Kansas City Royals’ Bobby Witt Jr. is eyeing a historic milestone, he’s on track to hit .400 at home, a feat achieved by only nine players post the Ted Williams era. Witt, just 24, is enjoying a dream season, leading the majors with a batting average of .352, and has marked his name as both the fastest and best defender in the game this season. Having hit .405 in 281 plate appearances at Kauffman Stadium this season, Witt might be the first player in 20 years to achieve this remarkable milestone.
As per some retired professionals, Witt has all the traits of a transcendental player. Rod Carew praised him saying, “he’s become a really great player in a really short time.” He compared Witt to icons like Brett, Suzuki noting the young shortstop’s ability to make lightning adjustments to off-speed stuff. With Kansas City Royals’ pitchers using the Kauffman Stadium to suppress home runs, Witt has been seen maximizing his bat-to-ball skill and speed instead.
Just like Fenway’s Green Monster had been a factor in Boggs’ chase of .400, or the AstroTurf at the Metrodome had been for Puckett, the large size of the outfield at Kauffman Stadium has been playing a significant role in Witt’s chase for .400. Careful data analysis shows that Witt’s batting average at home is 106 points better than his average on road, a difference in line with Puckett, Boggs, and Bonds home/road splits. Boggs, who had been surprised to know about his .400 at home, reminisces his time, stating that it was “extremely hard to get him out at Fenway Park”.
Jeff Cirillo and Wade Boggs, who both batted better than .400 at home, credited the unique conditions of their home ground for their success. Cirillo, who batted .403 in his home in 2000, admitted that what Witt is doing is “absolutely incredible.” He pointed out that the velocity in today’s game and how technology can help expose hitters’ flaws makes Witt’s achievement even more remarkable. Boggs attributed his .336 at Kauffman Stadium to the AstroTurf that was there until 1994, stating, “If you hit a ball two or three steps to an infielder’s left or right it was through. That’s how fast it was.”
In the summer of 1977, Rod Carew faced immense pressure to achieve .400. His struggle highlights the mental challenges that come with chasing a historic landmark. Though Carew conceded he fell short, his .401 batting average at home is still remembered fondly. Similarly, in today’s era, Witt seems unfazed by the magnitude of the record he is pursuing. When asked about it, Witt responded, “You’ve got to just go out and put good at-bats and whatever else happens, happens.”
As he ripples his way through the pitches, Witt, in his spectacular season, has given fans new excitement and joy. In a sport where a fraction of a second or inch can be the difference between success and failure, Witt seems to have found the perfect formula for his striking performance. Achieving .400 at home is no small feat, but with his current form, Witt may soon etch his name in baseball history. As Witt himself asked, “What do y’all think? Pretty fun?”
