By Will-He-M
Before I get started, I just wanted to mention that I just altered my Top Ten First Basemen List after Hockey Guru pointed out that Stan Musial was actually inducted into the Hall of Fame as a left fielder, despite having played more games at first base. As if left field wasn't crowded enough already, now I have to find room for Musial. But that's for another day (tomorrow?).
Tonight, I close out the infield with perhaps the most important position.
10. Harold "Pee Wee" Reese (Brooklyn Dodgers, Los Angeles Dodgers 1940-1958)2166 GP, 8058 AB, 1538 R, 2170 H, 330 D, 80 T, 126 HR, 885 RBI, 232 SB, .269 AVG, .962 FPCT
World Series Champion (1955)
10x All-Star (1942, 1946-1954)
Hall of Fame 1984
9. Luis "Little Louie" Aparicio (Chicago White Sox, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox 1956-1973)
2601 GP, 10230 AB, 1335 R, 2677 H, 394 D, 92 T, 83 HR, 791 RBI, 506 SB, .262 AVG, .972 FPCT
1956 Rookie of the Year Award Winner
9x Gold Glove Award Winner (1958-1962, 1966, 1968, 1970)
World Series Champion (1966)
10x All-Star (1958-1964, 1970-1972)
Hall of Fame 1984
8. Phil "Scooter" Rizzuto (New York Yankees 1941-1956)
1661 GP, 5816 AB, 877 R, 1588 H, 239 D, 62 T, 38 HR, 563 RBI, 149 SB .273 AVG, .968 FPCT
AL MVP (1950)
7x World Series Champion (1941, 1947, 1949-1953)
5x All-Star (1942, 1949-1953)
Hall of Fame 1994
7. Louis "Lou" Boudreau (Cleveland Indians, Boston Red Sox 1938-1952)1646 GP, 6029 AB, 861 R, 1779 H, 385 D, 66 T, 68 HR, 789 RBI, 51 SB, .295 AVG, .973 FPCT
AL MVP (1948)
7x All-Star (1940-1944, 1947, 1948)
Hall of Fame 1970
6. Alan Trammell (Detroit Tigers 1977-1996)
2293 GP, 8288 AB, 1231 R, 2365 H, 412 D, 55 T, 185 HR, 1003 RBI, 236 SB, .285 AVG, .977 FPCT
4x Gold Glove Award Winner (1980, 1981, 1983, 1984)
3x Silver Slugger Award Winner (1987, 1988, 1990)
World Series Champion (1984)
6x All-Star (1980, 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1990)
5. Barry Larkin (Cincinnati Reds 1986-2004)
2180 GP, 7937 AB, 1329 R, 2340 H, 441 D, 76 T, 198 HR, 960 RBI, 379 SB, .295 AVG, .975 FPCT
NL MVP (1995)
3x Gold Glove Award Winner (1994-1996)
9x Silver Slugger Award Winner (1988-1992, 1995, 1996, 1998, 1999)
World Series Champion (1990)
12x All-Star (1988-1991, 1993-2000, 2004)
4. Luke "Old Aches and Pains" Appling (Chicago White Sox 1930-1950)2422 GP, 8856 AB, 1319 R, 2749 H, 440 D, 102 T, 45 HR, 1116 RBI, 179 SB. .310 AVG, .948 FPCT
2x AL Batting Champion (1936, 1943)
7x All-Star (1936, 1939-1941, 1943, 1946, 1947)
Hall of Fame 1964
3. Ozzie "Wizard of Oz" Smith (San Diego Padres, St. Louis Cardinals 1978-1996)
2573 GP, 9396 AB, 1257 R, 2460 H, 402 D, 69 T, 28 HR, 793 RBI, 148 SB, .262 AVG, .978 FPCT
13x Gold Glove Award Winner (1980-1992)
Silver Slugger Award Winner (1987)
1982 World Series Champion
15x All-Star (1981-1992, 1994-1996)
2. Derek "Mr. November" Jeter (New York Yankees 1995-present)
2076 GP, 8404 AB, 1529 R, 2656 H, 430 D, 57 T, 217 HR, 1043 RBI, 293 SB, .316 AVG, .975 FPCT
1996 AL Rookie of the Year Award Winner
