Joe Mauer Batting Title tracker

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Only two catchers have ever won batting titles in major league history.

Ernie Lombardi
-1938 (Cincinnati)
-1942 (Boston)

Bubbles Hargrave
-1926 (Cincinnati)


as of 6/08/06:

1. Joe Mauer .379
2. Ichiro .362
3. A. Rios .350

[Jake83]

Mauer when he retires will be known as one of the greatest MLB catcher of all time-Right that down everyone (Unless injuries derail him)

Too bad this guy is stuck in Minnesota rotting away

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Mauer when he retires will be known as one of the greatest MLB catcher of all time-Right that down everyone (Unless injuries derail him)

Too bad this guy is stuck in Minnesota rotting away
I don't think the Twins fans feel he is "rotting" away. :crazy

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Mauer when he retires will be known as one of the greatest MLB catcher of all time-Right that down everyone (Unless injuries derail him)

Too bad this guy is stuck in Minnesota rotting away
Perhaps. But tall catchers do not have a good track record, historically. :o

[Jake83]

I don't think the Twins fans feel he is "rotting" away. :crazy


If this guy was in LA or NY he would be the face of baseball.....

[Honus Wagner Rules]

If this guy was in LA or NY he would be the face of baseball.....
Kirby Puckett was a pretty well known player as a Twin. With today's cable TV and the Internet, there are no more "hidden" baseball stars. Most knowledgeable baseball fans know how good Mauer is.

[Jake83]

If Mauer hits 360 this year he all ready should crack Top 50 catchers list

[Jake83]

Kirby Puckett was a pretty well known player as a Twin. With today's cable TV and the Internet, there are no more "hidden" baseball stars. Most knowledgeable baseball fans know how good Mauer is.


There are always hidden stars in baseball that the majority of the casual fans have no idea about because of channels like ESPN. A player like Matt Holiday is all most unknown but he may be one of the best young outfielders in baseball

[Honus Wagner Rules]

There are always hidden stars in baseball that the majority of the casual fans have no idea about because of channels like ESPN. A player like Matt Holiday is all most unknown but he may be one of the best young outfielders in baseball
So a player is only a "star" if the casual fan knows about him?

[Jake83]

So a player is only a "star" if the casual fan knows about him?

headliner: a performer who receives prominent billing

Someone who the casual fans wants to go see when the player comes to town.

[Honus Wagner Rules]

headliner: a performer who receives prominent billing

Someone who the casual fans wants to go see when the player comes to town.
Well, since Mauer is probably the Twins best position player I 'm sure he gets some top billing on the road. When I think of the Twins I immediately think Mauer and Johan Santana.

[Jake83]

Well, since Mauer is probably the Twins best position player I 'm sure he gets some top billing on the road. When I think of the Twins I immediately think Mauer and Johan Santana.


You are far from a casual baseball fan so you know who plays for the Twins. Tori Hunter is probably most popular Twins player.....Because of his catch in the 2002 All Star game off Bonds.

[Jake83]

Catcher AL as of June 6
1. Jason Varitek, Red Sox 448,894
2. Ivan Rodriguez, Tigers 398,852
3. Jorge Posada, Yankees 337,969
4. A.J. Pierzynski, White Sox 256,308
5. Victor Martinez, Indians 256,148

Not even in the Top 5

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Catcher AL as of June 6
1. Jason Varitek, Red Sox 448,894
2. Ivan Rodriguez, Tigers 398,852
3. Jorge Posada, Yankees 337,969
4. A.J. Pierzynski, White Sox 256,308
5. Victor Martinez, Indians 256,148

Not even in the Top 5
That doesn't mean fan don't know him. Fans just don't care. They just vote for their hometown players. :grouchy

[Reed Johnson]

Go Rios!! Stop Mauer from winning.

[Astro]

Mauer wont remain a catcher for his entire career... he wont be catching ballgames at this time in 3 or 4 years

[MyDogSparty]

Mauer wont remain a catcher for his entire career... he wont be catching ballgames at this time in 3 or 4 years

I'm curious as to which position you think he'll be playing.

[Appling]

Any player who stays at catcher certainly sacrifices longevity. Tough on the legs, destroys speed, hands injured by foul tips. I am amazed that great hitting catchers like Ivan Rodriguez or Mike Piazza have not already moved to another position (first base or DH).

Joe Torre had his best hitting years after he moved from catcher to 3B. Yogi Berra extended his career by playing outfield. I expect Joe Mauer to take another position when injuries keep his bat out of the lineup.

BTW: how good a catcher is Joe Mauer? (as a fielder)

[Astro]

I'm curious as to which position you think he'll be playing.
1st base, with Morneau DH'ing

[Edgartohof]

Now I know that Mauer is good, but how much is he stretching it right now, batting .386 I believe, through 63 games so far? Or do you think so at all? How long do you think he can keep it up - for the whole season, or will he suddenly collapse? I mean, when looking at Piazza's '97 season, where he hit .362, he was hitting .365 through 63 games, and had a high that season of .369 the next day, and while that alone is amazing, it is still dwarfed by the .386 BA of Mauer - though Piazza did have power as another facet of his game, while Mauer is touting only 5 HR's so far this year.

