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Nick Soulis · 07-23-2025, 09:01 AM

🏆 Excellence Project Spotlight: Willie Stargell’s Monumental First Half Has History Within Reach 🏆
Pittsburgh’s Slugger Eyes Kingman’s 54-HR Record as MVP Buzz Builds

PITTSBURGH — There are hot streaks… and then there’s what Willie Stargell is doing in Season 8 of the Excellence Project.

Through just 79 games, the 1972 Pittsburgh Pirates’ iconic first baseman is not only tearing through opposing pitchers — he’s tearing up the history books. With 32 home runs and 77 RBI, Stargell is putting together one of the most devastating first halves in tournament history. But there’s one number that looms larger than all the rest: 54.

That’s the single-season home run record in Excellence Project play, set by Dave Kingman of the 1979 Chicago Cubs in Season 3 — a record once thought safe from even the most powerful bats. Now, it's squarely in Stargell's sights.

🌟 The First Half: Ruthian Numbers in Steel City

Stargell has been nothing short of extraordinary. He leads all of SL1 in:

Home Runs: 32

RBI: 77

Slugging %: .725

OPS: 1.119 (unofficial estimate)

Total Bases: Over 200

He’s also hitting for average — a crisp .347, good for second in the league behind only Stuffy McInnis (.355). He’s doing it all while anchoring a Pittsburgh squad that sits atop the AL West at 50–29, emerging as a true World Series contender.

On June 15, Stargell erupted for three home runs in a single game, sending shockwaves through the tournament and putting Kingman’s record within realistic striking distance.

🔢 The Math: Can He Reach 54?

At his current pace of 32 HR in 79 games, Stargell is on track to hit:

(32 HR / 79 games) × 162 games = ~65.6 HR

That projects to 66 home runs, which would obliterate Kingman's 54 and set a new Excellence Project benchmark. Even with some regression or a cold streak, Stargell has built in a significant cushion. If he hits even 22 home runs in the final 83 games, he ties the record.

To break it? He needs 23.

🧠 What’s Changed?

Though always a feared slugger, Stargell's 1972 campaign in past seasons never hit these heights. Analysts credit:

Elite plate discipline: Walks are up, and he's chasing fewer bad pitches.

Consistent lineup protection: With Richie Hebner (22 HR, 63 RBI) and Al Oliver getting on base, pitchers are forced to attack Stargell.

Optimized matchups: Manager Bill Virdon has kept him fresh and fed him a steady diet of right-handed pitching.

📜 The Record He’s Chasing: Dave Kingman, 1979 Cubs

Kingman's 54 homers in Season 3 stood out as a lone beacon in a powerful yet inconsistent Cubs lineup. His all-or-nothing approach led to a streaky campaign, but his raw power pushed him to the summit. Stargell, in contrast, is putting together a more well-rounded MVP-level season, pairing average and on-base skill with raw power.

🗣️ Voices Around the League

Bob Prince, legendary Pirates broadcaster:

“If Pops keeps swinging the bat like this, you better bring a glove to the outfield — you’re gonna need it!”

Don Zimmer, Boston skipper:

“We’ve pitched to him, pitched around him, walked him… it doesn’t matter. He’s locked in like I’ve never seen.”

Stargell himself, after his 3-HR game:

“Records are nice, sure. But I’m playing for October. If the homers come, they come. I just want to win.”

🏆 MVP Watch and October Dreams

Stargell is now the clear front-runner for the SL1 MVP award. His combination of eye-popping power and leadership has elevated Pittsburgh into championship conversation — and he could become the first player in project history to win both the Home Run Title and MVP while leading his team to a Field of Dreams Championship.

🔭 Looking Ahead
With the All-Star break approaching, all eyes will be on Stargell’s performance in the Midsummer Classic — likely as the AL’s starting first baseman and cleanup hitter. But the real question remains: Can he make history?

If his first-half pace is any indication, Kingman’s 54 is living on borrowed time.

