Battey became the starting catcher for the Senators and began to show his defensive abilities, leading the American League in assists and putouts for four consecutive years from to but, it was offensively where Battey shined and started hitting as he had in the minor leagues. Battey played in a then-career high 137 games and hit .270, with 15 home runs and 60 RBIs. He also earned his first Gold Glove Award and finish eighth in the 1960 American League Most Valuable Player Award. In October, Battey was named to the United Press International's American League All-Star team.