1999 Diamondbacks: 5.60 runs per game, 216 HRs, .806 OPS
I think it is safe to say that the 1999 Arizona lineup was STACKED. They scored the 3rd most runs in the league, hit the 5th most home runs, and they were 6th in OPS. This offense was the best the franchise has ever seen…
A top 5 offense in the MLB takes everyone; it isn’t just a one-man show. In 1999, the Diamondbacks offense was as balanced as balanced gets. 4 players hit at least 20 home runs, and 7 players hit at least 10. In the RBI department, 4 players knocked in at least 100 runs, and 7 players knocked in at least 40 runs. 4 players touched home at least 100 times and 6 players scored at least 50 times. Amazingly, 5 players had an OPS over .800 in the 1999 season. As you can see, a well-oiled machine.
Though balanced, the Diamondbacks had some stars that separated themselves from the pack that season. The king of getting on base that year was outfielder Luis Gonzalez. With an insane .336 batting average (6th in the league in 1999) and a .403 on-base percentage, it seemed like Gonzalez never got out. He would end up finishing the year with 26 HRs, 111 RBIs, 112 runs scored, and an OPS of .952. Many consider Gonzalez the best all-around hitter in Diamondbacks history…
From a power standpoint, the Diamondbacks had many sluggers in the 99’ season. Leading the pack however was infielder Jay Bell. Bell was a monster at the plate; he finished the 1999 season with 38 HRs, 112 RBIs, 132 runs scored, and a slugging percentage of .557. Bell will forever be remembered for his offensive production and his legendary glasses of course…
Despite a historic offensive year and a 100-win season in 1999, the Diamondbacks would lose in the NLDS to the New York Mets. The series was brutal, but thankfully, the Diamondbacks would win it all, 2 short years later…