Don Baylor was a former most valuable player and as powerful right-handed bat as one could find. A notorious pull hitter whose first season in Boston resulted in a low average (.238), but provided the power Boston wanted with 31 home runs and 94 RBI. In the World Series Baylor hit a disappointing .182 with no home runs. Baylor’s fWAR was 1.3 for 1986 and for a DH that was certainly acceptable.
In 1987 the 38-year-old Baylor was starting to show his age as his average continued to sour at .239 and power production was slipping. Baylor was sent to the Twins on September first and his Boston stint was over.
Baylor had one unique skill set that certainly deserves attention – the ability to take a pitch to the body. Baylor would often have to be reminded by the home plate umpire to stay in the batter’s box since he would crowd the plate. Baylor led the American League in being hit by a pitch both his seasons in Boston and led the league eight times in his 19-year career.
Baylor managed both the Rockies and the Cubs after his playing days ended.