100+ RBI, ages 34 to 36
Posted by Andy on May 22, 2009
Just 7 players have gotten at least 100 RBI in each season at ages 34, 35, and 36:
From To Ages Seasons Link to Individual Seasons +-----------------+----+----+-----+-------+------------------------------+ Raul Ibanez 2006 2008 34-36 3 Ind. Seasons Gary Sheffield 2003 2005 34-36 3 Ind. Seasons Rafael Palmeiro 1999 2001 34-36 3 Ind. Seasons Paul O'Neill 1997 1999 34-36 3 Ind. Seasons Andres Galarraga 1995 1997 34-36 3 Ind. Seasons Stan Musial 1955 1957 34-36 3 Ind. Seasons Babe Ruth 1929 1931 34-36 3 Ind. Seasons
Ibanez is easily the most surprising name on there as a late bloomer. His first 100-RBI season didn't come until age 30 and his second was the one at age 34. He's 37 years old now and has averaged more than 24 HR the past 4 years, and yet hasn't reached 200 career homers.
By comparison, Gary Sheffield had 449 HR at the end of his age 36 season. Babe Ruth had 611 HR at that time.
Ibanez has had a fantastic start this season including his best March/April ever as well as what is already his best May ever. Assuming he falls back towards his career averages for the rest of the year, he still has a good shot at setting career highs in HR, RBI, BA, OBP, and SLG this year.
May 23rd, 2009 at 9:25 pm
Four of the six players other than Ibanez had 100 RBI in each of their 34-37 seasons. That is, they met the criterion all four years. Ibanez would seem to have a pretty good shot, being on pace for 162+ RBI in 2009.