Ronald Acuna Jr., Baltimore Orioles part of historic MLB regular season
We have been focused here on the West Coast with the drama – and future -- surrounding the unicorn, Shohei Ohtani, the Angels’ slugger/pitcher, but there was much more to baseball across the country:
*The return of the Baltimore Orioles has been historic. Two seasons ago, the Orioles had a record of 52 wins 110 losses. This year they won 101 games and the tough American League East.
*Ronald Acuna Jr.’s season was also historic, creating a new club – the 40-70 club as in 41 home runs and 73 stolen bases. Insane numbers. Consider Willie Mays, the player most say has the greatest combination of power and speed. His best stolen base total was 40 when he hit 36 homers. His best homer total was 52 when he stole 9 bases. Does that put Acuna’s season in perspective?
*Acuna was the driving force for the Braves, but not the only one on the steam-rolling bus. Five players hit 30 or more home runs, including major league leader Matt Olson who bashed 54. Austin Riley hit 37, Marcell Ozuna 40 and Ozzie Albies 30. All but Ozuna are under 30!
*Justin Turner, the former Dodger, drove in a career-high 96 runs in his first season in Boston. His replacement at designated hitter in Los Angeles, J.D. Martinez, drove in 103, one of four Dodgers to surpass triple digits – Mookie Betts (107), Max Muncy (105) and Freddie Freeman (102).
*Speaking of the Dodgers, we shouldn’t overlook what they did. With a decimated pitching staff (losing four of their five starters) and a suspect lineup, they, too, won 100 games and the National League West by 16 games.
*Exiting the game after this season – Miguel Cabrera, Adam Wainwright, Joey Votto, Zack Greinke. Cabrera is a lock for the Hall of Fame while the other three are on the margins.
Pete Donovan is a Palm Desert resident and former Los Angeles Times sports reporter. He can be reached at pwdonovan22@yahoo.com
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: How historic was Ronald Acuna Jr.'s season for Atlanta Braves
