MLB: The 5 Greatest Shortstops to Ever Play the Game

The Cheat Sheet ^ | October 14, 2016 | Michael Laurila

[EveningStar]

While he’s no longer rocking pinstripes on a regular basis, it’s hard to think about the New York Yankees and not turn your attention to the great Derek Jeter. Even after his retirement from Major League Baseball in 2014, the captain of all captains continues to remain a permanent fixture in the city with which he spent his entire career. And really, that shouldn’t be a surprise. That’s usually what happens when you’re an all-time great shortstop.

Throughout his incredible career, Jeter showed himself to be one of the greatest shortstops to ever step on a diamond. While there have been better offensive shortstops, and better defensive shortstops, no one equaled his impressive balance of offense and defense. Which is why we feel the need to compile this particular list. Therefore, with that in mind, here’s a look the five best all-around shortstops to ever play the game from the bottom to the top, taking into account more than any single facet of the game.

[bigdaddy45]

Its not called bias. Its called performance.

Jeter lifetime BA: .310
Ripken lifetime BA: .276

Ripken was the iron man, but that doesn’t make him necessarily the better player. Its very close, but I wouldn’t attribute it to bias. And who won more World Series Championships? Jeter by a mile.

[teeman8r]

I was at an o’s game when mark belanger homered... We fans called him out three times to tip his hat, which he did with the greatest smile on his face... Great shortstop... Better than ripken,

[Clutch Martin]

Phil Rizutto

[teeman8r]

Brooks played third and said the reason he made the hall of fame was he only had to play three square feet with belanger beside him

[BlueLancer]

[Larry Lucido]

I was 11 during the 1968 season but still have fond memories. How would you say McAuliffe compares to Alan Trammel?

[BlueLancer]

To be honest, I pretty much quit following Detroit sports after I left Michigan to go to the Naval Academy. The only Tigers team that I remember was made up of Al Kaline, Norm Cash, Willie Horton, Dick McAuliffe, Bill Freehan, Micky Lolich ... I wouldn't know Alan Trammel if he came up and slapped me on the back.

Although I guess McAuliffe was probably better known as a second baseman, I remember him more as the shortstop. remember his speed and area of coverage at shortstop and his lead-off hitting and running the base paths.

[grey_whiskers]

Brooks played third and said the reason he made the hall of fame was he only had to play three square feet with belanger beside him

Well, yes. That and the 1970 World Series (in which Orioles 20-game winner Dave McNally hit a grand slam in his first at-bat)...

[pieceofthepuzzle]

No, not close, and probably never will be..

[Some Fat Guy in L.A.]

Only 1 has a hitting stat named after him - Mario Mendoza

[Rannug]

I remember Omar facing three pitchers in the same at bat. Not many have done that.

[Churchillspirit]

Great post.

[jch10]

And Addison Russell of the Cubs.

[daler]

I think the 1965 AL MVP might be a candidate.

[snippy_about_it]

Omar Vizquel. Shortstop Cleveland Indians back in the day. The best ever, imo!

[dfwgator]

Now you’re talking.

[deadrock]

How many wins did he have? Babe had 94 and 714 HRs. I put Mays second.

[teeman8r]

oh those Os!

Tthanks for that memory...

[Ransomed]

That’s the winning argument. If another position player’s defensive stats don’t include ERA of 2.28 over 100+ games then it is pretty much a given.

Freegards

[grey_whiskers]

I like how they had *FOUR* 20-game winners (all 4 starters) in 1971 with a team ERA of 2.99.

Too bad they lost to the Pirates in 7 games in the series; just like they lost again to the Pirates in 7 games in 1979.