Over the year’s baseball has seen some greats. But do they compare to the best of all time at their positions respectively
Catchers:
Johnny Bench - As one of the most impressive defensive catchers of all-time, Bench was also considered to be an outstanding hitter. A durable catcher, noted for his excellent baseball intelligence, Bench won 10 Gold Glove awards, two MVP awards, and the Rookie of the Year Award in 1968. A skilled hitter, the 14-time All-Star belted 389 home runs and led the league in RBI three times as a leader of the Big Red Machine teams of the 1970s.
Yogi Berra - Berra was named to the American League All-Star team every year from 1948 to 1962. He topped the 100-RBI mark four years in a row and became a three-time American League MVP in a career that featured 14 league pennants and 10 World Series championships. Known for his “Yogi-isms,” Berra has always been a fan favorite.
First Base:
Lou Gehrig - The Iron Horse had 13 consecutive seasons with both 100 runs scored and 100 RBI, averaging 139 runs and 148 RBI; set an American League mark with 184 RBI in 1931; hit a record 23 grand slams; and won the 1934 Triple Crown. His .361 batting average in seven World Series led the Yankees to six titles. A true gentleman and a tragic figure, Gehrig's consecutive games played streak ended at 2,130 when he was killed by a disease that later carried his own name.
Second Base:
Joe Morgan - A fierce competitor renowned for his baseball smarts, Morgan could single-handedly beat opposing teams with his multi-faceted skills. A two-time National League MVP in 1975 and 1976, he was a terror on the base paths, topping the 40-steal plateau nine times during his career. His skilled batting eye enabled him to lead the National League in on-base percentage and walks four times during his career. Morgan also packed considerable punch into his compact frame, hitting 449 doubles and 268 home runs.
Bill Mazeroski - Mazeroski eventually became one of the best defensive second baseman in history with a lifetime .983 fielding percentage. The 10-time National League All-Star led the league in assists nine times, fielding percentage three times, and double plays eight times. A consistent batter, with 2,016 career hits, “Maz” achieved hero status in Pittsburgh's 1960 Fall Classic victory against the Yankees, when he became the first player ever to end the World Series with a home run.
Shortstop:
Cal Ripken Jr. - Gave a new meaning to the phrase "everyday player." From May 30, 1982 through Sept. 19, 1998, the lanky shortstop played in 2,632 straight games for the Baltimore Orioles, shattering Lou Gehrig's "unbreakable" mark of 2,130. Beyond "The Streak," however, 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. Though his solid and steady play earned him hero status throughout America, Ripken also had a flair for the dramatic, homering in both his record-setting 2,131st game and his final All-Star contest.
Ozzie Smith - Known as “The Wizard of Oz,” Ozzie Smith combined athletic ability with acrobatic skill to become one of the game’s great defensive shortstops. In 19 seasons with the Padres and Cardinals, the 13-time Gold Glove Award winner set major league shortstop records for assists, double plays and total chances. He would develop into an offensive weapon, finishing with over 2,400 hits and 500 stolen bases. His ninth-inning home run won the fifth game of the 1985 National League Championship Series.
Third Base:
Brooks Robinson - Known as The Human Vacuum Cleaner, Robinson established a standard of excellence for modern-day third basemen. He played 23 seasons for the Orioles, setting major league career records for games played, putouts, assists, chances, double plays, and fielding percentage. A clutch hitter, Robinson totaled 268 career home runs, a one-time an American League record for third basemen. Robinson earned the league's MVP Award in 1964 and the World Series MVP in 1970, when he hit .429 and made a collection of defensive gems.
Left Field:
Ted Williams - The face of the Red Sox, Williams was one of baseball's greatest hitters. Combining keen vision, quick wrists, and a scientific approach to hitting, he set numerous batting records despite missing nearly five full seasons due to military service and two major injuries. His accomplishments include a .406 season in 1941, two Triple Crowns, two MVPs, six American League batting championships.
