Wright had indicated he cherishes the game and the fact that he is one of the rare few who did make it to the major leagues.

Ed Cermak, RF, Cleveland Blues … September 9, 1901

One (or maybe four) And Done

Ed Cermak came to the plate four times in his MLB debut – and struck out four times. Now, there have been 11 players (seven non-pitchers) who fanned a Modern-Era record four times in their major-league debuts, but Cermak stands out for me for a number of reasons:

• He was the first and youngest player in the Modern Era to do it;
• He is the only player whose four debut-game whiffs were the only strikeouts his squad suffered in the contest;
• He did it in a season which the average strikeout per nine innings was just 3.2 and Bill Bernhard (Athletics), who fanned Cermak four times, averaged just 2.0 strikeouts per nine frames.

To add further legitimacy to my selection, he is one of just two players whose four-strikeouts (in four plate appearances) represented their entire MLB career – and there is reason to discount the other instance.  (More on that a bit later in the “He took one for the Team” section.

The 19-Year-old Cermak was considered somewhat of a prospect. He drew attention playing for an amateur squad known as the O’Connor Baseball Team in Cleveland and played well enough to be given a late-season tryout with the major-league Blues. Cleveland was 49-68 at the time, and looking for some help. Like Ron Wright (above) Cermak’s first MLB game was his final game.  However, there was a difference.  Cermak continued his baseball life by going on to play in the minor-leagues from 1903-08 and later becoming a minor-league umpire.

Close to the Top two

Urbane Pickering, 3B, Red sox … April 18, 1931

Pickering holds the MLB Modern-Era record for most at bats in a debut game without a hit (but it probably deserves an asterisk). On April 18, 1931, in a Red Sox’ 15-inning win over the Yankees in New York, Pickering (who started at 3B, batting fifth, went zero-for seven, with two strikeouts. (He did pick up an RBI).

As for that suggested asterisk. As we look through the description of Pickering’s day at the plate, we see that MLB rules contributed to his chart-topping seven hitless at bats in a debut. Going into the 1931 season, the sacrifice fly rule was eliminated. (For a bit of background, the sacrifice fly rule was restored in 1939.  Then, in 1940, the sac fly rule was again dropped. Finally, beginning in the 1953 season, the rule was restored – and remains unchanged). Long story short, one of Pickering’s “at bats” was a run-scoring fly out to right field.  I thought of leaving him out of this post, but I just couldn’t deny myself the opportunity to write about a player with a name like Urbane Pickering.

Here’s how his MLB debut went:

Second Inning – Strikeout, leading off the frame;

Third inning – Up with two men on and two outs, strikeout;

Sixth Inning- No one on, two out, flyout to right field;

Eighth Inning – One out, runners on second and third – flyout to right field (one run scores);

Tenth Inning – One on, one out, pop out to second;

Thirteenth Inning – leading off, flyout to center;

Fifteenth Inning – One on, one out, flyout to right.

Pickering played in 235 MLB games over two seasons (1931-32, Red Sox), hitting .257-11-92).

If we give Pickering retroactive benefit of the Sacrifice Fly rule, he would join the list below.

Honorable Mention

Ray Jarvis, Red Sox, April 20, 1969

Five Strikeouts in his first game as a hitter (but not his MLB debut)

Jarvis was a right-handed pitcher for the Red Sox who fanned five times in five plate appearances in the first game in which he appeared as a hitter.  (It was not, however, his MLB debut game. He had pitched three times in relief before the April 20, 1969 contest.)

In the April 20 game, he came on in relief of one of MLB’s better hitting pitchers (Ken Brett) in the top of the first inning. Brett had surrendered three runs and given up two singles, a double and three walks (plus a balk) while recording just one out.  Jarvis came in with the bases loaded and promptly fanned the first two hitters he faced to end the threat. He then pitched a great game in relief – 8 2/3 innings, two hits, one run, three walks and eight whiffs.  At the plate, not so much.

Jarvis came to the plate five times and struck out five times. – tying the MLB nine-inning game record for strikeouts.

Jarvis pitched in two MLB seasons (1969-70 … Red Sox), going 5-7, 4.64 in 44 games (12 starts).  As a hitter, he was 2-for-29 (.069) with 19 strikeouts.

At the Roundtable … One thing always seems to lead to another.

In 1973, Ken Brett set an MLB record (for pitchers) by hitting a home run in four consecutive games (starts) between June 9 and June 23. Over his MLB career (1967,1969-81 … Red Sox, Brewers, Phillies, Pirates, Yankees, White Sox, Angels, Twins, Dodgers, Royals), Brett hit .262-10-44 in 347 at bats. As a pitcher, he went 83-85, 3.93 in 349 games (184 starts).

Final Thought: He Took One – actually four – For The Team

Jim McGarr, Tigers, is one of two players whose MLB career (in his case his entire professional baseball career) consisted of four strikeouts in four plate appearances. His came on May 18, 1912 – as the Tigers faced the Athletics in Philadelphia. Tigers players were, at the time, refusing to play in protest to the suspension of star Ty Cobb for attacking a fan (on May 15 in New York). To avoid a fine and forfeit, the Tigers recruited a team of amateurs to take on the Athletics. The 23-year-old McGarr (a machinist, who played on his company’s amateur team) led off and played second base in the Athletics/Tigers lopsided affair (Athletics 24-Tigers 2) and went zero-for-four with four strikeouts in four plate appearances. After the contest, Cobb urged his professional teammates to return to the field – and McGarr’s professional baseball career was over.

 

Primary Resources:  Stathead.com; Baseball-Almanac.com; ClevelandBaseballHistory.com.

THERE IS STILL TIME TO VOTE IN BASEBALL ROUNDTABLE’S  READER/FAN BASEBALL HALL OF FAME BALLOTING (and we want to hear your opinions)

For a post on this year’s candidates, as well as The Roundtable’s predictions and preferences, click here. To skip the post and go directly to the fan ballot, click here.

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P 1082

 

Reader votes are coming in for the Baseball Roundtable Reader/Fan (unofficial) 2025 Baseball Hall of Fame Balloting.  There is still time to vote. You’ll find a link to the ballot at the end of this post.) Here’s is a look at (and observations on) early results.

I would note that, as of December 16, readers were a bit “stingier” with their votes than the baseball writers (at least those who have made their official ballot public). Comparing with publicly released official votes (using the BBHOFtracker.com website … a great resource, with lots of information on balloting):

• The top five among the BBWAA official ballots and the top five on the Roundtable unofficial balloting are the same (not in the same order). In reader balloting, the order is Ichiro Suzuki, Carlos Beltran, Billy Wagner, Andruw Jones, CC Sabathia. The public official ballot top five (in order) are Suzuki, Sabathia, Wagner, Beltran, Jones.
• Only two players have the necessary 75% (to date) on the Baseball Roundtable balloting (Suzuki and Beltran). On the public official ballots, three have the necessary 75% (Suzuki, Sabathia, Wagner).
• Suzuki is still at 100% on the public official ballots. He stands and 95.2% among readers.
• On the public official ballots, 13 players are under the 5% necessary to stay on the ballot. Among Roundtable voters that number is 12.
• Ten players have zero votes on the among the official ballots made public. In the Roundtable polling, that number is seven.

 

Baseball Roundtable (unofficial) Reader Baseball Hall of Fame Balloting

(as of December 16)

Ichiro Suzuki                     95.2

Carlos Beltrán                   76.2

Billy Wagner                      71.5

Andruw Jones                   61.8

CC Sabathia                       57.1

Felix Hernandez                57.1

Andy Pettitte                     47.6

Torii Hunter                       33.3

Bobby Abreu                     33.3

Alex Rodriguez                  33.3

Dustin Pedroia                  28.6

Manny Ramirez                 23.8

Francisco Rodriguez        19.0

Fernando Rodney              14.3

Omar Vizquel                       9.5

Jimmy Rollins                       9.5

Mark Buehrle                       4.8

Carlos Gonzalez                   4.8

Ian Kinsler                            4.8

Troy Tulowitzki                    4.8

David Wright                        4.8

Curtis Granderson                 0

Adam Jones                            o

Russell Matin                        0

Brian McCann                       0

Hanley Ramirez                    0

Chase Utley                            0

Ben Zobrist                             0

 

THERE IS STILL TIME TO VOTE IN BASEBALL ROUNDTABLE’S  READER/FAN BASEBALL HALL OF FAME BALLOTING

For a post on this year’s candidates, as well as The Roundtable’s predictions and preferences, click here. To skip the post and go directly to the fan ballot, click here.

