Greatest Five Year Stretch in a Career

[rdixon1208]

Grag Maddux 1991-1995

Led the league in IP 5x
Led the league in W 3x
Led league in CG 3x
Led league in WHIP 3x
4 CY Awards
5 Gold Glove Awards

[David R]

I would say Barry Bonds from 2000-2004. He was amazing.

[oldjudge]

Tough comparing batters to pitchers (or basketball players), but it is interesting to compare Hornsby from 1921-25 with Ruth from 1926-30.

HR. RBI. BA
Ruth. 51. 152. .351
Hornsby. 29. 118. .402

The total WAR for each player over their respective 5 year period is almost exactly the same, 49.6 for Ruth vs 49.4 for Hornsby. If you neglect position I would give the nod to Ruth. However, to get that kind of production from a second baseman makes me, when all is considered, still go with Hornsby's 5 year period. It is really close though and I could see a strong argument either way.

[GaryPassamonte]

Jay- What about Ross Barnes from 1872-1876? Pretty hard to top for 19th century. He was a league leader in just about every category.

[Jlighter]

What about Ty Cobb 1909-1913 for his insane avg., obp. and decent SB numbers.

[kcohen]

OK, not quite in the pantheon of stars with these other guys, but I always thought that Ted Kluszewski's 1952-1956 stretch merited mention. The BA, HRs, and RBIs are eright up there with any combo of average and power, but then check out the strike out totals, which are miniscule.

In addition, you gotta give it up for the guns.

[z28jd]

Originally Posted by kcohen

OK, not quite in the pantheon of stars with these other guys, but I always thought that Ted Kluszewski's 1952-1956 stretch merited mention. The BA, HRs, and RBIs are eright up there with any combo of average and power, but then check out the strike out totals, which are miniscule.

In addition, you gotta give it up for the guns.

I have to write about Big Klu today(his trade from the Pirates happened on this date) so I'm going to start my story by saying "According to baseball historian Kenny Cohen, Ted's five year stretch..." and then I'll end it with the quote at the end "You gotta give it up for the guns"

[Pat R]

To many to choose from but Ted williams would have to be up there 41-42 46-48 if you take into account when he was in the service or 46-50 not to shabby either.

[z28jd]

What about Dan Brouthers from 1882-87(six years) leading the league in OPS every single season while guys like Cap Anson, King Kelly and Roger Connor were all established players finishing 2nd or 3rd most of that time. That would be beating out guys considered the best overall 19th century player, best during his era and the all-time home run king until beaten by Ruth. There was Brouthers though, putting up the best OPS every single year for six years straight