Mauer hit .308 over 35 games in 2004, and a very solid .294 over 131 games last season, but .386 through more than a third of this season! If he can keep this up, with decent work defensively, this could be one of the greatest seasons ever by a catcher!

[Jake83]

Mauer hit .308 over 35 games in 2004, and a very solid .294 over 131 games last season, but .386 through more than a third of this season! If he can keep this up, with decent work defensively, this could be one of the greatest seasons ever by a catcher!


No one is taking about it is what I am so surprise about. Mauer should be in LA or NY with his talent

[Edgartohof]

No one is taking about it is what I am so surprise about. Mauer should be in LA or NY with his talent

Why? Do you think only big market teams deserve great talent?

[Jake83]

Why? Do you think only big market teams deserve great talent?


Yes and No. Yes, So these players can get the credit they deserve and No because I wish that wasn't true and someone can play in Tampa Bay and get the same credit as let say he was a Cub

[Edgartohof]

Yes and No. Yes, So these players can get the credit they deserve and No because I wish that wasn't true and somewhere can play in Tampa Bay and get the same credit as let say he was a Cub

I see what you are saying, but at the moment, he is getting his fair share of attention (as anyone hitting .386 would be). When he's hot, they'll give him all the attention he deserves, the problem with the smaller market teams is that their players do not get a lot of attention when they are not hot. So when Mauer is only hitting .310, they'll forget him. But who cares about the media. At least we here on BBF know about him - and are amazed by what he is doing.

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Yes and No. Yes, So these players can get the credit they deserve and No because I wish that wasn't true and someone can play in Tampa Bay and get the same credit as let say he was a Cub
Ever hear of Stan Musial? He used to wear some red uniform I think...

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Through 6/9/06:

1. Mauer .384
2. Ichiro .364
3. A. Rios .349

[Honus Wagner Rules]

I believe my list is correct. If you find any mssing names please let me know. These are all the .340+ BAs by catchers I could find.

Best single seasons BAs by catchers:

1. Bill Dickey .3617 (1936)
2. Mike Piazza .3615 (1997)
3. Chief Myers .358 (1912)
4. Mickey Cochrane .357 (1930)
5. Gabby Hartnett .354 (1937)
6. Bubbles Hargave .353 (1926)
7. Spud Davis .3494 (1933)
8. Mickey Cochrane .3485 (1931)
8. Elston Howard .3475 (1961)
10. Earl Smith .34589 (1926)
11. Johnny Bassler .34564 (1924)
12. Mike Piazza .34562 (1995)
13. Gabby Hartnett .344 (1935)
14. Ernie Lombardi .343 (1935)
15. Ernie Lombardi .342 (1938)


Special Mention:

Smokey Burgess .368 (1954-108 games)
Bill Dickey .351 (1943-85 games)
I. Rodriguez .347 (2000-91 games)
Buck Ewing .344 (1893)

[Outta Here]

I would like 2 use my 100th Post to say:

GO JOE MAUER!!! :clapping :gt

U r great & I hope u win the Batting Title, but leave Minnesota & go 2 a better team (sorry Twin fans) :D

[Appling]

I would like 2 use my 100th Post to say:

GO JOE MAUER!!! :clapping :gt

U r great & I hope u win the Batting Title, but leave Minnesota & go 2 a better team (sorry Twin fans) :D
Isn't Joe Mauer from Minnesota? He probably likes it there!

I think he went to the same high school as Dave Winfield and/or Paul Molitor.

Has any high school sent three players to the Hall of Fame?

[lostzuli]

I watched J Mauer lead Cretin-Derham Hall's Football team when he was considered the best football prospect in the entire country, and he was slated to get a full ride at Florida St., but opted for baseball instead. He struck out once, JUST ONCE, in his entire highschool baseball career (not including highschool all-star appearences). This kid could have gone the route of all time greatest quarterback ever, but instead chose the good life calling games behind the plate.
He will go down in history as the greatest catcher ever to play the game, even if yankees fans and red sox fans don't realize this kid is even playing, just because he's not on ESPN every week.
The Twins, as horrible* as they are :gt , still have a knack for finding great talent, and Mauer is living his childhood dream playing for his hometown team. To hate someone on a unsuccessful team just because the team gets no press, well then you'd have to start hating Derek Lee, or Jason Bay, or Ichiro, or Jonny Gomes, or whoever. The people who LOVE BASEBALL, will not forget Mauer when it is his turn to get respect.

Remember, he's only 22. (Brian McCann is hitting .363 for the Braves right now, he's 22, he's also a catcher, even though his name isn't Posada or Varitek. These kids are GOOD, and they will be for a long, long time.)

P.S. Mauer does a bit in an ad for the Twins where he pulls a Mean Joe, but instead of giving the kid his jersey, he gives the kid his sideburns. Joe Mauer's sideburns for Congress!!!

[Yankee Legend]

but leave Minnesota & go 2 a better team (sorry Twin fans) :D

You mean like the Yankees??? :D

[Jake83]

You mean like the Yankees??? :D
No the Dodgers

[baseball junkie]

NL Batting Champ: Brian McCann
AL Batting Champ: Joe Mauer
Result: Apocalypse!