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P 1081

Once again, it’s time for Trivia(l) Tidbit Tuesday. I hope you are enjoying this weekly presentation of baseball occurrences that for some reason caught The Roundtable’s eye.  (I’m particularly fond of unexpected performances or statistical coincidences.) These won’t necessarily be momentous occurrences, just events, statistics or coincidences that grabbed my attention.  This week, we focus on what The Roundtable sees as MLB’s best-ever debut.

Lots to consider here (let’s alternate pitchers and position players);

• Charles “Bumpus” Jones who tossed a no-hitter for the Reds in his first-ever MLB appearance (October 15, 1892).
• Left fielder Fred Clarke of the 1884 Louisville Colonels, who had the only nine-inning, five -hit MLB debut game. (Clarke stroked four singles and a triple).
• The Dodgers’ Karl Spooner and Astros’ J.R. Richard  each fanned MLB-debut record 15 batters in their first appearance. Spooner in a September 22, 1954, 3-0 win over the rival Giants. Richard  tied the record on September 4, 1971, in a 5-3 win over the Giants. (So, the Giants are the only team to ever fan 15 times against a pitcher making his MLB debut – and they did it twice.)
• Cubs’ SS Starlin Castro who – on May 7, 2010 MLB debut – drove in am MLB-debut record six runs in a Cubs 14-7 win over the Reds.
• Yankee pitcher Russ Van Atta who not only pitched a five-hit shutout his MLB debut game, but also had four singles in four at bats, as the Yankees topped topped the Senators 16-0 (April 25, 1933).
• Giants’ 1B Willie McCovey, who wet four- for-four with two triples in his July 30, 1959 debut – a 7-2 win over the Phillies (three runs scored, two RBI).

And I could go on.  (For a 2021 post on my top-25 MLB debuts , click here ). My choice, this Tuesday,  for the top MLB debut, however, is Jason Jennings, RHP, Colorado Rockies.

Jennings, a 22-year-old right-hander (who batted left – you’ll see the significance in a bit), was called up by the Rockies in late August after going 9-8, 4.42 in 26 starts at Double-A and Triple A.  Jennings  made his MLB debut on August 23 against the Mets in New York.  He proceeded to throw a nine-inning, complete-game shutout – five hits, four walks, eight strikeouts. At that point, he had thrown three complete games and one shutout in 68 minor-league starts (three seasons).

As a bonus, Jennings also went three-for-five at the plate, with a home run, one run scored and two RBI – becoming the first MLB player to pitch a shutout and hit a home run in his first MLB appearance.  Jenning’s day included a pop out to third base in the first inning; a single to left in the third; a ground out to first in the fifth; an RBI single to right-center in the seventh; and a homer to right in the top of the ninth. (The Rockies won the contest 10-0).

Collegiate Star

Jason Jennings was a first-round draft pick (Rockies, 16th overall) in 1999 (out of Baylor University). In his three years at Baylor (1997-99), he was a three-time All American and, in 1999, won both the Golden Spikes Award and Dick Howser Trophy.  He posted a three-year pitching record of 27-11, 3.56 and a .344 batting average with 39 home runs in 172 games.  

Jennings went 4-1, 4.58 in seven 2001 starts; hitting .267 (four-for-fifteen). He followed up by winning the NL Rookie of the Year Award in 2002, with a 16-8, 4.52 record for the Rox – and a .306-0-11 batting line (in 68 plate appearances). That proved to be his best season, as he appeared to succumb to command and injury issues and went 42-65, 5.06 over his final seven MLB seasons. He retired as an active player after the 2012 season, when he went 10-2, 3.58 for the (Independent) American Association Grand Prairie Ground Hogs. His final MLB line (2001-2009 … Rockies, Astros, Rangers) was 62-74, 4.95. As a hitter, he went 68-for-329 (.207), with two home runs and 26 RBI.

NEXT WEEK: The Roundtable’s choice for worst MLB debut – Hint: It was a two-player tie and represented the only MLB appearance for each player.

Primary Resources:  Baseball-Reference.com; Baseball-Almanac.com

THERE IS STILL TIME TO VOTE IN BASEBALL ROUNDTABLE’S  READER/FAN BASEBALL HALL OF FAME BALLOTING

For a post on this year’s candidates, as well as The Roundtable’s predictions and preferences, click here. To skip the post and go directly to the fan ballot, click here.

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P 1079

 

Once again, it’s time for Trivia(l) Tidbit Tuesday. I hope you are enjoying this weekly presentation of baseball occurrences that for some reason caught The Roundtable’s eye.  (I’m particularly fond of unexpected performances or statistical coincidences.) These won’t necessarily be momentous occurrences, just events, statistics or coincidences that grabbed my attention.  I recently posted (on the Baseball Roundtable blog/website) an article on the 2025 Baseball Hall of Fame ballot which  included  The Roundtable’s predictions and preferences, bios of the candidates and a link to The Baseball Roundtable 2025 (unofficial) Fan/Reader Hall of Fame Ballot.  (We’d love to count your vote.) For that post, click here. To go directly to the ballot and cast your vote, click here.   N0w, staying with the HOF theme, this Tuesday’s Tidbit focuses on the Hall of Fame.

As you are all probably aware, the first BBHOF “class” was inducted in 1936 – and included MLB icons Ty Cobb, Walter Johnson, Christy Mathewson, Babe Ruth and Honus Wagner. By virtue of it being the Hall’s first year of existence, all five were “first-ballot” electees.

Today’s Tidbit focuses on that first-ballot honor and addresses the question: “Who were the first players, after the initial Hall of Fame Class in 1936, to be elected in their first year on the ballot?  I would take two answers.

1. Lou Gehrig in 1939.

Gehrig, suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, was elected and added to the Hall of Fame following a December, 1939 special election (waiving the five-year post-retirement waiting period for eligibility).  Gehrig would clearly have been a first-ballot inductee (five-years later) even without the special election. In a 17-season career (1923-39, all Yankees), he hit .340-493-1,995, with 1,888 runs scored. He was a seven-time All Star (remember the first All Star Game was played in 1933) and a two-time AL Most Valuable Player. Gehrig led the AL in hits once (collecting 200 or more hits in eight seasons); doubles twice, triples once; home runs three times; RBI five times, batting average once and total bases four times.   He ranks among MLB’s top 25 players all time in batting average; runs scored; total bases; on-base percentage; slugging percentage: runs batted in; extra base hits; and walks.  Note: Batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage among players with at least 3,000 career plate appearances.

Your answer: Bob Feller and Jackie Robinson in 1962. (Elected on the traditional competitive ballot.)

Bob Feller, who made it to the majors as a 17-year-old: played 18 MLB seasons (1936-41, 1945-56 … Indians); went 266-162, 3.25; and recorded 279 complete games and 44 shutouts (570 appearances/484 starts). Feller (an eight-time All Star) led the AL in wins six times (a high of 27 in 1940); strikeouts seven times (a high of 348 in 1946); complete games three times; innings pitched five times; shutouts four times; ERA once. And, his numbers would have been even more impressive if he hadn’t lost three-plus seasons to military service in World War II. Notably, Feller led the AL in wins the three seasons before entering the military (1939-41) – and then led the league in wins in his first two full seasons after his return (1946-47).  (He got nine starts in late 1945.) Feller’s resume also includes three no-hitters (1940-1946-1951) and the pitcher’s Triple Crown (wins, ERA, strikeouts) in 1940.

Bonus Trivia(l) Tidbit

What future Hall of Famer batted second and manned centerfield in Bob Feller’s April 30, 1946 no-hitter (a 1-0 win) versus the Yankees in New York? It was rookie Bob Lemon, who started his MLB career as a 3B/OF, but made the Hall of Fame as a pitcher (207-128, 3.23).

Jackie Robinson, who of course, broke MLB’s long-standing “color line,” was a seven-time All Star, the 1947 NL Rookie of the year (.297-12-48, with a league- topping 29 steals) and the 1949 NL Most Valuable player (a league-leading .342 average and a league-topping 37 steals, with 203 hits, 16 home runs, 124 RBI and 122 runs scored).

This Could Be the Start of Something Big

Jackie Robinson was MLB’s first official Rookie of the Year – and, in 1987, the award was renamed the Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year Award.

Over his MLB career (1945) Kansas City Monarchs; 1947-56 Brooklyn Dodgers), Robinson hit .313-141-761, with 972 runs scored and 200 stolen bases in 1,416 games. He scored 100+ runs in six seasons, had 200+ hits once; hit 35+ doubles three times; and stole 20+ bases five times (twice leading the league).  He also hit .300 or better in seven seasons (including .375 in 34 games for the Monarchs in 1945.   A man of character and courage, Robinson delivered the performance under considerable pressure and scrutiny.

___________________________________

A Letter “Four” Me?

