In the baseball world, it’s synonymous with being irredeemably awful. No, this phrase isn’t “Mets ownership” — it’s the “Mendoza Line.” It’s named for Mario Mendoza, a guy who, according to Google, was a “baseball player.”



Over his nine-year career, one shy of being eligible for Hall of Fame consideration, the third baseman and occasional shortstop came to the plate 1,468 times. He finished his career with a .215 batting average, nine homers, 101 runs batted in somehow, and per Baseball-Reference, a WAR of -2.7. He was forgettably bad.



But he wasn’t forgotten. For some reason — we’ll get there, don’t worry! — Mario Mendoza has entered the lexicon of baseball fans everywhere. Batters who can’t seem to hit more than .200 for the year are said to have hit below the Mendoza Line. For example, for the past two seasons, Yankees first baseman Greg Bird has struggled with it,...