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Through 6/11/06:

1. Mauer .386
2. Ichiro .366
3. A. Rios .338

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Through 6/13/06:

1. Mauer .381
2. Ichiro .364
3. A. Rios .341

[csh19792001]

Through 6/13/06:

1. Mauer .381
2. Ichiro .364
3. A. Rios .341

Through the end of the year:
1. Ichiro
(Everyone else eating his dust)

:o

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Through the end of the year:
1. Ichiro
(Everyone else eating his dust)

:o
Through 6/18/06:

1. Mauer .380
2. Ichiro .365
3. Matthews, Jr. .344

[csh19792001]

Through 6/18/06:

1. Mauer .380
2. Ichiro .365
3. Matthews, Jr. .344

You wanna bet on how long this'll hold?

Seriously.

[iPod]

No the Dodgers

The Dodgers were in this group 20 years ago, but not now. Nomar is arguably the best 1st baseman in the league, but he's 4th in all-star voting, behind Albert Pujols who plays in the midwest, Carlos Delgado who made a name for himself playing in Canada, and Ryan Howard who plays in Pennsylvania and is in his second year in the league.

At second base, Jeff Kent, probably the biggest star name amongst NL 2nd basemen, is 5th behind Chase Utley (Philadelphia), Craig Biggio (Houston), Jose Castillo (Pittsburgh), and Marcus Giles (Atlanta).

In fact, Dodgers fans aren't on pace to send a single one of their position players to Pittsburgh this July. J.D. Drew is behind So Taguchi, for God's sake.

http://cbs.sportsline.com/mlb/allstar/voting

[Honus Wagner Rules]

You wanna bet on how long this'll hold?

Seriously.
My only interest in this batting race is to see if a cather can win the batting title. It's only happened three times in major league history.

[Reed Johnson]

Mauer is 10 points up on Suzuki and now with Rios out of contention I would like Mauer to win it. Lets go Mauer!!!

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Through 6/22/06

1. Mauer .375
2. Ichiro .361
3. Matthews, Jr. .341

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Through 6/25/06:

1. Mauer .368
2. Ichiro .359
3. Jeter .336

[jarakaki14]

talkin about young talent that you don't know about... there is yet another young stud on the twins team ... Francisco Liriano... he is pretty good look at his stats.

[Captain Cold Nose]

talkin about young talent that you don't know about... there is yet another young stud on the twins team ... Francisco Liriano... he is pretty good look at his stats.
We know about him here.

[jarakaki14]

We know about him here.
yes i knew you all would know about him i was just reffering to the general baseball fan when i said that and it upsets me not many people know about such a great young player, especially when the redsox closer is gettin all the face time when in my opinion liriano is havin the better year;)

[deaconspoint]

Hitting aside, what are your favorite aspects of Mauer's game? I watched him the other day and he just seemed so solid behind the plate. You have to give a lot of credit to his pitcher for hitting his spots, but he was just righ there with the glove almost every time. If he did get crossed up it sure didn't look like it. Made it look easy. JMO

[jarakaki14]

i think mauer is already one of the best defensive catchers in the game at his young age and he is proving himself as an offensive threat this year. would love to have him on m team in front of any catcher in the league.

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Through 6/26/06:

1. Mauer .377 (goes 4/5, HR, triple, 5 RBI!!! :eek: )
2. Ichiro .359
3. Jeter .335

[Appling]

Through 6/26/06:

1. Mauer .377 (goes 4/5, HR, triple, 5 RBI!!! :eek: )

Actually, there were no homeruns by either team in that June 26 game.
Mauer had four hits (two singles, a double and a triple) with five RBI -- but once again the bum failed to hit a home run.

[Argyle]

6/27/06

5 for 5, 1 run, 1 rbi

Mauer .389
Ichiro .357

[Appling]

6/27/06

5 for 5, 1 run, 1 rbi

Mauer .389

:grouchy
But not a single extra-base hit! Where's the "pop"?

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Through 6/27/06:

1. Mauer .389 (5/5! :eek: )
2. Ichiro .357
3. Jeter .333

Two days ago Mauer had a nine point lead on Ichiro. Now, it's a 32 point lead. Wow!

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Mauer went 2/3, double, 2 R against the Dodgers today. He is now up to .392! He is just two hits short of .400!!! :crazy

[Gamingboy]

.392 average

Just to compare from some other great hitting seasons up to June 29th:

Tony Gwynn 1994 (ended with a .3938 avg): .389 avg
George Brett 1980 (ended with a .3898 avg): .337 avg
Rodd Carew 1977 (ended with a .388 avg): .411 avg


Okay, so, Joe Mauer currently has a higher batting average through June 29th then 2 of the 3 best batting averages since 1974.



I know it's way way way to early to say this, and that there is close to
no chance of him getting to .400, but I wanted to use this joke:

If I were Ted Williams right now, my cryogentic chamber would be getting a bit foggy from me sweating.