Jackie Robinson was the first UCLA athlete to letter in four sports –

baseball, basketball, football and track.

____________________________________

 

First Ballot Baseball Hall of Famers (percent of vote in parentheses)

1936   Ty Cobb (98.2), Walter Johnson (83.6), Christy Mathewson (90.7), Babe Ruth (95.1), Honus Wagner (95.1)

1939    Lou Gehrig (special election)

1962   Bob Feller (93.8), Jackie Robinson (77.5)

1966   Ted Williams (93.4)

1969   Stan Musial (93.2)

1972   Sandy Koufax (86.9)

1973   Warren Spahn (83.2); Roberto Clemente (special election)

1974   Mickey Mantle (88.2)

1977   Ernie Banks (83.8)

1979   Willie Mays (94.7)

1980   Al Kaline (88.3)

1981   Bob Gibson (84.0)

1982   Hank Aaron (97.8), Frank Robinson (89.2)

1983   Brooks Robinson (92.0)

1985   Lou Brock (79.8)

1986   Willie McCovey (81.4)

1988   Willie Stargell (82.4)

1989   Johnny Bench (96.4), Carl Yastrzemski (94.6)

1990   Joe Morgan (81.8), Jim Palmer (92.6)

1991   Rod Carew (90.5)

1992   Tom Seaver (98.8)

1993   Reggie Jackson (93.6)

1994   Steve Carlton (95.6)

1995   Mike Schmidt (96.5)

1999   George Brett (98.2), Nolan Ryan (98.8), Robin Yount (77.5)

2001   Kirby Puckett (82.1), Dave Winfield 84.5)

2002   Ozzie Smith (91.7)

2003   Eddie Murray (85.3)

2004   Dennis Eckersley (83.2), Paul Molitor (85.2)

2005   Wade Boggs (91.9)

2006   Tony Gwynn (97.6), Cal Ripken, Jr. (98.5)

2009   Rickey Henderson (94.8)

2014   Tom Glavine (91.9), Greg Maddux (97.2), Frank Thomas (83.7)

2015   Pedro Martinez (91.1), John Smoltz (82.9)

2016   Ken Griffey, Jr. (99.3)

2017   Ivan Rodriguez (76.0)

2018   Chipper Jones (97.2), Jim Thome (89.8)

2019   Roy Halladay (85.4), Mariano Rivera (100)

2020   Derek Jeter (99.7)

2022   David Ortiz (77.9)

2024   Adrian Beltre (95.1), Joe Mauer (76.1)

Primary Resources: Baseball-Reference.com; BaseballHall.org

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P 1078

The 2025 Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA) Baseball Hall of Fame ballots are out – and that means the 2025 Hall of Fame Debate Season is officially underway!  Eligible BBWAA members have until December 31 to cast their ballots (they can vote for up to ten candidates), with results announced January 21, 2025. This year’s traditional ballot includes 14 holdovers from last year, along with 14 newcomers.  This also means the Baseball Roundtable (unofficial) Baseball Hall of Fame Fan Ballot is once again open for voting. This unofficial balloting will officially close at midnight January 2.

In this post, The Roundtable will share:

• The Roundtable’s predictions for the official BBWAA balloting;
• The Roundtable’s ballot (if I had one);
• A deep look at all the candidates on the ballot; and
• A link to BBRT’s unofficial fan ballot – please take a few minutes to follow the link and cast your votes.

—PARTICIPATE IN BASEBALL ROUNDTABLE’S  2025 FANS’ HALL OF FAME BALLOT—

Baseball Roundtable is once again conducting an unofficial fan ballot – to cast your vote(s), click here.   Remember, you can vote for up to ten of the nominees for 2025 induction.  If you want to read through the nominees’ bios first, there is another link to the BBRT Fan Ballot following the bios (near the end of this post).  BBRT will be providing updates on the fan balloting, as well as a post-election comparison of fan votes as compared to the final BBWAA results.

To skip the post and go directly to the fan ballot, click here.

As you consider this year’s slate of candidates, BBRT would stress that all the players on the ballot – even those who remain for only one voting cycle – deserve recognition. To rise to the major leagues, last ten years and make it past the Hall of Fame Screening Committee is a significant accomplishment in itself.  In fact, the annual ballot release is a highlight for Baseball Roundtable, as it provides a chance to acknowledge the accomplishments of all the candidates – not just the favorites for election.  For example, a review of this year’s ballot gives us the opportunity to honor Felix Hernandez’ perfect game; the 30-30 seasons of David Wright, Ian Kinsler and Hanley Ramirez; Bobby Abreu’s 30-40 season; Jimmy Rollins’ 20-20-20-20 season; Troy Tulowitzki’s unassisted triple play; Mark Buehrle’s “double play” combination of a no-hitter and a Perfect Game; and more.

Now on to the official 2025 Baseball Hall of Fame election process itself – and, then, a look at the players on the ballot for 2025.

BASEBALL HALL OF FAME ELIGIBILITY/CRITERIA FOR ELECTION

The basic rules for eligibility are that a player must have played in at least ten seasons and be retired for at least five years (and been active at some time during a period beginning 15 years before and ending five years prior to election).  In addition, the player must be approved for the ballot by the Hall of Fame Screening Committee.

A player can remain on the ballot for up to ten years, but must receive at least five percent of the vote in the preceding year’s ballot to remain on the ballot.  Each voter can vote for up to ten candidates.  Election requires that a player be named on at least 75 percent of the ballots cast.

The criteria for election: “Voting shall be based upon the player’s record, playing ability, integrity, sportsmanship, character, and contributions to the team(s) on which the player played.”

A few preliminary comments from Baseball Roundtable.

This year’s ballot has 14 first-time candidates, led by Ichiro Suzuki and CC Sabathia, both of whom I expect will be elected in their first run at the Hall. (Ichiro could very well – and should – be a unanimous choice.)  Beyond those two, I expect five or six of the remaining first-timers to gain enough support to stay on the ballot going forward.  In 2024, when there were 12 first-timers on the ballot, two were elected and eight dropped off the ballot.

Voters have shown increased willingness to vote in first timers.  In the last ten elections 13 first-timers have been granted a ticket into the Hall: 2024 –Adrian Beltre & Joe Mauer; 2022 – David Ortiz; 2020 – Derek Jeter; 2019 – Mariano Rivera & Roy Halladay; 2018 – Chipper Jones & Jim Thome; 2017 – Ivan Rodriguez; 2016 – Ken Griffey, Jr.; 2015 – Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez & John Smoltz.

The 2025 ballot also includes just one player in his final year of eligibility – Billy Wagner. In the past three elections, Wagner has moved from 51.0% to 73.8%.  This should be his (long overdue) year to join the Hall. The holdovers with the most support year ago are Wagner, Andruw Jones (61.6%); and Carlos Beltran (57.1%).

Baseball Roundtable Predictions for the BBWAA Balloting: This year I expect Billy Wagner to get the call, along with first-time nominee Ichiro Suzuki.  also have a good feeling about CC Sabathia’s chances to join Suzuki as a first-ballot electee.  (More thoughts on individual candidates in the bios.)

Again, to jump directly to the ballot itself, click here.

— PLAYERS WHO WOULD GET BASEBALL ROUNDTABLE’S VOTE —

Ichiro Suzuki – OF, 2001-2019 (Mariners, Yankees, Marlines) … First year on the ballot.

Suzuki should be a unanimous choice. As a 27-year-old rookie (but a veteran of Japanese baseball) in 2001, he won a batting title (.350), the AL Rookie of the Year Award, the AL Most Valuable Player Award, a Gold Glove and a Silver Slugger Award.  He also led the league in hits (242) and stolen bases (56).

___________________________

Yeah, Those Skills Will Transfer

Ichiro Suzuki collected 3,089 hits in 19 MLB seasons – and, remember, he came to MLB at the age of 27 – after collecting 1,278 hits (.353 average) in nine seasons in the Japan Pacific League

_________________________________

Suzuki went on to prove that rookie MLB campaign was no fluke. He collected 200+ hits in each of his first ten MLB seasons – tying Pete Rose for the most 200-hit seasons in a career and setting the MLB mark for consecutive 200-hit seasons. Over his career, he hit .300 or better in ten seasons (.350 or better in four) and won a pair of batting titles. He led the league in hits seven times and, in 2004, set the MLB single-season record for hits (262). He also scored 100+ runs in eight seasons. The ten-time All Star won ten Gold Gloves.

On the bases, while Suzuki only led the league in steals once, he stole 30 or more bases in ten seasons.

In the field, Suzuki led AL right fielders in putouts seven times, assists twice and double plays three times.

Run, Ichiro, Run

In 2007 Ichiro Suzuki hit the first All Star Game inside-the-park home run. It was part of a three-for-three day that earned him All Star Game MVP honors.

