In the upcoming 2012 season, the Kansas City Royals will need to rely heavily on offensive production to make a run at the post season. With a mediocre starting rotation, putting a lot runs on the board will be key for the Royals to produce wins.

If any of the young studs on the current roster can have seasons like those listed below, it should be an exciting year to be a Royals fan.

And now, my list of the 5 greatest offensive seasons in Kansas City Royals’ history:

5. Johnny Damon (2000); .327 AVG, .382 OBP, 214 hits, 42 2B, 10 3B, 136 runs

Before Johnny Damon became a household name with the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees, he started his All-Star career with the Royals. His 214 hits and 136 runs in the 2000 season still rank in the top 3 for single season efforts of any Royals player.

4. Willie Wilson (1980); .326 AVG, .357 OBP, 230 hits, 133 runs, 79 SB

While his 1980 numbers lacked power (3 HR) and walks (28 BB), Willie Wilson’s season that year was phenomenal. His 230 hit total is still a team record for a single season, while his 133 runs and 79 stolen bases continue to hold second place marks.

3. Mike Sweeney (2000); .333 AVG, .407 OBP, 206 hits, 29 HR, 144 RBIs

Perhaps the greatest offensive player in Royals’ history not named George Brett, Mike Sweeney’s 2000 season was one for the record books. Few Royals have been able to have a season with a combination of huge power numbers and the ability to simply put the ball in play and get on base.

2. George Brett (1985); .335 AVG, .436 OBP, 184 hits, 5 3B, 30 HR, 112 RBIs

In the second best season of his Hall of Fame career, Brett carried the Royals to the 1985 World Series title. His numbers that year of .335 AVG, .417 OBP, 103 BB and 30 HR all still crack the organization’s top 10 in their respective single season statistical records.

1. George Brett (1980); .390 AVG, .454 OBP, 175 hits, 9 3B, 24 HR, 118 RBIs

George Brett’s 1980 season is the gold standard to which all Royals players have to shoot for. The numbers speak for themselves. Brett’s .390 AVG is a full 50 points higher than the second best batting average of any other Royals player in franchise history. On top of that, he only had 22 strikeouts in 449 AB. With numbers like that, it is no wonder he is, and will always be, the face of the franchise.

Alex Wibholm is an Iowa native and fan of the Kansas City Royals and AL Central Division. Alex attends several KC games every year.

Sources:

http://mlb.mlb.com/stats/

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