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DESIGNATED HITTERS AND SUBESQUENT

TEAM SCORING PERFORMANCE IN

MAJOR LEAGUE

A RESEARCH PAPER

SUBMITTED TO THE GRADUATE SCHOOL

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS

FOR THE DEGREE

MASTER OF SCIENCE

BY

SARAH E. CHO

DR. HOLMES FINCH – ADVISOR

BALL STATE UNIVERSITY

MUNCIE,

JULY 2020

2

ABSTRACT

RESEARCH PAPER: Designated Hitters and Subsequent Team Scoring Performance in

STUDENT: Sarah E. Cho

DEGREE: Master of Science

COLLEGE: Teachers College

DATE: July 2020

PAGES: 27

The (DH) rule in Major League Baseball (MLB) is a topic of great debate. In the (NL), all players take a turn . However, in the (AL), a DH usually bats for the . MLB typically do not have strong averages.

The DH rule was created to increase a team’s offense. This study looked at whether there is an apparent difference between the AL and the NL. In theory, a DH will lead to more hits, more runs, and therefore a higher scoring game. This study looked at the average runs per game and total home runs for the AL and NL during the 1998 through 2018 regular seasons. Since the assumptions of parametric multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) were not met, a nonparametric analysis was used. The permutation test for multivariate means results showed an apparent difference between the two leagues (p < .05). A quadratic discriminant analysis (QDA) was used as a follow up test and showed home runs as the variable driving the difference between the two leagues. Therefore, the AL has better scoring performance than the NL. Future studies should compare other statistics between the two leagues during the regular seasons and outside of the regular seasons.

Keywords: designated hitter, Major League Baseball, nonparametric analysis, pitcher 3

Acknowledgements

I would like to express my deep gratitude to Dr. Holmes Finch for his valuable and constructive suggestions during the planning and development of this research paper. His willingness to give his time so generously and encouragement has been very much appreciated. I would like to extend my thanks to the professors I had throughout my coursework during the master’s degree in Quantitative Psychology program: Dr. Jocelyn Bolin, Dr. Gregory Marchant, Dr. Kenneth

McCoy, and Dr. Lu Wang. Finally, I wish to thank my mother for helping me discover this program and for her support throughout my study.

4

Designated Hitters and Subsequent Team Scoring Performance in Major League Baseball

According to Cronin (2016), “ stepped into the batter’s box on April 6,

1973, as the major leagues’ first Designated Hitter (DH) … That first DH trip to the plate was the realization of a revolutionary baseball concept.” Blomberg’s plate appearance resulted from decades of debate. Fast forward to Major League Baseball (MLB) today. The American League

(AL) utilizes the DH rule, while the National League (NL) has yet to adopt the DH rule. Forty- seven years later, the DH rule is one of the most debated rule changes in MLB history.

The American League and National League met in on January 11, 1973, where the owners voted to allow the AL to put the designated hitter rule into practice (History.com,

2009). At the time, the AL lagged the NL in both scoring and attendance. Instantaneously, baseball purists denounced the DH rule, arguing it took away from the major leagues’ integrity.

According to the Major League Baseball Rule Book (MLB, 2018), Rule 5.11, the Designated

Hitter Rule provides a hitter may be designated to bat for the and all subsequent pitchers in any game without otherwise affecting the status of the pitcher(s) in the game. The DH rule use varies when it comes to the , exhibition games, and All-Star games. What started out as a three-year experiment, changed the landscape of Major League Baseball forever.

American League owners put the designated hitter rule in place for three reasons: 1. to pump up the offense; 2. to give aging sluggers the chance to shine for a few more years; 3. to increase attendance (Merron, 2003). The DH rule accomplished all three missions. In 1972, the year before the DH rule was instituted, the AL totaled 1,175 home runs; in 1973, the AL totaled

1,552 home runs. Using data sourced from the Lahman database (2018), the average runs per game for both leagues from 1998-2018 were calculated. The AL had an average R/G of 4.72, while the NL had an average R/G of 4.48 from 1998-2018. The total home runs for both leagues 5 from 2013-2018 were calculated. 2013 is when each league started consisting of fifteen teams.

The AL totaled 16,322 home runs, while the NL totaled 14,734 home runs from 2013-2018.

Rules in the American League and the National League are essentially identical, except for the designated hitter rule. The two leagues have gotten more similar over the years with strike zones standardized by the merging of umpiring staffs and the NL getting rid of their artificial- turf parks. Since the two leagues are more alike than different, they create an opportune field on which to figure out if the DH rule makes a difference in the two leagues. According to Mike

Arbuckle, the ’ senior advisor, “It still comes down to the individual players’ skills, but you have to take a look at it. With the overall numbers out there, you have to weigh that” (Schwarz, 2009). Designated hitters deepen lineups and affect individual statistics. Runs per game can exhibit how a certain team is performing. In 2009, the AL teams scored an average of 4.8 R/G and called for fewer of the one- strategies of the NL, where the teams scored an average of 4.4 R/G (Schwarz, 2009).

Until the DH rule is rid of or instituted in the NL as well, pros and cons of the rule will continue to circulate. Typically, designated hitters land on the upper end of the salary scale.

Aside from money, some players who have played in both leagues prefer the National League.

NL games move along quicker than AL games due to the almost automatic out in the ninth inning (Parker, 1998). However, , who became a full-time DH in 2006 for the

Chicago White Sox, only had positive remarks about designated hitters. Thome said, “Becoming a DH cut down on the pounding … You have to be mentally tough to understand it. There’s a lot of different ways you can help … studying pitchers. It’s given me the opportunity to play five or six more years” (Merrill, 2011). On the other hand, does not share Thome’s enthusiasm for the DH. In 2009, Garciaparra was the DH for 18 games. 6

Garciaparra said, “I did it but I wasn’t a big fan … I put my glove out on the steps even though I knew I wasn’t playing” (Merrill, 2011). MLB players will always have varying opinions on the DH rule.

