Albert Belle: Baseball Digest’s 1995 Player of the Year

Cleveland’s left fielder put on a powerful display of hitting as he helped the Indians win 100 games in the shortened season
By Bob Kuenster
Baseball Digest, January 1996

Traditionally, baseball’s Most Valuable Player honors have been awarded to the player with the best offensive numbers and who plays on a division or pennant contending team.

Some exceptions to this rule of thumb have been such players as Ernie Banks (1958–59) and Andre Dawson (1987) of the Cubs, Bobby Shantz (1952) of the A’s and Robin Yount (1989) of the Brewers, who put up superb numbers for second division clubs.

But it has been Baseball Digest’s custom through the years to honor a player who not only ranks as the most valuable member of his team, but one who has produced consistently over the entire season, and/or accomplishes something special.

In the shortened 1995 season, there were many candidates for Baseball Digest’s Player of the Year honor. Here are our rankings for baseball’s top players in 1995:

1. Albert Belle, Indians

The Cleveland left fielder preyed upon A.L. pitching all last season, and in doing so entered his name in the record books with the likes of Hall of Famers Lou Gehrig, Hank Greenberg and Babe Ruth.

In the shortened 144-game schedule, Belle put up big numbers:

.317 batting average
League-leading totals in:
- Doubles (52)
- Home Runs (50)
- Extra-Base Hits (103)
- Runs (121)
- RBIs (126)
- Slugging Percentage (.690)

Last season, Belle’s performance matched well with those of some of the game’s all-time greats:

He became the 12th player in MLB history to hit 50 homers in a season.
He became the first player in MLB history to hit 50 doubles and 50 home runs in a single season, and only the fourth to hit 50 doubles and 40+ home runs in the same year.
- Others to match that feat: Gehrig, Greenberg, Chuck Klein.

Belle is one of only eight players to hit 40 or more homers and 40 or more doubles in the same year. Others include:

Gehrig
Greenberg
Klein
Babe Ruth
Rogers Hornsby
Hal Trosky
Willie Stargell
He set a major league record with 31 home runs over a two-month stretch (August–September).
Only Ruth, Gehrig, Klein, Greenberg, Hornsby, Jimmie Foxx, and Stan Musial collected 100 or more extra-base hits in a season prior to Belle’s 103 in 1995.
Over Cleveland’s last 162 regular season games (144 in ’95 + 18 in ’94), Belle played in 154 games, hit 54 doubles, 56 homers, drove in 135 runs, scored 141, and hit at a .324 clip.

At 29, the right-handed power hitter is in the peak years of his career.

Belle led the majors with 377 total bases

Belle’s production has improved in each of the last five seasons since becoming the Indians’ everyday left fielder.

In 1991, his first full season, he hit 28 HR with 95 RBI.
In 1992, those numbers climbed to 34 HR and 112 RBI.
In 1993, he posted 38 HR and a league-leading 129 RBI.
During the strike-shortened 1994 campaign, Belle hit a career-high .357 AVG.
In 1995, he reached single-season highs in HR, doubles, and runs scored.

“Albert is always trying to get better as a hitter,” said Cleveland hitting instructor Charlie Manuel.
“He wants to hit the ball hard every time up. He tries to perfect his swing in batting practice and carry that over into the game.”

Early in his career, Belle not only had to battle opposing pitchers, but also overcome an alcohol problem and his fierce competitive drive—which at times hindered his improvement as a major league hitter.

“It used to be I wanted everything perfect,” Belle once said.
“Now I can take the good with the bad and know I’m going to get another at-bat.”

Belle’s struggles made him a better player. He now knows what it takes to be successful and takes pride in his ability to hit a baseball.

“Albert is the most intense player I have ever seen,” Manuel added.
“That’s why he’ll get upset during batting practice when his mechanics are off.
He has a strategy for every at-bat and against every pitcher.
And when everything is just right, and he’s in a comfortable hitting zone, he’s one of the best in the game.”

Some have argued Belle’s numbers are helped by the hitters batting around him in the Cleveland lineup, and that he’s been fortunate not to lose his protection like:

Frank Thomas (when Julio Franco left for Japan), or
Barry Bonds (after Matt Williams was injured in San Francisco).

