This is a different take on a quiz, with an added variable of ranking. I’ll give you the ranked list, and you get to figure out the statistic that produces that list. In other words, just like a regular quiz, but with the added criterion of ranking.
So, here’s the list, showing the top 10 sluggers in a particular statistic. What is it? .
| Rk | Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Alex Rodriguez |
| 2 | Jimmie Foxx |
| 3 | Albert Pujols |
| 4 | Manny Ramirez |
| 4 | Rafael Palmeiro |
| 4 | Lou Gehrig |
| 4 | Sammy Sosa |
| 8 | Babe Ruth |
| 8 | Mark Teixeira |
| 8 | Albert Belle |
Hint #1: the stat involves traditional metrics for sluggers
Hint #2: the rankings could provide a clue as to the type of stat to look for.
Congratulations to Howard! He knew that these ten sluggers have the most consecutive seasons with 30 HR and 100 RBI. More after the jump.
Here’s the table again with the runs of consecutive 30/100 seasons noted.
| Rk | Name | Consecutive 30 HR/100 RBI Seasons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alex Rodriguez | 13 (1998-2010) |
| 2 | Jimmie Foxx | 12 (1929-1940) |
| 3 | Albert Pujols | 10 (2001-2010) |
| 4 | Manny Ramirez | 9 (1998-2006) |
| 4 | Rafael Palmeiro | 9 (1995-2003) |
| 4 | Lou Gehrig | 9 (1929-1937) |
| 4 | Sammy Sosa | 9 (1995-2003) |
| 8 | Babe Ruth | 8 (1926-1933) |
| 8 | Mark Teixeira | 8 (2004-2011) |
| 8 | Albert Belle | 8 (1992-1999) |
- A-Rod’s streak also includes the longest 35/100 streak at 11 seasons. A-Rod tied Double-X’s record of 12 seasons by hitting both minimums on the nose in the Yankees’ 2009 championship season. To reach 30/100, Rodriguez homered twice and drove in 7 runs in the final game of the season (then took a seat for the last three innings of the game).
- Foxx’s streak includes his triple crown season in 1933, and his 1938 season when he became the first player to homer 50 times and not win the home run derby.
- Albert is the only player to start his top 10 streak in his debut season.
- Man-Ram’s streak includes his 1999 season when his 165 RBI was the highest total in more than 60 years.
- Gehrig’s streak includes 6 of his record 7 seasons with 150 RBI.
- Sosa, Teixeira and Belle had no other 30/100 seasons outside of their streaks.
- Sosa’s streak also includes the longest 50/100 streak at 4 seasons.
- Raffy and the Babe are the only players to record all of the seasons in their streaks aged 30 or older.
- The Babe’s 8-season streak is also the longest 40/100 streak.
- Tex is the only player on the list to be traded during a season in his streak. Twice. In consecutive seasons.
- Belle’s streak includes the strike-shortened 1994 season, and his unique 50 double/50 HR campaign in the strike-shortened 1995 season.
