MLB’s One-Season Wonders: Dave Magadan and 1990
Dave Magadan is not a name familiar to most young fans of the game. If you were a diehard Mets follower in the ’80s and ’90s though, you probably knew of him. He was a contact-hitting corner infielder that didn’t have power. However, in 1990, he proved people wrong by playing to his full potential.
Before 1990
During his time at Alabama, many considered Magadan one of the greatest college baseball players ever. His career average of .439 is 10th all-time in NCAA history. In 1983, he was an All-American and a recipient of the Golden Spikes award.
The Mets took him in the second round (32nd overall) in the 1983 draft. Magadan rose through the tiers of the minors, before finally making his MLB debut in 1986.
He didn’t receive a ton of playing time, primarily serving as a utility player. Magadan did hit though in the small sample sizes, amassing a slash of .293/.384/.384 from 1986-89. At this time, he was only averaging 84 games a season. Then he received his chance to start.
1990
The Mets initially started Mike Marshall at first base, but after a disappointing start, New York gave Magadan a shot.
During this season, Magadan slashed an incredibly noteworthy .328/417/.457 with an OPS+ of 141 through 144 games played. He also had a WAR of 4.6.
Magadan finished third in Batting Average, second in On Base Percentage, eighth in walks, sixth in OPS+, and 10th in OPS. What’s even more interesting is how he only finished 22nd in MVP voting. No All-Star appearance nor a silver slugger nod.
This is an interesting insight into a bygone era in baseball. The 80s were focused and centered around big power and RBI numbers whereas now it’s about WAR and OPS+. I’m not saying Magadan would’ve won MVP, but his remarkable 1990 season would’ve gained more recognition had it been now.
After 1990
Magadan never was quite able to replicate his offensive output from 1990. Sure, there were hints of it, but never throughout the entirety of a whole season.
From 1991 through his last year in 2001, he slashed a respectable .280/.388/.362. His ability to walk and get on base kept him in the Majors for a while. Sadly, his cumulative WAR during this stretch was a total of 9.9.
Whether it was injuries or the attitude of the game in the 90s, Magadan was never able to play as a consistent starter in Major League Baseball. After his retirement in 2001, he was able to find new life as a coach. Magadan last coached for the Rockies in 2022.
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