Highest batting average in a season
Josh Gibson, .466 in 1943.
Josh Gibson batted .466 for the Homestead Grays in 1943, the MLB record for batting average in a season. Since 1901 it is Josh Gibson's .466 for the Homestead Grays in 1943.
In 2026: Yordan Alvarez (Houston Astros) led MLB with .316, .150 short of the modern record.
Highest batting average in a season: the top 25
Since 1901
More than once in the top 25: Oscar Charleston 3 times, Ty Cobb 2 times, Buck Leonard 2 times and Josh Gibson 2 times.
* Baseball-Reference's figure, where it differs from MLB's official one.
Every team's record
Each franchise's best season, including the years it played under another name or in another city.
Questions
What is the MLB record for batting average in a season?
.466, by Josh Gibson of the Homestead Grays in 1943. The record since 1901 is Josh Gibson's .466 (1943).
Who led MLB in batting average in 2026?
Yordan Alvarez of the Houston Astros, with .316. That is .150 short of the record.
Who has the most seasons among the top 25 for batting average?
Oscar Charleston, 3 times (1921, 1924 and 1925).
Which team's own batting average record is the highest?
Atlanta Braves: Hugh Duffy, .440 in 1894. The lowest club record belongs to the Tampa Bay Rays, .330 by Yandy Díaz (2023).
Which numbers count?
MLB's official records, which since 2024 include the Negro Leagues from 1920 to 1948. Only seasons with enough plate appearances to qualify for the batting title count, by the rule of the time.