<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 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>
what is the clean up hitter in baseball
what is the clean up hitter in baseball
fourth player in the batting order
fourth player in the batting order