In 1990 the High A level of play was introduced to minor league baseball giving full season leagues four levels (AAA,AA, High A, Low A).
The Phillies currently have the best winning percentage in the major leagues (37-14 .725) and their Low A affiliate the Clearwater Threshers (29-13 .690) have the highest winning percentage in the minor leagues for all four full season levels. That’s a rare accomplishment!
My Cracker Jack staff (me) decided to research if any organization has ever had both the highest major and minor league (full season) winning percentages in the same season for a full year - I went back to 1990 since that’s when the four level full season structure began.
The 1992 Atlanta Braves (98-64 .605) and their 1992 AA level affiliate the Greenville Braves (100-43 .699) are the only teams and organization to accomplished that feat. Chipper Jones and Javy Lopez were key members of that Greenville ball club. The Atlanta Braves went to the World Series that season but lost to the Toronto Blue Jays.
Over the 1990 to 2023 time period the Giants organization has had the minor league affiliate with the best winning percentage six times (including three years in a row from 2006 to 2008) with the Tigers and Rays doing so three years while the Phillies, Astros, Expos, Indians, Mets, Padres and Twins have each done it twice. The Red Sox, White Sox, A’s, Braves, Cubs, Dodgers, Orioles each did it once - there was no 2020 season. The Low A level has had the team with the best record 18 times, High A - 8 times, AA - 7 times, no AAA level team has ever had the best record.
In the major leagues during that time frame the Braves lead the way with having the best winning percentage six times with the Yankees at five, the Cardinals at four, the Indians, Red Sox and Dodgers at three apiece and the Angels, Giants and Phillies at two seasons each. The Astros, A’s, Cubs, Expos, Mariners, Pirates, Nationals and Mets all have one (includes four seasons where two teams tied). In the 34 years reviewed only seven times did the major league best record also win the World Series (‘98 Yankees, ‘07 Red Sox, ‘09 Yankees, ‘13 Red Sox, ‘16 Cubs, ‘18 Red Sox, ‘20 Dodgers).
Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️
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