Steven Kwan of the Cleveland Guardians has been on an impressive run, flirting with a .400 batting average this season. While he may not qualify for the batting title just yet, his .396 average is certainly turning heads. The last time a player hit .400 in a season was over 80 years ago by Ted Williams. Since then, there have been a few close calls, but no one has been able to reach that milestone.
Kwan’s pursuit of .400 brings back memories of other players who came close to achieving this feat. Players like Tony Gwynn, Ted Williams, Chipper Jones, and Stan Musial all had memorable seasons where they were hitting .400 deep into the summer months. Each player had their own unique story and challenges as they chased after this elusive goal.
One player who stood out was Luis Arráez, who was hitting .400 as late as June in the 2023 season. Although he fell short of the milestone, he still managed to win the batting title that year. His consistency at the plate was unmatched, making him a force to be reckoned with in the league.
Rod Carew’s incredible run in 1977 saw him hitting .400 as late as July, eventually finishing with a .388 average for the season. His performance earned him both the batting title and the MVP award, showcasing his dominance at the plate. Similarly, George Brett’s remarkable season in 1980 saw him coming close to .400 in September, finishing with a .390 average and securing both the batting title and the MVP award.
As we look back on these memorable pursuits of .400 in MLB history, it’s clear that achieving such a feat requires not only incredible skill but also a great deal of consistency and determination. While players like Steven Kwan may come close to reaching this milestone, the legacy of those who have chased after .400 before them will always be remembered in baseball history.