With yesterday's victory in Texas the Angels reached the 89-win mark for the 6th consecutive year. This, despite being picked to win about 84 each year by the PECOTAs of the world.

Anyhoo, how rare is that? Consider this -- only 8 other franchises have ever done it in baseball HISTORY. Here's a list, ordered by most recent to least:

Yankees 2009
Braves 2000
Athletics 1975
Dodgers 1956
Indians 1955
Cardinals 1947
Giants 1913
Cubs 1912

You're talking about some of the most celebrated teams in baseball history here. Charlie Finley's mustache gang, the Boys of Summer, Musial's Cardinals, McGraw's Giants, Tinkers-to-Evers-to-Chance. More importantly, note who's NOT there -- the Big Red Machine never won 89 for 6 straight. The Pirates have won a ton over the years (at least until they let Barry Bonds go), but 89 wins in 6 consecutive? Nope. The Tigers had an all-Hall-of-Fame outfield, the Orioles had Earl Weaver, the Blue Jays had a very good 12 years or so, and I've heard a certain broadcast network talk about a team from Massachussetts ... nope.

So tip your cap to Mike freaking Scioscia, and Arte, and Vladimir Guerrero, and Chone Figgins, and John Lackey, and the rest of 'em. And for those of you who are, say, 25 or younger ... man, do you people have it good.

 

UPDATE: See a more detailed/accurate list here.