But Belle has proven he can still thrive without a consistently productive hitter behind him.

In 1992, his 34 HR and 112 RBI were followed by Paul Sorrento, Mark Whiten, and Glenallen Hill—none of whom batted higher than .269 or drove in more than 60 runs.
In 1993, his 129 RBI were backed by Sorrento’s .257 average and 65 RBI.

“The fact is,” the article states, “Belle is the one who solidifies and protects the hitters in the Indians’ lineup.”

“When Albert’s in one of his hot streaks, he has a snowball effect on the rest of our lineup.”

“Belle’s consistency has been outstanding,” said Cleveland manager Mike Hargrove.

Over the last five seasons, Belle averaged:

37 home runs
35 doubles
113 RBI
89 runs
.298 batting average

In 1995, he got stronger as the season went on:

From Opening Day (April 26) to the end of July, Belle hit .295 with 19 home runs and 64 RBI.
From August through October 1, he hit .355 with 31 home runs and 57 RBI.

Belle tied Babe Ruth’s mark (1927) for most home runs in September (17). Only Rudy York hit more in a single month—18 for the Tigers in August 1937.

“Albert gets better with every at-bat,” said hitting coach Charlie Manuel, after Belle homered three times in a game vs. the White Sox on September 19.

“He hasn’t surprised me with the numbers he’s put up,” Manuel said.
“But to do it in a 144-game schedule is something. He works hard and studies to prepare himself for every at-bat.
He studies pitchers, catchers, umpires.
He even knows umpires by first name.”

Manuel also noted Belle:

Watches how catchers set up behind the plate.
Observes tendencies on pitch calls.
Thinks deeply about how the game is called.

“That’s what makes him so dangerous,” Manuel added.

Belle’s stance may look awkward—standing with his back arched, hands out and elbow up—but his swing is fluid and powerful.

“Albert has a short, quick stroke,” Manuel said.
“He has a lift in his swing that puts the ball in the air, and when he’s swinging the bat well, the ball jumps off his bat.”

2. Barry Larkin, Reds
Larkin was one of baseball’s most complete players in 1995:

50 extra-base hits
.319 average
98 runs
51 stolen bases (in 56 attempts)
.981 fielding percentage (best among shortstops)
Strong leadership on and off the field

“He’s the heart and soul of this team,” said Reds manager Davey Johnson.
“After opening the season with six consecutive losses, it was Barry who guided us to the division title.”

Larkin’s defense over the past three seasons:

Played 475 games
Hit .304
Committed only 48 errors
Career .978 fielding percentage

“Defense is more important than offense,” Larkin said. “Especially when you’re in a pennant race.”

3. Cal Ripken Jr., Orioles

What more can be said about Cal Ripken Jr. after his legendary 1995 season, in which he set a new standard for endurance by playing in 2,153 consecutive games?

Ripken embodies everything fans admire in a player:

Plays hard every day
Excels both offensively and defensively
Engages well with fans and media
Always plays to win

“I was raised with a work ethic, and an approach in baseball that the object of the game was to do whatever it takes to win,” Ripken said.
“Playing is fun. As long as I’m still having fun and helping my team win, I’ll keep playing.”

Hall of Fame credentials during his streak:

319 home runs as a shortstop (most ever at that position)
Numerous fielding records, including:
- Highest fielding percentage
- Fewest errors in a season (just 3 errors in 680 chances in 1990 for a .996 fielding percentage)
95 straight games without an error in 1990
One of only 22 major league players since 1931 to win two or more MVP awards

“Ripken is more than the Pride of the Orioles—he’s the Pride of Baseball.”

4. Edgar Martínez, Mariners

Often overlooked, Edgar Martínez might be the most underrated two-time batting champion since:

Pete Runnels (1960, 1962 – Red Sox)
Tommy Davis (1962–63 – Dodgers)

Despite Ken Griffey Jr. missing much of the season with a fractured wrist, Martínez led the Mariners to their first division title in franchise history.

