The Left Arm of God, Sandy Koufax, was one of baseball’s greatest pitchers. A career cut short by injury, Koufax still played in an era full of legendary players. Not all of them fell victim to Koufax. These batters actually had some success against the Hall of Fame Los Angeles Dodgers’ pitcher.
Hammerin’ Hank Aaron was not afraid to hit against Koufax. In 130 plate appearances, Aaron had a .362 batting average with 7 home runs. Koufax only struck him out 12 times while issuing 14 walks. Aaron’s 42 career hits off of Koufax ranks the highest of anyone. Since he’s one of the best hitters of all-time, Koufax shouldn’t be too ashamed.
Yet another Hall of Famer with good numbers against Koufax, Roberto Clemente had a .297 batting average in his 122 plate appearances against the crafty left hander. In total, Clemente had 33 hits, third on the list against Koufax behind Aaron and Vada Pinson. Clemente made sure those hits counted too as 6 of them were long balls.
It’s beginning to look like only some of baseball’s greatest hitters were ever able to hit Koufax. Willie Mays managed to hit 5 home runs with 14 RBIs against Koufax. His batting average could have been better, only getting to .278. Like Aaron, Mays managed to convince Koufax he was better off walking him. Mays struck out 20 times against Koufax and drew 25 walks.
Gene Oliver may not be a player too many people know, but Koufax surely did. In his career Oliver hit 4 home runs with a .392 average when facing Koufax. As a career .246 hitter against everyone, Oliver should certainly be proud of how he handled at least one Hall of Fame pitcher in his career.
To be fair, the numbers Bill Virdon put up against Koufax were nothing astounding. He makes this list however because very few guys were able to hit over .300 against Koufax let alone over .400. In his 60 plate appearances while facing Koufax, Virdon had 21 hits and a .404 batting average. Only 4 of those hits ever went for extra bases, all of them for doubles.
The Cleat Report 