The Greatest Third Basemen in MLB History
The third base position in Major League Baseball has long been home to some of the game's most iconic and influential players. From power-hitting sluggers to slick-fielding defensive stalwarts, the "hot corner" has produced a lineage of legends that have shaped the sport over the decades.
As we reflect on the rich history of third base in MLB, it's time to take a closer look at the players who have risen above the rest and cemented their legacies as the greatest to ever play the position. In this comprehensive ranking, we'll explore the careers, statistics, and lasting impacts of the top third basemen in the annals of baseball.
Criteria for Ranking the Greatest Third Basemen
Determining the definitive ranking of the greatest third basemen in MLB history is no easy task, as the position has been graced by a remarkable array of talent over the years. To establish a fair and objective assessment, we've established the following criteria:
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Career Accomplishments: This includes awards, All-Star selections, championship pedigree, and other accolades that recognize a player's sustained excellence over the course of their career.
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Statistical Production: We'll examine a comprehensive set of offensive and defensive metrics to gauge a player's overall impact, including batting average, home runs, RBIs, runs scored, OPS, Gold Glove awards, and more.
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Longevity and Consistency: The ability to perform at a high level over an extended period is a crucial factor, as it demonstrates a player's enduring greatness and impact on the game.
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Historical Significance: We'll consider a player's influence on the evolution of the position, their status as an icon or trailblazer, and their lasting legacy in the sport.
With these guidelines in mind, let's dive into the ranking of the greatest third basemen in MLB history.
#1: Mike Schmidt
When discussing the pantheon of all-time great third basemen, the conversation must begin and end with Mike Schmidt. Widely regarded as the greatest to ever play the position, Schmidt's Hall of Fame career was defined by a rare combination of power, defense, and longevity.
Career Achievements
- 10-time All-Star
- 3-time NL MVP (1980, 1981, 1986)
- 6-time Gold Glove Award winner
- 2-time Silver Slugger Award winner
- 548 career home runs (8th most in MLB history)
- 1,595 career RBIs (14th most in MLB history)
- Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1995
Statistical Dominance
Schmidt's offensive prowess was unparalleled, as he consistently ranked among the league leaders in home runs, RBIs, and OPS throughout his 18-year career with the Philadelphia Phillies. He led the National League in home runs eight times and finished with a career .267 batting average, .380 on-base percentage, and .527 slugging percentage.
Defensively, Schmidt was a standout at the hot corner, winning six Gold Glove Awards and establishing himself as one of the best defensive third basemen of his era. His combination of power, plate discipline, and defensive excellence made him a complete player and a true force to be reckoned with.
Impact and Legacy
Schmidt's impact on the game of baseball cannot be overstated. He is widely regarded as the prototypical power-hitting third baseman, paving the way for a new generation of players who could excel both offensively and defensively at the position. His sustained excellence and dominance over the course of his career cemented his status as an all-time great and a true icon of the sport.
#2: George Brett
Hailing from the Kansas City Royals, George Brett is widely considered the second-greatest third baseman in MLB history, thanks to his exceptional offensive prowess and consistent production over 21 seasons.
Career Achievements
- 13-time All-Star
- 1980 AL MVP
- 3-time AL batting champion (1976, 1980, 1990)
- 3-time Gold Glove Award winner
- 1985 World Series champion
- 3,154 career hits (16th most in MLB history)
- Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1999
Statistical Highlights
Brett's career numbers are nothing short of remarkable. He finished with a .305 lifetime batting average, 1,596 RBIs, and 317 home runs, showcasing his exceptional hitting ability and power. His 1980 season, in which he hit .390, remains one of the greatest individual campaigns in MLB history.
Defensively, Brett was a solid third baseman, winning three Gold Glove Awards and earning a reputation as a reliable fielder. His combination of offensive prowess and defensive competence made him a well-rounded player who could impact the game in multiple ways.
Impact and Legacy
Beyond his individual accomplishments, Brett's legacy is defined by his leadership, competitiveness, and impact on the Royals' franchise. He was the driving force behind the team's success in the 1970s and 1980s, including their 1985 World Series championship. Brett's iconic status in Kansas City and his place among the all-time greats at third base solidify his standing as one of the most influential players in MLB history.
#3: Eddie Mathews
Rounding out the top three is the legendary Eddie Mathews, who spent the majority of his 17-year career with the Boston/Milwaukee Braves and established himself as one of the most feared power hitters of his era.
