1970–1988 · DH

Don Baylor

6' 1", 190 lbs·Lived to 68·Bats R / Throws R

3×Silver SluggerMVPAll-Star

The Almanac's Take

Baylor was the American League's first legitimate designated hitter superstar, transforming what many viewed as a consolation prize position into a legitimate offensive weapon. His 1979 MVP season with California — .296 average, 36 homers, 139 RBIs — came during the DH role's infancy, proving a player could win baseball's highest honor without ever taking the field.

The numbers tell the story of sustained excellence rather than peak dominance. Over 19 seasons, Baylor delivered consistent power production with an OPS+ of 106, meaning he was 6% better than league average throughout his career. His 338 home runs ranked among the top sluggers of the 1970s and early 1980s.

What made Baylor special was his durability and clutch hitting in October. He appeared in three World Series with three different teams, embodying the veteran presence teams sought for playoff runs. His Silver Slugger awards spanning different decades showed remarkable longevity in an era when DH specialists were still finding their identity.

Career Highs

.901

Best OPS · 1979

Most HR · 1979

139

Most RBI · 1979

.303

Best AVG · 1983

Career Arc · OPS

19 seasons

Statistical Comps

Jose Ramirez

98%

2025 season

ISO .219 · K% 11.0 · BB% 9.8 · HR% 4.5

Ketel Marte

98%

2025 season

ISO .233 · K% 14.9 · BB% 11.5 · HR% 5.0

Yordan Alvarez

98%

2024 season

ISO .259 · K% 15.0 · BB% 10.9 · HR% 5.5

Career · Batting

19 seasons

Year	Team	G	AB	HR	RBI	AVG	OPS	OPS+
1970	BAL	8	17	0	4	.235	.535	75
1971	BAL	1	2	0	1	.000	.600	88
1972	BAL	102	320	11	38	.253	.745	112
1973	BAL	118	405	11	51	.286	.794	113
1974	BAL	137	489	10	59	.272	.723	104
1975	BAL	145	524	25	76	.282	.849	121
1976	ATH	157	595	15	68	.247	.697	102
1977	CAL	154	561	25	75	.251	.768	105
1978	CAL	158	591	34	99	.255	.804	115
1979	CAL	162	628	36	139	.296	.901	124
1980	CAL	90	340	5	51	.250	.657	92
1981	CAL	103	377	17	66	.239	.749	109
1982	CAL	157	608	24	93	.263	.754	106
1983	NYY	144	534	21	85	.303	.856	120
1984	NYY	134	493	27	89	.262	.830	117
1985	NYY	142	477	23	91	.231	.760	106
1986	BOS	160	585	31	94	.238	.783	109
1987	BOS	128	388	16	63	.245	.751	101
1988	ATH	92	264	7	34	.220	.658	95
Career		2292	8198	338	1276	.260	—	—

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