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Through 6/28/06:

1. Mauer .392
2. Ichiro .358
3. Jeter .331

[Honus Wagner Rules]

.392 average

Just to compare from some other great hitting seasons up to June 29th:

Tony Gwynn 1994 (ended with a .3938 avg): .389 avg
George Brett 1980 (ended with a .3898 avg): .337 avg
Rodd Carew 1977 (ended with a .388 avg): .411 avg


Okay, so, Joe Mauer currently has a higher batting average through June 29th then 2 of the 3 best batting averages since 1974.



I know it's way way way to early to say this, and that there is close to
no chance of him getting to .400, but I wanted to use this joke:

If I were Ted Williams right now, my cryogentic chamber would be getting a bit foggy from me sweating.
George Brett didn't even reach .400 until August 17th. He did it backwards and the hard way starting slow and getting really hot later in the season.

[RedSoxVT92]

Joe Mauer is very impresive. The weird thing is that he is batting .392 and is only 3rd in all star voting at catcher. I know I want V-Tek to make it but Mauer deserves is more. At least he will probably end up being a back up in the all star game.

I hope Mauer ends up winning the batting title.

[Imapotato]

With the way the Twins pitchers are throwing...the heck with the All Star Game...Mauer should be MVP

[Honus Wagner Rules]

I'm reposting this:

Best single seasons BAs by catchers:

Joe Mauer .392 (2006)
1. Bill Dickey .3617 (1936)
2. Mike Piazza .3615 (1997)
3. Chief Myers .358 (1912)
4. Mickey Cochrane .357 (1930)
5. Gabby Hartnett .354 (1937)
6. Bubbles Hargave .353 (1926)
7. Spud Davis .3494 (1933)
8. Mickey Cochrane .3485 (1931)
8. Elston Howard .3475 (1961)
10. Earl Smith .34589 (1926)
11. Johnny Bassler .34564 (1924)
12. Mike Piazza .34562 (1995)
13. Gabby Hartnett .344 (1935)
14. Ernie Lombardi .343 (1935)
15. Ernie Lombardi .342 (1938)


Special Mention:

Smokey Burgess .368 (1954-108 games)
Bill Dickey .351 (1943-85 games)
I. Rodriguez .347 (2000-91 games)
Buck Ewing .344 (1893)

[RogersMaris]

I'm reposting this:

Best single seasons BAs by catchers:

Joe Mauer .392 (2006)
1. Bill Dickey .3617 (1936)
2. Mike Piazza .3615 (1997)
3. Chief Myers .358 (1912)
4. Mickey Cochrane .357 (1930)
5. Gabby Hartnett .354 (1937)
6. Bubbles Hargave .353 (1926)
7. Spud Davis .3494 (1933)
8. Mickey Cochrane .3485 (1931)
8. Elston Howard .3475 (1961)
10. Earl Smith .34589 (1926)
11. Johnny Bassler .34564 (1924)
12. Mike Piazza .34562 (1995)
13. Gabby Hartnett .344 (1935)
14. Ernie Lombardi .343 (1935)
15. Ernie Lombardi .342 (1938)


Special Mention:

Smokey Burgess .368 (1954-108 games)
Bill Dickey .351 (1943-85 games)
I. Rodriguez .347 (2000-91 games)
Buck Ewing .344 (1893)

Where do you get this kind of information by position? Do you have records for games played/hits/homers/all stats by position too?

[G-String Blues]

Where do you get this kind of information by position? Do you have records for games played/hits/homers/all stats by position too?
www.retrosheet.org

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Where do you get this kind of information by position? Do you have records for games played/hits/homers/all stats by position too?
I started with the New Bill James Historical Baseball Abstract and went through the top 100 catchers. I looked for catchers that had high career BAs for catchers and checked their seasonal stats on baseball-reference.com. I started my search with all the great catchers in baseball history then went from there.

[Gamingboy]

It'll only be a matter of time I think until a Minnesota artist makes the song "Jolting Joe Mauer-o".

[Appling]

Joe Mauer is very impresive. The weird thing is that he is batting .392 and is only 3rd in all star voting at catcher. I know I want V-Tek to make it but Mauer deserves is more. At least he will probably end up being a back up in the all star game.

I hope Mauer ends up winning the batting title.
Wasn't Ivan Rodriguez voted the starting AL catcher for the ASG?
He is having a good year too, if he gets any credit for the great Tigers pitching this year. But young Joey Mauer is a man for the ages. Just stay healthy!

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Through 7/05/06:

Mauer .391
2. Ichiro .355
3. Jeter .341

Mauer's lead: 36 points

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Wasn't Ivan Rodriguez voted the starting AL catcher for the ASG?
He is having a good year too, if he gets any credit for the great Tigers pitching this year. But young Joey Mauer is a man for the ages. Just stay healthy!
Baseball fans that voted for I-Rod are stupid. :grouchy

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Through 7/6/06:

1.Mauer .391
2. Ichiro .351
3. Jeter .348

Mauer's lead: 40 points

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Through 7/9/06:

1.Mauer .378
2. Jeter .345
3. Ichiro .343
Mauer's points lead: 33

[GiambiJuice]

Mauer will not win the batting title this season. There, I said it.

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Mauer will not win the batting title this season. There, I said it.
OK?! :o :rolleyes:

[plask_stirlac]

Okay, does anyone know who Kevin Garnett is? How about Mariners/former M's such as Ichiro and Ken Griffey, Jr.?

