<P> The third batter, in the three - hole, is generally the best all - around hitter on the team, often hitting for a high batting average but not necessarily very fast . Part of his job is to reach base for the cleanup hitter, and part of it is to help drive in baserunners himself . Third - place hitters are best known for "keeping the inning alive". However, in recent years, some managers have tended to put their best slugger in this position . </P> <P> Typically the greatest hitters for a combination of power and OBP on their teams bat third, as is shown by the use of such hitters as Babe Ruth, Mel Ott, Ted Williams, Willie Mays, Chipper Jones, Barry Bonds, Mickey Mantle, Carl Yastrzemski, Albert Pujols, Joey Votto, Andrew McCutchen, Miguel Cabrera, Ken Griffey Jr., Josh Hamilton, Evan Longoria, José Bautista, Edwin Encarnación, Mike Trout, and Hank Aaron in this position in the lineup . Even without the combination of extreme power (Yogi Berra, Al Kaline, George Brett) or high batting average (Ernie Banks, Harmon Killebrew, Johnny Bench, Mike Schmidt, Reggie Jackson) this batting position contains an inordinate number of hitters who eventually become members of the Baseball Hall of Fame . </P> <P> The fourth player in the batting order is known as the cleanup hitter, also known as the cleanup spot and in modern baseball is almost always one of the best hitters on the team, often the one with the most power and ability to drive in runs with extra-base hits (double, triple, or home run). Baseball managers tend to place hitters who are most likely to reach base ahead of the clean - up man, so that the fourth batter can "clean" the bases by driving these baserunners home to score runs . His main goal is to drive in runs, although he is expected to score runs as well . Hitting cleanup requires an exceptional level of talent, and the ability to deliver big hits in important situations (such as the bases loaded with two out). Examples of #4 hitters include Lou Gehrig, Eddie Mathews, Willie McCovey, Billy Williams, Tony Pérez, Eddie Murray, Daniel Murphy, Alex Rodriguez, Prince Fielder, David Ortiz, Edgar Martínez, and Ryan Howard . </P> <P> The theory behind the cleanup hitter is that, at the beginning of the game, if at least one of the first three batters reaches base with a single - base hit or walk, a home run will result in two or more runs rather than just one (a "solo" home run). If all three players reach base, thereby loading the bases, the cleanup hitter has the chance to hit a grand slam, scoring four runs . But even without the grand slam, this batter can extend an inning with a high batting average and frequent walks . </P>

What is the clean up hitter in baseball