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

Continuing my list 10 greatest players at each position in the last 50 years, today I am looking at centerfield. For players who played multiple positions, I am only including them at 1 position. Usually, 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, who 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 centerfielders in the last 50 years.

10. Carlos Beltran (1998-2017)- 3X Gold glove winner.

9.  Jim Edmonds (1993-2010)- 8x Gold glove winner.

8.  Kenny Lofton (1991-2007)- 5X stolen base leader, 4X Gold Glove winner.

7.  Andruw Jones (1996-2012)- 10x Gold glove winner.  HR champion.

6. Bernie Williams (1991-2006)- Batting title, ALCS MVP, 4X Gold Glove winner.

5. Fred Lynn (1974-1990)- MVP, Batting title, ALCS MVP, 4X Gold Glove winner.  

4. Dale Murphy (1976-1993)- 2X MVP, 2X HR champion, 5X Gold Glove winner.

3. Kirby Puckett (1984-1995)- HOF, Batting title, ALCS MVP, 6X Gold Glove winner.

2. Ken Griffey Jr (1989-2010)- HOF, MVP, 4X HR champion. 10X Gold Glove winner.

1. Mike Trout (2011-active)- 3X MVP, finished 2^nd in MVP voting 4x.  

Notes.  Beltran makes it based on his outstanding post season numbers (in postseason games, he batted .307 (66-for-215) with 45 runs, 15 doubles, 16 home runs, 42 RBI, and 11 stolen bases). Edmonds makes it for his terrific defense and his 8 gold gloves. Lofton was instrumental in contributing to leading teams to the post season for 8 straight seasons. Jones was a terrific fielder and power hitter leading the league in HR and winning multiple gold gloves. Williams hit over .300 for (8) straight seasons. Lynn is only 1 of (2) players to win both rookie of the year and MVP in the same season. If you look at Murphy’s career, there is no question he should be a Hall of Famer. Puckett led the league in hits in (4) seasons as well as winning the batting title. Besides winning the MVP, Griffey Jr finished in the top 5 voting (4) times. Trout is one of only 10 players to win the at least 3 MVPs.

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