MLB is not that easy - For some players it’s all downhill

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by frankbmd

“Best first year, who never had another year that was better.”

Clearly stated in the OP.

Right. So if 2001 was in fact his best year, and he never had another year that was better, he's a valid answer. And I say it's arguable that if he won the MVP that year and never finished higher than 7th afterwards, it was his best year.

[frankbmd]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

Right. So if 2001 was in fact his best year, and he never had another year that was better, he's a valid answer. And I say it's arguable that if he won the MVP that year and never finished higher than 7th afterwards, it was his best year.

Argue with your mirror. Sayonara.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by frankbmd

Argue with your mirror. Sayonara.

It may be more perceptive.

[Fred]

Crap, you took the first player that came to my mind with the bird...

Tony Oliva? He set his season "highs" for most runs, hits, doubles, triples, homeruns, OPS, total bases and slugging percentage in this season.

He won a batting title his rookie year, however he won another batting title 7 seasons later with a BA that a little higher than his rookie year (.337 vs .323).

Bottom line, he put up his best season numbers in his rookie year.

[todeen]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

Right. So if 2001 was in fact his best year, and he never had another year that was better, he's a valid answer. And I say it's arguable that if he won the MVP that year and never finished higher than 7th afterwards, it was his best year.

I agree that Ichiro is in play and a viable guess. It must be determined whether 2001 is his best year, or whether 2004 is his best year. I would select 2001 because of the ROY, his MVP, making the playoffs (last time in Seattle), and the atmosphere that surrounded not only him, but Albert Pujols. Both jumped into the spotlight and took off racing.

One must also decide if Japan Professional baseball should count for anything.