3x Gold Glove Award Winner (2004-2006)
3x Silver Slugger Award Winner (2006-2008)
4x World Series Champion (1996, 1998-2000)
10x All-Star (1998-2002, 2004, 2006-2009)
1. Honus "The Flying Dutchman" Wagner (Pittsburgh Pirates, Louisville Colonels 1897-1917)
2792 GP, 10430 AB, 1736 R, 3415 H, 640 D, 252 T, 101 HR, 1732 RBI, 722 SB, .327 AVG, .940 FPCT
8x NL Batting Champion (1900, 1903, 1904, 1906-1909, 1911)
World Series Champion (1909)
Inaugural Hall of Fame class (1936)
[Editor's Note: This list was originally published on July 27, 2009]
Compare this list with the rest of the infield:Catchers
First Basemen
Second Basemen
Third Basemen
Ernie Banks is in the Baseball Hall of Fame as a SS. In his 19 year career, he played 1,259 at 1B (wasn't included on the top 10 1B list or subsequent discussions) and 1,125 games at SS.
ReplyDeleteAlthough he ended up playing more games as a 1B - the first 10 years of his career were at SS.
In his 19 year career he amassed 512 HR (the only "SS" in the 500 club.
.274 407 2Bs 90 3Bs 512 HRs 1,636 RBI 1,305 Runs
12 grand slams, .500 career SLG %
11-Time All-star
2-Time MVP
Played for the Cubs so no World Series Championships
Hall of Fame Shortstops: 21
ReplyDeleteGuru's 2nd guess list:
1. Honus Wagner
Hit .338 in his rookie season, had 15 consecutive .300 seasons, won 8 batting titles and stole more bases than any other HOF SS.
2. Ernie Banks
3. Arkie Vaughan
Averaged 473 AB per season and struck out more than 30 times only once in his career. Highest career OBP of any HOF SS.
Hughie Jennings - 3rd highest BA - HOF SS .311
George Davis - 615 SB, .295 career BA
Robin Yount - 3,142 career hits (1 of 3 SS with 3k hits)
Cal Ripken, Jr. - 3,184 career hits; 1,695 RBI (2nd in career RBI)1,647 Runs (2nd all time SS)
Luke Appling - .310 career BA
Joe Cronin - .301 career BA, 170 HR
Luis Aparicio - see above
Ozzie Smith - 580 career SB
Pee Wee Reese - see above
Phil Rizzuto - see above
Lou Boudreau - 1948 Cleveland Indians As a 30-year old shortstop/manager, Boudreau won the Most Valuable Player Award and hit two homers in a special one-game playoff to decide the AL flag.
Non-HOF SS for consideration:
Alex Rodriguez (listed as 3B by Will)
Bary Larkin
Derek Jeter www.torontobaseballguys.com/jeter.html
Alan Trammell
Guru's top 10, Part I
ReplyDeleteWill did a lot of work and his list isn't "wrong" by any means.
Using the Baseballpage's top 50 shortstop list as a guide - and stealing the write ups - here's the much anticipated Guru Report - top 10 SS
1. Honus Wagner
The man some consider the best all-around player in baseball history. In the 1909 World Series, "The Flying Dutchman" outplayed American League counterpart Ty Cobb as the Pirates won their first championship. Wagner retired with more hits, runs, RBI, doubles, triples, games, and steals than any other National League player.
2. Ernie Banks (not on the BP or Will lists) - but since elected as HOF SS - I think he belongs here. If not bump everyone up a spot.
