Jackie Robinson got his first career hit on this day in 1947 - by bunting. For the season he had 19 hits via the bunt in 42 attempts. That's an average of .452. It doesn't seem like a big difference, but without those at-bats he was hitting .285. If he hit at a .285 clip for the other 42 at-bats that would have given him 12 hits. By bunting he had 19. Makes sense to keep doing that.
Check out this article about bunting with the bases empty -
http://www.beyondtheboxscore.com/2012/12/10/3748738/best-bunter-all-time-career-bunt-hits-bases-empty-mlb
Some names on the lists will surprise you. Not many names from the last 20 years since bunting has changed a lot in the game.
I've always been a pretty big fan of bunting for a hit when the situation dictates it (third baseman playing back, slow pitcher, etc). As a coach and a player, if I get a lead off guy on second, it's automatic to bunt him over. Same for first and second with no outs. But bunting for a hit is a very under rated in my opinion, especially in the MLB
ReplyDeleteI always liked the lefty using the drag bunt.
ReplyDeleteDamn... Lee Mazill was the man. Thought I knew me some Garvey... but didn't realize he was such an amazing bunter.
ReplyDelete