Career Achievements
- 12-time All-Star
- 2-time NL home run leader (1953, 1959)
- 1957 World Series champion
- 512 career home runs (13th most in MLB history)
- 1,453 career RBIs (26th most in MLB history)
- Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1978
Statistical Dominance
Mathews' offensive prowess was unparalleled, as he consistently ranked among the league leaders in home runs and RBIs throughout his career. He finished with a .271 batting average, .376 on-base percentage, and .509 slugging percentage, showcasing his exceptional power and plate discipline.
Defensively, Mathews was a solid third baseman, earning a reputation as a reliable fielder and contributing to the Braves' success during their dynasty in the 1950s. His combination of power, production, and defensive ability made him a formidable player who left an indelible mark on the game.
Impact and Legacy
Mathews' legacy is defined by his status as one of the most dominant power hitters of his era and his integral role in the Braves' success during the 1950s. His 512 career home runs rank him 13th on the all-time list, and his place among the greatest third basemen in MLB history is firmly cemented.
#4: Wade Boggs
Renowned for his exceptional plate discipline and hitting prowess, Wade Boggs is widely regarded as one of the greatest pure hitters to ever play the third base position.
Career Achievements
- 12-time All-Star
- 5-time AL batting champion (1983, 1985-1988)
- 1996 World Series champion
- 3,010 career hits (27th most in MLB history)
- .328 career batting average (7th highest in MLB history)
- Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005
Statistical Highlights
Boggs' career numbers are a testament to his exceptional hitting ability. He finished with a .328 lifetime batting average, the seventh-highest in MLB history, and recorded 3,010 hits over his 18-year career. Boggs' plate discipline was unparalleled, as he led the league in on-base percentage three times and walked more times than he struck out.
While Boggs was not known for his power or defensive prowess, his ability to consistently get on base and hit for a high average made him a valuable asset to the teams he played for, including the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees.
Impact and Legacy
Boggs' legacy is defined by his status as one of the greatest pure hitters in MLB history, regardless of position. His exceptional plate discipline, ability to make consistent contact, and knack for getting on base made him a nightmare for opposing pitchers. Boggs' induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005 solidified his place among the all-time greats and cemented his legacy as one of the most influential third basemen in the sport's history.
#5: Chipper Jones
Chipper Jones, the switch-hitting superstar who spent his entire 19-year career with the Atlanta Braves, is widely regarded as one of the most well-rounded third basemen in MLB history.
Career Achievements
- 8-time All-Star
- 1999 NL MVP
- 1995 World Series champion
- .303 career batting average
- 468 career home runs
- 1,623 career RBIs
- Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2018
Statistical Dominance
Jones' offensive numbers are truly impressive, as he finished his career with a .303 batting average, 468 home runs, and 1,623 RBIs. He was a consistent power hitter who also maintained a high batting average and on-base percentage throughout his career. Jones' ability to hit for both power and average, combined with his switch-hitting prowess, made him a formidable offensive threat.
Defensively, Jones was a solid third baseman, earning the reputation as a reliable fielder who could make the plays needed to support the Braves' dominant pitching staff. His well-rounded skill set and longevity at the position solidify his status as one of the greatest third basemen in MLB history.
Impact and Legacy
Jones' legacy is defined by his role as the cornerstone of the Braves' dynasty in the 1990s and 2000s. As the team's franchise player, he helped lead the Braves to 14 consecutive division titles and a World Series championship in 1995. Jones' consistent production, leadership, and impact on the game have cemented his place among the all-time greats at the third base position.
#6: Brooks Robinson
Renowned for his defensive prowess, Brooks Robinson is widely considered one of the greatest third basemen in MLB history and one of the best defensive players to ever grace the diamond.
Career Achievements
- 18-time All-Star
- 16-time Gold Glove Award winner
- 1964 World Series MVP
- 1970 AL MVP
- .267 career batting average
- 2,848 career hits
- Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1983
Defensive Dominance
Robinson's defensive excellence is the primary reason for his inclusion among the greatest third basemen of all time. He is widely regarded as the best defensive third baseman in MLB history, earning a record 16 Gold Glove Awards and making countless highlight-reel plays throughout his 23-year career with the Baltimore Orioles.
Robinson's range, arm strength, and instincts at the hot corner were unparalleled, and he played a crucial role in the Orioles' success during the 1960s and 1970s. His defensive prowess was so renowned that he earned the nickname "The Human Vacuum Cleaner" for his ability to gobble up ground balls and make difficult plays look routine.
