Wagner also led the National League in runs produced and total bases, among many
other things. He had far better numbers than any other infielder or
outfielder in the league.
I have given Wagner eleven MVP awards in his
career, the most of any player except for Babe Ruth (actually, make that twelve; I believe he was also the best player in the 1900 season, in which he batted .381, though I have not written a review of that year). Wagner dominated the game in which he played more thoroughly than any other player except for Ruth; his 1908 season is often regarded as the best of the dead-ball era, if not the best of all time.
So how do we compare Wagner to Ruth, or Mays or Bonds or other great players? Or shortstops like Alex Rodriguez? How many MVP Awards would he win if he played today? Most likely, he would not win 12 MVP's; like Ruth, Wagner was a great player who took was able to dominate a rapidly changing game. Wagner began his career in 1897, three years after the pitching mound had been moved back to 60'6", which had a dramatic impact on the game. Four years later, in 1901, the American League arrived. The best players in the league were dispersed among another eight teams. Given the tumultuous changes in the game, the addition of an expansion league, plus the fact that there were no coloured players and no developmental leagues, it is probably fair to say that the quality of competition in 1904 was much less than what it is today.
And yet, Wagner's career towers over the game more than any other infielder in baseball history. He was, in his time, a perfect player, and a fan's dream. He won eight batting titles, and was the strongest player in the league (and maybe even the fastest as well?). He was unbelievably consistent; though he only won one World Series, the Pirates were consistently one of the greatest teams in baseball. If was a gentleman who was loved by the fans, and a superstar, but did not hog the spotlight in the same way that Cobb or Ruth did.
Bill Dahlen of the Giants had probably the worst year ever by
an RBI leader. I don't know how he drove in that many runs; he must
have batted with a ton of baserunners on, or hit .450 with men in
scoring position. Actually, Dahlen was a great player who could be
in the Hall Of Fame. He was similar to George Davis; Davis was a better hitter than Dahlen, Dahlen a better defensive
player.
Next to Wagner, I think that Frank
Chance had the most impressive season. He missed a few games, but was a complete hitter and led the Cubs to a second-place
finish.
I'm not sure who to pick after Chance.
Roy Thomas led the league in walks for the fifth consecutive season, though he was
almost exclusively a singles hitter. Thomas was one of numerous spunky
outfielders the Phillies have had, and was similar to Richie Ashburn.
Thomas' first seven seasons were all outstanding, but he stopped hitting
soon after he turned 30. Thomas' three homers this year were an aberration;
he only hit seven his whole career.
Harry "Judge" Lumley was a much
different player than Thomas, didn't walk much but had power, and he had a
terrific rookie season. Sam Mertes helped the Giants win the pennant; Cy Seymour and Jake
Beckley were also good. I'll take Mertes ahead of the others, if only because he played for
a winner, and seemed to have the best balance of skills.
This was Jake Beckley's last good year. Beckley was an odd
player, in that he was merely good every year. He was never great, nor was
he ever poor. He was like Mark Grace, except he had the same season
for about 18 years. Beckley is in the Hall Of Fame, and I guess
he's not a bad choice. Normally, I think first basemen should be
dominant, which Beckley wasn't. Only Eddie Murray has played more
games at first; Beckley also had over 2900 hits. I guess he could be
described as the Don Sutton of first basemen.
