90s Rookies of the Year: David Justice

 

-Matthew McConkey 

I couldn't wait to do this post. Justice was one of my favorite Braves players growing up. There was something about the way he handled himself in the outfield and at the plate. He possessed a calm, self-assured demeanor in any situation. Not once did I ever see him get nervous. I'm sure that he was at times. As a kid, I wanted to be this guy. I wanted to have that swagger he had. For a time, he was the face of the Atlanta Braves.

In 1990, David Justice won the National League Rookie of the Year award. It was well deserved. In that season, playing for a dismal Braves club, Justice hit 28 HRs, drove in 78 RBIs, and his OPS was .908. All significant numbers for a rookie. Winning the ROY was a sign of things to come for the left-handed hitter. He would have 12 more productive seasons with the Indians, Yankees, and finish his career with the Athletics. Justice was one of the coolest players of the 1990s. 

Justice's 1990 ROY Numbers At A Glance

10 of 28 Justice's HRs were off left-handed pitching

Had an OPS of 1.099 off of lefties

In the second half of the 1990s season, Justice smashed 23 HRS and drove in 58 RBIs, with a .985 OPS

Had a scorching August with 11 HRs, 29 RBIs, and a 1.007 OPS

Was locked in with RISP: 7 HRS, 50 RBIs, and a 1.001 OPS

RISP with 2/outs: 2 HR, 17 RBIs, .708 OPS

Clobbered the Padres that season with 6 HRs, 12 RBIs, and a .925 OPS in 17 games

Had a 1.173 OPS vs the Pirates in 10 games, the most against any team

19 of Justice's 28 HRs came at his home ballpark, Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium

Had a whopping 1.500 OPS at Three Rivers Stadium (Pirates former home) in 4 games

David Justice Stats

https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/j/justida01.shtml