AboutTom Schott Expertise I will deal with the major leagues only from 19th century to present. I`m good on baseball history, records, statistics, ballparks. I don't do off-the-field stuff. Please if you already know the answer to the question, please don't ask it. I don't want to play "stump the expert."
Experience I've written on the subject, and I have substantial library of resources.
Organizations SABR
Publications Numerous encyclopedia, newspaper, magazine articles. One book, several book chapters.
Question QUESTION: Rickey Henderson is the all time career leader at 81.
Craig Biggio is second at 53.
Both now retired (Rickey still threatens to come back!)
Who are the next two ACTIVE lead off home run hitters?
Can they make a run at topping Henderson or Biggio?
ANSWER: Steve,
A follow-up. I just gave you the totals for games when these guys were the first batter of the game, in other words, just their away game totals. Sorry about that. If you count home runs they hit as the first batter in the bottom of the first as well, the totals are:
Soriano 51
Damon 28
So Soriano will surpass Biggion and actually has a shot at Rickey. Damon won't overtake either.
Steve,
The top two active players in lead off home runs are: Alfonso Soriano with 28 and Johnny Damon with 13. Soriano has a shot at Biggio. I think Ricky is out of reach.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: When I look at Soriano having NOW 52 homers at lead off batter (both home or visitor) In 10 seasons he had 51 or 5.10 a year.
This 10 year period has to out distance Mr Biggio.
Mr. Henderson played 25 seasons, how many did he have in his first 10 season?
Answer Steve,
Ricky Henderson hit 126 home runs in his first ten years in the major leagues, 1979-1988.
35 of these homers came as lead-off hitter in either the top or bottom of the 1st inning.
Please note that in 1979, Henderson's first year, he played in only 89 games and had 351 ABs. 1981 was a strike-shortened season. It also appears he may have been hurt in 1987 when he played in only 95 games.
