Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts
1. I was one of the greatest pitchers in history. I led the league in strikeouts more times than I have fingers. Strangely enough, I never won a MVP or Cy Young award. I did however, almost win the Cy Young, but lost it to the Orioles' Jim Palmer. Who am I?
2. I finished second in season home runs three times in my career. If it weren't for those runner-up spots, I could have led the league 11 consecutive times. Who am I?
3. I had a stellar season in 1971. I won the American League MVP and Cy Young award, going 24-8 with 301 strikeouts. I wanted that strikeout crown but still finished second to Mickey Lolich of the Tigers. I would never come closer to a strikeout crown. Who am I?
4. I was a pretty stellar first baseman throughout my career. I won two American League MVP awards and even won the Triple Crown award. But in 1931 and 1932, and even with my great numbers, I finished runner-up both times in the MVP, then my great seasons were overshadowed. Both times, a different Philadelphia Athletic finished first. Who am I?
5. Although I won eight Gold Gloves at second base, I never won a major award in my career. My only real highlight was hitting a ninth inning home run which won the World Series for the Pirates in 1960 against the Yankees. That didn't even get me the World Series MVP. I am Bill Mazeroski. Who did I lose the award to?
6. Dodger pitcher Fernando Valenzuela hit baseball by storm in 1981. He won the NL Rookie of the Year and the Cy Young awards. In 1986, in another stellar season, he finished second in the Cy Young to Mike Scott. Which team did Scott play for?
7. I am Babe Ruth, the Great Bambino, the Sultan of Swat, and many other nicknames that fans had given me. I hit 60 home runs in a season in 1927! An amazing 60, and other than me, nobody had ever hit more than 42. Some how, I was the runner-up for the MVP in that season. Who did I lose it to?
8. I was never a dominating pitcher in my career. In 1978, I was the runner-up to the Cy Young and lost it to Gaylord Perry of the Padres. I played for 15 seasons, and was a starter for the Dodgers. Who am I?
9. In 1979, I shared the National League MVP award with Pirate Willie Stargell. I just didn't get complete recognition for my great season. In 1984, I had a shot at winning the award but finished second to Cub Ryne Sandberg. Who am I?
10. I am the great Stan Musial, and whether or not I won three MVP awards, people will always remember me as the great Cardinal who ever lived. I finished second in the MVP for three consecutive seasons from 1949-1951, then again in 1957. Oddly enough, and in an era when black players were scarce in the Major Leagues, three of those four runner-up spots were to a black player. Which black player won the award over me in 1949?
Source: Author
Nightmare
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