The Top 10 greatest players at each position in the last 50 years- Third Base

 

Continuing my list 10 greatest players at each position in the last 50 years, today I am looking at third base. For players who played multiple positions, I am only including them at 1 position. Most of the time it will be for the position they played the most games. However, I may use judgement and select a player at the position where he had most success.  Since this is based on the last 50 years, the player must have played in MLB for at least 5 years since the 1973 season. Note players who began their career prior to 73 can be considered. However only their performance and accomplishments since the 1973 season will be counted for. For example, Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski. He played through 1983. But all his great accomplishments were prior to 1973 (3 batting titles, the triple crown and MVP). So, he did not make the cut for the left fielders. The top accomplishments for each player will be noted.

Here is my list of the top 10 greatest third basemen in the last 50 years.

10. Graig Nettles (1973-1988)- LCS MVP, 2 X Gold Glove award winner.

9.  Bill Madlock (1973-1987)- 4X batting champion. Lifetime .305 average.

8. Adrian Beltre (1998-2018)- HR champion. 5X Gold Glove award winner. 3,000 career hits.

7. Pete Rose (1973-1986)- World Series MVP (as third baseman).

6. Scott Rolen (1996-2012)-   8X Gold Glove award winner

5. Nolan Arenado (2013-2022 active)- 10X Gold Glove award winner

4. Chipper Jones (1995-2012)- HOF, MVP, batting champion.

3. Wade Boggs (1982-1999)- HOF, 5X batting champion. 2X Gold Glove award winner.  

2. George Brett (1973-1993)- HOF, MVP, 3X batting champion, Gold Glove award winner. ALCS MVP.

1. Mike Schmidt (1972-1989)-HOF, 3X MVP, 8X HR champion, 10X Gold Glove award winner. WS MVP.

Notes.  Nettles is one of the greatest defensive third basemen of all time. The 1978 World Series was his greatest moment. Madlock is often overlooked and should be considered for the Hall of Fame. A terrific hitter, he is the only player with at least 4 batting titles not inducted. Beltre is the only third basemen with at least 3000 hits and 400 home runs. Rose played over 500 games at 5 different positions. I selected him at third base since there is where had his greatest success, winning 2 World Series Championships for the Big Red Machine in 75 and 76. Rolen was a great all around third basemen who should have won the WS MVP in 06. He hit .421 in the WS leading the Cardinals to the championship over the Tigers. Arenado has turned into the best third basemen of today’s generation.  He has won a gold glove in every single season he has played in the majors. Jones played a few years in left field, but, had his greatest seasons playing third base. Boggs is one of the great hitters of all time. He hit over .360 (4) times in his career. Brett is the last player to hit .400 in September. He came close and ended up with a .390 average in 1980. Schmidt is the greatest third basemen of all time (not just the last 50 years).

Next up is the 10 greatest left fielders in the last 50 years.