STATS CORNER
Some baseball fans are convinced certain players hit better in clutch situations than normally. Most analytics tell us this is not true, and there is not much evidence that clutch hitting is a genuine ability some players have. And getting people to agree on what defines a clutch situation is difficult. With all that in mind, let’s take a look at one clutch situation, atbats that come with two out and runners in scoring position. Who were the best hitters in those situations (minimum 300 plate appearances in that situation since 1950, which is the earliest most places can find reliable numbers for those at-bats)?
1. Nolan Arenado (2013-current), .334 2. Mickey Vernon, (1950-60), .329 3. Joe Mauer (2004-18), .321 4. Tony Gwynn (1982-2001), .321 5. Mookie Betts (2014-current), .320 6. Roberto Clemente (1955-72), .319 7. Don Mueller (1950-58), .318 8. Ted Kluszewski (1950-61), .314 9. Starling Marte (2012-current), .312 10. Carl Furillo (1950-60), .3114 11. Michael Young (2000-13), .3113 12. Paul Goldschmidt (2011-current), .3108 13. Rod Carew (1967-95), .3107 14. Freddy Sanchez (2002-11), .3102 15. Manny Ramirez (1993-2011), .309
and the worst: 1. Luis Valbuena (2008-18), .146 2. Chad Kreuter (1988-2003), .156 3. Ken Phelps (1980-90), .160 4. Danny Espinosa (2010-17), .168 5. Johnnie LeMaster (1975-87), .169
Top Dodgers
1. Mike Piazza (1992-98), .318 2. Carl Furillo (1950-60), .311 3. Steve Garvey (1970-82), .295 4. Ron Fairly (1958-69), .293 5. Adrian Gonzalez (2012-17), .287 6. Tommy Davis (1960-68), .2864 7. Manny Mota (1969-80), .2862 8. Duke Snider (1950-62), .285 9. Steve Sax (1981-88), .279 10. Roy Campanella (1950-57), .278
and the worst: 1. Steve Yeager (1972-85), .190 2. Yasiel Puig (2013-18), .215 3. Frank Howard (1958-64), .217 4. John Roseboro (1957-67), .222 5. Gil Hodges (1950-61), .225
Top Angels
1. Torii Hunter (2008-12), .298 2. Vladimir Guerrero (2004-09), .296 3. Garret Anderson (1994-2008), .287 4. Bengie Molina (1998-2005), .280 5. Maicer Izturis (2005-12), .276 6. Howie Kendrick (2006-14), .2718 7. Chone Figgins (2002-09), .2717 8. Chili Davis (1988-96), .268 9. Tim Salmon (1992-2006), .267 10. Mike Trout (2011-current), .266
and the worst: 1. Jack Howell (1985-97), .203 2. Bobby Knoop (1964-69), .205 3. Bob Boone (1982-88), .214 4. Reggie Jackson (1982-86), .2146 5. Dick Schofield (1983-92, 95-96), .215