Best Hitting Seasons by Pitchers

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
May 30, 2008

Best Hitting Seasons by Pitchers

Babe Ruth

In his first full season in the majors, the Babe hit .315 with four home runs in only 92 at-bats. His interest would shift from pitching to hitting, but the Red Sox wouldn't relent on his desire to play every day. When he joined the Yankees for the 1920 season, that wasn't an issue anymore.<br><br>Send comments to siwriters@simail.com.

Don Newcombe

Newk would retire with a respectable .271 career average and 15 home runs, seven of which came in this banner year when he also drove in 23 runs and batted .359. On the mound he won 20 games and led the Dodgers to a long-awaited World Series title.

Wes Ferrell

Ferrell was such a good hitter he played 13 games in the outfield for the Indians in 1933. Back in 1931, he hit nine of his 38 career home runs and batted .319. On April 29, he no-hit the Browns and drove in four runs. He was good on the mound too, winning 20 games six times. His brother, Rick, was a Hall of Fame catcher.

Walter Johnson

Johnson was adept enough with the bat that he played 13 games in the outfield during his career with the Senators. In 1914, squarely in the Deadball Era, he hit three home runs (the AL leader that year only hit nine). At 37, The Big Train enjoyed his best year at the plate with a .433 average and 20 RBIs.

Micah Owings

As a rookie with the D'backs he batted .333 in 60 at-bats with four home runs. Owings has been used as a pinch-hitter 14 times already during his young career.

Mike Hampton

Hampton won five consecutive Silver Slugger Awards between 1999 and 2003, establishing a major-league record for pitchers. His peak offensive season came with the Rockies at hitter-friendly Coors Field in 2001, when Hampton slammed seven home runs and knocked in 16 runs while batting .291.

Don Larsen

Best known for his perfect game in the 1956 World Series, Larsen also carved out a reputation as a good hitting pitcher. The righty hit .306 with four HR and 13 RBI during the 1958 season, finishing his career with a .242 average and 14 homers.

Red Ruffing

Ruffing, who finished his career with a .269 average and 36 home runs, enjoyed his peak season with the Yankees in 1930. The Illinois native hit .364 with four home runs and 22 RBI.

Brooks Kieschnick

Kieschnick earned a reputation as a jack of all trades during his brief major-league career and the Brewers made full use of his versatility during the 2003 season. Contributing as a relief pitcher, left fielder, designated hitter and pinch hitter, Kieschnick hit .300 with seven homers and 12 RBI.

Bob Lemon

Frequently called upon as a pinch hitter, Lemon hit .284 lifetime as a substitute batter. He enjoyed his most prolific season at the plate with the Indians in 1949, hitting .269 with seven homers and 19 RBI. His 37 career home runs rank second all-time among pitchers behind Wes Ferrell.<br><br>Send comments to siwriters@simail.com.