Unmasking the All-Time Greatest 3rd Basemen in Baseball History

When discussing the greatest third basemen of all time, there are a few names that invariably come up. These players have left an indelible mark on the game, shaping it with their exceptional skills and talent. From the early days of baseball to the modern era, these third basemen have proven themselves to be some of the best to ever play the game.

One of the most iconic names in baseball history is Brooks Robinson. Robinson played for the Baltimore Orioles for 23 seasons, from 1955 to 1977. Over the course of his career, he won 16 Gold Gloves and was named an All-Star 18 times. Robinson's defensive prowess was unparalleled, as he was known for his incredible range, quick reflexes, and strong arm. He made countless highlight-reel plays at third base and helped lead the Orioles to two World Series titles.

Another name that comes up when discussing the greatest third basemen of all time is Mike Schmidt. Schmidt played for the Philadelphia Phillies from 1972 to 1989 and is widely regarded as one of the best power hitters in baseball history. He hit 548 home runs over the course of his career and was a three-time National League MVP. Schmidt was also a ten-time Gold Glove winner and was known for his strong arm and excellent fielding ability. He helped lead the Phillies to their first World Series title in 1980.

Perhaps the most dominant third baseman of all time is George Brett. Brett played for the Kansas City Royals from 1973 to 1993 and is considered one of the best pure hitters in baseball history. He won three batting titles, including hitting .390 in 1980, and finished his career with a .305 batting average. Brett was also an exceptional fielder, winning a Gold Glove in 1985. He led the Royals to the World Series in 1980 and won a championship with them in 1985.

While these three players are often cited as the best third basemen of all time, there are many other greats who deserve recognition. Eddie Mathews, Chipper Jones, Wade Boggs, and Adrian Beltre are just a few who could make a strong case for being included on this list.

One of the things that sets these players apart is their versatility. Many of them were exceptional both at the plate and in the field, making them true five-tool players. They were able to hit for power and average while also playing outstanding defense. This combination of skills made them invaluable to their teams and helped them become some of the most successful players in baseball history.

Another factor that makes these third basemen so great is their longevity. Many of them played for over two decades, consistently performing at a high level year after year. Their dedication to the game and their commitment to improving their skills allowed them to remain competitive for years, even as they aged.

Of course, no discussion of the best third basemen of all time would be complete without mentioning the impact they had on the game. These players helped shape the way baseball is played today, influencing everything from defensive strategy to hitting technique. They inspired future generations of players to strive for greatness and set a standard of excellence that still stands today.

In conclusion, the greatest third basemen of all time are among the most talented and dedicated players in baseball history. Their exceptional skills, versatility, and longevity set them apart from their peers and helped them become some of the most successful athletes in the world. Whether it's Brooks Robinson's incredible defense, Mike Schmidt's power hitting, or George Brett's all-around excellence, these players have left an indelible mark on the game and will always be remembered as some of the best to ever play their position.

The Best 3rd Baseman of All Time

Baseball is a sport that has been around for more than a century. Over the years, there have been many great players who have graced the diamond, but only a few have stood out as the best at their position. One such position is third base. In this article, we will take a look at the best 3rd baseman of all time.

Mike Schmidt

Mike Schmidt is considered by many to be the best 3rd baseman of all time. He played for the Philadelphia Phillies from 1972 to 1989 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1995. Schmidt won three National League MVP awards and ten Gold Gloves during his career.

Schmidt was known for his power hitting, as he hit 548 home runs during his career. He also had a career batting average of .267 and accumulated 2,234 hits. Schmidt was also an excellent fielder, as he had a career fielding percentage of .954.

Brooks Robinson

Brooks Robinson played for the Baltimore Orioles from 1955 to 1977. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1983 and is widely regarded as one of the best defensive 3rd baseman of all time. Robinson won 16 Gold Gloves during his career, which is a record for any position player.

