Imagine trying to crown the greatest individual season in the history of New York sports. It’s a daunting task, but one that’s impossible to resist—especially when Jalen Brunson’s scorching start has us all dreaming big. Yes, it’s early to toss his name into the MVP ring, but hey, if Mike Brown can do it, why can’t we? Brunson’s numbers—28.6 points, 6.3 assists, and 48.1% shooting—are nothing short of stellar, though he’d still face an uphill battle against frontrunners like Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, or Giannis Antetokounmpo. But let’s say he pulls off the unthinkable and joins the MVP club. That would make him the 46th such winner across New York’s four major sports. And that leads us to the ultimate question: which of those 45 previous MVP seasons truly stands above the rest? Here’s one take on the matter—but don’t hesitate to share yours in the comments. And this is the part most people miss: ranking these seasons isn’t just about stats; it’s about impact, legacy, and the intangible magic that makes a season unforgettable.
(For the record, we’re considering MLB BBWAA winners since 1931, NHL Hart Trophy recipients since 1927, NBA & ABA MVPs since 1946/1968, and AP NFL & AFL MVPs since 1957/1961.)
1. Mickey Mantle, Yankees, 1956: Even Mantle himself called this his favorite season, and it’s easy to see why. Batting .353 with 52 home runs and 130 RBIs, he didn’t just win the MVP—he claimed the Triple Crown. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was this truly the greatest MVP season in New York history, or do other legends like Willie Mays or Lawrence Taylor deserve the top spot? Let’s debate it. What’s your take? Is Mantle’s 1956 season untouchable, or is there another MVP performance that deserves the crown? Sound off below!
