But while the term continues to thrive, sub-Mendoza hitting has declined steadily since the 1960s as teams became intolerant of defensive specialists like Mendoza. "In my day, you didn't have to hit much if you were good defensively," recalled Mendoza. "If you were a shortstop or catcher, there weren't many guys at those positions who could hit and play defense — but now everybody in the lineup has to be a good hitter."

Indeed, it's been nearly 20 years since a shortstop was last in the league in batting, and more than 10 since a catcher finished dead last.

The sport may have changed forever, yet 30 years after the creation of the Mendoza Line, sub-Mendoza hitting appears to be making a comeback this season. As of July 4, 20 players (minimum of 100 plate appearances) were hitting below .200; 10 were below .185, and five are former All-Stars. Last year, only four players were hitting below .200 at the same point in the season, and three of them were hitting at least .193. Cardinals fans can delight in the fact that Cubs third baseman, Aramis Ramirez is batting .177 and could become the first player in decades to hit below .200 after hitting .300 the previous season. No major league player has accumulated 500 at-bats while hitting below .200 since Tommy Tresh did so for the Yankees in 1968, but several players have a shot at reaching that ignominious mark this year.