Books and articles about Mario Mendoza

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George Brett coined the phrase "Mendoza line" to describe the point in the Sunday-paper batting statistics where the batters' averages were below Mendoza's. This was usually at about .200. Mendoza was considered a good-fielding shortstop, but the Mexican hit below .200 three straight seasons (1975-77) and five times in his nine-year career. He played most regularly in 1979 after being traded to the Mariners, hitting .198 in 148 games (373 at-bats). His career-high BA was .245 in 1980. (SFS)

FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY » September 30, 1997: Cleveland scores five runs in the 1st inning, but the Yankees come back to win with five of their own in the 6th to defeat the Indians in Game one of their playoff series, 8-6. Tim Raines, Derek Jeter, and Paul O'Neill hit consecutive home runs in the decisive inning, giving Mario Mendoza the victory.