Cleanup Hitter

The cleanup hitter bats fourth in the lineup and is typically the team's most powerful and dangerous hitter. The name comes from the goal of "cleaning up" the bases, driving in runners who reached base earlier in the order.

Why It's Called "Cleanup"

The cleanup hitter is positioned to:

• Have runners on base when they bat (thanks to hitters 1-3)
• "Clean the bases" by driving those runners home
• Produce RBIs in key situations

Ideal Cleanup Hitter Traits

Traditional cleanup hitters have:

• Power: Home run and extra-base hit ability
• RBI production: Drive in runs consistently
• Clutch hitting: Perform with runners in scoring position
• Intimidation factor: Force pitchers to pitch carefully

The Setup

In a traditional lineup:

1. Leadoff hitter gets on base
2. #2 hitter advances the runner or gets on base
3. #3 hitter (often best average hitter) sets the table
4. Cleanup hitter drives them in

Famous Cleanup Hitters

• Babe Ruth: The original cleanup superstar
• Lou Gehrig: Cleanup behind Ruth for years
• Hank Aaron: Career RBI leader
• Barry Bonds: Modern cleanup terror
• Albert Pujols: Elite cleanup production

Modern Lineup Philosophy

Some modern teams put their best overall hitter #2 instead of cleanup, maximizing their at-bats. But the cleanup role remains important for RBI opportunities.