07-23-2025, 09:01 AM	#96
Nick Soulis Hall Of Famer Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Chicago IL Posts: 4,273	🏆 Excellence Project Spotlight: Willie Stargell’s Monumental First Half Has History Within Reach 🏆 Pittsburgh’s Slugger Eyes Kingman’s 54-HR Record as MVP Buzz Builds PITTSBURGH — There are hot streaks… and then there’s what Willie Stargell is doing in Season 8 of the Excellence Project. Through just 79 games, the 1972 Pittsburgh Pirates’ iconic first baseman is not only tearing through opposing pitchers — he’s tearing up the history books. With 32 home runs and 77 RBI, Stargell is putting together one of the most devastating first halves in tournament history. But there’s one number that looms larger than all the rest: 54. That’s the single-season home run record in Excellence Project play, set by Dave Kingman of the 1979 Chicago Cubs in Season 3 — a record once thought safe from even the most powerful bats. Now, it's squarely in Stargell's sights. 🌟 The First Half: Ruthian Numbers in Steel City Stargell has been nothing short of extraordinary. He leads all of SL1 in: Home Runs: 32 RBI: 77 Slugging %: .725 OPS: 1.119 (unofficial estimate) Total Bases: Over 200 He’s also hitting for average — a crisp .347, good for second in the league behind only Stuffy McInnis (.355). He’s doing it all while anchoring a Pittsburgh squad that sits atop the AL West at 50–29, emerging as a true World Series contender. On June 15, Stargell erupted for three home runs in a single game, sending shockwaves through the tournament and putting Kingman’s record within realistic striking distance. 🔢 The Math: Can He Reach 54? At his current pace of 32 HR in 79 games, Stargell is on track to hit: (32 HR / 79 games) × 162 games = ~65.6 HR That projects to 66 home runs, which would obliterate Kingman's 54 and set a new Excellence Project benchmark. Even with some regression or a cold streak, Stargell has built in a significant cushion. If he hits even 22 home runs in the final 83 games, he ties the record. To break it? He needs 23. 🧠 What’s Changed? Though always a feared slugger, Stargell's 1972 campaign in past seasons never hit these heights. Analysts credit: Elite plate discipline: Walks are up, and he's chasing fewer bad pitches. Consistent lineup protection: With Richie Hebner (22 HR, 63 RBI) and Al Oliver getting on base, pitchers are forced to attack Stargell. Optimized matchups: Manager Bill Virdon has kept him fresh and fed him a steady diet of right-handed pitching. 📜 The Record He’s Chasing: Dave Kingman, 1979 Cubs Kingman's 54 homers in Season 3 stood out as a lone beacon in a powerful yet inconsistent Cubs lineup. His all-or-nothing approach led to a streaky campaign, but his raw power pushed him to the summit. Stargell, in contrast, is putting together a more well-rounded MVP-level season, pairing average and on-base skill with raw power. 🗣️ Voices Around the League Bob Prince, legendary Pirates broadcaster: “If Pops keeps swinging the bat like this, you better bring a glove to the outfield — you’re gonna need it!” Don Zimmer, Boston skipper: “We’ve pitched to him, pitched around him, walked him… it doesn’t matter. He’s locked in like I’ve never seen.” Stargell himself, after his 3-HR game: “Records are nice, sure. But I’m playing for October. If the homers come, they come. I just want to win.” 🏆 MVP Watch and October Dreams Stargell is now the clear front-runner for the SL1 MVP award. His combination of eye-popping power and leadership has elevated Pittsburgh into championship conversation — and he could become the first player in project history to win both the Home Run Title and MVP while leading his team to a Field of Dreams Championship. 🔭 Looking Ahead With the All-Star break approaching, all eyes will be on Stargell’s performance in the Midsummer Classic — likely as the AL’s starting first baseman and cleanup hitter. But the real question remains: Can he make history? If his first-half pace is any indication, Kingman’s 54 is living on borrowed time.