Career-best 1995 stats:

.356 AVG
29 HR
52 2B
113 RBI
121 R
116 BB
182 H

“He’s probably the best hitter in the league,” said Angels pitcher Mark Langston.
“He’s very disciplined at the plate and goes with what you give him.”

Only the 14th right-handed hitter since 1900 to win two or more batting titles
Only the 7th to do so in the American League
Never hit below .337 all season
Led the AL in average from June 25 through the end of the year

Martínez battled back from multiple injuries to become one of baseball’s best hitters—and helped turn Seattle into a contender.

5. John Valentin, Red Sox

Behind the powerful bats of Mo Vaughn and Jose Canseco, and the pitching of Roger Clemens, stood Boston’s most valuable forgotten player in shortstop John Valentin.

In 1995, he:

Hit 27 home runs
Drove in 102 RBI
Became only the 18th shortstop in MLB history to drive in 100+ runs in a season
Only the 7th since 1950 to do so

“Val’s a very important cog on this club,” said teammate Mo Vaughn.
“He stabilizes our defense and is a productive hitter. He’s one of the best shortstops in the league.”

6. Mike Piazza, Dodgers

Despite missing 31 games due to injury, Piazza still managed:

32 HR
93 RBI
.346 AVG

Without him, the Dodgers were 11 games under .500 (won 11, lost 20).
With him, they went 67–46, a .593 winning percentage.

He was easily the most valuable player on Tommy Lasorda’s roster.

7. Mo Vaughn, Red Sox

Vaughn posted:

39 HR
126 RBI

But more importantly, his leadership on and off the field helped carry the team.

“Mo is the most valuable player on our club,” said manager Kevin Kennedy.
“He’s great on the field, in the clubhouse, and in the community.”

Vaughn’s consistency was key, especially after the Red Sox lost:

Aaron Sele
Jose Canseco
Roger Clemens
Mike Greenwell

At the All-Star break, Boston was .574 and 3 games up on Detroit, largely due to Vaughn’s:

.290 AVG
60 RBI
33 extra-base hits (24 HR) in the second half

Final line:

.309 AVG
66 RBI in the second half
39 HR, 126 RBI, 98 R, .300 AVG total

“He’s done everything we’ve expected,” said GM Dan Duquette.
“Our lineup produced all season, and Vaughn was a big part of that.”

8. Dante Bichette, Rockies

Despite playing in hitter-friendly Denver:

.380 AVG, 31 HR, 82 RBI at home
.300 AVG, 9 HR, 46 RBI on road

His overall line was comparable to Triple Crown winners:

.340 AVG
40 HR
128 RBI

9. Tony Gwynn, Padres

At 35, Gwynn remained one of baseball’s most respected ambassadors.
He won his sixth batting title in 1995, hitting:

.368 AVG

Only the following players won more batting titles:

Ty Cobb (12)
Honus Wagner (8)
Rogers Hornsby (7)
Stan Musial (7)
Rod Carew (7)
Ted Williams (6)

Gwynn’s career .336 AVG ranks 18th all-time.

10. Manny Ramirez, Indians

In just his first two seasons, Ramirez had already become one of baseball’s most feared hitters:

31 HR
107 RBI
.308 AVG

He benefited from hitting behind Eddie Murray and Albert Belle, but also carved out his own dominant path.

11. Craig Biggio, Astros.
Houston’s All-Star second baseman topped the N.L. in runs scored with 123 while leading the Astros’ bid for a wild card playoff berth. Biggio hit .302 with 22 homers, 33 stolen bases, and 77 RBI.

12. Tim Salmon, Angels.
California’s offense was designed by hitting coach Rod Carew, but was put into motion with the success of Salmon, who hit .330 with 34 homers, 111 runs scored, and 105 RBI.

13. Jay Buhner, Mariners.
When Seattle signed Buhner to his big contract before the season started, they anticipated him to come through—and he did in ’95:

40 homers (career high)
9 three-run homers (MLB-leading)
121 RBI
He also played stellar defense.

