1972 Season


World Series Champion

Oakland Athletics

Athletics over the Reds (4-3)
World Series MVP: Gene Tenace (OAK)

Playoffs

NLCS: Reds over the Pirates (3-2)
ALCS: Athletics over the Tigers (3-2)

No-Hitters

April 16th: Burt Hooton, Phillies 0 – Chicago Cubs 4
September 2nd: Milt Pappas, Padres 0 – Cubs 8
October 2nd: Bill Stoneman, Mets 0 – Expos 7

Highlights

1. Washington Senators are moved to Texas and become the Rangers
2. Milwaukee Brewers are moved to the American League East
3. The first week and a half of the season is cancelled by a player strike
4. The American League votes unanimously to adopt the designated hitter rule
5. Sandy Koufax, Yogi Berra and Early Wynn are elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

National League

EAST W L W-L% GB
Pittsburgh Pirates 96 59 .619
Chicago Cubs 85 70 .548 11.0
New York Mets 83 73 .532 13.5
St. Louis Cardinals 75 81 .481 21.5
Montreal Expos 70 86 .449 26.5
Philadelphia Phillies 69 97 .378 37.5
WEST W L W-L% GB
Cincinnati Reds 95 59 .617
Los Angeles Dodgers 85 70 .548 10.5
Houston Astros 84 69 .549 10.5
Atlanta Braves 70 84 .455 25.0
San Francisco Giants 69 86 .445 26.5
San Diego Padres 58 95 .379 36.5

National League Leaders

WAR: Steve Carlton (PHI), 12.5
Most Valuable Player:
Johnny Bench (CIN)
Cy Young Award: Steve Carlton (PHI)
Rookie of the Year: Jon Matlack (NYM)
Batting Title: Billy Williams (CHC), .333
Home Runs: Johnny Bench (CIN), 40
RBIs: Johnny Bench (CIN), 125
Wins: Steve Carlton (PHI), 27
ERA: Steve Carlton (PHI), 1.97
Strikeouts: Steve Carlton (PHI), 310

American League

EAST W L W-L% GB
Detroit Tigers 86 70 .551
Boston Red Sox 85 70 .548 0.5
Baltimore Orioles 80 74 .519 5.0
New York Yankees 79 76 .510 6.5
Cleveland Indianss 72 84 .462 14.0
Milwaukee Brewers 65 91 .417 21.0
WEST W L W-L% GB
Oakland Athletics 93 62 .600
Chicago White Sox 87 67 .565 5.5
Minnesota Twins 77 77 .500 15.5
Kansas City Royals 76 78 .494 16.5
California Angels 75 80 .484 18.0
Texas Rangers 54 100 .351 38.5

American League Leaders

WAR: Gaylord Perry (CLE), 11.2
Most Valuable Player:
Dick Allen (CHW)
Cy Young Award: Gaylord Perry (CLE)
Rookie of the Year: Carlton Fisk (BOS)
Batting Title: Rod Carew (MIN), .318
Home Runs: Dick Allen (CHW), 37
RBIs: Dick Allen (CHW), 113
Wins: Perry (CLE) / Wood (CHW), 24
ERA: Luis Tiant (BOS), 1.91
Strikeouts: Nolan Ryan (CAL), 329