I wonder how much the Dodgers would have to give up for Mauer after that series, lol. Have fun with Toby Hall and the rookie.

Mauer is ridiculous. He might be 6'6" like some have said, and appeared next to 6'3" AJ. So he's a catcher, bigger than Pujols, Konerko, etc. and could be an incredible DH (.559, 8 doubles in 9 games).

BTW: how good a catcher is Joe Mauer? (as a fielder)

Excellent. It'll be a GG race between he and Pudge.

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Through 7/17/06:

1. Mauer .375
2. Jeter .343
3. Ichiro .340

Mauer's points lead: 32

Plate Appearances: 344

[Appling]

Mauer will not win the batting title this season. There, I said it.
In my mind, there is little doubt he will win the AL batting crown -- if he stays healthy.

However, I now suspect that Mauer will not end up with a BA over .400. (At least not this season).

[Honus Wagner Rules]

FYI, Mauer needs 502 PAs to qualify for the battng title. So, he needs 158 PAs more.

[plask_stirlac]

It'll only be a matter of time I think until a Minnesota artist makes the song "Jolting Joe Mauer-o".

I missed this. Classic!

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Through 7/20/06:

1. Mauer .377
2. Ichiro .343
3. Jeter .337

Mauer's lead: 34 pts.

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Through 7/21/06:

1. Mauer .381
2. Ichiro .343
3. Jeter .339

Mauer's lead: 38 pts

Total plate appearences: 363

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Through the end of the year:
1. Ichiro
(Everyone else eating his dust)

:o
Well? Do you still feel this way? :o

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Through 7/23/06:

1. Mauer .381
2. Jeter .344
3. Ichiro .344

Mauer's lead: 37 pts

Total plate appearences: 370

[Buzzaldrin]

King Kelly hit .388 in 1886 to lead the league. He played only 53 games at catcher, but that's not a big only at all, since Barney Giligan caught the most in the league that year, at 81 with the hopeless last place Washington team. Kelly caught about an average number of games for NL starters that year, but he also played 56 in the outfield and a few each at second, short, first, and third. The only reason he (or anyone) didn't catch more was the catching conditions of the day- an unpadded glove and virtually no body protection at all, catching fastballs from 50 feet away.

That season should at least deserve an honorable mention in that catchers' list somebody put up of best seasons at the position, since he also led the league in runs and on base percentage, was second in steals and RBI, and 4th in slugging.

Go Mauer!!!

[csh19792001]

Well? Do you still feel this way? :o

Mauer's on a tear, and he's been a joy to watch. Ichiro has also been in a bad slump- he hit .386 last month (and .399 for a 60 game stretch during the season) and yet he's only hitting .315 in July, including a 1 for 18 patch.

PS: Notice I said "end of the year". :o

I'd love to see a catcher win a batting title, but I still see it as very unlikely.

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Mauer's on a tear, and he's been a joy to watch. Ichiro has also been in a bad slump- he hit .386 last month (and .399 for a 60 game stretch during the season) and yet he's only hitting .315 in July, including a 1 for 18 patch.

PS: Notice I said "end of the year". :o

I'd love to see a catcher win a batting title, but I still see it as very unlikely.
At what point does it become likely?

[Honus Wagner Rules]

King Kelly hit .388 in 1886 to lead the league. He played only 53 games at catcher, but that's not a big only at all, since Barney Giligan caught the most in the league that year, at 81 with the hopeless last place Washington team. Kelly caught about an average number of games for NL starters that year, but he also played 56 in the outfield and a few each at second, short, first, and third. The only reason he (or anyone) didn't catch more was the catching conditions of the day- an unpadded glove and virtually no body protection at all, catching fastballs from 50 feet away.

That season should at least deserve an honorable mention in that catchers' list somebody put up of best seasons at the position, since he also led the league in runs and on base percentage, was second in steals and RBI, and 4th in slugging.

Go Mauer!!!
Here you go.

Best single seasons BAs by catchers:

Joe Mauer .381 (2006)
1. Bill Dickey .3617 (1936)
2. Mike Piazza .3615 (1997)
3. Chief Myers .358 (1912)
4. Mickey Cochrane .357 (1930)
5. Gabby Hartnett .354 (1937)
6. Bubbles Hargave .353 (1926)
7. Spud Davis .3494 (1933)
8. Mickey Cochrane .3485 (1931)
8. Elston Howard .3475 (1961)
10. Earl Smith .34589 (1926)
11. Johnny Bassler .34564 (1924)
12. Mike Piazza .34562 (1995)
13. Gabby Hartnett .344 (1935)
14. Ernie Lombardi .343 (1935)
15. Ernie Lombardi .342 (1938)


Special Mention:

Smokey Burgess .368 (1954-108 games)
Bill Dickey .351 (1943-85 games)
I. Rodriguez .347 (2000-91 games)
Buck Ewing .344 (1893)

I decided not to add Kelley to the list becuse he played more games in the outfield in 1886 (56-53).

[csh19792001]

At what point does it become likely?

If he's still ahead just over a month from now.

