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

Even in stretches when his batting average hovered around the Mendoza Line, or his strikeout total climbed MLB leaderboards, his ability to slug had been the great equalizer.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2025

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

From New York Times • Sep. 24, 2021

New York has stayed patient with Sanchez’s defensive shortcomings because of his potential impact on offense, but excessive passed balls don’t pair so well with an average below the Mendoza Line.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 1, 2018

The answer, to me, is his batting average, well below the Mendoza Line for most of the season.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 10, 2014

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