What Could Be Worse?
Adam Dunn hit 46 home runs with 102 RBIs in 2004. Adam Dunn struck out 195 times in 568 official at bats, setting a new strikeout record. Lou Boudreau hit 18 home runs with 106 RBIs in 1948. Lou Boudreau struck out 9 times in 560 official at bats.
There is nothing worse than a strikeout. A strikeout is not just another out. It is an out that is a completely wasted at bat for the offensive team. Almost nothing positive can occur when a batter strikes out, and the few good things that can happen are so rare in today's game that they can virtually be discounted.
A strikeout can help the offensive team if the batter reaches base safely after striking out. With fewer than two outs and first base unoccupied, or with two outs and first base occupied, a strikeout victim can reach first safely if the catcher misses the third strike and beats a throw to first base. Base runners can advance at their own risk if a third strike gets by the catcher. When a strikeout is the third out of an inning, it is usually no worse than any other out. That just about summarizes the good things that can happen when a batter strikes out, with one exception.
There is an instance in which a strikeout can be as good as a base on balls. When the batter has two strikes and the next pitch is clearly wild and going to get by the catcher, an alert batter can intentionally swing at the pitch, knowing he will strike out, but also realizing that he will stand an excellent chance of reaching first base.
Almost none of today's players ever attempts such a play. The reason players give is that it will break their rhythm for future plate appearances, which is a valid point. But there are times when there is a dire need to get something going offensively, and paradoxically, it can be a strikeout.
When a batter strikes out, runners do not advance and runs do not score. A strike out eats up an out. That's it. Even a double play can be better than a strikeout, and depending on the situation, can actually be productive.
In 1962, the Yankees and Giants split the first six games of the World Series. The seventh game at Candlestick Park was a scoreless pitching duel between the Yankees' Ralph Terry and the Giants' Jack Sanford until the Yankees came to bat in the top of the fifth inning. Bill Skowron singled, Clete Boyer singled, and pitcher Ralph Terry drew a base on balls.
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