[Cyborg]

1. Joe Mauer .380
2. Derek Jeter .346
3. Ichiro Suzuki .340

Mauer has a .034 lead.

[Appling]

1. Joe Mauer .380
2. Derek Jeter .346
3. Ichiro Suzuki .340

Mauer has a .034 lead.
How many hits and how AB does Joey have at this point, for his .380 BA?

[insanefishpossay]

How many hits and how AB does Joey have at this point, for his .380 BA?

Joe Mauer - 123 Hits in 324 At Bats - .380BA
Derek Jeter - 127 Hits in 367 At Bats - .346BA
Ichiro - 144 Hits in 423 At Bats - .340BA

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Through 7/25/06

1. Mauer .375
2. Jeter .344
3. Ichiro .343

Mauer's lead: 31 pts

Total plate appearences: 379 (502 PAs needed)

[Appling]

Through 7/25/06

1. Mauer .375Total plate appearences: 379 (502 PAs needed)
So the 0-for-4 game dropped Mauer's BA by five points! He now has 123 hits in 328 AB.

To hit .400 with, say, 500 AB -- Mauer would need 77 more hits in just 172 AB.
That would be a .445 BA for his next 172 AB. Not very likely! Especially for a catcher, who usually wears down after catching over 130 games. But even .375 would be a fine year, especially if he is the batting champion.

It must be hard to hit .400 for the season! :eek: Just my wishful thinking, to see it happen one more time in my lifetime.

[Buzzaldrin]

So the 0-for-4 game dropped Mauer's BA by five points! He now has 123 hits in 328 AB.

To hit .400 with, say, 500 AB -- Mauer would need 77 more hits in just 172 AB.
That would be a .445 BA for his next 172 AB. Not very likely! Especially for a catcher, who usually wears down after catching over 130 games. But even .375 would be a fine year, especially if he is the batting champion.

It must be hard to hit .400 for the season! :eek: Just my wishful thinking, to see it happen one more time in my lifetime.

A bunch of .400 hitters didn't get really going till later in the season. When Hugh Duffy set the record at .440, he was still hitting below .300 in mid May, and didn't top .400 at all until July. He did manage to hit over .500 for the months of June and July though (pulling his average in June from .325 on May 30th to .396 on June 30th- not a bad month), but the second half of the season was- by far- better for him than the first.

Could happen to Mauer.

[Buzzaldrin]

Sorry to double post, but as an after thought-

when Tip O'Neill hit .435 for the second highest average ever, he was at only .392 on August 7th.
It's entirely possible for Mauer, just not particularly probable.

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Through 8/03/06:

1. Mauer .366
2. Jeter .354
3. Ichiro .338

Mauer's lead: 12 pts

Total plate appearences: 410 (502 PAs needed)

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Through 8/07/06:

1. Mauer .363
2. Jeter .348
3. Ichiro .330

Mauer's lead: 15 pts

Total plate appearences: 426 (502 PAs needed)

[BigStellyPADRES4LIFE]

Through 8/07/06:

1. Mauer .363
2. Jeter .348
3. Ichiro .330

Mauer's lead: 15 pts

Total plate appearences: 426 (502 PAs needed)

Good for Mauer I just hope Jeter doesnt get it.

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Through 8/13/06:

1. Mauer .361
2. Jeter .341
3. Johnson .337

Mauer's lead: 20 pts

Total plate appearences: 447 (502 PAs needed)

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Sorry or slacking off the past week...

Through 8/20/06:

1. Mauer .357
2. Jeter .336
3. Manny .330

Mauer's lead: 21 pts

Total plate appearences: 469 (502 PAs needed)

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Through 8/24/06:

1. Mauer .361
2. Jeter .335
3. Tejada .330

Mauer's lead: 26 pts

Total plate appearences: 483 (502 PAs needed)

Only 19 PAs to go!!! :clapping

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Through the end of the year:
1. Ichiro
(Everyone else eating his dust)

:o
Care to retract, csh? :D

[PoseidonsGrace]

Good for Mauer I just hope Jeter doesnt get it.

Jeter's one of the most reliable players in the game. why would you hope against him?

[Erik Bedard]

Jeter's one of the most reliable players in the game. why would you hope against him?

He's a) a Yankee
b) the CAPTAIN of the Yankees
c) the owner of the single most obnoxious smile ever.

[bama50]

Ernie Lombardi was a good one.

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Through 8/27/06:

1. Mauer .356
2. Jeter .337
3. Tejada .330

Mauer's lead: 19 pts

Total plate appearences: 493 (502 PAs needed)

Only 9 PAs to go!!! :dance

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Through 9/2/06:

1. Mauer .350
2. Jeter .342
3. Tejada .333

Mauer's lead: 8 pts

Total plate appearences: 506!!!! Mauer has now qualified for the 2006 batting title!!!

[TheKingofKings]

Through 9/2/06:

1. Mauer .350
2. Jeter .342
3. Tejada .333

Mauer's lead: 8 pts

Total plate appearences: 506!!!! Mauer has now qualified for the 2006 batting title!!!

Great !!! Now we only have to wait and see if he can whithstand the pressure and keep is AVG this high for the rest of the year .