Quicker games, more strategy, no need for more offense, and the reduction of batsmen are some of the reasons eliminating the DH rule would be good. A game becomes more interesting when a must make more decisions. Having a pitcher come to bat forces more decisions. If the pitcher is hitting, he is less inclined to knock down a hitter because the retaliation will be aimed directly at him when he bats. , former manager of the St.

Louis Cardinals, Oakland Athletics, and , and former AL player said, “ I think there should be the same rule for both (leagues), and I’d vote for cutting the DH … I think you see more of the total game (in the NL)” (USA Today, 2004). At the same time, the fans’ love for offense, pitchers striking out, and star power are some of the reasons eliminating the DH rule will not work. As of 2004, AL teams scored 5.0 runs a game over the last five years compared with 4.8 in the senior circuit (NL) (USA Today, 2004). In line with Thome, , a six- time All-Star said, “I love the rule … It has prolonged a lot of great players’ careers and allowed some generations (of fans) to see them play that probably wouldn’t have seen them if the DH wasn’t here” (USA Today, 2004). Baines also mentioned the DH rule added 10 years to his career.

According to MLB’s official historian, John Thorn, “As a historian, I should be expected to embrace pitchers as batters, but this tradition has outlived its usefulness” (MLB Network,

2013). Thorn supports the designated hitter rule. , a DH primarily for the Red

Sox said, “He’s a .312 career hitter. When you’re a .312 career hitter at this level, that means you pretty much got everything done,” regarding Edgar Martinez, who spent his entire MLB career 7 with the (MLB Network, 2013). Martinez was elected into the National

Baseball Hall of Fame in 2019 while having played 68.3% of his career games as a DH, the highest among other Hall of Fame inductees (Harrigan, 2020). Aside from batting statistics increasing, the DH rule had an unintended effect on pitching. The designated hitter position allowed “Junior Circuit (AL) pitchers to go more innings in games and control their own destinies. However, the increased offensive output continued to force the ERAs higher”

(McKelvey, 2004). (ERA) represents the number of earned runs a pitcher allows per nine innings, not counting any runs scored with the aid of an or passed ball. It is difficult to evaluate ERA across the AL and NL because the absence of a DH in the NL tends to keep pitchers’ ERAs lower (MLB.com, 2020).

The DH rule allowed the AL scoring and attendance to bounce back. However, former baseball , said, “In baseball you don’t change anything that’s major in terms of playing rules without getting earthquakes, and we got them” (NPR, 2003). Everlasting effects resulted from the DH rule. There is an imbalance of power between the AL and NL. The leagues spend their money differently. AL teams give aging bat-first players with no position to field a place to hide. Whereas, NL teams steer clear of hitters who might not be able to play the field during the later years of their contracts (Sheehan, 2012). Pitcher batting has also gotten worse over the years. In 1950, NL pitchers hit .171/.211/.210. In 2011, they were down to

.142/.177/.184, and because of that, they laid down more than half of the NL’s sacrifice bunts

(Sheehan, 2012). Despite constant debate, the designated hitter rule is here to stay.

In Major League Baseball, skill specialization is rigorously pursued. The DH is an offensive specialist and a pitcher is a defensive specialist, particularly in the AL. According to

Jason Bay, who has played in both leagues, “…With , the DH is one thing that 8 kind of differentiates one league from the other. I think we should keep that differentiation”

(Stone, 2013). The NL allows for more strategic decisions, while the AL provides a place of rest for the players unable to play the field every day. , a veteran pitcher who has spent time in both leagues, noticed league differences. Garland noted, when he went to bat during a game, it distracted from his ability to focus on his pitching strategy, particularly if he reached base (which has happened 32 times in 188 plate appearances) (Stone, 2013). The AL and the NL give fans the best of both worlds.

Forty-seven years ago, Ron Blomberg did what no baseball player had ever done before.

Blomberg confessed, “I really didn’t know anything about it (the DH). I just wanted my at-bats.

That one at-bat changed the course of baseball. I screwed up the game. But, I’m proud of it”

(Merrill, 2011). Baseball is an American pastime as well as a business, particularly Major

League Baseball. While MLB players work on improving their statistics, the teams they belong to work to improve their product for profit enhancement. The designated hitter is one such improvement. Domazlicky and Kerr (1990) estimated a regression model for MLB team attendance using data from the 1969-1980 seasons for twenty-one teams. The coefficient estimates on the number of runs scored is positive and statistically significant in the AL, while it is not statistically significant in the NL. Since the DH rule is expected to produce more runs per game, Domazlicky and Kerr’s results give possible insight into the American League’s decision to adopt the designated hitter rule and the National League’s decision to reject it.

Currently, the American League utilizes the designated hitter rule and the National

League does not. The DH rule has elongated careers for aging stars and raised team owner’s costs. Pros and cons of the DH rule are constantly debated. This study looks at whether there is 9 an apparent difference between the AL and the NL when comparing runs per game and statistics.

METHODS

The time period chosen for study was 1998-2018. The first year, 1998, is when Major

League Baseball expanded to thirty teams. That was the final round of expansion in MLB to date. The sample covers a period after the 1973 introduction of the DH rule in the American

League. There were fourteen AL teams and sixteen NL teams from the 1998 through the

2012 season. Balanced alignment returned in the 2013 season where each league now has fifteen teams. Given twenty-one years of data from thirty teams, a time-series data set with 630 observations was formed.

The data was sourced from the Lahman database (2018). Data was collected for runs, number of games played, and home runs (HR) for each team during the 1998 regular season through the 2018 regular season. Therefore, looking at twenty-one years of MLB statistics. Next, the runs per game (R/G) for each team throughout the twenty-one years were calculated. The

R/G were calculated by dividing the runs by the number of games played. Once the R/G and HR statistics for each team for the twenty-one years were calculated, they were compiled into a dataset named mlb21yrs. The data was split into two groups within the dataset. Group 1 was the

American League and group 2 was the National League. See Appendices A and B for R/G and

HR data for the AL and NL, respectively.

