MLB’s One-Season Wonders: Brady Anderson and 1996
Let me start off by saying, outfielder Brady Anderson had an impressive career. He posted solid seasons throughout his 15 years in MLB, largely with the Baltimore Orioles. Had his 1996 season not been so irregular, then he wouldn’t be a one-season wonder but Anderson defied the odds that year.
Before 1996
Anderson was never known as a scary power threat. He had power, but his real tool was speed. Prior to 1996, he spent his first eight seasons posting 187 stolen bases all while slashing .250/.349/.393 and an OPS+ of 101. Solid, but nothing of superstar value.
Let’s zero in on his power too, as this is a vital aspect of Anderson’s case. Between 1988-95 he never hit more than 21 home runs in a season nor batted higher than .271. His highest slugging percentage during that period was .449. Again, he was the leadoff guy, not the power threat. Well, until 1996.
1996
During the mid to late ’90s, power in baseball hit a high point. Many players who you wouldn’t expect to hit for power surprised many. One of them was Anderson. His numbers in ’96 were so outrageous that many thought he was on performance enhancing drugs (PEDs).
Everything was a career-high for him. He had a wonderful slash of .297/.396/.637, but that’s not the crazy part. He hit 50 home runs. 50.
To put that into perspective, Hank Aaron‘s seasonal career high was 47. Brady wound up finishing ninth in MVP voting and earned an All-Star appearance.
After 1996
Following that magical ’96 season, Brady was never able to come within 26 home runs of the crazy mark of 50. Sure, he had some amazing seasons, but that pinnacle stands alone. He ended his career with 210 home runs and a slash of .256/.362/.425.
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