Marty Marion, 1944, National League

Here’s the good news for the Cardinals shortstop: You’ve won the MVP Award!  Here’s the bad news: Because of this, you will always be known as the only MVP whose on-base and slugging marks were below the league averages for the season.  Marion’s forgettable offensive performance (.267/.324/.362) was augmented by outstanding defense, and during wartime the mere presence of a competent shortstop might have seemed especially valuable.  Still, the 105 wins for the Cardinals in 1944 were owed more to Stan Musial’s bat (.347/.440/.549) or Mort Cooper’s arm (22-7, 2.46 ERA) than to Marion’s glove.  Cooper and Musial had won the two previous MVPs; perhaps someone should have reminded the voters it was okay for them to win again.