Despite those nine seasons in Japan, Suzuki’s 3,089 MLB hits are 25^th all time.  His final stat line was .311-117-780, with 1,420 runs scored and 509 steals.

Suzuki also hit .346-1-8, with ten runs scored and four steals in 19 post-season games.

Ichiro Suzuki’s Best Season: In 2004, Suzuki won the AL batting title with a .372 average, collected an MLB single-season record 262 hits, hit eight home runs, had 60 RBI, scored 101 runs and stole 36 bags.

Suzuki should be a unanimous choice.

__________________________________

Billy Wagner – LHP, 1995-2010 (Astros, Phillies, Mets, Red Sox, Braves) … Tenth year on the ballot, 73.8% percent last year.

Billy Wagner was a seven-time All Star, who amassed 422 saves (eighth all-time) in a 16-season MLB career.  He had nine seasons of 30 or more saves; a career ERA of 2.31; 1,196 career strikeouts in 903 innings; and 47-40 won-lost record.

_______________________

Whiff-and-Poof

In 1992, playing for Ferrum College, Billy Wagner set an NCAA record

for strikeouts per nine innings in a season at 19.3.

_______________________

Billy Wagner’s Best Season: In 2003, Wagner went 1-4, 1.78 for the Astros, saving 44 games and fanning 105 batters (and walking just 23) in 86 innings.

BBRT thinks Wagner belongs in the Hall (based on his 400+ saves).  Wagner has been gaining more support lately – in the last five ballots his percentages have gone 31.7, 46.4 and 51.0, 68.1, 73.8.  He should gain more ground in this year’s ballot. He gets my vote.  This recognition I considerably overdue.

________________________________

Carlos Beltran – Outfield, 1998-2017 (Royals, Astros, Mets, Giants, Cardinals, Yankees, Rangers) … Third year on the ballot, 57.1 percent last year.

Carlos Beltran played in 20 MLB seasons He had his best years with the Mets, making the All-Star team in five of seven seasons. (Beltran was a nine-time All Star.)

_________________

Let’s Get This Party Started

Beltran was the American League Rookie of the Year in 1999, when he hit .293-22-108 for the Royals, with 27 steals and 112 runs scored.

_____________________

In his 20 MLB campaigns, Beltran hit .279-435-1,587, with 312 stolen bases and 1,582 runs scored. He ranks in MLB’s top 50 in home runs (47th), doubles (29^th), RBI (41st) and total bases (34th). His 2,725 hits are 62nd all-time and his 1,582 runs scored 53^rd.

Beltran drove in 100 or more runs in eight seasons, scored 100 or more runs in seven seasons, hit 30+ home runs in four campaigns (a high of 41 in 2006), stole 25 or more bases five times (a high of 42 in 2004). He was also a three-time Gold Glover.

Beltran was also a solid post-season performer, hitting .307-16-42 in 65 post-season games. In 2004, with the Astros, he hit .435, with 20 hits, eight home runs, 14 RBI, 21 runs scored and six steals in 12 post-season games.  You read that right, 21 runs scored in 12 games.

Carlos Beltran’s Best Season: In 2006, Beltran hit .275, with 41 home runs, 116 RBI, 127 runs scored and 18 stolen bases and also won a Gold Glove. He finished fourth in the NL MVP voting.

Beltran would get Baseball Roundtable’s vote and I expect him to finish in the neighborhood of 68-70 percent in this year voting. His .279 career average and the fact that he never led the league in any of the major offensive categories may cost him a few votes. Longer-term, I’d say the Hall is in his future.

_______________

CC Sabathia- LHP, 2001-19 (Indians, Brewers, Yankees) … First year on the ballot

In a 20-season MLB career, CC Sabathia picked up 251 wins (47^th all time) and notched 3,093 strikeouts (18^th all time). Sabathia won 15 or more games in eight seasons and twice led the league in wins (19-9 for the 2009 Yankees & 21-7 for the 2010 Yankees).  The six-time All Star and 2007 AL Cy Young Award winner also led the league in starts twice, complete games once and innings pitched once. Sabathia’s won-loss percentage was .500+ in 15 of his 19 seasons.

________________________________

I’ll Have A Double, Please

In 2008, CC Sabathia became the first – and still only – pitcher to lead both the National and American Leagues in shutouts in the same season. On July 7 of that season, he was traded from the AL Cleveland Indians to the NL Milwaukee Brewers. At the time, he was 6-8, 3.83 for Cleveland, with two shutouts (which eventually tied for the AL lead). He flourished in Milwaukee, going 11-2, 1.65 for the remainder of the season, with three shutouts, which tied for the NL lead.

____________________________

Sabathia’s career stat line was 251-161, 3.74 (he had a .609 career winning percentage).  He fanned 3,093 batters in 3,577 1/3 innings and thew 38 complete games and 12 shutouts in 560 starts. He finished in the league’s top ten in innings pitched five times, strikeouts ten times, complete games seven times, victories ten times, WHIP five times, shutouts eight times, earned run average seven times – and in the top five in Cy Young Award voting five times.

CC Sabathia’s Best Season: I’m not going with his 2007 AL Cy Young Award Season when he went 19-7, 3.21 for the Indians.  I prefer his 2010 Yankee campaign, when he went 21-7, 3.18 for the Yankees – leading the AL in wins and starts (24).

Sabathia would get my vote and I think he should a first-ballot inductee.

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Andruw Jones – CF, 1996-2012 (Braves, Dodgers, Rangers, White Sox, Yankees) … Eighth year on the ballot, 61.6 percent last year.

In a 17-season career – primarily patrolling centerfield – Jones won ten Gold Gloves (consecutively, 1998-2007). He was a defensive icon in the garden. At the plate, he hit .254, with 434 home runs (48th all-time), 1,289 RBI and 1,204 runs scored. He topped 25 home runs in ten seasons (six over thirty and a league-leading and career-high 51 in 2005). He scored 100 or more runs four times, drove in 100+ five times and stole twenty or more bases in a season four times.  Jones appeared in 76 post-season games, hitting .273, with ten home runs and 34 RBI.

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On The Big Stage

In the 1996 World Series, Andruw Jones – just 19-years-old – hit .400 (8-for-20) with two home runs and six RBI, becoming the youngest player to go yard in the Fall Classic. 

Andrew Jones’ Best Season: In 2005, Jones hit only .263, but led the NL in home runs (51) and RBI (128) and won a Gold Glove for his play in CF.  He finished second in the MVP voting to Albert Pujols (.330-41-117).

Jones’ ten Gold Gloves work in his favor, but – over the long haul – that .254 average (he only hit .300 or better once and over .270 only four times) dampen his HOF chances. Still that power and his defense get him Baseball Roundtable’s vote. And, he is showing momentum. His vote total in recent balloting:  2020 – 19.4%; 2021 – 33.9%; 2022 – 41.4%; 2023 – 58.1%; 2024 – 61.6%. This may not be his year, but he still has time. I expect him to move up a few percentage points in this year’s balloting.

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Francisco Rodriguez – RHP, 2002-17 (Angels, Mets, Brewers, Orioles, Tigers) … Third year on the ballot., 7.8 percent last year.

Francisco Rodriguez played in 16 MLB seasons, going 52-53, 2.86 with 437 saves (sixth all-time) in 948 mound appearances (21st all-time).

Rodriguez was a six-time All Star. He led the AL in saves three times and saved 40 or more games in six seasons and 20 or more in eleven. In the five seasons from 2005 through 2009, he averaged 46 saves per season.

Rodriguez had an earned run average under 2.00 in two seasons and under 2.50 in seven campaigns. A true closer, Rodriguez pitched 976 innings in his 948 appearances, fanning 1,142 batters (10.5 per nine innings).

One of A Kind

Francisco Rodriguez, who saved 62 games for the 2008 Angels, is the only pitcher in MLB history with 60 or more saves in a season.

In his 2002 debut MLB season, the 20-year-old Rodriguez pitched in 11 post-season games for the Angels – recording five wins (one loss) – giving up four earned runs in 18 2/3 innings, while fanning 28. What makes this especially noteworthy is that Rodriguez made his MLB debut on September 18 of that season and went 0-0, with no saves in five games (5 2/3 innings). So, he had five post-season victories before he recorded his first regular-season decision of any kind.

Francisco Rodriguez’ Best Season: In 2008 (Angels), Rodriguez saved an all-time record 62 games – in 69 opportunities.  He put up two wins (three losses) and a 2.24 ERA in 76 appearances – and fanned 77 batters in 68 1/3 innings.

