Most MLB teams are getting better at lineup construction, but a few still have plenty to learn.
MLB is a sport of traditions, from the national anthem to the ceremonial first pitch to “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” in the seventh inning and “Sweet Caroline” in the eighth (at Fenway Park). You get a hot dog, a soft drink or a beer, maybe some peanuts or popcorn. Old school fans track the action in a scorebook while kids look for vendors selling cotton candy.
There have been traditions on the field as well. The best athlete played shortstop or center field. The big, lumbering guys played first base or a corner outfield spot. The second baseman was the scrappy guy with the dirtiest uniform. The third baseman could block a ball with his chest, then pick it up and throw the runner out.
When it came time to bat, for many decades the baseball lineup was traditionally constructed. The leadoff hitter was a fast guy who could steal bases. The second spot went to a “bat handler” who could take pitches, bunt, and execute a hit-and-run. The third spot was the best hitter on the team, as the great Babe Ruth.
The lineup continued with the big home run hitter batting fourth and another power hitter batting fifth. The sixth spot often went to a second leadoff type hitter, who could get on base in front of the bottom of the order. The seventh spot was for someone who wasn’t good enough to bat higher but better than the non-pitcher who would bat eighth, which was often the catcher.
That’s how it was, that’s what managers did for the most part. Batting average was king, while on-base percentage and slugging percentage were not even acknowledged by the casual baseball fan. If a leadoff guy stole 50 bases, it didn’t seem to matter that his on-base percentage was below .300.