TODAY’S SPORTSTAT — Yelich could do something unprecedented in Brewers’ history

By JERRY TAPP

Could Christian Yelich become the first league batting champion in Milwaukee Brewers history?

Yelich is batting .316, placing him third in the National League behind Atlanta Braves outfielder Nick Markakis, who in leading the N.L. with a .326 average and Atlanta first baseman Freddie Freeman, who is batting .318.

Since 1969 when the Brewers became a MLB franchise (as the Seattle Pilots), the team has had 16 players finish in the top five of league batting average. The last Brewer player to finish in the top five was in 2012 when Ryan Braun batted .319 to finish third in the N.L. batting race.

Here’s a look at the Milwaukee Brewers who finished in the top five in league batting average since 1969.

2012: Ryan Braun, .319 (3^rd)
2011: Ryan Braun, .332, (2^nd)
1999: Jeff Cirillo, .326 (5^th)
1992: Paul Molitor, .320 (4^th)
1991: Willie Randolph, .327 (3^rd) and Paul Molitor, .325 (5^th)
1989: Robin Yount, .318 (4^th)
1988: Paul Molitor, .312 (5^th)
1987: Paul Molitor, .353 (2^nd)
1982: Robin Yount, .331(2^nd) and Cecil Cooper, .313 (5^th)
1981: Cecil Cooper, .320 (4^th)
1980: Cecil Cooper, .352 (2^nd)
1978: Ben Oglivie, .303 (5^th)
1973: George Scott, .306 (2^nd) and Dave May, .303 (5^th)

Lorenzo Cain is sitting in 13^th place in the N.L. batting race with a .295 average. The last time the Brewers had a pair of players in the top 10 was in 1991 when Randolph finished third and Molitor was fifth. Two or more Brewers finished in the top 10 in eight seasons (1991, 1989, 1988, 1987, 1983, 1982, 1979 and 1973). Three  Brewers finished in the Top 10 in 1982: in addition to Yount and Cooper finishing second and fifth respectively, Molitor finished 10^th that season.

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