Carl Yastrzemski - He was the all-time Red Sox leader in eight major categories - games, at-bats, runs, hits, doubles, total bases, RBI and extra base hits. An intense performer, Yaz played in more games (3,308) than any other American Leaguer, topping 3,000 hits and 400 home runs. A 14-time All-Star, he won seven Gold Glove Awards. A three-time batting champion, Yastrzemski was the American League MVP in 1967 when he won the Triple Crown, batting .326 with 121 RBI and 44 home runs.
Center Field:
Mickey Mantle - A star from the start, parlaying a talent for the game and boyish good looks into iconic status. In spite of a series of devastating injuries, Mantle accumulated a long list of impressive accomplishments, finishing his 18-year career with 536 home runs and a .298 batting average. The switch-hitting Commerce Comet won three MVP awards (1956, ’57, and ’62) and a Triple Crown (1956). He contributed to 12 pennants and seven World Series titles in his first 14 seasons, while establishing numerous World Series records, including most home runs (18).
Willie Mays - The Say Hey Kid played with enthusiasm and exuberance while excelling in all phases of the game - hitting for average, power, fielding, throwing and base running. His staggering career statistics include 3,283 hits and 660 home runs. The Giants' superstar earned National League Rookie of the Year honors in 1951 and two MVP awards. He accumulated 12 Gold Gloves, played in a record-tying 24 All-Star games and participated in four World Series. His catch of Vic Wertz's deep fly in the '54 Series remains one of baseball's most memorable moments.
Right Field:
Babe Ruth - The southpaw hurler debuted with the Red Sox, winning 89 games in six years while setting the World Series record for consecutive scoreless innings. The Sultan of Swat converted to the outfield full-time after his sale to the Yankees in 1920 and led New York to seven American League pennants and four World Series titles. He finished with 714 home runs, leading the league 12 times, including a remarkable 60 round-trippers in 1927.
Roberto Clemente - Despite an unorthodox batting style, the Pirates great won four batting crowns and amassed 3,000 hits. He was equally brilliant in right field, where he displayed a precise and powerful arm. Clemente earned National League MVP honors in 1966, but achieved his greatest fame in the 1971 World Series, when he batted .414. Tragically, Clemente's life ended at age 38 - the victim of a plane crash while flying relief supplies to Nicaraguan earthquake victims
Honorable Mention:
Carlton Fisk (C), Roy Campanella (C), Jackie Robinson (2B), Mike Schmidt (3B), Ernie Banks (SS), Willie Stargell (LF), Joe DiMaggio (CF), Reggie Jackson (RF), Al Kaline (RF).
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3 months ago
Not a bad list. Enjoyable to read.
But you're crazy if you put Brooks Robinson ahead of Mike Schmidt at third. Schmidt hit over 500 homers and won 3 MVPS, not to mention 10 gold gloves, behind only Robinson. Robinson wasn't half the offensive player that Schmidt was, but Schmidt was an excellent defender. Not even close.
And you forgot Hank Aaron.
from 3 months ago
I concur on the Schmidty thing and I'm an Oriole's fan to the death.
I consider Mike Schmidt to be the best fielding 3rd baseman ever. Yes, take away the offense and I still pick Schmidt.
from 3 months ago
as a phillies fan i was never high on mike schmidt. all you had to do was yell, "hey Mike there a runner on 2nd" and he would choke. Most of his homeruns where when they were up 10-0. id take Robinson any and everyday
from 6 days ago
Hey David. You're a Phillies fan and you'd take Robinson over Schmidt! Do you also want Rich Dauer over Chase Utley? No wonder Philly fans get a reputation. It's idiots like you who don't have a clue what they're talking about.
3 months ago
I enjoyed the reading and I know it's hard to include everyone. I do agree you forgot Aaron, and what about Stan Musial, he's hard to beat as well.
from 3 months ago
If he forgot Aaron then he forgot Cobb.
Stan's the Man ain't he ?
3 months ago
Yeah, Stan the Man and Cobb have to be on there. Cobb was considered the best hitter of all time for most of the first half of the 20th century.
