Expert: Brian Flaspohler - 9/25/2010

Question
Hi, Brian -
Is there a set of facts under which a player can win the batting crown without the required 502 times at bat?
I heard Aaron Boone and Joe Morgan discuss this issue - but I did not quite grasp it - it was something to the effect that if the player was "close"(?) to the 502 and his average was substantially higher than the player who had the 502, he might win it.
I might have got it all wrong - and one must have required  502.
Thank you for the audience - all the best and standing by.
Cordially,
Dick Radis

Answer
Dick,

Here's how it would work.  If you can add enough hitless at bats to get them up to the required 502 batting average and they still have a higher batting average, than they win the title.

For Example - Player #1 has a batting average of .310 with 600 plate appearances.
Player #2 has a batting average of .367 (180 hits in 490 at bats), but never walked so only has 490 plate appearances.

You add 12 outs to player 2's stats, giving them 180 hits in 502 at bats.  Their 'virtual' batting average is now .359.  Since they still lead, they are considered the batting champion.

Hope this helps!

Brian