Walks Have Decreased in 2007
AL and NL Bases on Balls Were Below Average This Past Season
Contrary to statements made by the media, hitters today are NOT walking more than ever. The rate at which batters walk has been fairly consistent throughout baseball history. An examination of some key seasons demonstrates that batters walk slightly less than they did in some other baseball eras.
Fewer Walks in 2007 Than From 1901-2006
The Red Sox and Yankees have reputations as teams whose batters work the pitchers, take pitches, and get many walks. The first two descriptions may be true, but the latter statement is misleading. In 2007, the Red Sox led the league with 689 walks, or 4.25 walks a game, which is outstanding, but American League teams averaged 3.3 walks a game, which is below the average since 1901, which is 3.7 walks per game. The Phillies led the National League with 641 walks, or about 4.0 walks a game. National League teams averaged 3.3 walks a game, which is less than the 3.4 average since 1901. Since 2000, American League teams have averaged 3.3 walks and National League teams 3.4 walks a game. From 1990-1999, AL teams walked an average of 3.6 times a game and NL teams walked an average of 3.3 times a game.
1949 Was the Year of the Walk
In 1949, American League teams averaged 4.6 walks a game, which is the most in history. The Red Sox walked 835 times, for an incredible average of 5.4 walks a game. Ted Williams led the league with 162 walks, followed by Eddie Joost’s 149, Ferris Fain’s 136, Luke Appling’s 121 and Elmer Valo’s 119. National League teams averaged 3.6 walks a game, which is the second highest total in league history. Ralph Kiner led the league with 117 walks, which was one more than PeeWee Reese’s 116. Eddie Stanky walked 113 times and Stan Musial drew 107 walks. In 2007, David Ortiz’ 111 walks led the American League while Barry led the senior circuit with 132 walks.
Batters Do Not Try to Walk
Hitters today are aggressive. They try to get ahead in the count, but they do not try to walk. Managers want the three-run home run but do not encourage batters to take 3-1 pitches in order to get on base to set up a two or three-run home run. Managers want hitters to swing at the 3-1 pitch, hoping for an extra base hit, which was not the case before the days of Earl Weaver.
Earned Walks
Sluggers are walked out of fear, which has been true since the days of Babe Ruth, but in the past, hitters such as Ted Williams, Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Hank Greenberg, Jimmy Foxx, Ralph Kiner, and Mickey Mantle were willing to take a walk. Lesser hitters such as Eddie Yost, Eddie Stanky, and Eddie Joost went to the plate trying to walk. They took pitches and made the pitcher work and earned their walks because they were not home threats.
Great Lead Off Hitters But Not Many Walks
Today, most lead off hitters don’t go to the plate looking for a walk. Jimmy Rollins, probably the 2007 National League MVP, drew only 49 walks in 716 at bats. Alfonso Soriano walked 31 times. The Mets’ Jose Reyes did better, walking 71 times in 681 at bats. Curtis Granderson had a great season, hitting 39 doubles, 23 triples, and 23 home runs, but he walked only 52 times.
They Don't Walk More Than in the Past
It is NOT being claimed that Rollins, Soriano, Reyes, Granderson, etc. would help their teams more if they drew more walks. Each of their teams has different offensive needs and Rollins, Soriano, Reyes, and Granderson are among the best players in the game. But it IS being claimed that those who state today’s players walk more than players in the past and attempt to get a base on balls are wrong. That’s all.
Reference:
http://www.baseball-reference.com/
