There was something very strange about that season. Obviously first thing that comes to mind is Roger Maris and the mythical 61 HRs. But here's the thing. That was Maris' greatest year by far. It was preceded by a pretty good though not especially remarkable MVP season in 1960. Nothing much before that indicated that he'd be any special player of note and nothing after 1961 was particularly noteworthy. What I was surprised to find out is that Maris was not the only one in 1961 to have an epic and extraordinary standalone season that never matched the rest of their careers.

Two other players, Jim Gentile and Norm Cash finished 3rd and 4th in MVP voting behind Maris and Mantle.

Norm Cash had a monster year that any other year would be the MVP. He hit .361 with 41 HRs and 132 RBIs. Led the league in BA, hits (193), OBP (.487), and OPS (1.148). He had a higher slugging percentage than Maris!

Jim Gentile out of nowhere seemingly nowhere smashes 46 HRs and finishes tied with Maris for RBIs with 141! He batted .302 with a 1.069 OPS. Also had a higher slugging percentage than Maris.

Maris, believe it or not, did not finish in the Top 3 for OBP, SLG, or OPS.

These three guys can never replicate anything even remotely close to their 1961 seasons ever again. How does something like that happen?