Once the data was split into two groups, descriptive statistics were found for the two leagues. Next, a multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was ran to see whether there was a significant difference in the R/G and HR between the two groups of MLB leagues (AL & NL).

The data did not appear to have equal variances or be normally distributed. Therefore, a 10 permutation test for multivariate means was ran. The significant result of the permutation test was followed up with a quadratic discriminant analysis (QDA) to determine which of the variables was driving the difference that was found. QDA was chosen as a follow up test because it does not assume equal covariance matrices and the sample is large enough that the lack of normality is not a problem.

RESULTS

The descriptive statistics for the American League and National League can be found in

Tables 1 and 2, respectively. According to the MANOVA, there is a significant difference in the

R/G and HR across the two groups (p < .05). The assumptions of parametric MANOVA are independence, equality of group covariance matrices, and multivariate normality. Independence of the data is met. The Kulback test for equal covariance matrices was ran and the result was significant (p = .0027). This significant result indicates that the covariance matrices of the two groups are different from one another. Next, Mardia tests of multivariate skew and kurtosis were ran. The significant results for skew (p = .0013) indicate that the data is multivariate non-normal.

Since the assumptions of parametric MANOVA were not met, a nonparametric analysis was used. The permutation test for multivariate means was chosen. The permutation test result was significant (p < .05). Therefore, there is a significant difference in runs per game and home runs across the two MLB leagues (American League & National League). The successful number of classifications from the quadratic discriminant analysis can be found in Table 3. The results of the QDA show the home runs variable is driving the difference found between the two leagues.

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Table 1

Descriptive Statistics for the American League

Mean Standard Deviation Minimum Maximum

R/G 4.72 0.54 3.17 6.23

HR 177.54 36.52 95.00 267.00

Table 2

Descriptive Statistics for the National League

Mean Standard Deviation Minimum Maximum

R/G 4.48 0.48 3.17 5.98

HR 165.55 31.82 91.00 249.00

Table 3

Confusion Matrix

Predicted Group

Actual Group 1 2

1 144 156

2 85 245

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Figure 1

Q-Q Plot of mlb21yrs

13

Figure 2

Histogram of R/G

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Figure 3

Histogram of HR

15

DISCUSSION

The American League adopted the designated hitter rule in 1973 to increase offense, give aging players longer careers, and increase attendance. The National League refuses to institute the DH rule. The DH rule debate between the two leagues remains as heated as the Boston Red

Sox and rivalry. This study looked at whether there is a significant difference in the amount of runs per game and home runs between the AL and NL during the

1998 through 2018 regular seasons. A significant difference was found in R/G and HR across the two leagues. The study further went on to find home runs as the variable driving the difference found between the American League and National League.

Typically, pitchers are not the strongest hitters. The AL allows pitchers to solely focus on pitching while designated hitters with higher batting averages are brought up to bat. Therefore, allowing a partial of offensive and defensive strategies of a team. The DH rule enables the elongation of players’ careers. A player with a longer career has more game knowledge to share with his team. And typically, players’ batting statistics increase throughout their careers.

However, the DH rule may influence the number of hit batsmen. In the American League, pitchers are not likely to receive retaliation if they hit a batter because they do not step up to the batter’s box. Whereas, in the National League, pitchers step up to the batter’s box. Recruitment of rookie pitchers to professional teams could be another potential issue because the DH rule takes away the importance of the pitchers’ hitting talents.

Overall, the American League has been offensively superior to the National League since implementation of the DH rule. Future studies should compare offensive and defensive statistics across the American League and the National League. As well as, further investigate whether the 16

National League should adopt the DH rule and look at statistics outside of the regular season.

Fortunately, data is readily available to make these comparisons.

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References

Cronin, J. (2016). The historical evolution of the designated hitter rule. The Baseball Research

Journal, 45(2), 5.

Domazlicky, B., & Kerr, P. (1990). Baseball attendance and the designated hitter. The American

Economist, 34(1), 62–68. https://doi.org/10.1177/056943459003400107

Harrigan, T. (2020, April 05). DH rule extended these Hall of Fame careers.

https://www.mlb.com/news/hall-of-famers-who-benefited-from-designated-hitter-rule

History.com Editors. (2009, November 16). American League adopts designated hitter rule.

https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/american-league-adopts-designated-hitter-

rule

Lahman’s Baseball Database. (2018). Teams 1998-2018. www.seanlahman.com/baseball-

archive/statistics/, “2018 MS Access version”, Copyright 1996-2020 by Sean Lahman.

McKelvey, G. R. (2004). All bat, no glove: A history of the designated hitter. Jefferson, NC:

McFarland & Co.

Merrill, E. (2011). Pros and cons of the DH: First instituted during the 1973 season in the

american league, the designated hitter role has extended the careers of many

players. , 70(4), 22.

Merron, J. (2003, March 27). Blomberg first permanent pinch-hitter.

http://static.espn.go.com/mlb/s/2003/0327/1530427.html

Major League Baseball (MLB). (2018). Official Rules: 5.11 Designated Hitter Rule.

http://mlb.mlb.com/documents/0/8/0/268272080/2018_Official_Baseball_Rules.pdf,

“Official ”, Copyright 2018 by the . 18

MLB Network. (2013, November 25). "Behind The Seams: Decoding The DH" premieres

tonight at 9:00 p.m. ET. https://www.mlb.com/news/behind-the-seams-decoding-the-dh-

premieres-tonight-at-900-pm-et/c-64193130

MLB.com editorial staff. (2020). Earned Run Average (ERA).

http://m.mlb.com/glossary/standard-stats/earned-run-average

National Public Radio, Inc. (NPR). (2003, January 11). Analysis: 's

designated-hitter rule. Weekend Edition Saturday.

https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A162171317/SCIC?u=munc80314&sid=SCIC&xid=2def8

bb8

Parker, R. (1998, April 6). On the offensive. The , 222(14), 10.

