Banjo hitter

From BR Bullpen

The term banjo hitter formerly referred to a player who had little power. It perhaps came from the sound of a short hit coming off the bat, as being a little like the sound of a banjo, whereas a long hit would have a different sound.

While there were generations of players who successfully made a living hitting banjo hits, that kind of hitter without power has pretty much disappeared from the major leagues of today, where almost everyone is expected to hit several home runs each season.