When it comes to getting on base Votto bests Ruth, Mantle (so far)

By Jessica Brand

A barometer of the road to Cooperstown and how wide open it is -- or bumpy it can be -- can be found on each player’s page on baseball-reference.

Joey Votto’s career to date numbers compare with the likes of Brian Giles, Derrek Lee, Will Clark, Kent Hrbek, Tim Salmon, Adrian Gonzalez, Ted Kluszewski, Lance Berkman, Dante Bichette, Prince Fielder and Matt Holliday. Zero Hall of Famers there.

But how ‘bout this stat ... and these names?

Excluding games in which he reached exclusively by error in Votto’s 1,795-game career, Votto has reached base safely in 1,562 games, which exceeds Hall of Famers Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle. Ruth did so in 1,552 games of his first 1,792; Mantle in 1,561.

Votto is tied for 14th all-time alongside Hall of Famers Wade Boggs and Edgar Martinez.

When it comes to active players with at least 3,000 plate appearances, Votto is second in on-base percentage, trailing only Mike Trout. He’s 22nd all-time with a .4177 mark, behind Edgar Martinez .4178.

Among active players with at least 3,000 plate appearances, Votto is seventh in slugging percentage. He’s tied for 71st all-time with Edgar Martinez.

The leaders at reaching base in the first 1,792-games of their career _ excluding games reached exclusively by error:

1. Ted Williams 1,636

2. Lou Gehrig 1,610

3. Jeff Bagwell 1,599

4. Frank Thomas 1,597

5. Stan Musial 1,593

6. Paul Waner 1,589

Albert Pujols 1,589

8. Ty Cobb 1,584

9. Derek Jeter 1,576

10. Tris Speaker 1,567

11. Roger Hornsby 1,566

12. Jimmie Foxx 1,565

13. Wade Boggs 1,563

Richie Ashburn 1,563

15. Joey Votto 1,562

Edgar Martinez 1,562

(Bold denotes Hall of Famer)

Jessica Brand is a baseball historian and sabermetrician from West Warwick, Rhode Island. You can follow her on Twitter @JessicaDBrand