Schwarz, A. (2009, November 17). League to league, what makes the quality gap? executives are

searching beyond designated hitters - to designated bidders. International Herald

Tribune, 16.

Sheehan, J. (2012, February 6). Imbalance of power. , 116(5), 26-28.

Stone, L. (2013). Love it or hate it, the DH adds to the game: Even after 40 years in the american

league, the designated hitter remains a contentious subject. Baseball Digest, 72(3), 16.

USA Today. (2004, September 6). Renewing the DH debate.

https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/2004-09-06-dh-pros-and-cons_x.htm

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Appendix A

American League R/G and HR during 1998-2018 Regular Season Play

Year Team R/G HR Year Team R/G HR 1998 Anaheim Angels 4.86 147 2000 Oakland Athletics 5.88 239 1998 Orioles 5.04 214 2000 Seattle Mariners 5.60 198 1998 5.41 205 2000 Devil Rays 4.55 162 1998 Chicago White Sox 5.28 198 2000 5.23 173 1998 Indians 5.25 198 2000 Blue Jays 5.31 244 1998 Tigers 4.46 165 2001 Anaheim Angels 4.27 158 1998 Kansas City Royals 4.43 134 2001 4.24 136 1998 4.53 115 2001 Boston Red Sox 4.80 198 1998 New York Yankees 5.96 207 2001 Chicago White Sox 4.93 214 1998 Oakland Athletics 4.96 149 2001 5.54 212 1998 Seattle Mariners 5.34 234 2001 4.47 139 1998 Tampa Bay Devil Rays 3.83 111 2001 Kansas City Royals 4.50 152 1998 Texas Rangers 5.80 201 2001 Minnesota Twins 4.76 164 1998 5.01 221 2001 New York Yankees 4.99 203 1999 Anaheim Angels 4.39 158 2001 Oakland Athletics 5.46 199 1999 Baltimore Orioles 5.25 203 2001 Seattle Mariners 5.72 169 1999 Boston Red Sox 5.16 176 2001 Tampa Bay Devil Rays 4.15 121 1999 Chicago White Sox 4.80 162 2001 Texas Rangers 5.49 246 1999 Cleveland Indians 6.23 209 2001 Toronto Blue Jays 4.73 195 1999 Detroit Tigers 4.64 212 2002 Anaheim Angels 5.25 152 1999 Kansas City Royals 5.32 151 2002 Baltimore Orioles 4.12 165 1999 Minnesota Twins 4.26 105 2002 Boston Red Sox 5.30 177 1999 New York Yankees 5.56 193 2002 Chicago White Sox 5.28 217 1999 Oakland Athletics 5.51 235 2002 Cleveland Indians 4.56 192 1999 Seattle Mariners 5.30 244 2002 Detroit Tigers 3.57 124 1999 Tampa Bay Devil Rays 4.77 145 2002 Kansas City Royals 4.55 140 1999 Texas Rangers 5.83 230 2002 Minnesota Twins 4.77 167 1999 Toronto Blue Jays 5.45 212 2002 New York Yankees 5.57 223 2000 Anaheim Angels 5.33 236 2002 Oakland Athletics 4.94 205 2000 Baltimore Orioles 4.90 184 2002 Seattle Mariners 5.02 152 2000 Boston Red Sox 4.89 167 2002 Tampa Bay Devil Rays 4.18 133 2000 Chicago White Sox 6.04 216 2002 Texas Rangers 5.20 230 2000 Cleveland Indians 5.86 221 2002 Toronto Blue Jays 5.02 187 2000 Detroit Tigers 5.08 177 2003 Anaheim Angels 4.54 150 2000 Kansas City Royals 5.43 150 2003 Baltimore Orioles 4.56 152 2000 Minnesota Twins 4.62 116 2003 Boston Red Sox 5.93 238 2000 New York Yankees 5.41 205 2003 Chicago White Sox 4.88 220 20

Year Team R/G HR Year Team R/G HR 2003 Cleveland Indians 4.31 158 2006 Chicago White Sox 5.36 236 2003 Detroit Tigers 3.65 153 2006 Cleveland Indians 5.37 196 2003 Kansas City Royals 5.16 162 2006 Detroit Tigers 5.07 203 2003 Minnesota Twins 4.94 155 2006 Kansas City Royals 4.67 124 2003 New York Yankees 5.38 230 2006 Angels of 4.73 159 2003 Oakland Athletics 4.74 176 Anaheim 2006 Minnesota Twins 4.94 143 2003 Seattle Mariners 4.91 139 2006 New York Yankees 5.74 210 2003 Tampa Bay Devil Rays 4.41 137 2006 Oakland Athletics 4.76 175 2003 Texas Rangers 5.10 239 2006 Seattle Mariners 4.67 172 2003 Toronto Blue Jays 5.52 190 2006 Tampa Bay Devil Rays 4.25 190 2004 Anaheim Angels 5.16 162 2006 Texas Rangers 5.15 183 2004 Baltimore Orioles 5.20 169 2006 Toronto Blue Jays 4.99 199 2004 Boston Red Sox 5.86 222 2007 Baltimore Orioles 4.67 142 2004 Chicago White Sox 5.34 242 2007 Boston Red Sox 5.35 166 2004 Cleveland Indians 5.30 184 2007 Chicago White Sox 4.28 190 2004 Detroit Tigers 5.10 201 2007 Cleveland Indians 5.01 178 2004 Kansas City Royals 4.44 150 2007 Detroit Tigers 5.48 177 2004 Minnesota Twins 4.81 191 2007 Kansas City Royals 4.36 102 2004 New York Yankees 5.54 242 2007 of 5.07 123 2004 Oakland Athletics 4.90 189 Anaheim 2004 Seattle Mariners 4.31 136 2007 Minnesota Twins 4.43 118 2004 Tampa Bay Devil Rays 4.43 145 2007 New York Yankees 5.98 201 2004 Texas Rangers 5.31 227 2007 Oakland Athletics 4.57 171 2004 Toronto Blue Jays 4.47 145 2007 Seattle Mariners 4.90 153 2005 Baltimore Orioles 4.50 189 2007 Tampa Bay Devil Rays 4.83 187 2005 Boston Red Sox 5.62 199 2007 Texas Rangers 5.04 179 2005 Chicago White Sox 4.57 200 2007 Toronto Blue Jays 4.65 165 2005 Cleveland Indians 4.88 207 2008 Baltimore Orioles 4.86 172 2005 Detroit Tigers 4.46 168 2008 Boston Red Sox 5.22 173 2005 Kansas City Royals 4.33 126 2008 Chicago White Sox 4.98 235 2005 Los Angeles Angels of 4.70 147 2008 Cleveland Indians 4.97 171 Anaheim 2008 Detroit Tigers 5.07 200 2005 Minnesota Twins 4.25 134 2008 Kansas City Royals 4.27 120 2005 New York Yankees 5.47 229 2008 Los Angeles Angels of 4.72 159 2005 Oakland Athletics 4.77 155 Anaheim 2005 Seattle Mariners 4.31 130 2008 Minnesota Twins 5.09 111 2005 Tampa Bay Devil Rays 4.63 157 2008 New York Yankees 4.87 180 2005 Texas Rangers 5.34 260 2008 Oakland Athletics 4.01 125 2005 Toronto Blue Jays 4.78 136 2008 Seattle Mariners 4.14 124 2006 Baltimore Orioles 4.74 164 2008 4.78 180 2006 Boston Red Sox 5.06 192 2008 Texas Rangers 5.56 194 21

