What is the best single season team in history?

Question

Not necessarily statistically, but which team do you think was just that good?

Answer 1

I’m going to say the ’29 Philadelphia A’s. Not only did this team win the WS back-to-back 29 and 30 made the WS in 31 as well. They had to play the New York Yankees lead by Babe Ruth. This team was voted by Sports Illustrated as the most underrated team of all time. 5 of the starting 9 batted over .300 and 2 of them had 30+ home runs ( in a steroid free era). 104 wins, .693 winning percentage and 18 games ahead of the second place team.

Answer 2

The 1969 New York Mets. While not necessarily spectacular individually (except of course for Tom Seaver), put all 25 of them together and you get 100 wins plus a sweep of the Braves and a World Series victory over the Orioles. It was uncanny to see how even utility players and the bottom of the order would beat the best teams around when the chips were down. Heck, one doubleheader against the Pirates, nobody at all was hitting, and the Mets still won both games, each by a score of 1-0, with both runs driven in by the starting pitchers! Just a fun note: it was Nolan Ryan's only World Series.

Answer 3

2004 Cardinals.

At one point in late August, their 1-7 hitters were all batting over .300, and at the end of the season, at least 5 were around .290. Three players had over 34 HRs or more, and at least two had 120+ RBI's. You also had two Silver Slugger Award winners (best offensive player at a position), three Gold Glove winners, and three in the top 5 MVP voting.

All of the starters won at least 11 games, and the worst record for a starting pitcher was 15-10. None of their relievers had a losing record, not even an 0-1. And the worst ERA of anybody that pitched more than 20 innings was 4.72, which is not good but acceptable by today's standards. And their closer saved 47 (tied for NL lead).

Yes, they were beat by the Red Sox in the World Series, but they were physically and emotionally drained from a rough series against the Astros (which was way better, but overshadowed by the Red Sox-Yankees series). They were also missing their #1 pitcher - the guy who won the 2005 Cy Young, and Rolen had missed the last three weeks of the regular season.

This is also the team that started the season 20-21, and ended the year with the best record in baseball - 105-57. At least in the regular season, they could beat any team at any time.

Answer 4

By record, it is the 1998 Yankees, who won more total games than anyone else, 125 total, including a 12-1 record int he playoffs.

By reputation, many people believe that the 1927 Yankees were the best ever...but...even though they beat the Pirates 4 straight in the World Series, 3 of the games was by one run...and the last ws decided on a wild pitch.

There have been several minor league tames, including Yankee farm team in Newark, the Bears, who were exceptionally good...and some ***** league teams had great talent. But, to compare eras with so many different varialbes is truly hard to do...in my lifetime, the best teams I saw were the World Champion Pirates do 71 and 79...but what do I know...LOL

Answer 5

In recent history:

4. The '98 French FIFA World Cup team -- pure heart and guts. The best showing by a host nation (and the best post-victory celebration, too!)

3. The '66 Texas Western College Miners (NCAA champs) -- the classic Cindarella story. The Miners entered the NCAA final with a 27-1 record, their only loss suffered at the hands of Seattle by a total of 2 points. Kentucky's record was 27-2 and were ranked #1 in the nation. (As Mike Myers would say: DISCUSS!). The TWC coach, Don Haskins, made NCAA history by starting his best 5 players, all black against Adolph Rupp's all-white Wildcats with a then-little known Pat Riley. On the first play, David Lattin jumped for ball, taking it all the way to the net and dunking it over Riley's head. Magic Johnson would later tell Riley that, had it not been for Lattin dunking that ball, he wouldn't have had the chance to be in pro ball. Miners beat the Wildcats 72-65, and taught the nation a lesson in the poison that is racism. (Yes, I just finished reading the book - Glory Road)

2. The '98 Yankees; those 114 season wins were sweetly capped off with a World Series sweep of the San Diego Padres, bringing their record to 125-50, and giving them their 24th Championship ring. Third-baseman, Scott Brosius, won the Series MVP award. Baseball at its finest.

1. The '80 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team -- the best underdog story in sports. The U.S. faced the heavily favored and feared Russian team in the semi-finals, who only days before, had handed the Americans a 10-3 loss. Speed, endurance, and complete determination propelled the U.S. team to win 4-3 as captain Mike Eruzione scored the game-winner midway through the final period. Famed sports broadcaster, Al Michaels, would ask a stunned nation to believe in miracles, and two days later, against Finland, Team USA would rally once more after trailing 2-1, by scoring three goals to beat he Fins 4-2 and win the first U.S. Olympic hockey gold medal since the 1960 Olympics in Squaw Valley, CA.

There is no better example of a best half, single, or multiple season team in history. Period.

Answer 6

After an abbreviated spring training following the resolution of the lockout, the 1995 Cleveland Indians went 100-44. Albert Belle had 50 HR and 50 doubles, and Jose Mesa emerged as a dominant closer. That was a truly great team.

Answer 7

The 2001 Seattle Mariners finished the season with 116 wins and 46 loses.

Answer 8

1927 Yankees. Or maybe the 1961 Mets.

Answer 9

1976 reds won the play-offs and the world series in 7 games. yes! swept-put broom on the yankees! i loved it. i've been a reds fan all my life.i was born on western ave and used to sell pop bottles to get in the games,75 cents sun deck on days moon deck at night. i'll never forget watching wally post jack one across the street on crowes laundryor big klu 's power in his sleevless muscle shirt. also the 10 great yrs the the great frank robinson gave the reds. gus bell,vada pinson,and one of the best double-play combinations i ever saw -roy macmilan&jonnie temple.r there any other reds crazzys out there? pk

Answer 10

72 - 10 Chicago Bulls.