TFD: Jose Reyes is no Ted Williams; Mets star bunts for hit, leaves game with batting title lead

Good times.

September 28, 2011 at 10:22PM
(The Minnesota Star Tribune)
(The Minnesota Star Tribune)

It was 70 years ago today when Ted Williams -- who entered the day hitting .3996, technically .400 -- decided that he would play the entirety of a doubleheader to fully earn (or not earn) his .400 distinction. He ended up going 6-for-8 that day, finishing the year at .406. Nobody has hit .400 since, of course. Fast-forward to Wednesday. Jose Reyes, leading the NL in batting, bunted for a single in the first inning. And then he left the game. Per ESPN:

"I said, 'If I go 1-for-1, take me out of the game,'" Reyes said. "And I did that. If I went 0-for-1, maybe I'm still in the game until I get a hit. ... I wanted to stay in the game, but (Mets fans) have to understand, too, what's going on. They have to feel happy about it if I win the batting title."

The Brewers' Ryan Braun can still catch him with a 3-for-4 (or better) night at the plate. Still ... we can't help but think that's a pretty chicken-[redacted] way to win a batting title. Williams must be spinning in his grave. You know, metaphorically, at least, and more so than usual.

about the writer

about the writer

Michael Rand

Columnist / Reporter

Michael Rand is the Minnesota Star Tribune's Digital Sports Senior Writer and host/creator of the Daily Delivery podcast. In 25 years covering Minnesota sports at the Minnesota Star Tribune, he has seen just about everything (except, of course, a Vikings Super Bowl).

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