Chicago Cubs: Five underrated hitters from recent history

Chicago Cubs: Moises Alou

We know that Moises Alou had an excellent career at the plate overall, with a lifetime .303 batting average, 2,134 hits, and 332 home runs. He was a contributor for several different teams throughout his career, though his contributions with the Cubs are often overlooked because he’s best known for the foul ball play in Game 6 of the 2003 NLCS.

It’s a shame because Alou did a lot at the plate in his three years with the team. He signed as a free agent before the 2002 season and was expected to a game-changer for this franchise. However, his first season was a little disappointing, as he batted .275 with just 15 home runs and 61 RBIs.

Alou picked it up during the 2003 division championship season, however, and a lot of fans forget that he was 36 years old that year. He batted .280 with 22 home runs and 91 RBIs. Alou shined in the postseason, especially in the NLDS against the Atlanta Braves, batting 10-for-20 with three RBIs. In the NLCS, he was also robust, going 9-for-29 with two home runs.

Then, at age 37, Alou had a tremendous season in 2004, batting .293 with a career-high 39 home runs while driving in 106 and making the All-Star team. Unfortunately, Alou’s great season did not lead to another postseason berth for the team. He left as a free agent after 2004, going to the San Francisco Giants before finishing his career with the New York Mets.