Robinson was not just a great fielder, he was also a good hitter. He finished his career with a batting average of .267 and had 2,848 hits. Robinson also hit 268 home runs during his career.

George Brett

George Brett played for the Kansas City Royals from 1973 to 1993. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999 and is considered one of the best hitters of all time. Brett won three batting titles during his career and had a career batting average of .305.

Brett was also an excellent fielder, as he won one Gold Glove during his career. He was known for his clutch hitting and was a key member of the Royals team that won the World Series in 1985. Brett finished his career with 3,154 hits and hit 317 home runs.

Other Great 3rd Basemen

While Schmidt, Robinson, and Brett are considered the best 3rd baseman of all time, there have been many other great players at the position. Some of these players include Eddie Mathews, Wade Boggs, Ron Santo, Chipper Jones, and Adrian Beltre.

Eddie Mathews played for the Milwaukee Braves from 1952 to 1966. He hit 512 home runs during his career and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1978.

Wade Boggs played for the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, and Tampa Bay Devil Rays from 1982 to 1999. He was known for his high batting average, as he finished his career with a batting average of .328.

Ron Santo played for the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox from 1960 to 1974. He was an excellent fielder and won five Gold Gloves during his career. Santo was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2012.

Chipper Jones played for the Atlanta Braves from 1993 to 2012. He was a switch-hitter and finished his career with a batting average of .303. Jones hit 468 home runs during his career and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018.

Adrian Beltre played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Seattle Mariners, Boston Red Sox, and Texas Rangers from 1998 to 2018. He was an excellent fielder and won five Gold Gloves during his career. Beltre hit 477 home runs during his career and had a batting average of .286.

Conclusion

The 3rd baseman position has been home to some of the best players in baseball history. Mike Schmidt, Brooks Robinson, and George Brett are considered the best at the position, but there have been many other great players as well. Whether it is hitting or fielding, the 3rd baseman position is one that requires skill and talent, and the players on this list have shown that they have what it takes to be the best.

The Evolution of the Third Baseman Position in Baseball

The third baseman is an integral part of any baseball team. He is responsible for guarding the left side of the infield, which is often the most active area during a game. Over the years, the role of the third baseman has evolved, and today's players are expected to be versatile and athletic, with exceptional defensive skills and the ability to hit for power. In this article, we will take a look at the best third basemen of all time, from the pioneers of the game to the modern-day superstars.

The Early Pioneers: The First Great Third Basemen in Baseball History

In the early days of baseball, the third baseman was not considered to be an important position. In fact, it was often the weakest player on the team who was put there. However, there were a few players who stood out as exceptional third basemen, even in those early years.

One such player was Jerry Denny, who played for various teams in the late 1800s. Denny was known for his quick reflexes and his ability to make difficult plays. Despite his small stature, he was a fierce competitor and a fan favorite.

Another early pioneer of the third base position was Arlie Latham, who played for the St. Louis Browns in the late 1800s. Latham was known for his agility and his ability to steal bases. He was also a great fielder, with a quick, accurate throwing arm.

Although these early pioneers of the third base position did not receive the recognition they deserved in their time, they paved the way for future generations of third basemen.

The Legendary Brooks Robinson: The Gold Standard of Third Base Defense

When it comes to third basemen, there is one name that stands out above all others: Brooks Robinson. Robinson played for the Baltimore Orioles from 1955 to 1977, and during his career, he won 16 Gold Glove Awards for his exceptional defense.

Robinson was known for his quick reflexes and his ability to make difficult plays look easy. He had a powerful throwing arm and was able to make accurate throws from any position on the field. He was also a great team player, often sacrificing his body to make a play and help his team win.

Offensively, Robinson was no slouch either. He hit 268 home runs and had a career batting average of .267. However, it was his defense that truly set him apart from other third basemen. In fact, many baseball experts consider Robinson to be the greatest defensive third baseman of all time.