Year Team R/G HR Year Team R/G HR 2008 Toronto Blue Jays 4.41 126 2011 Seattle Mariners 3.43 109 2009 Baltimore Orioles 4.57 160 2011 Tampa Bay Rays 4.36 172 2009 Boston Red Sox 5.38 212 2011 Texas Rangers 5.28 210 2009 Chicago White Sox 4.47 184 2011 Toronto Blue Jays 4.59 186 2009 Cleveland Indians 4.77 161 2012 Baltimore Orioles 4.40 214 2009 Detroit Tigers 4.56 183 2012 Boston Red Sox 4.53 165 2009 Kansas City Royals 4.23 144 2012 Chicago White Sox 4.62 211 2009 Los Angeles Angels of 5.45 173 2012 Cleveland Indians 4.12 136 Anaheim 2012 Detroit Tigers 4.48 163 2009 Minnesota Twins 5.01 172 2012 Kansas City Royals 4.17 131 2009 New York Yankees 5.65 244 2012 Los Angeles Angels of 4.73 187 2009 Oakland Athletics 4.69 135 Anaheim 2009 Seattle Mariners 3.95 160 2012 Minnesota Twins 4.33 131 2009 Tampa Bay Rays 4.96 199 2012 New York Yankees 4.96 245 2009 Texas Rangers 4.84 224 2012 Oakland Athletics 4.40 195 2009 Toronto Blue Jays 4.93 209 2012 Seattle Mariners 3.82 149 2010 Baltimore Orioles 3.78 133 2012 Tampa Bay Rays 4.30 175 2010 Boston Red Sox 5.05 211 2012 Texas Rangers 4.99 200 2010 Chicago White Sox 4.64 177 2012 Toronto Blue Jays 4.42 198 2010 Cleveland Indians 3.99 128 2013 Baltimore Orioles 4.60 212 2010 Detroit Tigers 4.64 152 2013 Boston Red Sox 5.27 178 2010 Kansas City Royals 4.17 121 2013 Chicago White Sox 3.69 148 2010 Los Angeles Angels of 4.20 155 2013 Cleveland Indians 4.60 171 Anaheim 2013 Detroit Tigers 4.91 176 2010 Minnesota Twins 4.82 142 2013 3.77 148 2010 New York Yankees 5.30 201 2013 Kansas City Royals 4.00 112 2010 Oakland Athletics 4.09 109 2013 Los Angeles Angels of 4.52 164 2010 Seattle Mariners 3.17 101 Anaheim 2010 Tampa Bay Rays 4.95 160 2013 Minnesota Twins 3.79 151 2010 Texas Rangers 4.86 162 2013 New York Yankees 4.01 144 2010 Toronto Blue Jays 4.66 257 2013 Oakland Athletics 4.73 186 2011 Baltimore Orioles 4.37 191 2013 Seattle Mariners 3.85 188 2011 Boston Red Sox 5.40 203 2013 Tampa Bay Rays 4.29 165 2011 Chicago White Sox 4.04 154 2013 Texas Rangers 4.48 176 2011 Cleveland Indians 4.35 154 2013 Toronto Blue Jays 4.40 185 2011 Detroit Tigers 4.86 169 2014 Baltimore Orioles 4.35 211 2011 Kansas City Royals 4.51 129 2014 Boston Red Sox 3.91 123 2011 Los Angeles Angels of 4.12 155 2014 Chicago White Sox 4.07 155 Anaheim 2014 Cleveland Indians 4.13 142 2011 Minnesota Twins 3.82 103 2014 Detroit Tigers 4.67 155 2011 New York Yankees 5.35 222 2014 Houston Astros 3.88 163 2011 Oakland Athletics 3.98 114 22

