Did Trevor Bauer Win the Triple Crown?
The question of whether Trevor Bauer won the Triple Crown in baseball has sparked a great deal of debate among fans and analysts alike. For those unfamiliar with the term, the Triple Crown refers to the achievement of leading the league in three major statistical categories: batting average, home runs, and runs batted in (RBIs). In this article, we will delve into the statistics and history surrounding Trevor Bauer’s season to determine if he truly earned this prestigious title.
Trevor Bauer, a right-handed pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, had an exceptional season in 2021. He finished the year with a 16-6 record, a 2.66 ERA, and 231 strikeouts. While these numbers are impressive, they do not align with the criteria for the Triple Crown. The Triple Crown is traditionally awarded to position players, not pitchers.
The confusion arises from the fact that Bauer’s statistics are indeed remarkable. In fact, his 231 strikeouts are the most by any pitcher in a single season since the strike in 1994. However, the Triple Crown is a specific achievement that has been reserved for hitters, with the last pitcher to come close being Jim Tobin in 1917.
To further understand the distinction between Trevor Bauer’s achievements and the Triple Crown, we must look at the history of the award. The Triple Crown was first awarded in 1877 to pitcher George Davis of the St. Louis Browns. Since then, it has been won by 16 hitters, with the most recent winner being Mike Trout in 2019.
In conclusion, Trevor Bauer did not win the Triple Crown in 2021. While his season was exceptional, the Triple Crown is a unique achievement reserved for position players who excel in batting average, home runs, and RBIs. Bauer’s remarkable pitching statistics do not qualify him for this prestigious honor, but they do solidify his place as one of the best pitchers in the league.