3. Arky Vaughan
(Founder of the Vaughan Rangers)
Hard-hitting Arky Vaughan was among the Senior Circuit's leading hitters during the 1930s, and was considered the best shortstop in the league. He led NL shortstops in putouts in 1936, 1938, and 1939, assists in 1936, 1938, and 1939, and fielding percentage in 1940. His 1935 season, in which he batted .385, is among the best ever by a shortstop. Vaughan, an avid outdoorsman, died on August 30, 1952, near his home in California. He was fishing when a storm unexpectedly hit the area. His boat was found, but his body never was.
4. Barry Larkin
The National League Most Valuable Player in 1995, Barry Larkin was the best shortstop in the National League in the 1990s, combining speed, power, and great athleticism. After ripping his teammates for lack of hustle in a team meeting in September, he helped lead the Reds to a shocking sweep of the A's in the 1990 World Series. In 1996, he became the first shortstop to hit 30 homers and steal 30 bases in the same season. Injuries in the second half of his career hindered his progress toward the upper echelon of great shortstops, but he still amassed great numbers and retired with credentials for the Hall of Fame.
Guru's Top 10 SS, Part II
ReplyDelete5. Alex Rodriguez
As much as I dislike him and would eliminate him for building his career by starting a hardcore steroid regimen at age 13 - he's put up some incredible stats. While he appears as a 3B on Will's list - he may be bumped from this SS list and eveyone else bumped up a slot.
Labeled a "can't miss" prospect when he came up as a teenager with the Mariners in the mid-1990s, Alex Rodriguez delivered on that promise in a huge way. After developing into an All-Star shortstop with tremendous power and great defensive ability, he matured into a powerful slugger and earned baseball's first $200 million contract. Before his 30th birthday, he had hit 400 home runs and driven in more than 1,100 runs.
6. Robin Yount
The last of a dying breed, the Brewers' Robin Yount spent his entire twenty year career with one team in the same city. He won Most Valuable Player Awards at two different positions, became the first player to have two four-hit games in a single World Series, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. Yount accomplished all of this after nearly giving up the game at the age of 22 to become a professional golfer.
7. Luke Appling
Luke Appling's ability to put the ball in play made him famous, but it was his knack for convering those balls into hits that landed him in Cooperstown. Although he hit a home run off Warren Spahn in a 1982 old-timers game at age 75, he hit only 45 homers in his career. He was a superb contact hitter, once hitting 14 consecutive foul balls into the stands to get even with an owner who would not give him two extra game passes. Appling led the American League in batting twice, and his .388 average in 1936 remains the highest batting mark by a shortstop in history.
Hockey Guru's Top 10 SS, Part III
ReplyDelete8. Lou Boudreau (ranked 4 by BP)
9. Cal Ripken, Jr.
In 1983 he had more hits, more doubles, and more runs, but in 1991 Ripken was a mature player. He won his second MVP award after hitting .323 with 34 homers and a career-high 114 RBI.
10. Joe Cronin
Joe Cronin figures greatly in the history of the Boston franchise from the mid-thirties on. Acquired by Tom Yawkey for a record $225,000 prior to the 1935 season, Cronin was a fixture at shortstop until 1946 and as manager through the 1947 season. On the field the right-handed hitter was a solid shortstop in the field and excellent at the plate. Eleven times he topped the .300 mark, finishing at.301 for his career, all but the first nine seasons spent in a Red Sox uniform.
11. Alan Trammell
Alan Trammell was the starting shortstop for the Detroit Tigers for nearly two decades. He teamed with Lou Whitaker from 1977 through 1995, and the pair played more games together than any other teammates in baseball history. In 1984, Trammell won the World Series MVP award when he batted .450 with two homers in the Tigers five-game victory. A clutch contributor, Trammell batted .416 with six homers and 17 RBI in September 1987, helping Detroit win the AL East title by a single game on the last day of the season. Yet despite his herculean efforts, Trammell finished second to Toronto's George Bell in the Most Valuable Player voting that year. It was one of the worst decisions in award
voting history. After his playing career, the popular Trammell returned to manage the Tigers in 2003
12. Derek Jeter
www.torontobaseballguys.com/jeter.html
13. Campy Campaneris
Ranked 34 all-time by Baseball page, Bert Campaneris was born in Cuba and came to the U.S. for one reason: to be a ballplayer. He was a quick, pesky little player with a fiery temper, and he lasted 19 years in the big leagues. He was a daredevil on the base paths and a key member of the 1972-1974 World Champion Oakland A's. He retired with more than 2,200 hits and 600 stolen bases.
