Expert: Geoff - 8/16/2007

Question
Hey Geoff,

Now that B.B. is the reigning home run champ I have a question regarding home run percentages. I feel that unless a batter gets an intentional walk, hits a sacrifice bunt or is hit with the first pitch, he has had an opportunity to hit a "Home Run" and therefore a sacrifice fly, a regular walk and being hit by pitch (other than the first pitch) should all count as "At-Bats" when computing a batters home run percentage. In each of those instances the batter did actually have an opportunity to hit a home run. I have not been able to find a web site that lists all plate appearances. Are you aware of one? Is Mr. Bonds the home run percentage leader? Thanks.

Answer
Hi Frank,

Thanks for writing.

Using plate appearances can be misleading.  A lot of "unintentional" walks really were intentionally done giving the batter virtually no chance at getting a pitch to hit; and some "intentional walks" only happen after the count has gone to 3-0 or 3-1 so in those cases the batter had a chance to hit a home run.

The home run % stat is based upon at-bats.  The All-time leader by a mile is Mark McGwire:

1)  McGwire 1 home run every 10.61 at-bats
2)  Babe Ruth 1 home run every 11.76 at-bats
3)  Barry Bonds 1 home run every 12.90 at-bats
36) Hank Aaron 1 home run every 16.38 at-bats

http://www.baseball-reference.com/leaders/ABpHR_career.shtml

This website lists the all-time leaders by how many plate appearances they had.  You might find it helpful:

http://www.baseball-reference.com/leaders/PA_career.shtml

Best Wishes,

Geoff