That makes it tougher. I think that rules Mantle out. If I remember right from his autobiography he went on a strikeout binge after being up for a bit and was sent back down for a period of time.
Thought maybe Mays but when I checked his 2nd season (52) his season was cut short and he only hit 4.
Then I thought Ott. Checked and his first season 0 HR in 61 PA, second season 1 in 180 PA.
Would not have guessed at that point he profiled as someone who would hit 511.
Third season 18 in 500 PA before finally breaking out with 42 in 675 PA in his 4th year. Interesting how the steroids era has influenced our thinking. A modern player makes that kind of jump we all know what most of us would be thinking....
Then I thought Killebrew. His first appearance was in 1954. 54-58 he hit 11 HRs seeing spotty time with 290 PA total. What manager/GM combination kept him from the majors that long? He broke out in 59 with 42, 31, and 46. So if first 3 full seasons might have been a good guess. But obviously does not make the list as defined.
Reggie Jackson only hit 1 in 118 AB first year to get him crossed off list.
That inclusion of years with spotty appearances really makes it difficult to guess.
Sun Jan 27, 2013 3:34 pm