Quote:
Originally Posted by Tabe
Picciolo is the first modern player I've seen that challenges Ray Oyler for worst hitter of all-time. Oyler as a lot worse but he at least walked once in awhile. Oyler was also an elite defender.
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Chris,
If we're talking the worst hitter of all-time, we need to include the originator of "the Mendoza line". Mario Mendoza ended his career with a .215 career batting average. As terrible as Picciolo was, he did hit 17 home runs in 1,618 ABs. Mendoza managed a mere 4 in 1,337. Ironic that he end his career with 1,337 at bats. The kids today like to use those numbers to spell the word "leet". There was nothing elite about Mendoza.
Picciolo's extra base hits: 1,628 ABs, 56 doubles, 10 triples, 17 home runs
Mendoza's extra base hits: 1,337 ABs, 33 doubles, 9 triples, 4 home runs
Picciolo's slash line: .246/.312/.558
Mendoza's slash line: .245/.262/.507
Picciolo's career OPS +: 56
Mendoza's career OPS +: 41
If Picciolo was terrible with a career -1.8 WAR, what does that make Mendoza, he of the -2.5 WAR.
Surprisingly, Mendoza had a 4.0 dWAR his career. He played short, third base and second base for Pittsburgh, Texas and Seattle in his 9 year career. Picciolo's dWAR was a 1.9.
Again, the question begs asking. How do Picciolo and Mendoza last 9 years each in the Majors? Mendoza from '74 to '82, Picciolo from '77 to '85.
They're both pretty awful, but only Mendoza's name is brought up when a player threatens to fall below the .200 batting average.
He might just be the worst hitter ever.