The Top 10 greatest players at each position in the last 50 years- Left Field

Continuing my list 10 greatest players at each position in the last 50 years, today I am looking at left field. 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 left fielders in the last 50 years.

10. Matt Holiday (2004-2018)- Batting champion, NLCS MVP.

9.  Ryan Braun (2007-2020)- MVP, HR champion.

8.  Christian Yelich (2013-active)- MVP, 2X batting champion.

7.  Albert Belle (1989-2000)- HR champion, over 50 HRs and 50 doubles in a season.

6. George Foster (1973-1986)- MVP, 2X HR champion

5. Tim Raines (1979-2002)- HOF, Batting champion, 4X stolen base leader.

4. Manny Ramirez (1993-2011)- HR champion, batting champion, WS MVP.

3. Jim Rice (1974-1989)- HOF, MVP, 3X HR champion.  

2. Rickey Henderson (1979-2003)- HOF, Gold Glove award winner, ALCS MVP, 12X stolen base leader.

1. Barry Bonds (1986-2007)- 7X MVP, 2 X batting champion, 2X HR champion.  

Notes. Hall of Famers Lou Brock and previously mentioned Yastrzemski were at the end of their careers and did not make the list. Holliday is often overlooked but had a very good career and was instrumental in leading Colorado to their only pennant in 2007. Braun was one of the best players in baseball for 6 years, winning the MVP and finishing in the top 3 voting twice. Yelich is 1 of only 6 players to hit for the cycle 3 times. Belle is still the only player ever to hit at least 50 doubles and 50 home runs in 1 season and finished in top 3 MVP voting 3 times. Foster was the only player to hit at least 50 home runs in a 25-year period. Raines was a terrific base stealer who had 8 seasons with over 50 stolen bases.  Ramirez had 9 straight seasons of at least 30 HR and 100 RBIs.  Rice is the only player in history to lead the league in home runs, RBIs, and triples in the same year. Henderson is all-time stolen base leader and Bonds is the all-time HR champion.

Next up is the 10 greatest centerfielders in the last 50 years.