BBWAA voters have traditionally been very demanding of relievers (although the recent inductions of Mariano Rivera and Trevor Hoffman are a good sign – but they, of course, both had 600+ saves). It also helps that Lee Smith (478 saves) was elected by the Today’s Game Committee in 2019. Still given how long it’s taken Billy Wagner to move past the 65 percent mark, I don’t expect Rodriguez to make it this year.  I would expect him to move closer to the 20-25 percent4 line. He would get my vote.

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Torii Hunter – OF, 1997-2015 (Twins, Angels, Tigers) … Fourth year on the ballot, 7.3 percent last year.

Okay, this may be a bit of a “homer” vote, since Torii Hunter was a star with my home team Twins – but it also reflects my special admiration for “leather and lumber” guys. Torii Hunter played 19 MLB seasons and was a five-time All Star, nine-time Gold Glover and two-time Silver Slugger.

For his career, Hunter hit .277 (2,452 hits), with 353 home runs, 1,391 RBI, 1,296 runs scored and 195 stolen bases. He hit 20+ home runs in 11 seasons, drove in 100+ runs twice and stole 20+ bases in three campaigns. Hunter hit .274-4-20 in 48 post-season games.

Hunter led his league in CF assists three times, CF putouts once and double plays turned out of CF four times. He also led his league’s right fielders in putouts, assists and double plays once each.

Spider-Man

Torii Hunter earned the nickname Spiderman for his outstanding outfield play.

Torii Hunter’s Best Season:  In 2007 (Twins), Hunter hit .287, with 28 home runs, 107 RBI, 94 runs scored and 18 steals – although he can look back on at least four seasons with very similar numbers.

Nine Gold Gloves, five All Star selections and 353 home runs represent some pretty good credentials.   Hunter’s chances to make the Hall would have been better with a couple of standout/spectacular/memorable seasons mixed in with all those consistently very, very good campaigns that fans came to expect.  He also earns extra credit for leadership and character, as he was known as a leader in the club house and an asset in the community. He may slip off the ballot this year, but he gets my vote.

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Andy Pettitte – LHP, 1995-2010, 2012-13 (Yankees, Astros) … Sixth year on the ballot, 13.5 percent last year.

As I’ve noted in past years, I had to think for a while on this one (and will probably get some push back from readers), largely because a major part of Andy Pettitte’s HOF resume was achieved in the post-season and there was some PED-controversy surrounding Pettitte.  (Note: Pettitte admitted to using HGH while recovering from elbow surgery – a couple of years before the substance was banned.  He took responsibility and apologized.)

Pettitte holds the MLB post-season marks for most wins (19 … versus 11 losses), innings pitched (276 2/3), games started (44) and is fourth in strikeouts (183). His post-season accomplishments include a 3.81 career ERA and the 2001 American League Championship Series MVP Award.

Pettitte also was no slouch in the regular season. He finished with 256 wins (153 losses) and a 3.85 ERA. His 256 wins currently rank 43rd all-time and his 521 starts 42nd.  Pettitte won 20 games in two seasons and 14 or more games 12 times – leading the AL with 21 wins in 1996. The three-time All Star struck out 2,448 batters (46th all-time) in 2,316 innings.

Ready, Willing and Able …

Andy Pettitte started 30 or more games in a season 12 times, leading his league three times (1997, 2006, 2007).

Andy Pettitte’s Best Season: In 1997, following a 21-8 campaign in 1996, Pettitte went 18-7, with a 2.88 ERA (fourth-best in the AL), leading the league in starts with 35, finishing third in innings pitched (240 1/3) and eighth in strikeouts (166).

Pettitte’s post-season numbers, plus 256 regular-season victories and the fact that he had 100+ more career wins than losses secure BBRT’s vote. He has a long way to go with the BBWAA voters. The Roundtable thinks he deserves better and sees Pettitte as significantly underrated by BBWAA voters.

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Tired of reading? To cast your vote, click here.

 

—-THE REST OF THE SLATE—– 

 

So, with BBRT’s unofficial ballot covered, let’s look at the remainder of candidates – in alphabetical order.  Note: Here you will find a host of players with solid (but perhaps not HOF-level) career numbers and accomplishments – as well as a few that remain on the sidelines for other reasons.

Bobby Abreu – OF, 1996-2012, 2014 (Astros, Phillies, Yankees, Angels, Dodgers, Meets) … Sixth year on the ballot, 14.8 percent one year ago.

A solid .291 career hitter (2,470 base hits), Abreu hit .300 or better in six seasons. Bobby Abreu hit 20 or more round trippers in 10 campaigns, stole 20 or more bases 12 times (a high of 40 in 2004), drove in 100 or more runs eight times and scored at least 100 runs eight times.   Abreu also walked 1,476 times – including 100 or more free passes in eight straight seasons (1999-2006).

In the Top 50 … 

Bobby Abreu’s 1,476 walks are 20th all-time; his 574 doubles are 25th; his 3,733 putouts as a RF are 11th; and his 130 assists as a RF 28th. 

In 20 post-season games, Abreu went 19-for-67 (.284), with one home run and nine RBI.

Bobby Abreu’s Best Season: In 2004, as a Phillie, Abreu hit .301, with 30 home runs and 40 steals. An All Star that season, he also drove in 105 runs and scored 118.

Abreu’s 400 steals are an HOF plus, as are his 30-40 season in 2004 and his eight campaigns with 100 or more RBI.  Had he reached 300 home runs; it would have really boosted his status with the writers.  He’s also hurt by the fact that he only made two All Star teams in his 18 seasons. I expect to see Abreu back on the ballot for 2026.

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Mark Buehrle – LHP, 2000-15 (White Sox, Marlins, Blue Jays … Fifth year on the ballot, 8.3 percent last year.

Mark Buehrle pitched in 15 MLB campaigns and threw 200 or more innings in all but his rookie and final seasons. Buehrle was a five-time All Star and put up a 214-160, 3.81 record, with 1,870 strikeouts in 3,283 1/3 innings. He twice led his league in starts and twice topped his league in innings pitched. He won ten or more games in 15 consecutive seasons and six times won 15 or more.  Buehrle also earned four Gold Glove Awards.

Near-Perfect and Perfect

Mark Buehrle’s HOF resume is bolstered by a no-hitter tossed on April 18, 2007 – when his White Sox topped the Rangers 7-0 and Buehrle faced the minimum 27 batters.  The only Texas’ base runner came on a fifth inning, one-out walk to Sammy Sosa, whom Buehrle then picked off first base.  Buehrle notched eight strikeouts in the game, which was so-o-o very close to a “perfecto.”

Buehrle got his perfect game two years later (July 23, m 2009), when he recorded a clean slate in a 5-0 ChiSox win over the Rays.  He fanned six in that one.

Mark Buehrle’s Best Season:  In 2005, Buehrle went 16-8, 3.12 for the White Sox.

If he had 250 wins to go with the no-hitter, perfect game and four Gold Gloves, Buehrle would have had my vote.  With 214 wins, no Cy Young Award and no 20-win season, Buehrle appears short of what voters are looking for.

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Carlos Gonzalez – OF, 2008-19 (A’s, Rockies, Indians, Cubs) … First year on the ballot.

Carlos Gonzalez was a three-time All Star, three-time Gold Glover and the 2010 NL Batting Champion (.336 for the Rockies). Gonzalez hit over .300 in three seasons, had 25 or more homers in five (a high of 40 in 2015), twice drove in 100+ runs and stole 20 or more bases four times.  He also hit .412-1-2 in nine post season games.

His final stat line was .285-234-785, with 122 steals in 1,377.

Carlos “Gonzalez’ Best Season:  In 2010 (Rockies), Gonzalez led the NL in average .336 average, hits (197) and total bases (351). He had 34 home runs, 117 RBI, 111 runs scored and 26 steals.  He finished third in the MVP voting that season.

Some voters may “discount” Gonzalez’ numbers because he spent nearly all his career with the Rockies  (the “Mile High” factor).  I just thinks the numbers, while reflecting a very productive mB player, are a bit short.  If I was a BBWAA voter from Colorado, I would likely cast a ballot for this hometown hero.

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Curtis Granderson – OF, 2004-19 (Tigers, Yankees, Mets, Dodgers, Blue Jays, Brewers, Marlins) … First year on the ballot.

Curtis Granderson was a three-time All Star over his 16 MLB seasons. He led the league in runs once (four times topping 100 runs scored), triples twice (with a high of 23 in 2007), RBI once (twice driving in 100+ tallies).

His final stat line was .249-344-937, with 1,217 runs scored, 153 steals in 2,057 games. He finished in the league’s top ten in runs scored five times, triples six times, home runs twice and RBI twice.