The Power Hitters: Third Basemen with the Most Home Runs in Baseball

While defense is certainly important for third basemen, many fans also appreciate players who can hit for power. Over the years, there have been several third basemen who have excelled in this area.

One such player was Mike Schmidt, who played for the Philadelphia Phillies from 1972 to 1989. Schmidt hit 548 home runs during his career, which is the most ever by a third baseman. He was also a 10-time Gold Glove winner and a three-time National League MVP.

Another power-hitting third baseman was Eddie Mathews, who played for the Boston Braves, Milwaukee Braves, and Houston Astros from 1952 to 1968. Mathews hit 512 home runs during his career, which is the second-most ever by a third baseman. He was also a nine-time All-Star and a two-time National League home run champion.

Other notable power-hitting third basemen include Adrian Beltre, who hit 477 home runs during his career, and Chipper Jones, who hit 468 home runs. Both players were also exceptional defenders and were known for their all-around skills on the field.

The All-Around Players: Third Basemen with Great Defense and Offense

While there have been many third basemen who excelled in either defense or offense, there are a select few who were exceptional in both areas. These all-around players are some of the greatest third basemen of all time.

One such player was George Brett, who played for the Kansas City Royals from 1973 to 1993. Brett was known for his exceptional hitting, with a career batting average of .305. He also won a Gold Glove Award in 1985 for his outstanding defense at third base.

Another all-around player was Wade Boggs, who played for the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, and Tampa Bay Devil Rays from 1982 to 1999. Boggs was known for his exceptional hitting, with a career batting average of .328. He also won two Gold Glove Awards for his defense at third base.

Other notable all-around third basemen include Scott Rolen, who won eight Gold Glove Awards and hit 316 home runs during his career, and Ron Santo, who won five Gold Glove Awards and hit 342 home runs.

The Modern Era: Third Basemen who Revolutionized the Position

In recent years, there have been several third basemen who have revolutionized the position with their exceptional athleticism and versatility. These players have set new standards for what it means to be a third baseman in today's game.

One such player is Nolan Arenado, who currently plays for the St. Louis Cardinals. Arenado is known for his exceptional defense, having won eight Gold Glove Awards in a row from 2013 to 2020. He is also a prolific hitter, with a career batting average of .293 and 238 home runs.

Another modern-era third baseman is Manny Machado, who currently plays for the San Diego Padres. Machado is known for his athleticism and versatility, as well as his strong arm and quick reflexes. He is also a great hitter, with a career batting average of .278 and 227 home runs.

Other notable modern-era third basemen include Kris Bryant, who won the National League MVP Award in 2016 and has hit 147 home runs during his career, and Anthony Rendon, who won the World Series with the Washington Nationals in 2019 and has hit 141 home runs during his career.

The Five-Tool Players: Third Basemen with Exceptional Skills in All Areas

While there are many great third basemen who excel in one or two areas of the game, there are a select few who possess exceptional skills in all areas. These players are known as five-tool players, and they are some of the most talented athletes in all of sports.

One such player is Alex Rodriguez, who played for the Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers, and New York Yankees from 1994 to 2016. Rodriguez was known for his exceptional hitting, with a career batting average of .295 and 696 home runs. He was also a great fielder, with three Gold Glove Awards to his name.

Another five-tool player is Adrian Beltre, who played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Seattle Mariners, Boston Red Sox, and Texas Rangers from 1998 to 2018. Beltre was known for his exceptional defense, with five Gold Glove Awards to his name. He was also a great hitter, with a career batting average of .286 and 477 home runs.

Other notable five-tool third basemen include Chipper Jones, who hit 468 home runs and won two Silver Slugger Awards and a National League MVP Award, and Miguel Cabrera, who has played both first base and third base during his career and has won four batting titles and two American League MVP Awards.

The Iron Men: Third Basemen with the Most Consecutive Games Played

In addition to their skills on the field, many third basemen are also known for their durability and ability to play through injuries. Some have even set records for the most consecutive games played at the position.