Why don't I start us off with a simple poll, and hope that we get more than 4 votes this time?
ReplyDeleteWhere does the Ozzie Smith love come from?
ReplyDeleteIf he didn't do backflips on the field, he wouldn't have gotten as much publicity.
He was one of the best all-time defensively - but he was a very weak hitter.
During his career, only once was he even in the top 10 in MVP voting (finishing 2nd in 1987).
Among his 10 most comparable players- half are not even hall of famers:
Luis Aparicio, Rabbit Maranville, Omar Vizquel, Nellie Fox, Bert Campaneris, Wilie Randolph, Dave Concepcion, Bobby Wallace, Red Schoendienst, Tom Corcoran
I'm fine with allowing his defense to get him into the hall of fame. But in a draft of all-time players - I'd laugh at anybody taking him before the 10th round.
His career fielding % was .978.
Cal Ripken's career fielding % was .979.
Omar Vizquel career fielding % is .989.
Alan Trammell career fielding % was .977.
Derek Jeter is at .975
Fielding % is the only metric pulled up and it is definitely not the end-all be-all; I'll look for something else later, but I think he may be a bit overrated.
In his 1987 Silver Slugger, 2nd Place MVP campaign here is his batting line:
ReplyDelete.301 BA 40 Doubles, 4 Triples, 0 HR, 75 RBI, 43 SB
He was intentionally walked 3 times.
.236 BA in 42 career playoff games.
(And the graphic Nepean posted really fits - because in order to consider him one of the top 10, let alone top 3 SS of all-time - one really needs to be high or hypnotized.
If you agree that "he was one of the best all time, defensively", why do you then turn around and say that "in order to consider him one of the top 10, one really needs to be hypnotized"?
ReplyDeleteDo you place that little stock in defensive prowess, in terms of what makes a good shortstop, that one of the best defensive guys could never make your Top 10?
I think you need to re-watch the Wiz do his 42 backflips (one for every playoff game). You will change your mind. Ernie Banks and Arky Vaughan are not the men you are looking for.
Like you said over on the first basemen list, that was a power position. More than any other position, shortstop is the most reliant upon defence. You sure you can't find room for Ozzie in your top 10, in place of 3B A-Rod or someone?
MLB History: 11 Greatest Shortstops of All Time, Part 2
ReplyDeleteby Ben FeldLou Boudreau, Barry Larkin, Joe Cronin, Honus Wagner, Arky Vaughan, Ernie Banks, Cal Ripken Jr. Ozzie Smith, Luke Appling, Bill Dahlen, and Gorgeous George Davis.
To catch up, here are our top 11, in no particular order, with their career WARP totals:
Boudreau (108), Larkin, (110), Cronin (120), Wagner (240), Vaughan (134), Banks (115), Ripken (127), Ozzie (127), Appling (130), Dahlen (180), Davis (170).
As impressive as they appear here, remember that Bill Dahlen and George Davis were doing this before baseball was baseball. Other than Honus Wagner, there is not that much immediately separating these shortstops from one another.Here are their best 5-year WARP totals, some measure of their level of peak play:
Boudreau (60.5), Larkin (49.5), Cronin (59), Wagner (79.6)!!!, Vaughan, (69.4), Banks (59.4), Ripken (57.9), Ozzie (47.7), Appling (53.4), Dahlen (59.9), Davis (58.5).
