It's not how you start, but how you finish. Or so the wisdom goes.

In baseball, a strong finish can pay big dividends for players, which can pay big dividends for teams. A heater during the final month can make the difference in winning a stat race, play a big role in winning an MVP or Cy Young Award, and help push a team toward a postseason berth.

Whether they led to eye-popping stats, MLB records or team success, there have been some incredible player performances to close out seasons. Here's a look at some of the best statistical stretch-run finishes of the Expansion Era (since 1961).

Quick caveat: We're defining "finishes" as regular-season production in September and October, even though not every season has the same number of games in those months.

Batting average: Richard Hidal

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