MLB
5 Greatest MLB Shortstops Ever + Fan Rankings
Create your own all-time rankings of the top 5 greatest Shortstops in MLB history from Honus Wagner to Alex Rodriguez to Derek Jeter
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February 24, 2022 serves as Honus Wagner’s 148th birthday, making it a great time to look at the top-5 greatest MLB Shortstops of all time with him topping the list.
The Shortstop was created in the mid-1800s when it became clear that the second and third basemen could not cover the entire area on the left side of the field, as the gap was a hot-spot for right-handed hitters to knock the ball into the outfield. A position known to be home to speedy, agile players, the six-spot has seen some of the best names to ever play the game.
It should be noted that this list only includes players whose primary position was shortstop. Honorable mention includes: Barry Larkin (CIN), Luke Appling (CHW) & Robin Yount (MIL), with Ernie Banks (CHC) only missing the list due to the plethora of time he spent at 1B over SS. Fernando Tatis Jr. is one of the young Shortstops in today’s game that could one day crack this list.
Here are the top 5 greatest MLB Shortstops of all time. Create your own rankings below!
– MLB All-Time Team, 1909 World Series Champ,
– 8x AVG, 5x RBI, 5x SB, & 6x SLG leader in the NL
– 2x MVP top-3 finalist; #33 retired by Pirates
Initially regarded as possibly the best baseball player ever, Honus Wagner was a regular on the leaderboards for various categories throughout his career and undoubtedly would have accrued more awards had he played during the All-Star era. Wagner’s eight batting titles illuminate his consistent offensive excellence.
– 14x All-Star, 10x Silver Slugger, 3x MVP, 2x Gold Glove
– 2009 World Series Champ; 5x AL HR & Runs leader
– 1996 MLB Batting Champ; Most career Grand Slams (25)
With the most Runs (2,021), HR (696), and RBI (2,086) by an MLB Shortstop ever, Alex Rodriguez is undeniably one of the best to occupy the six-spot with his 25 Grand Slams atop the all-time leaderboard for ANY position.
Alex Rodriguez career resume:
– 14x All Star
– 10x Silver Slugger
– 3x AL MVP
– 2x Gold Glove
– 09 World Series Champ
– 3x MLB HR Leader, 2x AL Leader
– 2x MLB RBI Leader
– 1996 MLB Batting Title
– 1998 AL Hits Leader
– Most Grand Slams (25) in MLB historypic.twitter.com/BmHNIDFNEZ— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) July 28, 2021
– 19x All-Star, 2x MVP, 8x Silver Slugger, 2x Gold Glove
– 1982 ROY, 1983 WS Champ, 1983 MLB Hits (211) leader
– Most consecutive games played (2,632) in MLB history
As reliable as they come, Cal Ripken Jr. spent the majority of his career never missing a game, which translated into his success on the field, appearing in more All-Star Games (15) than any other Shortstop.
Cal Ripken Jr.'s HOF resume:
– 19x All-Star
– 8x Silver Slugger
– 2x Gold Glove
– 2x AL MVP
– 1983 World Series Champ
– 1982 AL ROY
– Most consecutive GP (2,632) in MLB history
– 1983 MLB Hits & AL Runs Leader
– #8 retired by #Orioles
pic.twitter.com/hZmITcbMlm— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) August 25, 2021
– 14x All-Star, 5x Silver Slugger & Gold Glove, 1996 ROY
– 5x WS Champ (2000 MVP), 2x MLB Hits leader
– Most Hits (3,465) by SS; MLB leader in Playoff Hits (200)
A highly decorated player, Derek Jeter was an invaluable asset to the Yankees’ dynasty, starting off strong as Rookie of the Year and eventually helping them secure five World Series rings throughout his 20 years with the team. “Mr. November” was at his best in the Postseason where he owns the all-time records for Hits (200), Runs (111), GP (158), and PA (734).
Derek Jeter's HOF resume:
– 14x All Star
– 5x World Series Champ, 2000 WS MVP
– 5x Silver Slugger
– 5x Gold Glove
– 2x MLB Hits Leader
– 1996 AL ROY
– 1998 AL Runs Leader
– MLB Playoffs Hits (200), Runs (111), & GP (158) leader
– #2 retired by #Yankeespic.twitter.com/eTOR3kJSyu— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) February 10, 2022
– 15x All-Star, 13x Gold Glove (most by SS), 1987 Silver Slugger
– 8x NL SS FLD% leader, ’82 WS Champ, ’78 ROY runner-up
– Most Hits (1,944), RBI (664), & Runs (991) by Cardinals SS
Ozzie Smith, known as the Wizard of Oz for his magical fielding abilities, was not only a menace on defense but knew how to approach the plate and get on base when it mattered most. Ozzie led the Cardinals to a World Series title during his first season with the team, showcasing his massive two-way impact on winning.
Ozzie Smith's HOF resume:
– 15x All-Star
– 13x Gold Glove
– 8x NL SS FLD% leader
– 1982 World Series Champ
– 1985 NLCS MVP
– 1987 Silver Slugger https://t.co/MxAwudS4ZH— Best of Pro Sports (@pro_sports_best) December 27, 2021
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