Here are their best 10 year WARP totals, some measure of how long they were able to sustain these peaks.:
Boudreau (101.6), Larkin (83), Cronin (88.2), Wagner (146.7), Vaughan (118), Banks (91), Ripken (92.4), Ozzie (88), Appling (93.8), Dahlen (111.6), Davis (109.7).
Things look pretty even, with two notable exceptions.1. Honus Wagner
Honus Wagner is very clearly the greatest shortstop in the annals of the game, and quite possibly (Babe Ruth included), the most dominant performer at any point in baseball history. Looking at the above numbers, it is shocking the level to which Wagner exceeds the other shortstops on this list. He was worth 240 wins-above- replacement-player in his career, none of the others were within 60 points of that. His 5- year peak exceeded the 2nd place finisher by 10, 3rd place by almost 20. His 10-year totals were even more impressive. His 1908 season may be the best ever, where he put up the following line:
AB-568 H-201 D-39 T-19 HR-10 R-100 RBI-109 SB-53 BB-54 .354/.415/.542/.957
This looks pretty spectacular, and then you realize that 1908 was the lowest offensive point of the twentieth century, the deadest of the dead ball seasons. Baseball Prospectus translates this 1908 season into contemporary numbers. Prepare to be blow away, and remember, he is also one of the game’s 3-4 greatest defensive shortstops.
AB-609 H-226 D-54 T-14 HR-57 BB-70 SB-54 R-150 RBI-177 .371/.440.787/1.227
From a gold glove shortstop, this is beyond belief. This season was worth 19 wins above a replacement player. This means that, given an average team that would finish the season with a record of 81-81, was starting a replacement level shortstop, replaced that shortstop with Wagner, and the team could expect to win 100 games.
Following is Wagner’s career line, as translated through Baseball Prospectus:
H-3640 D-855 T-138 HR-637 BB-1174 SB-640 R-2060 RBI-2257 .324/.394/.595
It’s like combining Albert Pujols and Ozzie Smith.
6. Joe Cronin
ReplyDeleteSuperficially superior offensive stats to a lot of these players, but remember that he played in the 1930’s, and in Boston. Environments that tremendously increased his numbers, and probably added about .20-.30 points to his rate stats.
7. Ernie Banks
Started on a path that would have placed him higher than number 7, but he spent the second half of his career as a league average 1st baseman. It is truly a testament to his superior play at short that he is this high, given the 1259 games at 1st (actually more than he had at shortstop). He was worth 36.2 WARP in his time at 1st, and 79.8 WARP at short. His MVP seasons were well deserved, but he was just as valuable in 3 other seasons, and was, in fact, an excellent defender as well. Had he been physically able to play short in his 30’s, he’d rank higher, but he didn’t, and he doesn’t.
8. Barry Larkin
Superficially, his career is less impressive than the three men ranked below him. Again, however, he did this in the 1980’s, against far tougher competition.
As mentioned above, he is on the shortlist with Mays, Bonds, Amos Otis, Robbie Alomar, and others, of men who played utterly absent any flaws. Often compared to Derek Jeter, this is less apt given how much better Larkin was defensively (saving 73 fielding runs above average for his career). He won the MVP award in 1995, but was significantly better in ’96, ’90, ’91, ’88, ’92, and maybe ’98 and ’99 as well, which has to be historically unusual.
Great percentage player, walking more than he struck out, stealing bases without being caught. Fun to watch, he should coast into the HOF (whether or not he will is another question).
9. Lou Boudreau
Had a peak to compare with anyone above (excepting Honus Wagner). He didn’t log enough games to rank any higher. Additionally, his most impressive season, an incredible 14.7 win 1944, can be, in part, explained by a weakening of the competition due to the war. Given a normal decline period he might rank as high as number 4, but he was basically done at 31.
10. Bill Dahlen
Both he and Davis gave me a lot of trouble, they have bizarrely impressive totals, but they did it way before the game was the game that we know today. Dahlan’s defensive statistics are superior to Ozzie Smith’s, although that must be taken with an enormous grain of salt.