[Yankees]

Mauer: .3493
Jeter: .3423
Tejada: .3321

Only 7 points and change between Mauer and Jeter now, after one AB each in todays game. Ordinarily, I would think it would be a near lock for Mauer---however, he hit .293 in July and .276 in August, wheras Jeter has also declined, but is still batting a steady .300.
100 more ABs, at .276 and .295:
Mauer: .337
Jeter: .336

Unless Mauer sits for a lot of the remaining season (And with the Twins in the wildcard race, not gonna happen), I would guess that it is going to be extremely close at the end.

[Yankees]

Mauer: .3462
Jeter: .3440
Tejada: .3358

Freddy Sanchez, by the way, is batting .3455, but for Pittsburgh (just added to note Mauer's decline as the overall leader, too).

Mauer's last 8 games:
1-4
0-4
0-4
0-4
1-2
1-3
0-3
0-2
---
3-26, or .115

Jeter's:
3-5
3-5
1-3
1-2
3-5
1-2
1-4
3-6
---
16-32, or .500

If Jeter gets two consecutive hits to start tomorrow, he will lead Mauer by about .00015

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Great, now everyone jumps on the bangwagon when I, and I alone, kept this thread going for over two months. ;)

[Appling]

Great, now everyone jumps on the bangwagon when I, and I alone, kept this thread going for over two months. ;)
I admire your dedication to keeping us informed over the summer.

Do you think Mauer might still do it -- or is that just too much to ask of a catcher?

Of course, Mauer is still young. If not this season, perhaps next year -- or the year after that!

[Honus Wagner Rules]

I admire your dedication to keeping us informed over the summer.

Do you think Mauer might still do it -- or is that just too much to ask of a catcher?

Of course, Mauer is still young. If not this season, perhaps next year -- or the year after that!
I never thought Mauer would fall apart like he has. His 30 point lead just evaporated seemingly overnight. He's in a 3/26 slump. Right now I don't know what's going to happen. :confused:

[Yankees]

Mauer is 0-3 tonight, and Jeter 1-2, meaning:
Jeter: .34463
Mauer: .34382

[MyDogSparty]

Wow, Mauer and Jeter are now neck and neck. If Mauer can go on one more of his terrors he should be able to pull it off but it would a nice feather in Jeter's cap if he could win a title. I don't think he'll get too many more chances like Mauer will in the future. It would be great for Mauer as a catcher too.

I heard that the Twins' manager said they'll be resting Mauer more often now from behind the plate but they'll use him as a DH in most of those instances. His BA as a DH is great too should this could/should help him out down the stretch.

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Through 9/10/06

1. Mauer: .350
2. D. Jeter: .345
3. Tejada: .330

# of Twins games remaining: 20

[GiambiJuice]

It's been a few days since this has been updated. It would be a shame to have this thread go by the wayside right when it gets down to the wire.

Anyway, as of 9/14

Mauer - 0.3468
Jeter - 0.3457
Cano(not yet qualified) - 0.3389

I think Mauer has a big advantage in that he will have fewer at bats than Jeter, but for some reason I think Jeter will win it. You guys think Mauer can hold on?

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Ok, the OFFICAL listing :D

Through 9/14/06

1. Mauer: .347
2. D. Jeter: .346
3. Tejada: .329

# of Twins games remaining: 16

I'll update it daily from now on...

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Through 9/15/06

1. D. Jeter: .346
2. Mauer: .344
3. Tejada: .329

:(
# of Twins games remaining: 15

[Appling]

I think Mauer has a big advantage in that he will have fewer at bats than Jeter, but for some reason I think Jeter will win it. You guys think Mauer can hold on?
I don't see how fewer at-bats for Mauer would give him any advantage for the Batting Crown. Fewer at-bats IS an advantage in going for an extraordinary achievement -- such as a .400 BA. But it looks like .350 or so will win the AL batting title this year, and that is a reasonable target for both Mauer and Jeter.

But using Mauer as DH rather than as catcher in some games could help Joe a lot. Interesting that the two most difficult positions, more important positions, and positions least likely to require a good hitter -- are catcher and shortstop. Yet those are precisely the positions played by the two AL -BA leaders this year!

[ElHalo]

But using Mauer as DH rather than as catcher in some games could help Joe a lot. Interesting that the two most difficult positions, more important positions, and positions least likely to require a good hitter -- are catcher and shortstop. Yet those are precisely the positions played by the two AL -BA leaders this year!

And the top four in batting average this year are:

1. Jeter (SS)
2. Mauer (C)
3. Cano (2B)
4. Tejada (SS)

All defensive skill positions.

(technically, Cano doesn't have enough PA's to qualify, but the baseball rulebook says that when a player doesn't have enough PA's, you can add the missing PA's as outs and reconfigure the player's assumed BA for purposes of the batting race... using that method, Cano works out to a .333 BA)

[urbisoler]

Too bad this guy is stuck in Minnesota rotting away[/QUOTE]

If you are suggesting that the world of baseball would be better off if he played for the same old perennial contenders, I say - horsefeathers! It is imperative that we get away from the northeast and move the game west. Follow the money!!!!

