The Mad Dog Saga: Four-Time Batting Champ Bill Madlock

“It’s hard for a pitcher to go nine innings with a guy like him in our lineup.” — Chuck Tanner

He had a short swing and a shorter temper, won four batting titles, and was instrumental in helping three teams to the postseason, but Bill Madlock has been largely overlooked as one of the best hitters of his generation. The reasons for that are complicated, but boils down to this:

1. Madlock was unfairly critiqued with an emphasis on his deficiencies rather than his strengths.
2. Madlock became embroiled in several notable controversies.
3. Madlock spent his career split (essentially) between four teams, leaving most of them after wearing out his welcome.
4. Injuries prevented him from reaching season and career milestones.
5. He entered the majors simultaneously with two of the greatest players ever to play his position.

Addressing those five points before I get into his career:

1. The Rangers loved Madlock’s bat, but they didn’t think he would ever be able to play second base or shortstop effectibely(his positions in the minors). In Chicago, the Cubs urged Mad Dog to hit for more power, even while he was winning two batting titles. The Giants didn’t like how Madlock turned the double play…