Boston Red Sox legends: Marvelous Mo Vaughn
1995 American League MVP
Vaughn made his debut in 1991 and was productive in spots during his first couple of seasons.
His third season was his first with over 100 RBI’s — driving in 101 — but it was between the years 1995-1998 in which Vaughn really took off.
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He was named to the all-star team three times during this span and took home the American League MVP in 1995. Vaughn hit 39 home runs and drove in 126 in beating out Albert Belle and Edgar Martinez for his first and only MVP.
Vaughn only got better in 1996. Though the Red Sox did not make the playoffs in that season, Vaughn’s numbers were even better than the season prior. He hit .326, smashed 44 home runs and had 143 RBI’s.
Despite this, Vaughn finished in fifth-place in the 1996 MVP race. Juan Gonzalez, who won, Ken Griffey Jr. and Belle all had more home runs than Vaughn. Also finishing ahead of Vaughn that season was Alex Rodriguez.
Vaughn also finished fourth in the 1998 MVP voting.
Boston, of course, might have had more success during this time if not for the New York Yankees returning to power the very same years. Partially because of their rivals, Boston only made two playoff appearances in Vaughn’s eight seasons.