Curtis Granderson’s Best Season: In 2011, Granderson hit .262 for the Yankees.  But don’t let that average fool you, he led the AL in RBI (119) and runs scored (135), hit ten triples, stole 25 bases and finished fourth in the MVP voting.

A better career average and a Gold Glove or two would have grabbed my attention.  Still, like every player on the ballot, Granderson had a solid career.

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Felix Hernandez – RHP, 2005-19 … (Mariners) … First year on the ballot.

Flex Hernandez was the 2010 American League Cy Young Award winner, when he went 13-12, with league-low ERA of 2.27 for the 61-101 Mariners. Over his 15-season MLB career, Hernandez was an All Star in six seasons and won the AL ERA title twice. He won 15 or more games in three seasons and had a .500 or better won-lost percentage in eleven. He finished the AL’s top ten in ERA six times, wins three times, WHIP five ties, complete games seven times, games started five times, strikeouts nine times and shutouts six times.

What A Perfect Day For A Ball Game

On August 15, 2012, Felix Hernandez pitched a perfect game in a 1-0 Mariners; win over the Rays (in Seattle). Hernandez fanned 12 batters in his 113-pitch perfect outing.

His final stat line was 169-136, 3.42, with 25 complete games and 11 shutouts in 419 appearances (418 starts). He fanned 2,524 (37th all time) batters in 2,729 2/3 innings. He finished in the top four in Cy Young Award balloting four times.

Felix Hernandez’ Best Season: In 2009, Hernandez tied for the AL lead in wins with 19 and led in winning percentage (.792, just five losses).  He put up a 2.49 earned run average (second in the AL) and fanned 217 batters (fourth in the AL) in 238 2/3 innings (third in the AL).

Hitting the 200-win mark would have greatly improved Hernandez’ chances.

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Adam Jones – OF, 2006-2019 (Marines, Orioles, Diamondbacks) … First year on the ballot.

Adam Jones was a premier defensive CF – four Gold Gloves. He led his league (among CF)  in putouts three times, assists three times and double plays twice.  As a hitter, Jones went .277-282-945, with 963 runs scored and 97 steals in 1,823 games. He topped 100 runs scored in two seasons, hit 25 or more homers in seven (a high of 33 in 2013) and drove in 100+ runs once. He was a five-time All Star – four years consecutive from 2012 through 2015. During that stretch, he won three Gold Gloves and averaged .281-30-92 per season.

Jones’ career stat line was .277-282-945, with 963 runs scored and 97 steals.

Adam Jones’ Best Season: In 2013 (Orioles), Jones hit .287, with career highs in homers (33) and RBI (108), while also earning a Gold Glove.

Another reliably solid performer among this year’s candidates, but for me the cumulative numbers fall snort. Still, a player I’d like in my everyday lineup. .

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Ian Kinsler – 2B, 2006-19 (Rangers, Tigers, Angels, Red Sox, Padres) – First year on the ballot.

Ian Kinsler was a four-time All Star in his 14-season MLB career. Over that span, he drove in 100 or more runs in four seasons, had forty or more doubles in three and hit 20 or more home runs in five (a high of 32 in 2011). He was also two -time Gold Glover. He finished in his league’s top ten in run scored seven times.

30-30 or Double Vision

Ian Kinsler had two 30-30 (HR/SB) seasons with the Rangers.  In 2009, he went .253-31-86, with 31 steals and, in 2011, he went .255-32-77, with 30 steals.

Kinsler played in 48 post-season games, hitting .274-4-23, with 22 runs scored and seven steals.

Kinsler’s career stat line was .269-257-909, with 1,243 runs scored and 243 steals in 1,888 games.

Ian Kinsler’s Best Season: In 2008, Kinsler hit a career-high .319, with 18 home runs, 71 RBI and 102 runs scored.

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Russell Martin – C, 2006-19 (Dodgers, Yankees, Pirates, Blue jays) – First year on the ballot.

Russell Martin was a four-time All Star and one-time Gold Glover. He had three seasons of 20 or more home runs (and double-digit homers in a total of 11 seasons) and two seasons in which he hit .290 or better.

His final stat line was .248-191-771, with 803 runs scored in 1,693 games.

Russell Martin’s Best Seasons: In 2007 (Dodgers) Martin hit .298 with 19 home runs and career-highs in hits (158), doubles (32), RBI (87) and runs scored (87).

Tapered off after a solid start (averaged .285-14-74 over  his first three seasons – .235-14-50 over his next 11.)

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Brian McCann – C, 2005-19 … (Braves, Yankees, Astros) … First year on the ballot.

Brian McCann was a backstop with power. In his 15 MLB seasons, he hit 20 or more home runs ten times. He also hit .300+ in two campaigns.  He was a seven-time All Star – including six consecutive (2006-2011) with the Braves. Over that six-season span, he hit .287, with 131 home runs and 514 RBI.

Brian McCann’s Best Season: In 2006, a 22-year-old McCann – in his first full MLB season – hit .333-24-93 in 130 games.

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Dustin Pedroia – 2B, 2006-19 (Red Sox) … First year on the ballot.

Dustin Pedroia was a four-time all-star in his 14 MLB seasons. He was also the AL Rookie of the Year in 2007 – when he went .317-8-50, with 86 runs scored. He got even better the next season, winning the 2008 AL Most Valuable Player Award – with a Gold Glove, a .326-17-83 season, a league-leading 118 runs scored and 20 steals. In the field, Pedroia was a four-time gold Glove winner. On offense, he hit .300+ in five seasons (.290 or better in a total of nine); scored 100+ runs four times; hit forty or more doubles three times; and had 200+ hits in two seasons.

Pedroia finished in the AL’s top ten five times each in runs, hits, doubles; and batting average. His career stat line was .299-140-725, with 922 runs and 138 stolen bases.

Dustin Pedroia’s Best Season: In his 2008 MVP season, Pedroia hit .326, with 17 home runs and 83 RB. He led the league in hits with 213, runs with 54 and doubles with 54.

The Rookie of the Year and MVP Awards plus the four Gold Gloves, should keep Pedroia on the ballot.  I was very close to pulling the lever on this one.

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Hanley Ramirez – 3B/SS/1B, 2005-19 (Red Sox, Marlines, Dodgers, Indians …  First time on the ballot.

Hanley Ramirez won the 2008 NL batting title, raking at a .342 pace for the Marlins. It was one of five seasons (in his 15 season MLB career) that he hit .300 or better. Ramirez also chalked up eight seasons of at least 20 home runs (a high of 33 in 2008); seven seasons of 20 or more stolen bases (including a high of 51 in 2006 & 2007); two 100+RBI campaigns; four seasons of 100+ runs (including a league-leading 125 in 2008) and four season of 35 or more doubles.

Hanley Ramirez was the NL Rookie of the Year in 2006, when the 22-year-old went .292-17-59, with 119 runs scored and 51 stolen bases.

Getting Off To A Good Start

In his first four full MLB seasons (2006-2010, Hanley Ramirez’ per-season average was .313, with 25 home runs, 78 RBI, 112 runs scored and 39 stolen bases.

Hanley Ramirez’ Best Season: in 2008 (Marlins), Ramirez put up a 30-30 season, going .301-33-67, with 35 steals.

Ramirez’ career stat line was .289-271-917, with 1,049 runs scored and 281 steals in 1,668 games.

Another very close call for me.

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Manny Ramirez – (Outfield, 1993-2011) … Ninth year on the ballot, 32.5 percent last year.

Manny Ramirez played 19 MLB seasons, collecting 2,574 hits (91st all-time), a .312 batting average, 555 home runs (15th all-time), 547 doubles (34th all-time) and 1,831 RBI (20th all-time). Ramirez was a 12-time All Star and led the AL in average (2002), home runs (2004) and RBI (1999) once each.  Ramirez won nine Silver Slugger Awards, including eight consecutive (1999-2006), hit .285 with 29 home runs in 111 post-season games and was the 2004 World Series MVP.  He hit 30 or more home runs in twelve seasons (five of 40+), scored 100 or more runs six times, hit .300 or better in 11 seasons and topped 100 RBI 12 times.

It’s Post Time …

Manny Ramirez’ 29 post-season home runs are first all-time, while his 78 post-season RBI rank second. In addition, he is the all-time post-season leader in walks (72, tied with Chipper Jones) and ranks fourth in post-season hits (117) and fourth runs scored (67).

Manny Ramirez’ Best Season: In 1999, with Cleveland, Ramirez hit .333, with 44 home runs and 165 RBI (14th-most in a season all-time) in 140 games.

Ramirez clearly put-up HOF-caliber numbers, but two PED-related suspensions continue to hurt his chances.  Ramirez does not seem to be gaining much traction.  In his first year on the ballot, he picked up 23.8 percent of the vote – and after eight years he is only at 32.5 percent.

