[lampertb]

If this is not the epitome of water cooler talk, then I don't know what is.

In 1947, Johnny Mize became the only player in MLB history (he still is) to hit 50+ homers while striking out fewer than 50 times. DiMaggio didn't, Gehrig didn't, etc.

However, that's not as impressive as Klu. In 1954, Ted Kluszewski hit 49 dingers, only 1 away from the magic number of 50... and he only struck out 35 times. Especially relative to today's MLB approach at the plate, that's incredible!

I guess all this talk about HOF-worthy players in other threads has me thinking about Klu. His career numbers are not Hall-worthy, but that particular season was ridiculous. He lost out to Say Hey Willie in the MVP voting, but that's probably only because the Giants went to the Series while the Redlegs were lousy. Incredible hitting.