11. George Davis
2. Arky Vaughan
ReplyDeleteA forgotten star, Bill James ranked him number two of all time, and its hard to disagree, even if putting him ahead of the rest of this list doesn’t quite feel right.
His numbers really are eye-popping, though. Check out his 1935 season, where hit batted .385/.491/.607. He comes in second to Wagner in almost anyway you try to look at the numbers. He also had some of the most impressive BB/K rations of all time, including seasons of 97/18, and 104/21.
His career numbers would be more impressive had he not missed all of ’44, ’45, and ’46 due to serving in the Second World War. Had he been permitted to play out those three seasons, his career batting line would resemble something like this:
H-2503, D-446, T-138, HR-108, R-1456, RBI-1108, SB-140, BB-1088 .318/.406/.453/.859, he would have had a career WARP of at least 150.
3. Cal Ripken Jr.
It’s funny, all people think about when they think about Cal Ripken Jr. are the games played, forgetting how unbelievably good he was. Despite his lack of speed, Cal was a remarkable defensive player, worth 113 fielding runs above average during his career (this is more than Omar Vizquel, for example).
His positioning, instincts, and incredible throwing arm made him one of the best shortstops of his time, although his frame and lack of foot-speed kept him from feeling like a great defender. His 1983, 1984, 1986, and 1991 seasons rank among the best ever from the position.
His offensive numbers do not look quite so impressive compared to the big shortstops of the late 1990’s, but they are fantastic remembering that his offensive peak came from 1982-1991, before the offensive explosion of the “steroid era." He was one of the dominant offensive players at the time (easily the dominant offensive player of 1991, and perhaps in ’83 and ’84 as well), and did so while being a gold glove quality shortstop.
Beyond all this, the consecutive games record is not just ceremonial. Their is remarkable talent in being able to take the field every day, and incredible value as well.
4. Ozzie Smith
I am having a lot of trouble figuring out a way to differentiate between the rest of the men on the list. Davis and Dahlen have by far the most impressive statistics, until on realizes that they played the majority of their careers in the 19th century, tailing into the dead-ball area.
Barry Larkin is one of those perfect players; every facet of his game was beyond reproach, even if he was not ever the best in any single way.
Ernie Banks and Lou Boudreau had the impressive peaks, but didn’t last long enough at the position. Given a combination of peak value and longevity, I think I am going to go with, in the number 4 spot...Ozzie Smith.
Obviously the greatest defensive shortstop in the game’s history; perhaps the single greatest defensive performer at any position. Ozzie, after spending the first eight years of his career as an offensive zero, became an asset with the bat as well. He hit for a reasonable average, drew a great deal of walks, and stole bases at a high success rate. His numbers are depressed somewhat by the low-offense ‘80’s, BP’s translations change his .262/.337/.328 line into .278/.356/.364.
Given his reasonable offensive contributions, his brilliant glovework, and the fact that he maintained positive value until the age of 41 (being worth 3.1 WARP in part time duty in 1996), I feel pretty good about having him in the 4 spot.
5. Luke Appling
Old Aches ‘n Pains. It was really between him and Joe Cronin for the 5 position, Appling eked it out due to a slightly longer career.
After Nepean's comment, I went out to seeking more data as far as why Ozzie Smith is considered the GOAT defensive shortstop.
ReplyDeleteBen Feldman's article was found, and "he" was kind enough to post it above.
Omar Vizquel has been argued to be as good as (or better than) Ozzie Smith.
After reviewing the new information - the revised Guru Top 10:
1. Honus Wagner
2. Arky Vaughan
3. Cal Ripken, Jr.
(In getting more research and seeing how good he actually was defensively and the fact that he was a 2-time MVP - I'll agree with Feldman)
4. Barry Larkin
The guy could do it all and do it all well.
