I saw this 1995 Albert Belle card from Doug Schuyler and I knew it was a candidate for today’s column. Now I knew I had done a column on Belle before but it turns out it was on his 1994 card. Both are fantastic cards in their own way. Belle’s 1994 card is full of hit numbers but nothing says “Monster” like six full power numbers like his 1995 card does.
Albert Belle’s 1995 season was pretty amazing. Not only did he hit 50 homers AND 52 as well as 120+ runs and rbis but he did it while playing just 143 games. His .317 batting average is accentuated by the fact that his walk to strikeout ratio is pretty decent.
Belle’s two weaknesses were 1) defense… he did play left field but not well. And 2) hitting into the DP. He was charged with 24 GIDPs in 1995.
| Split | G | PA | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 Totals | 143 | 631 | 546 | 121 | 173 | 52 | 1 | 50 | 126 | 5 | 73 | 80 | .317 | .401 | .690 |
This is a yummy card! Nobody is going to turn away power numbers 1-1-5-5-6-6 ever. He even has a 15-10 thanks to the five steals.
Because of the 15-10 and the six power number, presumably, Belle’s 1995 card has the 8-8-9-9 combination. A third 8 would probably make his card a little too strong.
Fun numbers: 55-6, 44-6, 22-5
Belle only has four 13s but because of the four 24s and four 14s on the card, there are two in a row, He has a 16-13 and a 21-13.
Albert Belle did not win MVP for his performance in 1995. He came in second. Ok without looking, guess who won MVP in 1995. I did not remember and it was a surprise to me. Answer here for those who can’t wait.
thanks, Doug!
From a statistical standpoint I think Belle should have been voted MVP but he was not cordial with the press and that no doubt played a role in him finishing second in the voting.
Great selection Nels!….And, like Jim was saying, he would’ve had that year’s MVP had he been more cordial.