One such player is Cal Ripken Jr., who played for the Baltimore Orioles from 1981 to 2001. Ripken holds the record for the most consecutive games played by a third baseman, with 2,216 games played in a row. He was also a great hitter, with a career batting average of .276 and 431 home runs.

Another durable third baseman was Graig Nettles, who played for the Minnesota Twins, Cleveland Indians, New York Yankees, San Diego Padres, Atlanta Braves, and Montreal Expos from 1967 to 1988. Nettles played in 2,222 games at third base during his career, which is the second-most ever at the position. He was also a great defender, with two Gold Glove Awards to his name.

The Hall of Famers: Third Basemen with the Most Induction Votes

Finally, we come to the third basemen who have been recognized as the best of the best by the Baseball Hall of Fame. These players have been inducted into the Hall of Fame based on their exceptional skills and contributions to the game.

One such player is Mike Schmidt, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1995 with 96.5% of the vote. Schmidt is considered by many to be the greatest third baseman of all time, with 548 home runs and 10 Gold Glove Awards during his career.

Another Hall of Famer is George Brett, who was inducted in 1999 with 98.2% of the vote. Brett was known for his exceptional hitting and his Gold Glove Award-winning defense at third base.

Other notable Hall of Fame third basemen include Brooks Robinson, who was inducted in 1983 with 92% of the vote, and Wade Boggs, who was inducted in 2005 with 91.9% of the vote.

The Memorable Moments: Third Basemen Who Made History with Game-Changing Plays

Finally, we come to the third basemen who have made history with their game-changing plays. These players have left an indelible mark on the game of baseball with their exceptional talent and clutch performances.

One such player is Scott Brosius, who played for the Oakland Athletics and New York Yankees from 1991 to 2001. Brosius is best known for his performance in the 1998 World Series, where he hit three home runs and had nine RBIs in six games. He was also a great defender, making several key plays that helped the Yankees win their third championship in a row.

Another memorable moment in third base history came in the 1970 World Series, when Brooks Robinson made a series of spectacular plays to help the Baltimore Orioles win the championship. Robinson's defense was so impressive that he was named the Most Valuable Player of the series, despite not hitting a home run or driving in a single run.

Other notable moments in third base history include Mike Schmidt's 500th home run, which he hit on April 18, 1987, and Ron Santo's famous heel click celebration after hitting a walk-off home run for the Chicago Cubs in 1969.

Conclusion

The third base position has come a long way since its early days in baseball. Today's players are expected to be versatile and athletic, with exceptional skills both on defense and offense. Over the years, there have been many great third basemen who have set new standards for the position, from the pioneers of the game to the modern-day superstars. Whether they were known for their defense, their hitting, or their durability, each of these players has left an indelible mark on the game of baseball, and their contributions will never be forgotten.

The Best 3rd Baseman of All Time

Point of View

Pros of Brooks Robinson as the Best 3rd Baseman

1. Fielding: Robinson won 16 Gold Gloves during his career, which is a record for any position player. He made countless incredible defensive plays and was known for his quick reflexes and strong arm.
2. Offense: Robinson was no slouch at the plate, either. He had a career batting average of .267 and hit 268 home runs. He also drove in over 1,300 RBIs.
3. Accolades: In addition to his Gold Gloves, Robinson was an 18-time All-Star and won the American League MVP award in 1964. He was also a key part of two World Series-winning teams with the Baltimore Orioles.

Cons of Brooks Robinson as the Best 3rd Baseman

1. Competition: While Robinson faced tough competition during his career, some argue that he didn't face as many elite players at his position as modern players do.
2. Offensive Comparisons: While Robinson's offensive numbers are impressive, they don't necessarily stack up against some of the other great hitters in baseball history.
3. Positional Bias: Some argue that the best 3rd baseman of all time should be judged purely on their fielding abilities, rather than taking offense into account as well.

