Mendoza Line

American  

[men-doh-zuh lahyn] / mɛnˈdoʊ zə ˌlaɪn /

Or Mendoza line

noun

Baseball.

1. an unimpressive and disappointing batting average of .200.

   If you’re gonna keep hitting below the Mendoza Line, you’d better learn how to pitch or find another career.

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Etymology

Origin of Mendoza Line

First recorded in 1975–80; named after Mario Mendoza Aizpuru (born 1950), Mexican baseball shortstop whose batting average was consistently around .200

Example Sentences

But some of those Mendoza Line hitters are providing actual value to their teams.

From New York Times • Sep. 24, 2021

I'm not opening my Joc Pederson bobblehead unless I'm sure he'll still be a Dodger The fact he's right at the Mendoza Line makes him a prime candidate to get shipped out to OKC.

From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2017

Amarista, who is flirting with the Mendoza Line, can neither hit nor field well enough to play the position every day.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 15, 2015

Until Albert Pujols pulls himself above the Mendoza Line or at least hits his second home run, I'm going to refrain from passing along any fantasy baseball advice.

From Golf Digest • May 15, 2012

Wedge wouldn't give a magic number, though he conceeded it did have to be above the Mendoza Line of .200 when I asked him that specific question.

From Seattle Times • May 12, 2012