Top 10 Greatest MLB Shortstops Of All Time (Round Three)

Welcome to the third part of my mini-series. This week I will rank the greatest shortstops to ever play on the diamond.

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
Played 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.

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