“He compiled a batting average in 1894 which was not to be challenged in his lifetime,” it states — and Duffy lived for six decades after his achievement. Duffy, an outfielder for the Boston Beaneaters, forefathers of the Atlanta Braves, hit .440 in that 1894 season. Indeed, nobody has come close to his record, not even Ted Williams, who batted .406 in 1941. Which brings us to Charlie Blackmon and the curious case of 2020. Blackmon, the Colorado Rockies’ right fielder, is so hot that he could not only hit .400 this season, he might just challenge Duffy’s ancient record.

Source: New York Times August 12, 2020 19:00 UTC