When I was a kid, only six players had more homeruns in one season than this card, 1965 Willie Mays. I remember when George Foster tied his mark of 52 dingers in 1977. To me, that was uncharted territory.
In 1965, Mays helped the Giants to 95-67 record with his performance. With a .317 batting average, he scored 118 runs and drove in 112. It’s worth mentioning that he struck out less (71) than he walked (76).
| Split | G | PA | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | BA | OBP | SLG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1965 Totals | 157 | 638 | 558 | 118 | 177 | 21 | 3 | 52 | 112 | 9 | 76 | 71 | .317 | .398 | .645 |
Okay, this is a great card, no doubt about it. At the same time, I can’t help but feel a little underwhelmed by it. I am probably desensitized to all of the power of today’s lineups in the MLB. If I had seen this as a kid, it would have blown my socks off.
Mays’ four 14s to go along with the 55-7 and his 15-10. He is deadly against a pitcher with no control. His 1-1-5-5 power numbers are not stopped by any grade and for most base situations, neither is the 15-10,
1965 Mays has three 31s (as he should) but I don’t see too many APBA managers calling for the hit and run with him at the plate. His 1s and 5s would no longer be homeruns (that 5 would be a measly single).
This probably goes without saying but Mays is fast and an OF-3. By the way, just three 13s for the Say Hey Kid.
Looking at the single season homerun leaders now, Mays’ 52 homeruns in 1965 is now 28th all-time (behind a couple players I barely know). It’s all a matter of context. Now, let me find that George Foster card!
yes thomas, those 5’s would deter the 31s for sure and im still trying to figure out how that much power/skill had only 21 doubles to say nothing of those 3 triples.
It’s not “the MLB.”