Dubious HOF Statistical Records

[frankbmd]

The case for the intentional walk as a dubious record.

1. The ultimate passive achievement for the batter who is issued a free pass, but still a rather common one for a HOF slugger.

2. A strategic call by the opposing manager based on several factors often not related to batter such as

Putting a runner on first to set up a double play, particularly if the slugger is not a fleet base runner.

Removing the threat of a damaging hitter to pitch to a guy hitting .137, which is as much related to the poorer hitter than the batter receiving the walk.

Creating a more favorable righty-lefty matchup for his pitcher, in the era of analytics.

And so forth.

And throw in the non-intentional intentional walk, where the pitcher ardently avoids giving the batter a decent pitch and ends up walking him nevertheless if the batter doesn’t offer at a bouncing curve ball or a slider further away than the length his bat.

The last statement renders any recorded statistic irrelevant, but I would be willing to bet the career leader is in Cooperstown. And of course I would be wrong. The career leader actually has more than twice as many IBBs as number two on the list and neither is a HOFer at least not yet, Bonds and Pujols. Also note that intentional walks were not a recorded stat for prewar players before 1941. The leading HOFer though in this category is Stan Musial, who leads Hank Aaron by 5, and always will.