Baseball, probably more than any other sport loves its stats. Big numbers help define the level of greatness a player reaches – 500 home runs and 2000 hits are probably the most well known milestones. In recent years things like WAR and JAWS have been developed to help combine a number of stats into a single category, but really those are only focused on by statheads, sports writers, and others really in the know. However, one stat that’s very simple is often overlooked into determining a player’s offensive success in baseball – total bases.
Like all stats, it’s not perfect, but it really helps balance the value of a power hitter and a high average. Pete Rose has far and away the most hits in baseball history, but he only ranks 9th in total bases. Sure this stat will favor home runs, Hank Aaron is second all time home runs and all time total bases. Second place on the total bases list is much more interesting though, Stan Musial. He only ranks 32nd on all time home runs and is 4th on the total hits list, roughly 600 hits behind Rose. The total base stat gives a good mixture of hitting success, and can highlight consistent hitters and power hitters alike.
That brings us to the bit of history that happened Monday night. Albert Pujols reached yet another milestone in his storied career. He became just the fourth player to cross the 6000 total bases milestone. He hasn’t moved up the list, but he passed a nice round number that stats fans love to cite. He achieved it in a rather unassuming way, much like the stat itself, with a single in the top of the 8th.
When the book closes on Pujols’s career he won’t lead the major all-time lists for home runs or hits. He likely won’t be top 4 in either, but he’ll likely reach his highest all time ranking in the total bases category. He’s only about 60 bases behind Willie Mays for 3rd on the list, so he should be able to climb up the rankings by the end of the year. Everyone has a stat they love the most in baseball, I think mine might be total bases. It’s unassuming, simple, and rewards all types of offensive players.