Hack Wilson: 191 RBI

In 1930 Hack Wilson destroyed the major league RBI record by driving in 191 runs, which was previously held by Babe Ruth (168). Although Wilson hit 56 home runs, they only accounted for 101 (53%) of his runs batted in, meaning he drove in 90 more by other means.

Hack had a fantastic year. On top of the RBI, he also was the first player not named Ruth to hit over 50 home runs in a single season. Wilson was robbed out of an MVP because it was not awarded by the league that season. At the time (1922-1929), it was called the League Award. In 1930 it was discontinued and no award was presented. It surfaced again the following season and remains today as the Most Valuable Player Award. In 1930 Wilson had a season only accomplished by two other players. Only Wilson, Jimmie Foxx (1932), and Ruth (twice: 1921, 1927) batted at least .350, hit at least 50 home runs and drove in 150 or more runs in the same season.

All that said and done, it still took a “perfect storm” to accomplish the feat. As do all terrific run producers, Wilson hit great with runners on base (.366) and Hack enjoyed good health only missing one game, but he also had a dynamo batting in front of him.

Woody English hit second in the order for the Cubs. He had a .430 on-base percentage and reached base over 300 times in 1930. He also hit 36 doubles and 17 triples. Wilson drove him home 42 times that season.

Kiki Cuyler batted third and had a .428 on-base percentage. He also reached base over 300 times. Cuyler hit 50 doubles and 17 triples while leading the NL in stolen bases (37). Wilson drove him home 46 times. Both Cuyler and English used the sacrifice bunt to move runners into scoring position. Neither Cuyler nor English missed a game that season.

L-R: Wilson, Kiki Cuyler & Woody English

What all the above says is that Wilson came to bat with runners on base and, many times, in scoring position. Hack had 702 plate appearances. In his times at the plate, he had 524 runners on base. When not hitting safely, he still put the ball in play 293 times. He struck out 84 times or about as much as today’s leadoff hitters.

What all this proves is that the new style of baseball, striking out frequently and not advancing runners, will never allow another player to approach this RBI record.

Quickly I will compare the last two 50 home run hitters and their numbers:
                                                                                    Pete Alonzo hit 53 home runs and drove home 120 in 2019. His home runs accounted for 70% of his RBI (84). He had no one in particular in front of him with a great on-base percentage but still came to the plate with 407 runners aboard. Pete was juggled around in the batting order, hitting second, third and cleanup. The player who batted consistently before him, Michael Conforto, struck out 149 times and never had a sacrifice hit. Alonzo struck out 183 times.

Aaron Judge hit 52 home runs in 2017 and drove in 114. His home runs accounted for 75% of his RBI (85). He also did not have the runners on base or in scoring position enjoyed by Wilson but still managed to come to the plate with 427 runners on base. Judge struck out 208 times. He batted mostly second in the order and sometimes third. The player always in front of Judge, Brett Gardner, struck out 122 times and had five sacrifice hits. When Judge batted third, Chase Headley usually batted in the second spot. Headley struck out 132 times and sacrificed only once.

All this proves that in order to have a historic RBI season you need many base runners, players who will move runners into scoring position, good health (both yourself and the players in front of you), and a great batting average with runners on base. Add to this formula the ability to put the ball in play consistently (limiting strikeouts). Today’s game has evolved to moving away from all the skills needed to do so.

Who had the most impressive RBI season, Wilson (191), Gehrig (185), actually neither? But that is for another column soon.

✍️ Written by Skip Carpentier