Offensive Contributions
While Robinson was not known for his offensive prowess, he was a solid hitter who contributed to the Orioles' success. He finished his career with a .267 batting average, 2,848 hits, and 268 home runs, showcasing his ability to be a well-rounded player.
Impact and Legacy
Robinson's legacy is defined by his defensive excellence and his status as one of the greatest third basemen in MLB history. His 16 Gold Glove Awards are a testament to his defensive dominance, and his impact on the game is undeniable. Robinson's induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1983 solidified his place among the all-time greats and cemented his legacy as one of the most influential players to ever take the field.
#7: Ron Santo
A nine-time All-Star and five-time Gold Glove Award winner, Ron Santo is widely regarded as one of the most underrated third basemen in MLB history.
Career Achievements
- 9-time All-Star
- 5-time Gold Glove Award winner
- .277 career batting average
- 342 career home runs
- 1,331 career RBIs
- Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2012 (posthumously)
Statistical Highlights
Santo's offensive numbers are impressive, as he finished his 15-year career with a .277 batting average, 342 home runs, and 1,331 RBIs. He was a consistent power hitter who also maintained a high on-base percentage, making him a valuable asset to the Chicago Cubs throughout his career.
Defensively, Santo was a standout at the hot corner, earning five Gold Glove Awards and establishing himself as one of the best defensive third basemen of his era. His combination of offensive production and defensive excellence made him a well-rounded player who could impact the game in multiple ways.
Impact and Legacy
Despite his impressive career accomplishments, Santo's legacy was overshadowed by the Cubs' struggles during his playing days. However, his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2012 (posthumously) has helped to finally recognize his contributions to the game and cement his status as one of the greatest third basemen in MLB history.
#8: Adrian Beltre
A 4-time All-Star and 5-time Gold Glove Award winner, Adrian Beltre is widely regarded as one of the most well-rounded third basemen of the modern era.
Career Achievements
- 4-time All-Star
- 5-time Gold Glove Award winner
- 3,166 career hits (16th most in MLB history)
- 477 career home runs
- 1,707 career RBIs
- Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2022
Statistical Dominance
Beltre's offensive numbers are truly impressive, as he finished his 21-year career with 3,166 hits, 477 home runs, and 1,707 RBIs. He was a consistent power hitter who also maintained a high batting average and on-base percentage throughout his career.
Defensively, Beltre was a standout at the hot corner, earning five Gold Glove Awards and establishing himself as one of the best defensive third basemen of his era. His combination of offensive production and defensive excellence made him a well-rounded player who could impact the game in multiple ways.
Impact and Legacy
Beltre's legacy is defined by his consistent excellence and his ability to perform at a high level over an extended period. He was a key contributor to several playoff teams, including the Texas Rangers, and his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2022 solidified his status as one of the greatest third basemen of the modern era.
#9: Graig Nettles
A 6-time Gold Glove Award winner and 2-time All-Star, Graig Nettles is widely regarded as one of the best defensive third basemen in MLB history.
Career Achievements
- 6-time Gold Glove Award winner
- 2-time All-Star
- .248 career batting average
- 390 career home runs
- 1,314 career RBIs
Defensive Dominance
Nettles' defensive prowess was the primary reason for his inclusion among the greatest third basemen of all time. He was a 6-time Gold Glove Award winner, showcasing his exceptional range, arm strength, and instincts at the hot corner. Nettles was known for his ability to make difficult plays look routine and his impact on the game was undeniable.
Offensive Contributions
While Nettles was not known for his offensive prowess, he was a solid hitter who contributed to the success of the teams he played for, including the New York Yankees and San Diego Padres. He finished his career with a .248 batting average, 390 home runs, and 1,314 RBIs, demonstrating his ability to be a well-rounded player.
Impact and Legacy
Nettles' legacy is defined by his defensive excellence and his status as one of the best third basemen in MLB history. His 6 Gold Glove Awards are a testament to his defensive dominance, and his impact on the game is undeniable. Nettles' contributions to the Yankees' success in the 1970s and early 1980s have cemented his place among the all-time greats at the third base position.
#10: Darrell Evans
A 2-time All-Star and 1-time Gold Glove Award winner, Darrell Evans is often overlooked in discussions of the greatest third basemen in MLB history, but his consistent production and longevity make him a worthy inclusion on this list.
Career Achievements
- 2-time All-Star
- 1-time Gold Glove Award winner
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