[ElHalo]

If you are suggesting that the world of baseball would be better off if he played for the same old perennial contenders, I say - horsefeathers! It is imperative that we get away from the northeast and move the game west. Follow the money!!!!

I think we should worry about introducing things like indoor plumbing, electricity, and literacy to the midwest before we worry about introducing star baseball players.

[BigStellyPADRES4LIFE]

I think we should worry about introducing things like indoor plumbing, electricity, and literacy to the midwest before we worry about introducing star baseball players.


Nah first you gotta introduce logical thought to the northeast.

[overhandgas53]

Mauer will probably win the batting title unless he gets injured somehow or starts to get in a slump. When he gets in his prime in like a season or two, he'll start to get more powerful. By the way, what's Jeter's average so far.

[Honus Wagner Rules]

OFFICIAL BA STAT TRACKER!!!

1. J. Mauer MIN .344
2. D. Jeter NYY .343
3. V. Guerrero LAA .330

No. of Twins games remaining: 14

[Honus Wagner Rules]

I'm reposting this:

Best single seasons BAs by catchers:

1. Bill Dickey .3617 (1936)
2. Mike Piazza .3615 (1997)
3. Chief Myers .358 (1912)
4. Mickey Cochrane .357 (1930)
5. Gabby Hartnett .354 (1937)
6. Bubbles Hargave .353 (1926)*
7. Spud Davis .3494 (1933)
8. Mickey Cochrane .3485 (1931)
8. Elston Howard .3475 (1961)
10. Earl Smith .34589 (1926)
11. Johnny Bassler .34564 (1924)
12. Mike Piazza .34562 (1995)
13. Gabby Hartnett .344 (1935)
14. Ernie Lombardi .343 (1935)
15. Ernie Lombardi .342 (1938)*


Special Mention:

Smokey Burgess .368 (1954-108 games)
Bill Dickey .351 (1943-85 games)
I. Rodriguez .347 (2000-91 games)
Buck Ewing .344 (1893)
Ernie Lombardi .330 (1942)*

*Batting Champion

[bigtrain]

I think we should worry about introducing things like indoor plumbing, electricity, and literacy to the midwest before we worry about introducing star baseball players.

If it wasn't for the small market teams in the midwest, baseball wouldn't survive. People don't want to see overpaid, underachieving teams try to buy championships. That isn't baseball, that is business and last time I checked business wasn't the national pasttime.

[Erik Bedard]

Pastime, no. Pass time, yes.

[Honus Wagner Rules]

OFFICIAL BA STAT TRACKER!!!

1. J. Mauer MIN .344
2. D. Jeter NYY .338
3. M. Tejada BAL .332

No. of Twins games remaining: 9

[Honus Wagner Rules]

OFFICIAL BA STAT TRACKER!!!

1. J. Mauer MIN .347
2. D. Jeter NYY .339
3. M. Tejada BAL .332

No. of Twins games remaining: 7

[KCGHOST]

Robinson Cano is extremely close to qualifying for the batting title. I think with 5PA's tonight he will reach that threshold. Or with 4 tonight and then 4 tomorrow night. He is hitting .341.

[wilkerson_rulz-06]

but he won't win the MLB batting title since if I'm not mistaken, Freddy Sanchez is hitting higher than him right now?

[Honus Wagner Rules]

but he won't win the MLB batting title since if I'm not mistaken, Freddy Sanchez is hitting higher than him right now?
There's no such thing as a "MLB" batting title. There is a National League batting title and there is an American League batting title.

[Honus Wagner Rules]

OFFICIAL AMERICAN LEAGUE BA LEADERS!!!

1. J. Mauer MIN .349
2. R Cano NNY .343
3. D. Jeter NYY .341


No. of Twins games remaining: 5

[Honus Wagner Rules]

It looks like Mauer will become the first catcher in the 105 year history of the American League to win the batting title. I bet Mauer only plays three of the last five games.

[TheKingofKings]

I will do something stupid like laugh to death if Cano wins the Title .

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Through the end of the year:
1. Ichiro
(Everyone else eating his dust)

:o
Hey, where's Ichiro?!! ;)

[Honus Wagner Rules]

OFFICIAL AMERICAN LEAGUE BA LEADERS!!!

1. J. Mauer MIN .350
2. R Cano NNY .343
3. D. Jeter NYY .340


No. of Twins games remaining: 4

[Honus Wagner Rules]

It's over!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Congrats to Joe Mauer, the first catcher in American League History to win the batting title!!! :clapping

1. J. Mauer MIN .347
2. D. Jeter NYY .343
3. R. Cano NYY .342

[Yankee Legend]

I tip my hat off to Mauer. It's been a good race and sadly my favorite player falls short of yet another batting crown :(

[TheKingofKings]

I tip my hat off to Mauer. It's been a good race and sadly my favorite player falls short of yet another batting crown :(
Oh , poor you ...

[Edgartohof]

Congrats to the 'mazing Mauer! I wasn't sure he could do it, but he pulled it together at the end, and held on to win this one.

[Mattingly]

Congrats to Joe Mauer, from a very dedicated fan of both Jeter and Cano. :)

[PopTop]

Excellent season for Mauer. Always love to see catchers get some ink :cool: