Was 1996 the year of the juice? Take a look at this and tell me what you think?

Question

For most of the 80's and 90's there were no more than 10 to 15 30+ home run hitters in baseball.

In 1995 there were (18) 30+ home run hitters. In 1996 there were "43" 30+ home run hitters. That's doubled plus some from the prior year.

Look at this link and tell me what guys do you think were juiced in 1996.

http://mlb.mlb.com/stats/historical/leaders.jsp?c_id=mlb&baseballScope=mlb&statType=1&sortByStat=HR&timeFrame=1&timeSubFrame=1996

Answer 1

I always suspected Brady Anderson cause he just had that one good slugging year. But, I know Griffey didn't juice, he barely liked to work out at all. Just natural talent.

You also have to take into account that 4 teams were added during this period to MLB. This watered down the pitchers. So, more bad pitchers = more home runs.

But, your point is taken, juicing defiantely has had a role.

Answer 2

1995 was a short season. I once plotted HR/G over the entirety of the leagues, and the big spike occurred in 1994.

Could be lots of factors that played into it, but it's more emotionally satisfying to many to simply shout "steroids", preferably while wielding a torch and pitchfork.

Oh cool, I still have it: http://www.prismnet.com/~tjwhite/pics/HR-Game.jpg

Answer 3

sure