14. Frank Thomas, White Sox.
The game’s premier slugger continued to pound A.L. pitching despite Chicago’s struggles.
Thomas became the first player in MLB history to:

Hit 20+ HR, score 100+ runs, drive in 100+ RBI, and walk 100+ times
While hitting .300+
Five consecutive seasons

Only Lou Gehrig and Ted Williams had done it four times.
In 1995:

.308 AVG, 40 HR, 102 R, 111 RBI, MLB-best 136 BB

15. Sammy Sosa, Cubs.
Sosa helped the Cubs flirt with a wild card:

36 HR, 119 RBI, 34 SB
21 HR with men on base (among MLB leaders)

16. Eddie Murray, Indians.
On June 30, Murray became the 20th player in MLB history to reach 3,000 career hits.
He was also just 22 HR short of 500, which would place him alongside:

Willie Mays
Hank Aaron

That elite company featured 3,000 hits and 500 home runs.

In 1995:

.323 AVG, 21 HR, 82 RBI
His leadership helped Cleveland post a .694 winning percentage—10th-best in MLB history.

17. Reggie Sanders, Reds.
Largely unrecognized, Sanders was Cincinnati’s most consistent offensive player:

.306 AVG, 36 doubles, 28 HR, 99 RBI, 36 SB

18. Gary Gaetti, Royals.
The epitome of baseball’s unpredictability.
Once among the best 3B in the mid-’80s, Gaetti’s production faded—but he rebounded:

From 1990–1994: .243 AVG, 14 HR avg
In 1995: Career-best 35 HR, 96 RBI, .261 AVG

19. Bernie Williams, Yankees.
Williams helped carry the Yankees to the A.L. Wild Card:

.307 AVG
Team leader in: Hits (173), Runs (93), Triples (9), Walks (75), Extra-base hits (56)

“His value to this club is underestimated,” said Yankees manager Buck Showalter.

20. Kirby Puckett, Twins.
Even in a season in which his club finished last, Puckett’s enthusiasm for the game never waned even though he suffered a broken jaw after being struck by a Dennis Martinez pitch late in the season. He hit .314 with 23 homers, 99 RBI and 83 runs. For the last 10 years, Puckett has hit .300 or higher eight times and has never been below .296.

21. Larry Walker, Rockies.
Walker turned out to be the best free-agent acquisition last season when he helped Colorado become the first expansion team to reach post-season play within its first three years of existence. The left-handed hitting right fielder balanced the Rockies’ offensive attack by hitting .306 with a career-high 36 home runs, 96 runs scored and 101 RBI.

22. Mark Grace, Cubs.
Grace put up the numbers last season that Cubs management expected he could deliver. The 31-year-old first baseman hit .316 with 92 RBI and a career-high 16 homers, 51 doubles and 97 runs scored. He was the first National League player to hit 50 or more doubles in a season since Pete Rose did it in 1978, and only the fourth in the last 50 years.

23. Tino Martinez, Mariners.
Last season, Martinez came of age as a major league hitter. He was another vital piece to Seattle’s puzzle that turned them into a pennant contender. Prior to 1995, Martinez posted single-season highs of 20 homers, 53 runs, 66 RBI, 25 doubles, 118 hits and a .265 batting average. In ’95, he excelled in every offensive department by hitting .293 with 152 hits, 35 doubles, 31 homers, 92 runs scored and 111 RBI.

24. Jim Edmonds, Angels.
Like Tino Martinez, Edmonds proved his value as a productive hitter in 1995. California’s center fielder was among the A.L.’s home run and RBI leaders for most of the year, finishing the campaign with 33 homers, 107 RBI, 120 runs and a .290 batting average.

25. Mark McGwire, A’s.
Despite enduring another season in which he lost 41 games to injury, in a year that had only 144 games scheduled, McGwire returned to form as one of the game’s top power hitters. He set a new major league record by homering once every 8.13 at-bats (39 homers, 317 AB), a pace that would have had him hitting 63 homers over a 162-game season. “Mark’s presence in our lineup creates a trickle-down effect. He makes everybody else better when he’s in there,” coach Jim Lefebvre said. “He can be devastating.”