Table Comparison of Other Top 3rd Basemen

While all of these players are undoubtedly great in their own right, I believe that Brooks Robinson's combination of fielding and offensive production make him the best 3rd baseman of all time.

The Best Third Basemen of All Time: A Tribute to the Greats

As we come to the end of this article, it's important to reflect on the incredible careers of the best third basemen to ever play the game. These players were more than just athletes; they were pioneers, leaders, and inspirations to generations of baseball fans.

There's no denying that the position of third base requires a unique set of skills. It's a demanding position that requires a combination of speed, agility, arm strength, and defensive prowess. The following players not only mastered these skills but also revolutionized the position with their talent and dedication.

Let's take a closer look at the top three third basemen of all time:

Mike Schmidt

Mike Schmidt is widely regarded as the greatest third baseman in baseball history. He spent his entire 18-year career with the Philadelphia Phillies, earning 12 All-Star selections, 10 Gold Gloves, and three National League MVP awards.

Schmidt was known for his incredible power at the plate, hitting 548 home runs and driving in 1,595 RBIs during his career. He was also a master of the hot corner, winning the Gold Glove award as the National League's best defensive third baseman 10 times.

Overall, Schmidt's combination of offensive and defensive prowess made him one of the most dominant and influential players in the history of the game.

Brooks Robinson

Brooks Robinson is another all-time great third baseman who had an illustrious career with the Baltimore Orioles. He won 16 Gold Gloves over the course of his 23-year career, which is still the record for any position player in baseball history.

Robinson was a defensive wizard at third base, making countless highlight-reel plays and earning a reputation as one of the most reliable fielders in the game. He also had a solid bat, hitting 268 home runs and driving in 1,357 RBIs over his career.

Robinson's legacy as one of the best defensive players in baseball history is still felt today, and he remains an inspiration to young players everywhere.

Eddie Mathews

Eddie Mathews rounds out our list of the best third basemen of all time. He played for four different teams during his 17-year career, but it was with the Milwaukee Braves that he made his mark.

Mathews was a powerful hitter, belting 512 home runs and driving in 1,453 RBIs over his career. He was also a solid defender, earning two Gold Gloves during his career.

What set Mathews apart from other players was his consistency. He hit 20 or more home runs in 16 seasons and drove in at least 90 runs in 11 seasons. His ability to perform at a high level year after year earned him a spot in the Hall of Fame in 1978.

Overall, these three players represent the best of the best at the third base position. Their contributions to the game have helped shape baseball into what it is today, and their legacies will continue to inspire future generations of players for years to come.

Thank you for taking the time to read about the best third basemen of all time. We hope that this article has given you a greater appreciation for the incredible talent and dedication that goes into mastering this challenging position.

Whether you're a die-hard baseball fan or simply someone who enjoys watching the occasional game, we can all agree that these players are true legends of the sport.

People Also Ask About Best 3rd Baseman of All Time

Who is considered the greatest third baseman of all time?

There are several players who are considered the greatest third baseman of all time. Here are a few:

• Mike Schmidt
• Brooks Robinson
• Eddie Mathews
• Wade Boggs
• George Brett

Who has the most home runs as a third baseman?

The player with the most home runs as a third baseman is Mike Schmidt, who hit 548 home runs during his career.

Who has the most Gold Gloves as a third baseman?

The player with the most Gold Gloves as a third baseman is Brooks Robinson, who won 16 Gold Gloves during his career.

Who has the most RBIs as a third baseman?

The player with the most RBIs as a third baseman is Eddie Mathews, who had 1,453 RBIs during his career.

Who has the highest career batting average as a third baseman?

The player with the highest career batting average as a third baseman is Wade Boggs, who had a career batting average of .328.

Who has the most hits as a third baseman?

The player with the most hits as a third baseman is George Brett, who had 3,154 hits during his career.