How often does an obscure MLB player get universal and sustainable recognition for hitting incompetence? Step forward and take a bow long retired shortstop Mario Mendoza. Mendoza was a .215 career hitter for three teams whose average generally hovered slightly north or south of .200 and within the structure of the clubhouse that .200 became the “Mendoza Line.” A noted name to join the lexicon to define a player whose skills with the stick needed some serious improvement.
The Red Sox now have their own internal competition as four players have their own race to elevate their averages to the Mendoza Line.