5. Omar Vizquel -
To be controversial is in my nature, even if Ozzie Smith were a bit better defensively, Omar was significantly better offensively and the Guru likes to be offensive.
6. Ozzie Smith
I'll give in - to be considered the greatest defensive player in history deserves getting into the Guru's top 10. If he could've performed a 2 1/2 twist - he'd have gotten into the top 5.
7. Ernie Banks
Knocking him down a few slots since he ended up switching positions. 512 HR's carries weight in my offensive world. MVP Seasons carry weight.
8. Luke Appling
9. Joe Cronin
10. Lou Bourdeau
Wanting to pay some homage to the old-timers (as well as find a way to keep Arod off the list) they fit in nicely in 8-9-10.
ARod misses this list because of the position change, the omission from Feldman's list and basically 'cause the guy's a feminine hygiene product.
Bill Dahlen, hardly knew ye, but Ulf wasn't a bad player.
George Davis, never knew ye.
Robin Yount fell off since the position change thing hurt Arod, he was a casualty from the list.
Top 10 Greatest MLB Shortstops Of All Time (Round Three)
ReplyDeleteby Razi Syed
10) Lou Boudreau
Played for: Cleveland Indians (1938-1950), Boston Red Sox (1951-1952)
Numbers: .295 Batting Average, 1779 Hits, 68 Home Runs, 789 RBI.
Analysis: An outstanding defensive shortstop and adept hitter. An eight-time All-Star selection, four-time .300 hitter and 1948 American League Most Valuable Player. He designed the "Ted Williams Shift."
9) Luke Appling
Played for: Chicago White Sox (1930-1943, 1945-1950)
Numbers: .310 Batting Average, 2749 Hits, 45 Home Runs, 1116 RBI, and 179 SB.
Analysis: He twice captured the American League batting title. The seven-time All-Star selection was also selected as the White Sox greatest player by the Chicago fans.
8) Luis Aparicio
Played for: Chicago White Sox (1956-1962, 1968-1970), Baltimore Orioles (1963-1967), Boston Red Sox (1971-1973)
Numbers: .262 Batting Average, 2677 Hits, 83 Home Runs, 791 RBI, and 506 SB.
Analysis: He took Rookie of the Year honors in 1956, collected nine Gold Glove awards, led the American League in stolen bases nine seasons and was named to the All Star squad 10 times. When he retired in 1973, he held the career record for shortstops for games played, double plays and assists.
7) Ernie Banks
Played for: Chicago Cubs (1953-1971)
Numbers: .274 Batting Average, 2583 Hits, 512 Home Runs, 1636 RBI.
Analysis: Banks is the greatest power hitting shortstop of all time. Banks was chosen to play in the All-Star Game during 11 seasons, was twice voted the National League Most Valuable Player. He played his entire 19-season career with the "Lovable Losers." He will be simply regarded as "Mr Cub." He was voted as the greatest Cub of all time.
6) Robin Yount
Played for: Milwaukee Brewers (1974-1993)
Numbers: .285 Batting Average, 3142 Hits, 251 Home Runs, 1406 RBI, and 271 SB.
Analysis: Playing his entire 20-year career with the Milwaukee Brewers, he collected more hits in the 1980's than any other player and finished with an impressive career total of 3,142. Yount earned MVP awards at two positions and his 1982 MVP campaign carried the Brewers to the World Series.
5) Omar Vizquel
ReplyDeletePlayed for: Seattle Mariners (1989-1993), Cleveland Indians (1994-2004), SF Giants (2005-2008), Texas Rangers (2009)
Numbers: .273 Batting Average, 2657 Hits, 77 Home Runs, 892 RBI, and 385 SB.
Analysis: Vizquel is considered one of baseball's all-time best defensive shortstops, winning nine consecutive Gold Gloves (1993-2001) and two more in 2005 and 2006. Vizquel is the all-time leader in games played at that position, passing Luis Aparicio and is the all-time leader shortstop in double plays made.
