September always comes packaged with the thought of so much promise. The National Football League (NFL) season kicked off on Sept. 4, Canadian Hockey League (CHL) clubs are well into preseason contests, and National Hockey League (NHL) training camps are right around the corner.
Among these leagues are new faces poised to make names for themselves; some to be the one-season sensations, while others to become the backbone talent teams dream about it.No matter how they evolve, rookies often steal the spotlight, changing the game forever while leaving an irremovable mark behind in just one season. We take a look at the top ten rookie seasons throughout sports history.
10. Tony Oliva (MLB Outfielder, 1964)
It’s no surprise Oliva received 19 of 20 first place votes for Rookie of the Year after leading the American League (AL) in hits (217), doubles (43), extra-base hits (84), total bases (374), runs (109), and batting average (.323). This Cuba-native was the first player to win Rookie of the Year and the AL batting title the same year.
9. Larry Bird (NBA Forward, 1979-80)
This French Lick, Indiana native hit the courts with more than just his shaggy-hair to have one of the most memorable rookie seasons in NBA history. Averaging 21.3 points per game, Lick led the Boston Celtics to a 61-win season (32 more than the previous season), resulting in an Eastern Conference Finals appearance. Boston’s love for the “Hick from French Lick” goes well beyond the added bonus of the 10.4 rebound and 4.5 assist averages tallied during his rookie year, but it was certainly a good start for the 12-time NBA All-Star, three-time NBA Champion, and two-time MVP.
8. Lawrence Taylor (NFL Linebacker, 1981)
The New York Giants defence, the second-worst in the NFL in 1980, improved dramatically with the addition of Taylor, becoming the third best defence in 1981. The Giants also improved from a 4-12 record to 9-7 while adding a playoff birth. Individually, the North Carolina native began his career with 133 tackles, 9.5 sacks, eight passes defended, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and an interception before evolving into the most dreaded linebacker of all time.
7. Terry Sawchuk (NHL Goaltender, 1950-51)
In the era of face-only protection for NHL goaltenders, Sawchuk played all 70 games of his rookie season with a no-fear attitude, leading the league with 44 wins and 11 shutouts, while posting a remarkable 1.99 goals-against-average (GAA). The Winnipeg, Manitoba native helped the Detroit Red Wings become the first team in league history to reach the 100-point mark in a season with 101 points.
6. Eric Dickerson (NFL Tailback, 1983)
With 309 rushing attempts, 1,808 yards (a rookie record), 18 touchdowns, 51 receptions for 404 yards, and another two scores in the air, Dickerson rode out his rookie momentum to become the most complete back to ever play the game.
5. Teemu Selanne (NHL Winger, 1992-93)
The “Finnish Flash” revolutionized hockey with a rookie record of 76 goals and an unheard of 132-point rookie season. Selanne’s seemingly effortless on-ice ability was a breath of fresh air, opening the door to a new era.
4. Mike Trout (MLB Outfielder, 2012)
Argued as the best rookie of all time, Trout took the MLB by storm with a .326 batting average, 83 RBI, 182 hits, 27 doubles, 15 triples, while leading the league in scored runs (129) and steals (49). After being called up in late April to replace Anaheim’s .208-hitting Bobby Abreu, Trout owned the leadoff spot for the majority of the season.
3. Tony Esposito (NHL Goaltender, 1969-70)
Older brother superstar forward, Phil, may have made Esposito-sized footsteps first, but Tony stepped into the crease to make his own with 38 wins, a 2.17 GAA, and a record 15 shutouts. Tony was given an All-Star nod, the Calder trophy (Rookie of the Year), and the Vezina trophy (best goaltender) after just 63 NHL games.
2. Dick Lane (NFL Defensive Back, 1952)
“Night Train” not only revitalized the way defensive back was played, but managed 14 interceptions (a rookie and NFL record) in just 12 games played.
1. Wilt Chamberlain (NBA Center, 1959-60)
Rookie of the Year, first-team All-NBA, MVP; this 7’11” giant, coined as “The Big Dipper” due to his need to dip under doorways, set NBA records (2,707 points – 37.6 per game – and 1,941 rebounds), carrying the Golden State Warriors from a 32-40 record the previous season to 49-26 and the Eastern Division Finals.