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Baseball Trivia (General)/Best team to NOT make the playoffs

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Expert: - 9/27/2008


Question
Tom,

Can you tell me what team (during the Wild Card era, and before) had the best record of teams NOT making the playoffs?

Maybe a better way of asking is, "What's the MLB record for wins by a team not making the playoffs?"

Thanks  

Answer
Jeremy,

Good question. The best record for a team not making the playoffs or winning the pennant and going to the World Series for both leagues is as follows:

NL   1909 Chicago Cubs  104-49   .680
AL   1954 New York Yankees  103-51  .669

Since the playoff system:

NL   1999 Cincinnati Reds  95-67   .589
AL   3 tied at 93-69  .569
      2002  Boston Red Sox
      2003  Seattle Mariners
      2005  Cleveland Indians

Baseball Trivia (General)

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Tom Schott

Expertise

I will deal with the major leagues only from 19th century to present. I`m good on baseball history, records, statistics, ballparks. I don't do off-the-field stuff. Please if you already know the answer to the question, please don't ask it. I don't want to play "stump the expert."

Experience

I've written on the subject, and I have substantial library of resources.

Organizations
SABR

Publications
Numerous encyclopedia, newspaper, magazine articles. One book, several book chapters.

Education/Credentials
Ph.D. in American history.

Awards and Honors
Bevy of writing awards.

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