The Worst Batters in Major League Baseball History

Major League Baseball (MLB) has seen some incredibly successful players, but every now and then, there are those who are quite the opposite. This article takes a look at some of the worst batters in MLB history, from hitless at-bats to excessive wild pitches. We'll explore iconic moments and statistics that defy belief.

Don Carman: The Statistical Anomaly

One of the most statistically terrible batters in MLB history is Don Carman, a former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher. In his 12 at-bats, Carman managed a career batting average of just 0.057. This statistic is even more alarming when considering that he started with 48 consecutive strike outs. It's a reminder that staying in the game for long periods can expose even the most talented athletes to their weaknesses.

Tommy Lasorda, the legendary Los Angeles Dodgers manager, was once quoted about Carman: 'I certainly wouldn’t make him throw at a [expletive].130 hitter like Lefebvre or [expletive] Bevacqua who couldn’t hit water if he fell out of a [expletive] boat'. This statement highlights the terror that a pitcher feels when facing such a hitter.

Mario Mendoza and the Mendoza Line

Mario Mendoza, another infamous batter, received infamy on a different note. This player hit below a .200 average in five out of nine seasons, leading to the establishment of the ‘Mendoza Line’. This term is used to describe the performance level that players must meet to maintain their starting position in the batting lineup. Mendoza's career serves as a cautionary tale for outfielders and managers.

Wild Pitchers: Excess and Chaos

While the batting aspect of MLB is crucial, it's important to mention the other side of the game: pitching. Pitchers like Tony Mullane have hold the record for an astonishing 343 wild pitches from 1881 to 1894. However, these numbers are relative to the era, as each pitcher suffers from the challenges of his time.

An interesting list of pitchers who had an excessive number of wild pitches includes:

Nolan Ryan (277 wild pitches in his career) Red Ames (156 wild pitches in his career) Jack Morris (206 wild pitches in his career)

These statistics are a testament to the sheer chaos a pitcher can face during their tenure. However, it's also important to consider the context. For instance, when Jimmy McAleer—an average centerfielder—pitched a single game with the historic wild pitch record, it becomes clear how these statistics really hit home.

Conclusion

The best and worst in any sport can provide us with amazing stories and contrasting lessons. From Don Carman's historical hitless streak to Mario Mendoza's infamous batting records, these players have left their mark on baseball history in ways that are unforgettable. Their stories remind us that even the best athletes have their moments of failure, and these moments are precisely what make the game truly special.