Greatest Leadoff Hitters in Baseball History

For the better part of baseball history, the leadoff spot in a batting order was reserved for spray hitters who were light on their feet, worked the count, put the ball in play (preferably on the ground), could steal a base, and generally served as a pain to opposing pitchers. 

Well, those days have gone the way of Slinkies, bell-bottoms, and the Macarena. 

If you haven’t noticed, it’s all about launch angles and the almighty home run these days. Why bother to get him on, get him over and get him in when some behemoth can do all of that with one swing of the bat? One-time staples such as hit-and-runs and stolen bases only get in the way. 

Purists should be comforted to know that one thing remains the same until further notice. The primary goal is still not to make an out. It’s the one trait that the best leadoff hitters in major league history have in common no matter the philosophical differences elsewhere. 

Career: 1977-95 (19 seasons)                                                   

Teams: Detroit Tigers                 

Leadoff position: 922 G, .284 BA, .358 OBP, .435 SLG, 83 SB

While more selective in the No. 2 hole, “Sweet Lou” was a tough out, especially against righties at the top of the order. In his best years, from 1983 to 1987, Whitaker averaged 163 hits, 94 runs, and 11 stolen bases.

Career: 1944, 1946-62 (18 seasons)

Teams: Washington Senators, Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Angels

Leadoff position: 1,741 G, .256 BA, .396 OBP, .376 SLG, 65 SB

His 28 home runs in the first inning were the major league record until Bobby Bonds broke it.

The “Walking Man” was best known for his slight crouch and ability to draw walks, a category that he led six times in his American League career.