Sign in Subscribe
Professional baseball

Indians Pitchers Prepare for World Series Hitting Chances in National League Cities

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Cleveland Indians' World Series contest against the Atlanta team has raised concerns about the team's pitching lineup, particularly with the absence of the designated hitter rule in National League cities. Orel Hershiser, Game 1 starter, is a career .214 hitter with 46 r.b.i. in 672 at-bats, while Dennis Martinez, who will pitch either second or third in the series, has a .143 batting average with 30 r.b.i. Ken Hill, the fourth starter, has a .148 batting average with 1 home run and 19 r.b.i. However, Hershiser is optimistic about his teammates' chances, stating, "I think that's part of a complete baseball game, having the pitchers hit." The Indians will be at less of a disadvantage than some other American League clubs in the past, thanks to the presence of Eddie Murray, a skilled defensive first baseman, and three of the Indians' four starting pitchers with past National League experience.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Indians' pitchers will be facing new challenges as they will have to hit without the designated hitter rule in National League cities.
  • Orel Hershiser, the Game 1 starter, has a career .214 batting average with 46 r.b.i. in 672 at-bats.
  • Dennis Martinez, who will pitch either second or third in the series, has a .143 batting average with 30 r.b.i.
  • Ken Hill, the fourth starter, has a .148 batting average with 1 home run and 19 r.b.i.
  • Charles Nagy, the starting pitcher, has not had to bat for the Indians but did get an infield single in the 1992 All-Star Game.
  • Eddie Murray, the Indians' designated hitter, can still play well defensively at first base, despite some decline from his younger years.
  • Manager Mike Hargrove is confident in having Eddie Murray play first base, stating, "I have no fears about having Eddie play first base."

Statistics:

  • Orel Hershiser's career batting average is .214 with 46 r.b.i. in 672 at-bats.
  • Dennis Martinez's batting average is .143 with 30 r.b.i.
  • Ken Hill's batting average is .148 with 1 home run and 19 r.b.i.
  • Eddie Murray has not been specified to bat regularly for the Indians in the World Series, but has played well defensively at first base.
  • Charles Nagy got an infield single in the 1992 All-Star Game as his only relevant hitting experience.

Sources:

  • [AP, October 1989]

Read more