1971
Much like 1970, the 1971 World Series proved to be a classic that also went the full seven games. The Cincinnati Reds returned to the Fall Classic but just like last season they came up just short as the Minnesota Twins rallied from a 3 games to one deficit to claim their second title in five years. 4 of the games where decided by 1 run, with 3 contests going in to extra innings. Twins catcher George Mitterwald, who hit .310 with 2 homers and 7 rbi's, was named series MVP after driving in the winning run in extra innings in two contests.
Despite winning an MLB best 115 games the Baltimore Orioles were swept by Minnesota in the ALCS while the in the Senior Circuit the Reds ended the Cardinals dramatic run with a 3 game sweep of their own. On September 1st, St Louis was third in the National League East, 6 games back of the Mets. The Cardinals won their final 7 games of the year to tie Pittsburgh on the final day of the regular season. St Louis would win the Wild Card game 2-1 thanks to a solo homerun from Ted Simmons in the top of the 10th inning.
AWARD WINNERS - Sandy Koufax again dominated the National League, posting a league leading 1.30 era with 272 strikeouts and a 14.1 WaR. He went 18-7 and captured his 7th Cy Young while also being named the NL MVP for the 6th time in his career. Not all is good as Koufax injured his elbow in his final start of the season. He is expected to be healthy for spring training.
22 year old Philadelphia third baseman Mike Schmidt was named the National League rookie of the year after hitting 21 homers this season. Schmidt batted .219 with 68 rbi's to beat a pair of Chicago Cubs in Burt Hooton (15-16, 3.43) and Daniel DeMichele (.239,11,45) for the award.
First baseman Phillip Zahn of the Milwaukee Brewers was named the AL rookie of year. The 24 year old hit .287 with 13 homers and 38 rbi's in 99 games. Jim Norris(.282,3,25) of Cleveland was second while Yankee outfielder Otto Velez (.228,13,41) came in third.
After going 21-7 with a 1.87 era, Minnesota lefthander Mickey Lolich was named the Cy Young Award winner for the second time in his career. The MVP went to his teammate Reggie Smith (.323,34,99) who finished third in the AL in both batting average and homers.
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
Frank Robinson surpassed the 600 homerun mark, joining Ted Williams (726) as the only players to accomplish that feat. Hank Aaron led the NL with 35 homers this year at the age of 37 and he is now at 592 for his career. Aaron also became just the 7th player to record 3500 career hits joining Ty Cobb, Stan Musial, Williams, Tris Speaker, Eddie Collins and Cap Anson.