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Fernando Rodney – RHP, 2002-19 (Tigers, Angels, Rays, Mariners, Cubs, Padres,  Marlins, Diamondbacks, Twins, A’s, Nationals) – First years on the ballot.

Fernando Rodney was a true “travelin’ man,” playing for 11 different MLB teams in 17 seasons. The reliever’s 951 appearances are 20^th all-time among MLB pitchers and his 327 saves are 19^th.  Rodney led his league in saves once and had seven seasons of 25 or more saves (with a high of 48 in 2012 and 2014).  From 2012 through 2014 Rodney average 44 saves per seasons.

Rodney’s career stat line was 48-71, 3.80, with 327 saves in 951 appearances. He fanned 943 batters in 933 innings pitched.

Fernando Rodney’s Best Season: In 2012 (Rays), Rodney appeared in 76 games and went 2-2, 0.60 with 48 saves. In 74 2/3 innings pitched, he fanned 76 and walked just 15. That season he finished fifth in the Cy Young Award voting.

On the edge, with too many deserving (and waiting) relievers ahead of him.

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Alex Rodriguez – SS/3B, 1994-2013, 2015-16 (Mariners, Rangers, Yankees … Fourth year  on the ballot, 34.8 percent last year.

Alex Rodriguez played 2,784 games over 22 MLB seasons.  He hit .295, with 3,115 hits (23rd all-time); 2,021 runs scored (eighth); 696 home runs (fifth) and 2,086 RBI (fourth).  He is also among MLB’s top 50 in total bases (seventh); doubles (33rd); walks (37th); and extra-base hits (seventh).

Rodriguez was a three-time league MVP, 14-time All Star and two-time Gold Glover.  He led his league in home runs five times and hit 30 or more long balls 14 times (with a high of 57 in 2002). He led his league in runs scored five times (with 100 or more in 13 seasons); led the league in RBI twice, (with 100 or more in 14 seasons and a high of 156 in 2007).  He also led the league in hits once; doubles once; average once (.358 in 1996); and total bases four times.

Alex Rodriguez’ Best Season:  So many to choose from here. Let’s go with his 2007 MVP season (Yankees), when he hit .314; led MLB in runs scored (143), home runs (54) and RBI (156); and led the AL in slugging percentage (.645) and total bases (376).

A-Rod’s numbers belong in the Hall, but I think his 2014 full-year PED-related suspension will keep him on the outside looking in for now.  To this point Rodriguez does not seem to be gaining much ground.  Last season his vote total dropped from 35.7% to 34.8% which indicates the voters are still not very forgiving.   When (or if) the PED dam finally cracks (most likely first through Era Committee voting), Rodriguez should find his way into the Hall.  Right now, he has seven years for the voters to change their minds.

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Jimmy Rollins – SS, 2000-2016 (Phillies, Dodgers, White Sox) … Fourth Year on the Ballot, 14.8 percent one year ago.

Jimmy Rollins was a three-time All Star, four-time Gold Glover and the 2007 NL MVP.  Over a 17-season MLB career, he hit .264-231-936, with 2,455 hits, 470 steals (46th all-time) and 1,421 runs scored (88th). He led the league in triples four times (topping double-digits in five seasons) and stolen bases once (reaching 30 or more in ten seasons). He also led the NL in runs scored once, and scored 100 or more runs in six campaigns. He ranks 46th all-time in putouts at shortstop, 20th in assists and 12th in double plays. He was truly an “everyday” player, appearing in 150 or more games in ten seasons.

20-20-20-20 Vision

Jimmy Rollins is one of just four MLB players with a 20-20-20-20 season (at least 20 doubles, 20 triples, 20 home runs and 20 steals). See his 2007 “best season” below for details. The others are Curtis Granderson (2007), Willie Mays (1957) and Frank Schulte (1911). 

Rollins’ career stat line was .264-231-936, with 1,421 runs and 470 steals in 2,275 games.

Jimmy Rollins’ Best Season:  In his 2007 MVP season, he hit .296 – with 212 hits, 38 doubles, a league-leading 20 triples, 30 home runs, 94 RBI, a league-leading 139 runs scored and 41 steals.

Rollins’ .264 average and the fact that he made only three All Star squads are negatives for the long haul in balloting.  That 20-20-20-20 season, his four Gold Gloves, 470 steals and 1,400+ runs scored should be enough to keep him on the ballot for some time going forward.

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Troy Tulowitzki – SS, 2006-17, 2019 …. (Rockies, Blue Jays, Yankees) … First year on the ballot.

Troy Tulowitzki was a five-time All Star and two-time Gold Glover. A middle infielder with power, Tulowitzki hit 20 or more home runs in seven seasons (a high of 32 in 2009).  While he only drove in 100+ runs once (2011), he topped 90 RBI in three additional campaigns. He also scored 100+ runs in wo seasons and hit .300 or better in four.

A Couple of Career Highlights

On April 29, 2007 Troy Tulowitzki turned an Unassisted Triple Play in the top of the seventh inning of his Rockies 9-7 win over the Braves (in Colorado). On August 10, 2009, Tulowitzki hit for the cycle in a Rockies 11-5 home win over the Cubs. He drove in seven runs in his five -for-five day.

Over his 13-season career, Tulowitzki hit .290-225-780, with 762 runs scored and 780 RBI.

Troy Tulowitzki’s Best Season: In 2011, Tulowitzki hit .302-30-105, made the All Star team and won a Gold Glove. The homers and RBI were career-highs. Tulowitzki needed to checkmark and landmark number (1,000 RBI or runs, 300 homers) to get my vote.

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Chase Utley – 2B, 2003-18 (Phillies, Dodgers) … Second year on the ballot, 28.8% last year.

Chase Utley went .275-259-1,025, with 1,103 runs scored over 16 MLB seasons (1,937 games). He collected 1,885 hits and stole 154 bases.

A Four-midable Middle Infielder

From 2006-2009, Chase Utley won the Silver Slugger Award as the NL’s best-hitting second basemen every year. Over that four-season span, he hit .303 and averaged 162 games, 30 homers, 115 runs scored and `100 RBI per season.

Utley was a six-time All Star and lead the NL in runs once and hit by pitch three times. He scored 100+ runs in four seasons, hit 30+ home runs in here, drove in 100+ runs four times and stole 15 or more bases in three times.

King of the World

Chase Utley shares the single World Series home run record with five (in the 2009 World Series).  Others holding a share of the record are Reggie Jackson (1977) and George Springer (2017). 

Utley started out on a Hall of Fame pace, with a .293 average, 177 home runs and 650 RBI over hit first eight MLB seasons.  Over his final eight seasons those numbers read .253-83-375. We’ll have to watch for a trend among voters.  Utley’s totals may depend on who else is on the ballot in any given year.

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Omar Vizquel – Shortstop/Third Base, 1989-2012 (Mariners, Indians, Giants, Rangers, White Sox, Blue Jays … Eighth year on the ballot, 17.7 percent last year.

Omar Vizquel got off to a good start toward a HOF plaque, grabbing 37 percent support on his first-ballot year, moving up to 42.8 percent in his second year and 52.6 in his third shot.  However, the four most recent ballots have dampened his outlook (he received just 17.7 percent in last year’s voting), perhaps related to off-field concerns.  Vizquel who won 11 Gold Gloves, also finished his 24-season MLB career just 123 hits short of that milestone 3,000 safeties.

Vizquel was a three-time All Star – and put together a string of nine straight Gold Gloves at shortstop (1993-2001).

Sacrificing for the Team

Omar Vizquel led his league in sacrifice bunts four times.

In the field, Vizquel has the highest career fielding percentage (.9847) among shortstops with at least 500 games at the position.  Vizquel is also the all-time leader among shortstops in double plays (1,734), ranks third at the position for career assists and 11th in putouts. He shares the record (with Cal Ripken, Jr.) for the fewest errors by a shortstop in a season of at least 150 games played (three).

On offense, Vizquel put up a serviceable .272 career average, with 80 home runs, 951 RBI and 1,445 runs scored. He also swiped 404 bases – topping twenty steals eight times (a high of 42 in 1999).

Omar Vizquel’s Best Season: In 1999, with the Indians, Vizquel hit a surprising .333, with five home runs, 66 RBI, 112 runs scored and 42 stolen bases – and, of course, won a Gold Glove at shortstop.

As noted, Vizquel’s chances for the Hall have been dampened by off-field issues.  (I’ll let readers look those up.)

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David Wright – 3B, 2004-16, 2018 (Mets) … Second year on the Ballot – 6.2% last year.

