4. 1987 – Darrell Evans/40
DET: .257-90-34-99-6, oWAR 3.7, wRC+ 137
Darrell Evans, affectionately known as Howdy Doody during his playing days, was the definition of longevity in a pro sports career.
Though he was only twice named an All-Star, Evans managed to suit up for 21 seasons of MLB with three different teams. In his age 38 season, he led the AL with 40 homers and eventually hit 414 total during his playing days.
His age 40 season was a fine one. Evans’ 34 taters are the most ever hit by a player 40 or older, a feat he probably doesn’t receive enough recognition for, especially when the steroid era is factored in. His 99 RBI are the second most in history under the same circumstances.
Evans finished 12th in AL MVP voting in 1987. Everyone was overlooked in favor of Toronto’s George Bell that season, who hit .308 with 47 home runs and 134 driven in.
Next: Number 3