Year Team R/G HR Year Team R/G HR 2014 Kansas City Royals 4.02 95 2016 Oakland Athletics 4.03 169 2014 Los Angeles Angels of 4.77 155 2016 Seattle Mariners 4.74 223 Anaheim 2016 Tampa Bay Rays 4.15 216 2014 Minnesota Twins 4.41 128 2016 Texas Rangers 4.72 215 2014 New York Yankees 3.91 147 2016 Toronto Blue Jays 4.69 221 2014 Oakland Athletics 4.50 146 2017 Baltimore Orioles 4.59 232 2014 Seattle Mariners 3.91 136 2017 Boston Red Sox 4.85 168 2014 Tampa Bay Rays 3.78 117 2017 Chicago White Sox 4.36 186 2014 Texas Rangers 3.93 111 2017 Cleveland Indians 5.05 212 2014 Toronto Blue Jays 4.46 177 2017 Detroit Tigers 4.54 187 2015 Baltimore Orioles 4.40 217 2017 Houston Astros 5.53 238 2015 Boston Red Sox 4.62 161 2017 Kansas City Royals 4.33 193 2015 Chicago White Sox 3.84 136 2017 Los Angeles Angels of 4.38 186 2015 Cleveland Indians 4.16 141 Anaheim 2015 Detroit Tigers 4.28 151 2017 Minnesota Twins 5.03 206 2015 Houston Astros 4.50 230 2017 New York Yankees 5.30 241 2015 Kansas City Royals 4.47 139 2017 Oakland Athletics 4.56 234 2015 Los Angeles Angels of 4.08 176 2017 Seattle Mariners 4.63 200 Anaheim 2017 Tampa Bay Rays 4.28 228 2015 Minnesota Twins 4.30 156 2017 Texas Rangers 4.93 237 2015 New York Yankees 4.72 212 2017 Toronto Blue Jays 4.28 222 2015 Oakland Athletics 4.28 146 2018 Baltimore Orioles 3.84 188 2015 Seattle Mariners 4.05 198 2018 Boston Red Sox 5.41 208 2015 Tampa Bay Rays 3.98 167 2018 Chicago White Sox 4.05 182 2015 Texas Rangers 4.64 172 2018 Cleveland Indians 5.05 216 2015 Toronto Blue Jays 5.50 232 2018 Detroit Tigers 3.89 135 2016 Baltimore Orioles 4.59 253 2018 Houston Astros 4.92 205 2016 Boston Red Sox 5.42 208 2018 Kansas City Royals 3.94 155 2016 Chicago White Sox 4.23 168 2018 Los Angeles Angels of 4.45 214 2016 Cleveland Indians 4.83 185 Anaheim 2016 Detroit Tigers 4.66 211 2018 Minnesota Twins 4.56 166 2016 Houston Astros 4.47 198 2018 New York Yankees 5.25 267 2016 Kansas City Royals 4.17 147 2018 Oakland Athletics 5.02 227 2016 Los Angeles Angels of 4.43 156 2018 Seattle Mariners 4.18 176 Anaheim 2018 Tampa Bay Rays 4.42 150 2016 Minnesota Twins 4.46 200 2018 Texas Rangers 4.55 194 2016 New York Yankees 4.20 183 2018 Toronto Blue Jays 4.38 217

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Appendix B

National League R/G and HR during 1998-2018 Regular Season Play

Year Teams R/G HR Year Team R/G HR 1998 Diamondbacks 4.10 159 2000 Marlins 4.54 160 1998 Braves 5.10 215 2000 Houston Astros 5.79 249 1998 5.10 212 2000 4.93 211 1998 Reds 4.63 138 2000 Brewers 4.54 177 1998 Rockies 5.10 183 2000 Expos 4.56 178 1998 Florida Marlins 4.12 114 2000 4.98 198 1998 Houston Astros 5.40 166 2000 4.37 144 1998 Los Angeles Dodgers 4.13 159 2000 Pirates 4.90 168 1998 4.36 152 2000 4.64 157 1998 3.98 147 2000 Giants 5.71 226 1998 New York Mets 4.36 136 2000 St. Louis Cardinals 5.48 235 1998 Philadelphia Phillies 4.40 126 2001 5.05 208 1998 3.99 107 2001 4.50 174 1998 San Diego Padres 4.62 167 2001 Chicago Cubs 4.80 194 1998 5.18 161 2001 4.54 176 1998 St. Louis Cardinals 4.97 223 2001 5.70 213 1999 Arizona Diamondbacks 5.60 216 2001 Florida Marlins 4.58 166 1999 Atlanta Braves 5.19 197 2001 Houston Astros 5.23 208 1999 Chicago Cubs 4.61 189 2001 Los Angeles Dodgers 4.68 206 1999 Cincinnati Reds 5.31 209 2001 Milwaukee Brewers 4.57 209 1999 Colorado Rockies 5.59 223 2001 Montreal Expos 4.14 131 1999 Florida Marlins 4.27 128 2001 New York Mets 3.96 147 1999 Houston Astros 5.08 168 2001 Philadelphia Phillies 4.60 164 1999 Los Angeles Dodgers 4.90 187 2001 Pittsburgh Pirates 4.06 161 1999 Milwaukee Brewers 5.06 165 2001 San Diego Padres 4.87 161 1999 Montreal Expos 4.43 163 2001 San Francisco Giants 4.93 235 1999 New York Mets 5.23 181 2001 St. Louis Cardinals 5.02 199 1999 Philadelphia Phillies 5.19 161 2002 Arizona Diamondbacks 5.06 165 1999 Pittsburgh Pirates 4.81 171 2002 Atlanta Braves 4.40 164 1999 San Diego Padres 4.38 153 2002 Chicago Cubs 4.36 200 1999 San Francisco Giants 5.38 188 2002 Cincinnati Reds 4.38 169 1999 St. Louis Cardinals 5.02 194 2002 Colorado Rockies 4.80 152 2000 Arizona Diamondbacks 4.89 179 2002 Florida Marlins 4.31 146 2000 Atlanta Braves 5.00 179 2002 Houston Astros 4.62 167 2000 Chicago Cubs 4.72 183 2002 Los Angeles Dodgers 4.40 155 2000 Cincinnati Reds 5.06 200 2002 Milwaukee Brewers 3.87 139 2000 Colorado Rockies 5.98 161 2002 Montreal Expos 4.54 162 24

