Shame on you, Jose Reyes!

Ted Williams is rolling over in his grave right now. Why? First, a little history. On September 28, 1941, the last day of the 1941 season, Ted Williams started the day with a .3995 batting average, which would have been rounded up to .400. As the story goes, Williams was offered the the opportunity to sit out the final day of the regular season, thus guaranteeing him his .400 average and his place in history. Instead, he opted to play in a doubleheader against the Philadelphia Athletics and collected 6 hits in 8 at bats to raise his average to .406. No player has eclipsed .400 since. Before playing that day, The Splended Splinter is said to have said something to the effect of 'I wouldn't deserve the .400 average if I didn't play'. Apparently they just don't make men like that any more.

Photo Credit: beabetterhitter.com

Today, Jose Reyes entered play as the National League's leading hitter. He lead off the bottom of the first inning against the Reds with a bunt single and was lifted for a pinch runner in an effort to increase his chances of winning the NL Batting Title. Are you kidding me? I mean, it's true that no Met has ever won a batting title, but is this the way you want to do it? I'll be honest with you. I don't remember who won the batting title last season. Or the season before that. But I will remember that Jose Reyes wasn't confident enough to face Edinson Volquez or the rest of the Reds on the last day of the season.

Photo Credit: espn.go.com

And you know what? Now I'm pulling for Ryan Braun, who can pass Reyes if he goes 3 for 4 (or better) against the Pirates tonight.


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