17 Across

NYT Daily • September 4, 2025

Baseball great who said “If I’d just tried for them dinky singles I could’ve batted around .600”

Answer:

BABE RUTH

Hint:

This legendary slugger was nicknamed "The Sultan of Swat" and famously called his shot in the 1932 World Series.

Explanation:

This clue points to Babe Ruth, the legendary baseball player known for his power hitting. The quote plays on his reputation for swinging for home runs instead of "dinky singles," which are weak hits that only advance a runner one base. Ruth’s larger-than-life personality and record-breaking career make him instantly recognizable, and the quote itself is a famous line attributed to him. The answer fits both the description of a "baseball great" and the bold, confident attitude captured in the words.

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