Jim Rice's MVP Season (1978)
The only player to lead MLB in triples, home runs, and RBIs in one season.
Jim Rice's 1978 season is widely regarded as one of the greatest in baseball history. He won the American League Most Valuable Player award, leading the league in home runs (46), RBIs (139), hits (213), triples (15), total bases (406), and slugging percentage (.600). He remains the only player to lead the major leagues in triples, home runs, and RBIs in the same season.
Quick Facts
- Key achievement
- Led AL in Home Runs
- RBIs
- and Slugging Percentage
Lore & Background
In 1978, Rice became the first major leaguer with 400 or more total bases since Hank Aaron in 1959. His 406 total bases that year is still a Red Sox record and was the most in the AL since Joe DiMaggio had 418 in 1937. Rice is one of two AL players ever to lead his league in triples and home runs in the same season.
Reader's Guide
Rice's 1978 MVP season included leading the AL in 11 different categories, one shy of tying the major league record of 12 set in 1921 by Rogers Hornsby. He batted .315 (third in the league) and led the league in home runs, RBIs, hits, triples, total bases, and slugging percentage.
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