1996: The Year of Ellis Burks

One could argue that the statistics compiled during the 1996 campaign may have been the most skewed in modern history. From Alex Rodriguez' 9th place finish in the AL MVP race to Ellis Burks turning in one of the most dominating offensive displays since the days of Willie, Mickey and The Duke, it's safe to say that we may never experience another year like 1996 again. Now, it should be duly noted that Burks patrolled the outfield for the Colorado Rockies that year, so the thin air of Coors Field undoubtedly played a key role in the following: Burks .344 142 R 40 HR 128 RBI 32 SB .408 OBP .639 SLG In the NL MVP voting that year, Burks finished third behind Mike Piazza and Ken Caminiti, but ahead of Chipper Jones and Barry Bonds. Conceivably, the numbers Burks put up in 1996 can be compared, and may times favorably, against the best years of players like Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Alex Rodriguez and Barry Bonds, who, like Burks in 1996, exhibited all-around masterful seasons where they ... [link]