Pittsburgh Pirates: Clutchest Seasons in Franchise History

PITTSBURGH, PA - JULY 11: Andrew McCutchen #22 of the Pittsburgh Pirates reacts after hitting the game-winning two run home run in the 14th inning against the St Louis Cardinals during the game at PNC Park on July 11, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - JULY 11: Andrew McCutchen #22 of the Pittsburgh Pirates reacts after hitting the game-winning two run home run in the 14th inning against the St Louis Cardinals during the game at PNC Park on July 11, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)
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CHICAGO – 1991: Barry Bonds of the San Pittsburgh Pirates bats during an MLB game versus the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois during the 1991 season. (Photo by Ron Vesely/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
CHICAGO – 1991: Barry Bonds of the San Pittsburgh Pirates bats during an MLB game versus the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois during the 1991 season. (Photo by Ron Vesely/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

Barry Bonds, 1991

You all know who Barry Bonds is. Whether you love him or hate him, you have to admit he was a fantastic ball player. 1991 was just one of his many outstanding seasons. Despite being snubbed of the MVP this year, Bonds was probably the best batter in the National League.

Through 634 plate appearances, Bonds slashed .292/.410/.514 with a 155 wRC+ and a .396 wOBA. Both his wRC+ and wOBA led the league. Bonds was a five tool player, so he could also hit for power and run very well. Bonds slammed 25 home runs, had a .222 isolated slugging percentage and stole 43 bases to go with +3.4 base running runs above average.

When it came time to drive in runs, Bonds was the guy you would want at the dish. He had a +1.49 clutch index in 1991. He hit astoundingly well with men in scoring position, registering a .345/.471/.558 line in 208 plate appearances. He walked more than double the amount of times he struck out with a 48/20 ratio. In high leverage situations, he hit equally as good with a .353/.446/.640 line in 168 plate appearances. While Bonds was not at the level he would eventually reach where teams intentionally walked him with the bases loaded, Bonds was stil lvery clutch in 1991.

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