What is a good batting average?

A "good" batting average in baseball depends heavily on the context – the league, the era, and the player's position. However, some general guidelines can be established:

• Major League Baseball (MLB): A batting average above .300 is generally considered excellent. This is a rare feat, achieved by only a handful of players in any given season. An average between .280 and .300 is very good, showing a consistently strong hitter. .260-.280 is considered above average, and .240-.260 is roughly league average. Anything below .240 is usually considered below average.

• Minor Leagues: Batting averages tend to be slightly lower in minor leagues due to the varied skill levels. A .280 average might be considered excellent in certain minor leagues, while .300 would be exceptionally rare.

• Historical Context: Batting averages have fluctuated throughout baseball history. In the "dead ball era" (early 1900s), averages were generally lower. Modern advancements in bats, training, and player development have led to higher averages, though .300 remains a significant benchmark.

• Positional Considerations: While a .260 average might be considered acceptable for a defensive specialist, a power hitter in a crucial batting position would likely be expected to hit considerably higher.

In short, while a precise definition of a "good" batting average is subjective, .300 in MLB remains the gold standard, with averages above .280 consistently representing a high level of performance. Anything above .260 is generally considered good to very good depending on the context.