MLB: Top 30 leadoff hitters of all-time
. 1985-1997. Cardinals, Mets, Royals, Mariners, Reds, Tigers. Vince Coleman. 16. player. 32
If speed were the only ingredient necessary to become the greatest leadoff hitter of all-time, Vince Coleman would have a shot at the top spot. Coleman exploded onto the scene in 1985 and stole a Major League leading 110 bases on his way to Rookie of the Year honors. He also helped the St. Louis Cardinals make it to the World Series that year.
Coleman stole more than 100 bases in 1986 and 1987 as well, led the Majors both seasons, and also led the National League with 81 steals in ’88, 65 in ’89 and again led all of baseball with 77 thefts in 1990. During that time the switch-hitting left fielder made it to the All Star Game twice and finished in the top 12 of the NL MVP voting on two other occasions.
However, one of the key ingredients to becoming an all-time great leadoff hitter is getting on base in order to use one’s world-class speed. Coleman hit .267 or worse in half of his first six seasons and had an on-base percentage of .320 or less four times. Simply, he didn’t walk enough and struck out way too much (including three seasons of 100-plus K’s).
As he aged, Coleman put the ball in play more often, but never had a batting average above .292 or an OBP better than .363. In 13 big league seasons, Coleman hit .264/.324/.345 and collected 1,425 hits, but struck out 960 times and walked only 477 times.
If he had been a more patient or consistent hitter, Coleman would have had more opportunities to steal bases. As it stands, he swiped 752 bags, which is still sixth in the MLB record books.
Next: Johnny Damon