Quote:
Originally Posted by bnorth
Tony was elite from age 22-32. Then for the next 5 years 33-37 he became the elite of the elite player many think of. Are there any other elite players that had by far their best 5 year stretch form 33-37 not named Tony Gwynn?
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What are your reasons for believing Gwynn's 33 to 37 seasons were the best stretch of his career? He did lead the league in batting 4 seasons in a row, but he'd also previously led the league in batting three seasons in a row from age 27 to 29.
His best statistical seasons when looking at WAR occurred before he was 31 years old.
He received MVP votes three times in the period you reference but had received MVP votes in six seasons previous to your timeline.
He was clearly a superior player earlier in his career. You are only looking at home runs to decide he was better later. His average climbed because expansion teams entered the league at the same time you're referencing.