“America’s national pastime,” baseball has seen plenty of amazing and jaw-dropping moments and records. The game has been around long enough to survive two World Wars, economic depression and so much more.
Of course, over the years plenty of players have come across and laid their stamp on the game. With the likes of Babe Ruth achieving almost mythical stats, generation after generation of players keep pushing the envelope more.
Here is another incredible statistic from the game of baseball, involving Eddie Murray
Eddie Murray’s highest batting average doesn’t win him the batting title…
The 1990 batting title was one of the most bizarre, if not thrilling in the history of the MLB. Willie McGee, part of the St Louis Cardinals was transferred to Oakland A’s on deadline day.
By then, he had already accumulated enough appearances at the plate to qualify for the crown, given that no one was able to cross his .335 batting average.
People don’t remember that the .335 was not his final average score. Whenever a player switches leagues, the seasonal totals are separate for leadership and league purposes. This meant that his average performance (.274 BA) with Oakland wouldn’t impact his NL totals. He ended up winning the batting crown even though his .324 was sixth-best in the Majors.
Eddie Murray, who had a .330 finished behind McGee but didn’t win the title even though it was the highest batting average in 1990.
Baseball produces some incredible stats and this story exemplifies how players switching leagues can create odd statistical breakdowns.