Year Team R/G HR Year Team R/G HR 2002 New York Mets 4.29 160 2005 Chicago Cubs 4.34 194 2002 Philadelphia Phillies 4.41 165 2005 Cincinnati Reds 5.03 222 2002 Pittsburgh Pirates 3.98 142 2005 Colorado Rockies 4.57 150 2002 San Diego Padres 4.09 136 2005 Florida Marlins 4.43 128 2002 San Francisco Giants 4.83 198 2005 Houston Astros 4.25 161 2002 St. Louis Cardinals 4.86 175 2005 Los Angeles Dodgers 4.23 149 2003 Arizona Diamondbacks 4.43 152 2005 Milwaukee Brewers 4.48 175 2003 Atlanta Braves 5.60 235 2005 New York Mets 4.46 175 2003 Chicago Cubs 4.47 172 2005 Philadelphia Phillies 4.98 167 2003 Cincinnati Reds 4.28 182 2005 Pittsburgh Pirates 4.20 139 2003 Colorado Rockies 5.27 198 2005 San Diego Padres 4.22 130 2003 Florida Marlins 4.64 157 2005 San Francisco Giants 4.01 128 2003 Houston Astros 4.97 191 2005 St. Louis Cardinals 4.97 170 2003 Los Angeles Dodgers 3.54 124 2005 Nationals 3.94 117 2003 Milwaukee Brewers 4.41 196 2006 Arizona Diamondbacks 4.77 160 2003 Montreal Expos 4.39 144 2006 Atlanta Braves 5.24 222 2003 New York Mets 3.99 124 2006 Chicago Cubs 4.42 166 2003 Philadelphia Phillies 4.88 166 2006 Cincinnati Reds 4.62 217 2003 Pittsburgh Pirates 4.65 163 2006 Colorado Rockies 5.02 157 2003 San Diego Padres 4.19 128 2006 Florida Marlins 4.68 182 2003 San Francisco Giants 4.69 180 2006 Houston Astros 4.54 174 2003 St. Louis Cardinals 5.41 196 2006 Los Angeles Dodgers 5.06 153 2004 Arizona Diamondbacks 3.80 135 2006 Milwaukee Brewers 4.51 180 2004 Atlanta Braves 4.96 178 2006 New York Mets 5.15 200 2004 Chicago Cubs 4.87 235 2006 Philadelphia Phillies 5.34 216 2004 Cincinnati Reds 4.63 194 2006 Pittsburgh Pirates 4.27 141 2004 Colorado Rockies 5.14 202 2006 San Diego Padres 4.51 161 2004 Florida Marlins 4.43 148 2006 San Francisco Giants 4.63 163 2004 Houston Astros 4.96 187 2006 St. Louis Cardinals 4.85 184 2004 Los Angeles Dodgers 4.70 203 2006 4.60 164 2004 Milwaukee Brewers 3.94 135 2007 Arizona Diamondbacks 4.40 171 2004 Montreal Expos 3.92 151 2007 Atlanta Braves 5.00 176 2004 New York Mets 4.22 185 2007 Chicago Cubs 4.64 151 2004 Philadelphia Phillies 5.19 215 2007 Cincinnati Reds 4.83 204 2004 Pittsburgh Pirates 4.22 142 2007 Colorado Rockies 5.28 171 2004 San Diego Padres 4.74 139 2007 Florida Marlins 4.88 201 2004 San Francisco Giants 5.25 183 2007 Houston Astros 4.46 167 2004 St. Louis Cardinals 5.28 214 2007 Los Angeles Dodgers 4.54 129 2005 Arizona Diamondbacks 4.30 191 2007 Milwaukee Brewers 4.94 231 2005 Atlanta Braves 4.75 184 2007 New York Mets 4.96 177 25

Year Team R/G HR Year Team R/G HR 2007 Philadelphia Phillies 5.51 213 2010 Chicago Cubs 4.23 149 2007 Pittsburgh Pirates 4.47 148 2010 Cincinnati Reds 4.88 188 2007 San Diego Padres 4.55 171 2010 Colorado Rockies 4.75 173 2007 San Francisco Giants 4.22 131 2010 Florida Marlins 4.44 152 2007 St. Louis Cardinals 4.48 141 2010 Houston Astros 3.77 108 2007 Washington Nationals 4.15 123 2010 Los Angeles Dodgers 4.12 120 2008 Arizona Diamondbacks 4.44 159 2010 Milwaukee Brewers 4.63 182 2008 Atlanta Braves 4.65 130 2010 New York Mets 4.05 128 2008 Chicago Cubs 5.31 184 2010 Philadelphia Phillies 4.77 166 2008 Cincinnati Reds 4.35 187 2010 Pittsburgh Pirates 3.62 126 2008 Colorado Rockies 4.61 160 2010 San Diego Padres 4.10 132 2008 Florida Marlins 4.78 208 2010 San Francisco Giants 4.30 162 2008 Houston Astros 4.42 167 2010 St. Louis Cardinals 4.54 150 2008 Los Angeles Dodgers 4.32 137 2010 Washington Nationals 4.04 149 2008 Milwaukee Brewers 4.63 198 2011 Arizona Diamondbacks 4.51 172 2008 New York Mets 4.93 172 2011 Atlanta Braves 3.96 173 2008 Philadelphia Phillies 4.93 214 2011 Chicago Cubs 4.04 148 2008 Pittsburgh Pirates 4.54 153 2011 Cincinnati Reds 4.54 183 2008 San Diego Padres 3.93 154 2011 Colorado Rockies 4.54 163 2008 San Francisco Giants 3.95 94 2011 Florida Marlins 3.86 149 2008 St. Louis Cardinals 4.81 174 2011 Houston Astros 3.80 95 2008 Washington Nationals 3.98 117 2011 Los Angeles Dodgers 4.00 117 2009 Arizona Diamondbacks 4.44 173 2011 Milwaukee Brewers 4.45 185 2009 Atlanta Braves 4.54 149 2011 New York Mets 4.43 108 2009 Chicago Cubs 4.39 161 2011 Philadelphia Phillies 4.40 153 2009 Cincinnati Reds 4.15 158 2011 Pittsburgh Pirates 3.77 107 2009 Colorado Rockies 4.96 190 2011 San Diego Padres 3.66 91 2009 Florida Marlins 4.77 159 2011 San Francisco Giants 3.52 121 2009 Houston Astros 3.97 142 2011 St. Louis Cardinals 4.70 162 2009 Los Angeles Dodgers 4.81 145 2011 Washington Nationals 3.88 154 2009 Milwaukee Brewers 4.85 182 2012 Arizona Diamondbacks 4.53 165 2009 New York Mets 4.14 95 2012 Atlanta Braves 4.32 149 2009 Philadelphia Phillies 5.06 224 2012 Chicago Cubs 3.78 137 2009 Pittsburgh Pirates 3.95 125 2012 Cincinnati Reds 4.13 172 2009 San Diego Padres 3.94 141 2012 Colorado Rockies 4.68 166 2009 San Francisco Giants 4.06 122 2012 Houston Astros 3.60 146 2009 St. Louis Cardinals 4.51 160 2012 Los Angeles Dodgers 3.93 116 2009 Washington Nationals 4.38 156 2012 Marlins 3.76 137 2010 Arizona Diamondbacks 4.40 180 2012 Milwaukee Brewers 4.79 202 2010 Atlanta Braves 4.56 139 2012 New York Mets 4.01 139 26

