No MLB player has hit .400 since Ted Williams in 1941. While unlikely to be replicated in the modern game, Cody Bellinger’s 2019 performance with the Los Angeles Dodgers ignited a captivating discussion about the possibility. His early season tear, flirting with a .400 average, captivated the baseball world and showcased a unique blend of skill and statistical anomaly.
Bellinger’s Early Dominance: A Statistical Marvel
Bellinger’s initial 47 games in 2019 were nothing short of extraordinary. A .404 batting average, backed by a remarkable .399 expected batting average (xBA), placed him in unprecedented territory. This xBA, according to Statcast data, was the highest recorded for a hitter with over 150 plate appearances in the system’s five-year history. This wasn’t a fluke fueled by luck; Bellinger’s performance was supported by underlying metrics, suggesting a genuine skill-driven surge.
Deconstructing Bellinger’s Approach: Skill Over Luck
Bellinger’s success wasn’t a product of league-wide trends. In fact, 2019 saw a league-wide batting average of .244, the lowest since 1972. The rising prevalence of strikeouts and defensive shifts further underscored the difficulty of hitting for average. Bellinger’s exceptional performance stemmed from a refined approach at the plate.
Improved plate discipline led to fewer swings at poor pitches and more contact with pitches in the strike zone. This translated to a significant reduction in his strikeout rate, from 23.9% in 2018 to an impressive 14.3% in 2019, while simultaneously increasing his walk rate.
The Power-Speed Combination: A Recipe for Success
Bellinger’s ability to hit for both average and power, combined with his elite speed, formed a formidable offensive trifecta. His average exit velocity peaked at 92.9 mph, and while his launch angle decreased, it resulted in fewer ground balls and a surge in line drives – a recipe for base hits. His speed also allowed him to leg out infield hits, adding another dimension to his offensive arsenal.
Challenges and Adjustments: Maintaining the Momentum
Despite his early success, challenges emerged. Pitchers began to adjust, offering fewer pitches in the strike zone. Bellinger, in turn, started expanding his zone, leading to a rise in strikeouts and a dip in batting average in May. His pull-heavy hitting style also presented a potential vulnerability to defensive shifts. Furthermore, an unsustainably high batting average on ground balls hinted at a likely regression.
A Legacy of Excellence: Redefining Expectations
While hitting .400 for the season proved unattainable, Bellinger’s 2019 performance remains a testament to his exceptional talent. His pursuit of the historic mark, though ultimately unsuccessful, reignited a timeless debate and reminded fans of the enduring allure of baseball’s most elusive statistical achievement. A more realistic target of .350, a feat not accomplished since Josh Hamilton in 2010, highlighted the significance of Bellinger’s remarkable season. He finished the year with an impressive .305 batting average, along with 47 home runs and 115 RBIs, securing the National League MVP award.
