2012: The Season That Was
Just thinking a bit about the season that concluded, I thought I'd start this thread where folks can add in those events to this season that are memorable. Perhaps it's the feats accomplished, debuts or closures. This is not exclusive to the Reds, but throughout all of MLB.
What prompted this was Miguel Cabrera winning the Triple Crown, the first time in 45 years when Yaz did just a year after Robby did as well. And what's up with nary a NL player sniffing a Triple Crown in 75 years? Congrats to Cabrera this this rare stat trifecta.
The A's surprising comeback to sieze the NL West title. I haven't followed that closely, so I was shocked when I realized what everyone was talking about. Like many others, I just assumed the Rangers had that baby sewed up and now they have the one game playoff to stay in the post-season.
And how about those O's? Who would have thought that would happen (other than Heather)? Conversely, what a disaster the Red Sox have been - they haven't finished in last place in 80 years - a place they were very familiar with in the decade leading up to 1932 (last place in eight of the 10 years; the other two were in 7th place).
Saw a photo in the paper of Chipper Jones' pinch hit appearance, his final AB in the regular season. Some career there. Any other players who we know are making their exit?
Twelve no-hitters in 2012 - an appropriate number for this year. And three perfect games. I'm guessing both of those may be records, but I don't know for sure.
While still leaving that old batting average nothing to write home about, it was nice to see Adam Dunn come back from this woeful season last year and put up respectable numbers beyond the BA. He'll never be a perfect player, but I like the guy and I'm glad to see his return, warts and all.
I'll leave it to others to add their own thoughts to a very interesting season.
Re: 2012: The Season That Was
I have always considered myself a baseball fan first and a Reds fan second but this year it was the exact opposite. I rarely watched a non Reds game and really didn't follow MLB as closely as I have in years past. I think it is a combination of the Reds were a fun team to wach and they were really good this year so my focus was pretty much on them
Re: 2012: The Season That Was
A couple of others making their last appearance, one was in the game with Chipper. Ben Sheets pitched one inning saying this was his last game. I saw earlier this morning that Omar Vizquel is hanging it up too.
I can remember the Braves announcers way back talking about a young prospect named Chipper Jones that they had high hopes for. Now he's retiring. Makes you feel that much older.
The A's really did sneak up on everyone. That was an amazing comeback they had. Also one the bigger collaspes in MLB history by the Rangers.
Never would have fathomed there was a chance for a Beltway World Series. I live in the DC area and both of these franchises have been the pits. The Nationals since they arrived and Orioles since the mid 90's. Buck Showalter has to be manager of the year unless Melvin gets it. Those two probaby should share that award.
Also a couple of stud rookies made a big impact. Trout with the Angels is a true superstar. Harper with the Nats had a very good rookie season and has shown flashes of greatness. Maybe even a rookie named Frazier could be a star?
Was there 12 no hitters? I thought it was seven.
Re: 2012: The Season That Was
Quote:
Originally Posted by
cumberlandreds
Was there 12 no hitters? I thought it was seven.
Yikes! You are right. I counted down the number of pitchers on this list on ESPN (http://espn.go.com/mlb/history/nohitters) and did notice the multiple pitchers who threw the June 8th no-hitter for Seattle. Still an incredible number.
Re: 2012: The Season That Was
Quote:
Originally Posted by
redsmetz
Yikes! You are right. I counted down the number of pitchers on this list on ESPN (
http://espn.go.com/mlb/history/nohitters) and did notice the multiple pitchers who threw the June 8th no-hitter for Seattle. Still an incredible number.
IIRC this season tied for most no hitters in a season. 1991 was one of the other years that had seven. It was an amazing 2012 season for the entire MLB.
On the bad side, Houston set a club record for most losses in season with 107. The Cubs had their first 100 loss season since 1966 and extend their non world championship seasons to 104. :)
Re: 2012: The Season That Was
I agree that the A's season was just remarkable. What a strange team to win 94 games.
I've never seen anything like Mike Trout's rookie year. He was the best player in the world in 2012, and the best is yet to come for that kid. During my brother-in-law's bachelor party, one of the guys tried all weekend to trade some rookie named Mike Trout for a catcher, and it turned into a running joke about trading Mike Trout for everything in the city. My brother-in-law finally pulled the trigger and gave the guy Jesus Montero for him. Then, magic.
Joey Votto, three home runs. That's all I need to say there.
Ten straight wins and a bald Marty will always stick with me about this year.
Re: 2012: The Season That Was
Quote:
Originally Posted by
cumberlandreds
IIRC this season tied for most no hitters in a season. 1991 was one of the other years that had seven. It was an amazing 2012 season for the entire MLB.
On the bad side, Houston set a club record for most losses in season with 107. The Cubs had their first 100 loss season since 1966 and extend their non world championship seasons to 104. :)
By my count, it's the first time in 10 years a division has had two 100 loss teams. Not unprecedented, but still rare.
Re: 2012: The Season That Was
Ben Sheets is also retiring for the Braves. He tends to be forgotten but when he was in his prime and was healthy for Milwaukee, he was dominant.
Re: 2012: The Season That Was
Doug just tweeted that he heard Derek Jeter was the oldest player to lead the league in hits and noted the season just kept getting cooler. Very interest little tidbit.
Re: 2012: The Season That Was
Quote:
Originally Posted by
redsmetz
Doug just tweeted that he heard Derek Jeter was the oldest player to lead the league in hits and noted the season just kept getting cooler. Very interest little tidbit.
Turns out it wasn't accurate. Paul Molitor led the league in hits at 39. Jeter is 38.
Re: 2012: The Season That Was
Quote:
Originally Posted by
dougdirt
Turns out it wasn't accurate. Paul Molitor led the league in hits at 39. Jeter is 38.
Thanks for the clarification. Still a good job by Jeter.
Re: 2012: The Season That Was
Reds related: Votto leading the league in BB while only playing 111 games. 44 2b in 374 ab's. I think he would have broken the doubles single season record if he had stayed healthy.
Re: 2012: The Season That Was
Quote:
Thanks for the clarification. Still a good job by Jeter.
Pete Rose led the NL in hits at age 40
Re: 2012: The Season That Was
This season really has me hoping to see a Reds/Orioles World Series.
Re: 2012: The Season That Was
Quote:
Originally Posted by
dman
This season really has me hoping to see a Reds/Orioles World Series.
How cool would that be? I'm with you!