Year Team R/G HR Year Team R/G HR 2012 Philadelphia Phillies 4.22 158 2015 Colorado Rockies 4.55 186 2012 Pittsburgh Pirates 4.02 170 2015 Los Angeles Dodgers 4.12 187 2012 San Diego Padres 4.02 121 2015 3.78 120 2012 San Francisco Giants 4.43 103 2015 Milwaukee Brewers 4.04 145 2012 St. Louis Cardinals 4.72 159 2015 New York Mets 4.22 177 2012 Washington Nationals 4.51 194 2015 Philadelphia Phillies 3.86 130 2013 Arizona Diamondbacks 4.23 130 2015 Pittsburgh Pirates 4.30 140 2013 Atlanta Braves 4.25 181 2015 San Diego Padres 4.01 148 2013 Chicago Cubs 3.72 172 2015 San Francisco Giants 4.30 136 2013 Cincinnati Reds 4.31 155 2015 St. Louis Cardinals 3.99 137 2013 Colorado Rockies 4.36 159 2015 Washington Nationals 4.34 177 2013 Los Angeles Dodgers 4.01 138 2016 Arizona Diamondbacks 4.64 190 2013 Miami Marlins 3.17 95 2016 Atlanta Braves 4.03 122 2013 Milwaukee Brewers 3.95 157 2016 Chicago Cubs 4.99 199 2013 New York Mets 3.82 130 2016 Cincinnati Reds 4.42 164 2013 Philadelphia Phillies 3.77 140 2016 Colorado Rockies 5.22 204 2013 Pittsburgh Pirates 3.91 161 2016 Los Angeles Dodgers 4.48 189 2013 San Diego Padres 3.81 146 2016 Miami Marlins 4.07 128 2013 San Francisco Giants 3.88 107 2016 Milwaukee Brewers 4.14 194 2013 St. Louis Cardinals 4.83 125 2016 New York Mets 4.14 218 2013 Washington Nationals 4.05 161 2016 Philadelphia Phillies 3.77 161 2014 Arizona Diamondbacks 3.80 118 2016 Pittsburgh Pirates 4.50 153 2014 Atlanta Braves 3.54 123 2016 San Diego Padres 4.23 177 2014 Chicago Cubs 3.79 157 2016 San Francisco Giants 4.41 130 2014 Cincinnati Reds 3.67 131 2016 St. Louis Cardinals 4.81 225 2014 Colorado Rockies 4.66 186 2016 Washington Nationals 4.71 203 2014 Los Angeles Dodgers 4.43 134 2017 Arizona Diamondbacks 5.01 220 2014 Miami Marlins 3.98 122 2017 Atlanta Braves 4.52 165 2014 Milwaukee Brewers 4.01 150 2017 Chicago Cubs 5.07 223 2014 New York Mets 3.88 125 2017 Cincinnati Reds 4.65 219 2014 Philadelphia Phillies 3.82 125 2017 Colorado Rockies 5.09 192 2014 Pittsburgh Pirates 4.21 156 2017 Los Angeles Dodgers 4.75 221 2014 San Diego Padres 3.30 109 2017 Miami Marlins 4.80 194 2014 San Francisco Giants 4.10 132 2017 Milwaukee Brewers 4.52 224 2014 St. Louis Cardinals 3.82 105 2017 New York Mets 4.54 224 2014 Washington Nationals 4.23 152 2017 Philadelphia Phillies 4.26 174 2015 Arizona Diamondbacks 4.44 154 2017 Pittsburgh Pirates 4.12 151 2015 Atlanta Braves 3.54 100 2017 San Diego Padres 3.73 189 2015 Chicago Cubs 4.25 171 2017 San Francisco Giants 3.94 128 2015 Cincinnati Reds 3.95 167 2017 St. Louis Cardinals 4.70 196 27

Year Team R/G HR Year Team R/G HR 2017 Washington Nationals 5.06 215 2018 Milwaukee Brewers 4.63 218 2018 Arizona Diamondbacks 4.28 176 2018 New York Mets 4.17 170 2018 Atlanta Braves 4.69 175 2018 Philadelphia Phillies 4.18 186 2018 Chicago Cubs 4.67 167 2018 Pittsburgh Pirates 4.30 157 2018 Cincinnati Reds 4.30 172 2018 San Diego Padres 3.81 162 2018 Colorado Rockies 4.79 210 2018 San Francisco Giants 3.72 133 2018 Los Angeles Dodgers 4.93 235 2018 St. Louis Cardinals 4.69 205 2018 Miami Marlins 3.66 128 2018 Washington Nationals 4.76 191