[Archive]

Posted By: john/z28jd

When Duffy hit .438(some sources say .440) in 1894 walks were not counted as hits.That was in 1887 when Tip O'Neil batted .435 with 50 of his walks counting as hits as per the rule at the time.Duffy was probably helped by the fact the pitching distant was changed the year before and alot of pitchers had trouble adjusting to it.It should be noted that all 4 outfielders for Philadelphia that year hit over .400,and they what i consider the best outfield ever,Billy Hamilton,Ed Delahanty and Sam Thompson,along with Tuck Turner(career .320 hitter)as the backup