I don't know about Maz at 2b either. I mean, he was a great defender and he had that clutch homer, but his career offensive numbers are terrible. I think Rogers Hornsby belongs at the top at 2b. His hitting statistics are just ridiculous.
3 months ago
This Mazeroski thing is gonna start some shit but I clearly understand your choice.
So will Clemente's pick and, lord knows, your back-up at Short Stop has a ton of competitors.
No Cobb or Hornsby ? Not even on the pine ?
Shewww ... this whole list is just beggin' for trouble ... you knew that didn't you.
I'm out.
3 months ago
You forgot Nick Punto.
3 months ago
Ryne Sandberg and Rogers Hornsby for 2B. If you're picking Maz it has to be for defense & Sandberg was as good as they come defensively plus he had the offense to boot.
Mike Schmidt for 3B. I agree that defensively he was great but a notch below Robinson who was the best defender ever at any position, period. But his offense puts him over the top.
You're always going to have debate with a list like this.
3 months ago
Wow, your missing some big names on this list. At 2nd base, Roger Hornsby, considered to be the greatest right handed hitter of all time, had to be on this list. At 3rd base, Mike Schmidt should have been there, and at short i don't see how you could ignore A-rod, even though he still has many years to go. At left field, I would say bonds should have been on the list, although I can understand leaving him off because of the steroids issue. At center, I love Mantle, but I do not see how he's better than Mays.
3 months ago
great read and nice idea for an article. i think the only big omission was schmidt who IMHO was better than Robinson at 3rd. Other than that, it was a pretty solid list though i think Arod is going to get his name on this list in a handful of years.
3 months ago
Where's Bonds?
from 3 months ago
In court.
3 months ago
Put Yogi in front at Catcher. Move Willie Mays in front of Mantle. I like Brooks Robinson at 3rd over even Ken Boyer, and you don't even list Boyer. Behind Morgan you have Bill Mazeroski ready at 2nd. Another excellent choice as he is a superb gloveman. So those are positives.
You do seem to omit several classic post-Korean War era players like Dick Allen, Willie McCovey, Harmon Killebrew, Bobby Richardson, Jim Wynn, Lou Brock, Eddie Matthews, Louis Aparacio, Duke Snider, Hank Aaron, and Stan the Man Musial. In addition you have left off the team the player I consider one of the 3 greatest players who ever lived, and that's Frank Robinson.
Now considering that this is an alltime list you must realize that Ty Cobb, Shoeless Joe Jackson, Honus Wagner, and Rogers Hornsby must be starters. I have never seen a list with Joltin' Joe DiMaggio listed as honorable mention of anything.
I liked Clemente. Clemente changed a culture in the Big Leagues. But Clemente was a singles hitter and I can't see him as #2 behind Ruth at Right Field. Clemente deserves respect but he is not #2. In your all BoSox left field the Splinter has no equal but Yaz is not a #2. Far from it.
Enjoyed it and glad to see folks discussing baseball and not steroids and teenage girlfriends.
from 3 months ago
OHHH ! A FRANK ROBINSON FAN!!!
I knew there was a reason I put you on my favorites !
3 months ago
Only a few years ago someone would have insisted that any "best" list would have to include Pete Rose. They would have been wrong then and they would be wrong now. How far Pete has fallen...
3 months ago
Look at the 2nd base argument this way: If you were drafting a team, which 2nd baseman would you draft? I believe that Sandberg would be that man. Defensively, you'd be hard pressed to prove anyone better at the position. Offensively- how big would his numbers have been, had it not been for his divorce, which completely derailed his career? He was a 10 time all-star and 9 gold glove winner. Add 2 or three more on to those, had he not had his personal problems. How many 2nd basemen won a homerun title? One. MVP? A couple. 40 homer/50 stolen base season? One. While you could argue who was better at the plate, Morgan or Sandber. Who was better fielding, Maz or Sandberg- the common denominator here is Ryne-0. Sandberg was not only a complete player- he was superior at being complete.
about 1 month ago
Not one player from the dead ball era...tsk tsk..
7 days ago
Decent picks... I will evaluate them as to how I feel you did.
