On November 21, 2019, a defining moment in baseball discourse unfolded during a FanGraphs Live event in Manhattan. This gathering, a vibrant mix of passionate baseball enthusiasts, included a panel featuring yours truly alongside notable figures like The Athletic’s Lindsey Adler and Marc Carig. As we delved into a stimulating discussion on the state of Major League Baseball, co-host Meg Rowley posed a thought-provoking question: “What changes would you implement to enhance the game of baseball?” This inquiry ignited a lively exchange on how to boost the sport’s appeal and engagement.

While my original response eludes my memory, I found myself advocating for a return to valuing batting average more seriously, echoing Marc’s sentiment about increasing the frequency of balls in play. “Let’s bring back the importance of batting average,” I passionately asserted. “After all, batting average adds an element of excitement and connection to the game.” My assertion may have surprised some, especially considering my background in sabermetrics and my usual focus on advanced statistics. However, I believed that a focus on batting average could rekindle interest in the game.

Listening back to the podcast, I can vividly recall the moment my statement landed—like a record scratch in a quiet room, drawing attention to my unexpected defense of such a basic statistic. Here I was, a writer known for my analytical approach, standing up for batting average, a statistic that many deem outdated. The outcry from fellow fans and analysts alike was palpable, and it marked a significant moment in my evolving perspective on traditional metrics versus modern analytics.

My renewed enthusiasm for batting average emerged in the latter part of the 2019 season, particularly while observing the debate surrounding the AL MVP award. DJ LeMahieu’s remarkable season with the Yankees, where he posted astonishing numbers—.327 batting average alongside a .375 on-base percentage and .518 slugging percentage—sparked my interest. His accomplishments, including a career-high 26 home runs and a wRC+ of 136, positioned him among the league’s elite, and his captivating performance captured the hearts of fans in New York, leading to M-V-P chants echoing throughout Yankee Stadium.

Initially skeptical about LeMahieu’s MVP candidacy, I found myself reconsidering my stance after he was notably not chosen as a finalist, an outcome that many perceived as a snub. This realization prompted me to convey my thoughts to the FanGraphs audience, particularly as it resonated with Marc’s commentary on baseball’s current stagnation. I expressed, “While I’m not asserting that LeMahieu deserved the MVP, his .330 batting average and ability to put the ball in play illustrate why fans are drawn to him.” This connection to action on the field is what makes the game thrilling and relatable to casual fans.

As I continued to express my thoughts, I felt a surge of confidence. “Let’s shift our narrative surrounding batting average from viewing it as a hindrance to recognizing its value. This statistic fosters a connection to our beloved game’s history and casual fandom. We’ve strayed too far in undervaluing it, and it’s time to reassess our priorities.” The room filled with laughter as Marc playfully challenged my viewpoint, but the discussion opened the floor for further engagement and questions from the audience, showcasing the diverse opinions on this timeless debate.

Reflecting on my journey, I attribute part of this shift in perspective to my work on The Cooperstown Casebook. Within its pages, I examined Hall of Famers whose JAWS rankings often paled in comparison to their glittering batting averages. Many of these players from the high-offense eras of the 1920s and ’30s were ushered into the Hall through the influence of the Veterans Committees, leading me to reconsider my previous inclination to dismiss them outright. In exploring their narratives, I developed a more nuanced understanding of how they fit within the broader context of baseball history, especially when integrating advanced metrics like WAR and JAWS.

For those deeply entrenched in the analytics of baseball, the criticism of batting average is not new. F.C. Lane’s critique in 1915, advocating for slugging percentage as a superior metric, and Branch Rickey’s pioneering of on-base percentage in the 1950s are notable historical examples. This critique has continued through the decades, with figures like Bill James and others introducing advanced metrics that highlight the limitations of batting average in measuring offensive effectiveness. Despite this historical narrative, I believe that we have overlooked the importance of batting average, which serves as a fundamental entry point for fans into the world of baseball statistics.

Five years later, I find myself defending batting average once again after a post by Tom Tango, a respected figure in the baseball analytics community, expressed a dismissive view of the statistic. Tango’s influential work has significantly shaped our understanding of the game, yet on that particular day, I felt compelled to challenge his stance, emphasizing the relevance of batting average in engaging fans with the game.

In a subsequent post, Tango argued for the need to stamp out batting average due to its overuse as a primary statistic, suggesting that its continued presence leads to confusion and a lack of understanding among fans. His comments, while rooted in a desire to elevate the level of discourse in baseball analysis, struck a chord with me as I reflected on the importance of retaining familiar metrics to keep the sport accessible. My experiences as a guest on MLB Network have reinforced the significance of understanding the historical context of these statistics, especially in light of discussions around the traditional win metric.

It’s interesting to observe how both batting average and wins are gradually losing prominence within the game, as evidenced by recent Hall of Fame debates. The conversation surrounding pitching milestones, such as 300 wins, has diminished due to the changing landscape of pitcher workloads. In 2024, Major League Baseball’s league-wide batting average fell to .243, closely mirroring some of the lowest figures in history and reflecting a broader trend of diminishing offensive output. The recent NL batting title was claimed by Luis Arraez with a .314 average, marking the lowest for a league leader since 1988.

As we reflect on the changing dynamics of the game, the debate continues around the Hall of Fame candidacy of players like Ichiro Suzuki, whose appeal transcends traditional metrics. His recognition highlights a shift in voter attitudes, moving away from rigid gatekeeping practices in favor of a more inclusive appreciation of players’ contributions. The allure of batting average remains significant, as it often embodies the entertainment value that fans seek from the sport.

Ultimately, it’s vital to recognize that the essence of the pitcher-batter confrontation is not solely about achieving a hit but rather about avoiding an out. While advanced metrics like OBP provide valuable insights, the thrill of witnessing a hit—especially in high-stakes moments—is what captivates fans. The excitement generated by batting average is palpable, particularly with runners on base, as every ball in play transforms the field into a flurry of activity and anticipation, creating an exhilarating atmosphere that resonates with the audience.

When I advocated for LeMahieu in the context of a season characterized by record home runs, it was evident that the game was evolving. The 2019 season showcased an impressive .252 batting average across Major League Baseball, reflecting a high-octane offensive environment. Fast forward to 2024, and we see a significant decline in overall performance metrics, with the league batting average dropping to .243. This reduction signifies a notable loss of hits and overall offensive production, raising questions about the direction in which the game is headed.

While baseball continues to set revenue records, attendance has experienced a decline compared to its peak years. The recent World Series, despite achieving post-pandemic highs in television ratings, still fell short of historical standards. The implementation of the pitch clock has proven effective in enhancing the pace of play, yet the ongoing challenges surrounding batting average cannot be overlooked.

Addressing the declining league-wide batting average presents a complex challenge. Potential solutions, such as adjusting fence heights or modifying the strike zone, could provoke significant changes to the game’s fabric. Moreover, the implications of altering the composition of the baseball itself have previously led to unintended consequences. This highlights the delicate balance between preserving the integrity of the game and fostering an environment conducive to offensive excitement.

As we navigate these discussions, it’s essential to explore various potential solutions, acknowledging that the journey toward revitalizing batting average and overall offensive performance is ongoing. For now, I feel a sense of relief in sharing my evolving opinions on this long-standing debate. Recognizing that batting average isn’t the sole metric for assessing offensive prowess is crucial, yet it remains a vital thread woven throughout baseball’s rich history, connecting fans to the game they love.