Going... Going... Gone!!!
That's right, the MLB regular season is gone. Over. Playoff time!
As I reflect on the recently-concluded MLB season, I can't help but notice a number that stands out to me. 59.
That's the number of homeruns hit by this season's homerun leader, Giancarlo Stanton. That's the highest number of long-balls in a season since the record-breaking year of 2001.
In 2001, Barry Bonds broke the homerun record by crushing 73 balls out of ball parks across the country. His number broke the record of 70 set by Mark McGwire three years earlier. In fact, 14 times from 1997-2004 a player went yard 50 or more times.
The significance of those years? Well, they're widely regarded as the "steroid era". Not to say that every player that had a 50 plus homerun year during that time was juicing, but there are certainly quite a few players during that stretch that now have an asterisk by their name in the stat book.
Bonds. McGwire. Sosa. A-Rod. Players that have been associated with steroids during the late 90's through early 2000's. Obviously, there were some exceptions. No one really questions Ken Griffey Jr. or Jim Thome's ability to smash a ball out of the park.
Since then, a few players have made their presence known by going over 50. Chris Davis. Jose Bautista. Ryan Howard. Although, Howard later popped for juicing as well. But Stanton's number is the largest since the record-breaking year.
While its tied for 9th overall, Stanton's 59 jacks could easily be considered the third most of all time without the use of PEDs. Stanton's assault on the ball this year was legendary. And a bit unforeseen. While Stanton is considered a power hitter, his previous highest total was 37 back in 2014. Add in his 132 RIB and a solid .281 batting average, and you can easily say Stanton's season was indeed a stellar one.
The homerun is one of the most exciting things in all of sports. For me, the homerun its up there with a defensive touchdown or a buzzer-beating basket. The long ball is what makes live baseball fun. It gets the fans excited. It can completely change the outcome of a game in an instant. And what can be more exciting than the walk-off blast? One swing. Game over!
After the MLB started cracking down on juicers, it didn't seem like a player would ever flirt with 60 homeruns in a season without the help of a needle. But here we are. Stanton has given baseball fans a reason to drive out to the stadium.
To baseball purists, Stanton has come closest to breaking the homerun record since it was set in 61; disregarding the assumed steroid users, of course. While the Hall of Fame might not ever acknowledge Bonds, McGwire, or Sosa, Stanton will certainly be able to make his case if his success at smacking balls continues.
Stanton has proved that a 60 homerun season is possible. Without a needle.
Call me wrong. Call me crazy. I just call it how I see it. #NailedIt
