What is a Good War in Baseball?
In the world of professional baseball, a "War" is a statistic used to evaluate a player’s performance over a particular stretch of games. A Good War is typically defined as a prolonged period of outstanding play, often measuring up to 20 or more games. But what makes a good war, and how can players, coaches, and fans define it?
Defining a Good War
To identify a good war, consider the following criteria:
• Consistency: Players who perform at an extremely high level over a significant period of time, say 20-30 games, are likely to have a good war.
• RBI/OPS: High RBI and On-Base Plus Slugging (OPS) numbers over the period are strong indicators of a good war.
• Power/Hits: Players who show dramatic increases in power or batting average over the war’s duration are likely to be having a good war.
Types of Good Wars
There are several types of good wars, each with its unique characteristics:
- The Hit streak: A player maintains an impressive batting average over multiple games, often accompanied by a surge in RBIs and runs scored.
- Example: Hall of Famer Pete Rose’s 44-game hitting streak in 1973.
- The Power surge: A player experiences a significant increase in home runs, RBIs, and extra-base hits over a short period, often resulting in a .300+ OPS.
- Example: Alex Rodriguez’s 2007 season, when he hit 54 HRs and drove in 156 runs.
- The All-Around War: A player shows exceptional skill in multiple categories, such as hitting, fielding, and running, often leading to improved team performance.
- Example: Ichiro Suzuki’s 2007 season, when he recorded 248 hits, scored 102 runs, and stole 33 bases while maintaining a .371 on-base percentage.
- The Walk-off War: A player consistently delivers clutch hits or game-winning RBIs in crucial situations, often culminating in a postseason push.
- Example: David Ortiz’s late-career resurgence in the Boston Red Sox, with multiple walk-off home runs and key RBIs down the stretch.
Hall of Famers with Great Wars
Several Hall of Famers have experienced notable good wars throughout their careers, including:
| Player | Good War | Period |
|---|---|---|
| Babe Ruth | 27-game HR streak | 1925 |
| Hank Aaron | 33-game RBI streak | 1967 |
| Ted Williams | .400 AVG over 18 games | 1949 |
| Willie Mays | 23-game stolen base streak | 1962 |
Notable Good Wars in Recent Times
Recent examples of outstanding good wars include:
• Mike Trout‘s 2019-2020 season, featuring a.305 AVG, 44 HRs, and 123 RBIs over 54 games.
• Christian Yelich‘s 2018 season, posting a.367 AVG, 36 HRs, and 110 RBIs over 54 games.
Conclusion
A good war in baseball is defined by exceptional performance over an extended period, typically between 20-30 games. While there are different types of good wars, consistency, RBI/OPS, and power/hits are key indicators. Identifying a good war not only recognizes a player’s outstanding achievements but also reflects the impact on their team’s success. As players, coaches, and fans, it’s essential to appreciate and acknowledge these moments of excellence in the ever-changing world of professional baseball.