In 14 MLB seasons, David Wright hit a healthy .296, with 242 home runs, 970 RBI and 949 runs scored. He was a seven-time All Star and two-time Gold Glover. A fixture for the Mets, Wright hit 25+ home runs in five seasons (a high of 33 in 2008) and drove in 100+ runs in five campaigns. He combined speed with that power, stealing a total of 196 bases and swiping 20 or more bags in three seasons (a high of 34 in 2007.

30-30

  In 2007, David Wright hit .325, with 30 home runs and 34 steals.

In the field, Wright led NL third baseman in putouts three times, assists three times and double plays once.

Those seven All Star Selections will continue to  earn Wright some votes, but I think voters will expect more power from an HOF third baseman and the fact that he never led his league in any of the main offensive categories will also have an impact. Notably, Wright’s numbers would likely have been stronger if he had not had to deal with Spinal Stenosis during his career.

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Ben Zobrist – 2B/SS,/OF,  2006-19 … (Rays, A’s, Royals, Cubs) … First year on the ballot.

Ben Zobrist was a versatile player, who gave his managers many options. Over his 14 season MLB career, he appeared in at least 25 games at 2B (911), RF (466), SS (236), LF (223), CF (34) and 1B (27). A two-time Al Star, Zobrist hit 20 or more home runs in three seasons and twice drove in a career 91 runs in a campaign.

Over his career, Zobrist hit .266-167-768, with 884 runs scored and 116 steals.

Ben Zobrist’s Best Season:  In 2018 (Rays), Zobrist hit .297, with 27 home runs, 91 RBI, 91 runs scored and 17 steals. Those numbers mark his career-high in homers, second-best season average, career-high RBI, third-most runs scored, and third-most steals.

Love the versatility. Need more offense to get my vote.

Here’s another link to the 2025 Baseball Roundtable Fan Ballot ballot. To cast your vote, click here.

Primary Resources: BaseballHall.org; Baseball-Reference.com; Baseball-Almanac.com; MLB.com.

Baseball Roundtable – Blogging Baseball Since 2012.

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Time for another edition of Trivia(l) Tidbit Tuesday. I hope you are enjoying this weekly presentation of baseball occurrences that for some reason caught The Roundtable’s eye.  (I’m particularly fond of unexpected performances or statistical coincidences.) These won’t necessarily be momentous occurrences, just events, statistics or coincidences that grabbed my attention.

This week, we’ll take a look at the Kings of Swing – batters holding some of MLB’s strikeout records.

Let’s start with Hall of Fame southpaw Sandy Koufax, who proved to be a strikeout artist on the mound and in the batter’s bat. His mound exploits are well documented, four-times leading the league in strikeouts and three season of 300+ whiffs.

In the batter’s box, Koufax holds the MLB record for the striking out in the most consecutive plate appearances – 12 – and those dozen Koufax K’s came in his first 12 MLB plate appearances, (which, of course, give him the record for the most strikeouts to start an MLB career.)

They all came in his rookie season (1955) – when (as a 19-year-old) Koufax went 2-2, 3.02 on the mound in 12 appearances, (five starts). In that season, he also made 12 appearances in the batter’s box – fanning in each one. It went like this.

July 6 versus the Pirates

• Strikeout on an 0-2 pitch (missed bunt attempt);
• Strikeout on a 1-2 pitch (looking).

August 17 versus the Reds

• Strikeout on a 2-2 pitch (swinging);
• Strikeout on a 3-2 pitch (fouled off bunt attempt);
• Strikeout on an 0-2 pitch (swinging);
• Strikeout on a 1-2 pitch (looking).

      Note: Koufax pitched a two-hit shutout in this 7-0 Brooklyn win.

September 3 versus the Pirates

• Strikeout on a 2-2 pitch (looking);
• Strikeout on an 0-2 pitch (looking);
• Strikeout on a 1-2 pitch (swinging).

      Note: Koufax pitched 5-hit shutout in this 4-0 win).

September 11 versus the Reds

• Strikeout on a 1-2 pitch (looking);
• Strikeout on an 0-2 pitch (swinging).

September 15 versus the Cardinals

• Strikeout on a 2-2 pitch (looking).

Koufax broke the string in his first plate appearance the following season (June 3 versus the Cubs), when he drew a four-pitch walk (courtesy of the Cubs’ Russ Meyer).

Ove his career Koufax hit .097 (75 for 776), with 386 strikeouts in 858 plate appearances (45 percent), He, of course, was a bit better on the mound – as evidenced by his six All Star seasons, three Cy Young Awards and one MVP Award.

For those who like to know such things, the record for consecutive strikeouts in consecutive plate appearances by a position player is nine, shared by: Steve Balboni; Reggie Jackson; Bo Jackson; Yoan Moncada; Adolfo Phillips; Eric Davis and Mark Reynolds.

200+ Strikeouts in a Season

 The King of Swing

Mark Reynolds holds the record for the most strikeouts in an MLB season – 223 for the 2009 Diamondbacks.  Still, he had a solid offensive year, with a .260 average, 44 home runs and 102 RBI. Reynolds led the NL in strikeouts four consecutive seasons (2008-2011).  During that four-season span, he fanned 834 times – and hit .231, with 141 home runs and 370 RBI.

 

There have been 21 player seasons of 200 or more strikeouts (all since 2008).  A few tidbits:

• Mark Reynolds has the most such campaigns – three, with the Diamondbacks in 2008 (204); 2009 (223); 2010 (211);
• The first-ever 200-strikeout season belongs to Mark Reynolds (2008);
• Mark Reynolds also holds the record for the fewest games played in a 200-strikeout season (145 in 2010);
• Joey Gallo holds the record for the fewest plate appearances (577) and fewest at bats (498) in a 200-strikeout season (2021 … Rangers/Yankees);
• Players with two 200-strikeout seasons include Chris Carter, Chris Davis, Joey Gallo and Kyle Schwarber.

Aaron Judge 200K? Who’s Counting?

The best-ever 200+ strikeout season belong to the Yankees’ Aaron Judge, who (in 2017) led the AL with 208 strikeouts.  Among 200-strikeout seasons, he notched the highest batting average (.284); most home runs (a league-leading 52); most walks (a league-leading 127); most runs scored (a league-leading 128); most total bases (340); highest on-base percentage (.422); and highest slugging percentage (.627).  Only the Orioles’ Chris Davis breaks Judge’s monopoly on offensive contributions in a 200-strikeout season. Davis drove in 117 runs in his 2015 208-whiff campaigns (.262-47-117).

• No one struck out a higher percentage of the time in a 200-strikeout season than Chris Carter (Astros 2013) – 36.24 percent or his plate appearances in a 212-strikeout season. On the other end of the spectrum, Ezequiel Tovar of the Rockies fanned 28.77 of his plate appearances in his 2024 200-strikeout season.
• Three players hit under .200 in a 200-strikeout season: Kyle Schwarber (.197-47-104 in a 215-whiff season for the Phillies in 2023); Mark Reynolds (.198-32-85) in a 211-strikeout season for the Diamondbacks in 2010; and Joey Gallo (.199-37-77) in a 213-strikeout season for the Yankees/Rangers in 2021.
• The fewest walks in a 200-strikeout season were drawn by the Rockies’ Ezequiel Tovar (2024), when he fanned 200 times and walked just 23.
• 2018 and 2023 saw the most 200-strikeout seasons, with three batters reaching that magic number in each campaign.

Hitters With At Least 2,500 Career Strikeouts

Reggie Jackson – 2,597 (MLB career record)

Jackson played in 21 MLB seasons (1967-87) and went .262-563-1,702.  While he never had a 200-strikeout season, he did lead the league in strikeouts five times (four times consecutively … 1968-71). His high in strikeouts was 171 in 1968. Jackson fanned in 22.74 percent of his career place appearances.

Jim Thome -2,548

Thome played in 22 MLB seasons (1991-2012) and went .276-612-1,699. He never had a 200-strikeout season, but led the league in whiffs three times (a high of 185 in 2001.) Thome fanned in 24.71 percent of his career plate appearances.

 

Hall of Famer Jimmie Foxx’ highest strikeout total was 119 in 1938. In fact, he only fanned 100 or more times in two of 20 MLB seasons.  Yet, he led the league in strikeouts a record seven times. His final stat line – .325-534-1,922.

The most strikeouts by a batter in a game is six – “achieved eight times, always in an extra-inning contest. The most strikeouts in a nine-inning game is five, reached 104 times in the Modern Era (per Stathead.com).   Only two players have had three career five-whiff games – Javier Baez and Aaron Judge.

Primary Resources: Basebal-Reference.com; Baseball-Almanac.com.

 

Baseball Roundtable is on the Feedspot list of the Top 100 Baseball Blogs.  To see the full list, click here.

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