Mickey Mantle: The Greatest Switch Hitter in MLB History

When it comes to discussing the greatest switch hitters in Major League Baseball (MLB) history, the conversation often revolves around defining the players with the most superior batting skills from both the right and left sides. There are several candidates to consider based on career statistics, but one name stands out prominently: Mickey Mantle. This article explores the history and statistics that support the claim that Mickey Mantle is indeed the greatest switch hitter ever to have played in MLB.

The Question of Greatest Switch Hitter

There are two primary ways to interpret the question of who is the greatest switch hitter in baseball history:

Who was the best hitter in MLB history who routinely switch hit? Who was the best hitter from his weaker side?

Based on career oWAR (on-base plus slugging weighted runs) and career OPS (on-base plus slugging), several players stand out in the top ten. Notably, Mickey Mantle dominates this ranking, followed closely by Roger Connor and Chipper Jones. However, when specifically analyzing the best hitters from their weaker sides, Mickey Mantle's performance from his left-handed side is unmatched, with a higher OPS than any other switch hitter from the stronger side. This makes the argument for Mantle's supremacy as the greatest switch hitter even more compelling.

A Detailed Comparison

Contrasting with the traditional classification, the table below lists the top ten candidates based on career oWAR and career OPS:

Player oWAR Career OPS Mickey Mantle 90 173 Roger Connor 58 167 Chipper Jones 54 159 Pete Rose 48 156 Eddie Murray 51 160 ... (other players) ... ...

From this detailed comparison, it is clear that Mickey Mantle easily stands out, with an oWAR of 90 and a career OPS of 173. These statistics indicate that Mantle was not just a great switch hitter, but perhaps the greatest of all time.

Polemic Support and Personal Traits

A survey by The Society For American Baseball Research (SABR) further cements Mickey Mantle's legacy. According to the survey:

Mickey Mantle was ranked as the 1st switch-hitter by 215 out of 302 researchers who cast a ballot. Pete Rose came in second.

In addition to his exceptional batting skills, Mantle's personal life and social circles contributed to his reputation. During the mid-1950s, while he was out of town with the Yankees, he was regularly seen at Mantle's Restaurant on Central Park South. His involvement with celebrities like Marilyn Monroe and Angie Dickinson also adds a layer of personal charm to his legendary status.

Conclusion

In summary, there is a strong consensus among baseball historians and researchers that Mickey Mantle is the greatest switch hitter in MLB history. His unparalleled performance from both sides of the plate, combined with his personal charm and impact on the game, solidifies his position at the top of this list. The statistics, surveys, and cultural impact all align to paint a picture of a truly exceptional player.