Catcher - I would put Yogi over Bench but that's not a big deal.
First Base - Gehrig. Who else?
Second Base - I really don't have a problem with putting Joe Morgan first on this list. He is definitely underrated, but I don't see how you couldn't put Rogers Hornsby here. His stretch from 1920-1925 is possibly the greatest six-year stretch of any player in baseball history and he did this playing a position where more emphasis was put on turning a double play than stellar hitting.
Shortstop - This drives me crazy. How can you not put Honus Wagner on this list??? There has never been a player in the history of baseball who combined offense and defense as well as Wagner. Not even Mays was as good as Wagner. Wagner dominated the National League during his era as the greatest hitter in the league's history until Hornsby came along in the '20s, and he was said to have been such an incredible defender that he would have won a Gold Glover nearly every year of his career. Sportswriter Bill James, one of the smartest and most knowledgeable baseball men to ever live, places Honus Wagner as the second greatest baseball player ever, behind Babe Ruth, in his Baseball Abstract. Putting Ripken on this list is just absurd. Ripken played over 3,000 games, which allowed him to pad all his career numbers, but the percentages don't lie. Ripken's OPS (On-Base Plus Slugging), arguably the most important statistic in evaluting a hitter, was just 12 percent better than the rest of the AL during his career, when adjusted for ballpark and league. In comparison, Wagner's was 50 percent better. Ripken also had poor plate discipline, was a slow runner, and a double play machine. I know it may seem like it's the thing to do, to put Ripken on this list because he was popular, well-liked, a fan favorite, and as durable as anyone to play the game, but there were a handful of shortstops better than Ripken. My backup to Wagner would be Alex Rodriguez, if you want to list him as a shortstop.
Third Base - I don't see how anyone could put any third basemen ever but Mike Schmidt. Brooks Robinson??? Yes, he was a phenomenal defender, but Schmidt wasn't too shabby either (winning 10 Gold Gloves to Robinson's 16), AND Schmidt hit 548 home runs and won three MVP awards, compared to Robinson, who hit 267 home runs and won one MVP award. Robinson's career OPS adjusted was just four percent better than the league during his career, meaning for 23 years, Robinson was only slightly better than the average ballplayer. And this is a man you're calling the greatest third basemen ever? Schmidt was 47 percent better than the league, and not too far behind Robinson in terms of defensive excellence.
Left Field - I agree with Ted Williams as your first choice, but Carl Yaz? How can you leave Barry Bonds off this list? I don't care if you bring up the whole steroid deal. Throw out his four consecutive MVPs from 2001-'04 when he was bulked up due to steroids, and just count his achivements in the 1990s, and he STILL makes this list for me. Few players in history have been as amazing on both offense and defense as Bonds. He won three MVPs, hit over 400 home runs and stole over 400 bases, won eight Gold Gloves, and this was BEFORE he took steroids and broke all kinds of records, including both the single-season and career home run marks. And Willie Stargell as an honorable mention? Not even going to get into that...
Center Field - Mays and Mantle. Who else? I would even put them in that order. Although I wouldn't argue if you put Cobb on that list. He was thought by many to be the greatest hitter in the first half of the century. And DiMaggio is a good honorable mention.
Right Field - Obviously Babe Ruth is first on this list. But Roberto Clemente second? What about Hank Aaron, the all-time home run leader? Or Frank Robinson and his 586 home runs? Or even Mel Ott, who I would probably put ahead of Clemente as well. How can you give shoutouts to Reggie Jackson and Al Kaline and neglect to mention three right fielders who were better than all of them?
7 days ago
Cody makes some great arguments and I agree with most of them. Btw Michael, Mazeroski at 2nd?!? You've got to be kidding! I was thinking maybe Tom Herr or Bill Doran....
6 days ago
Answer this honestly. Did you write this article yourself or did you copy and paste stuff from another web site? After reading your first two sentences/sentence fragments, where you make 2 or 3 grammatical mistakes, I can conclude that there is no way that you wrote this article yourself.
And your picks are terrible. Absolutely terrible.
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