4) Ozzie Smith
Played for: San Diego Padres (1978-1981), St. Louis Cardinals (1982-1996)
Numbers: .262 Batting Average, 2460 Hits, 28 Home Runs, 793 RBI, and 580 SB.
Analysis: “The Wizard of Oz,” Ozzie Smith combined athletic ability with acrobatic skill to become one of the game’s great defensive shortstops. His ninth-inning home run won the fifth game of the 1985 National League Championship Series. The 13-time Gold Glove Award winner set major league shortstop records for assists, double plays, and total chances.
3) Derek Jeter
Playing for: New York Yankees (1995-Present)
Numbers: .316 Batting Average, 2535 Hits, 206 Home Runs, 1002 RBI.
Analysis: Jeter is the captain of the current-day Yankees. He is fifth in career batting average of all active players. He is a four-time World Champion, the 1996 AL Rookie of the Year, nine-time All Star, and 2000 World Series MVP. He is known as "Mr November." He also has the most hits in postseason history.
His plaque at Cooperstown is probably already made and needs a storybook ending.
2) Honus Wagner
Played for: Pittsburgh Pirates (1900-1917)
Numbers: .329 Batting Average, 3430 Hits, 101 Home Runs, 722 SB.
Analysis: One of the Hall of Fame's five original inductees in 1936, Honus Wagner combined rare offensive and defensive excellence throughout a 21-year career. He had eight National League batting titles. He had 215 of the 226 votes for eligibility.
1) Cal Ripken Jr
Played for: Baltimore Orioles (1981-2001)
Numbers: .276 Batting Average, 3184 Hits, 431 Home Runs, 1695 RBI.
Analysis: Ripken played in 2,632 straight games for the Baltimore Orioles, shattering Lou Gehrig's "unbreakable" mark of 2,130. Ripken methodically put together a remarkable career, notching 3,184 hits, 431 home runs, 19 straight All-Star appearances, and two Most Valuable Player Awards.
His solid, steady play earned him hero status throughout America. His "2131" game was ranked as No. 1 of all time MLB Moments by the fans on MLB.com. Simply put, Ripken is the reason why fans came back to MLB after the strike in 1994. You can argue that Ripken had almost an impact in the game of baseball as Babe Ruth or Jackie Robinson.
This was my hardest position to rank all-time greats. They were so many players that were left out (Pee Wee Reese, Joe Tinker, and others.) Ripken was my favorite player growing up. My first MLB game I ever watched was his 2131 game on ESPN. This is biased as you'll ever see me towards an all time list.
Great stuff, Guru.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea Arky Vaughan was ranked number two on Bill James' list. I would have included him in the poll, but I was trying to compare your own Ernie Banks selection to Will-he-M's nine choices.
I wish I could revise the poll, but that would entail deleting every single one of the many, many votes already cast.
For the record, I'm the one who voted for Ozzie, based on similar criteria to Razi Syed's choice of Ripken - game number 2131 and its relationship to TWIB.
When he does vote, Will-he-M will probably be triggering Jeter. If I were to rework the ballot, however, maybe Arky would be sitting there with the only two votes until Will chimed in.
On another note, seeing the worst ever infomercial, where Larkin hawks his rubber band technology, must cause Billy Mays to spin in his grave.
ReplyDeleteWell, that. Or maybe he's just restless from doing too much coke.
To the rubber band manufacturers: Was the Shamwow guy previously engaged? Perhaps he had already scheduled a prostitute beating for the day of shooting and Larkin had to fill in?
If Ozzie would have performed a backspin on home plate every time he scored; or if he did the moonwalk to first after a walk, then he would be #2 in my book.
ReplyDeleteThe Larkin informercial was less interesting than the Ozzie Smith Acid Trip.
Less interesting?
ReplyDeleteDidn't you notice at the 0:31 second mark, when Barry explains that the "what's-this-called" does not have to be used indoors, and that you can also hook it up to a fence?
That's compelling VHS, if you ask me.