Best 2nd Basemen of All Time

Introduction

In the illustrious annals of baseball history, certain players shine brighter than others, etching their names into the sport’s lore with their unparalleled skill and dedication. Among these luminaries, the best 2nd baseman of all time stand out as beacons of excellence, masters of the diamond’s pivotal infield position. Join us on a journey through the ages as we delve into the remarkable careers of these iconic figures.

The Best 2nd Basemen of All Time

Before we delve into the specifics, let’s first understand the evolution of the second base position. From its humble beginnings in the early days of baseball to its modern incarnation as a cornerstone of defensive prowess, the role of the second baseman has undergone a fascinating transformation.

1. Rogers Hornsby

Teams:

• St. Louis Cardinals
• New York Giants
• Boston Braves
• Chicago Cubs
• St. Louis Browns

Honors:

• 2x NL MVP
• 7x Batting Champion
• 2x Triple Crown Winner

Career Batting Average: .358
His hitting stats are remarkable, particularly in a high-scoring era. He achieved a .400 batting average three times, peaking at .424 in 1924, and maintained a lifetime average of .358. With a career-high of 42 home runs, his power is undeniable. While his defensive metrics may exceed his reputation, there’s still debate over whether he deserves the title of the best second baseman ever.

2. Joe Morgan

Teams:

• Houston Astros
• Cincinnati Reds
• San Francisco Giants
• Philadelphia Phillies
• Oakland Athletics

Honors:

• 2x NL MVP
• 5x Gold Glove
• 10x All-Star

Career Home Runs: 268
In 1975 and 1976, Joe Morgan dominated the National League, securing consecutive MVP awards with impressive WAR totals of 10.9 and 9.6. While these were his only .300 seasons, his consistent performance made him a perennial MVP contender. Renowned for drawing walks and efficient base stealing, Morgan also won five Gold Gloves and showcased power uncommon among second basemen of his era, solidifying his status as a baseball legend.

3. Jackie Robinson

Team:

• Brooklyn Dodgers

Honors:

• Rookie of the Year
• NL MVP
• 6x All-Star

Career Stolen Bases: 197
His immense cultural impact often overshadows his exceptional playing career. Despite debuting in the majors at 28, he boasted impressive stats: .311 batting average, .409 on-base percentage, and .474 slugging percentage. Known for his daring baserunning, he could have rivaled Rogers Hornsby and Joe Morgan with a longer career. He secured the inaugural Rookie of the Year award in 1947 and an MVP title in 1949, while also leading the Brooklyn Dodgers to their sole World Series victory.

4. Nap Lajoie

Teams:

• Philadelphia Phillies
• Philadelphia Athletics
• Cleveland Naps

Honors:

• Triple Crown Winner
• AL MVP

Career Hits: 3,243
As the inaugural standout of the burgeoning American League in 1901, he holds the respectable 23rd position in Baseball-Reference WAR rankings. While perhaps not as prominently remembered as Ty Cobb or Tris Speaker, his graceful fielding and lifetime batting average of .338 attest to his exceptional skills on the diamond.

5. Roberto Alomar

Teams:

• San Diego Padres
• Toronto Blue Jays
• Baltimore Orioles
• Cleveland Indians
• New York Mets
• Chicago White Sox
• Arizona Diamondbacks

Honors:

• 10x Gold Glove
• 12x All-Star
• 2x World Series Champion

Career Gold Gloves: 10
In a swift move that took only about three hours, Pat Gillick acquired Alomar, who became instrumental in the Blue Jays’ consecutive World Series victories in 1992 and 1993.

While second basemen often don’t receive the same recognition as other positions, Roberto Alomar defied expectations with his graceful fielding and impressive .300 batting average, complemented by both speed and power. With 10 Gold Gloves to his name, Alomar excelled defensively while contributing offensively. His time in Cleveland, particularly alongside Omar Vizquel, stands out for their mastery of the double play.

6. Craig Biggio

Team:

• Houston Astros

Honors:

• 7x All-Star
• 4x Gold Glove
• 5x Silver Slugger

Career Runs Scored: 1,844
Additionally, Biggio holds the record for the most hit-by-pitches in MLB history, with a total of 285. He was also the first player in Astros history to achieve 3,000 hits.

7. Ryne Sandberg

Team:

• Chicago Cubs

Honors:

• 10x All-Star
• 9x Gold Glove
• NL MVP

Career Fielding Percentage: .989
Sandberg’s prowess as a power hitter was notably amplified at Wrigley Field, where he boasted a .491 slugging percentage compared to a less impressive .412 elsewhere. Coupled with concerns about his defensive capabilities, his ranking falls towards the bottom of the list, trailing behind players like Chase Utley and Robbie Cano, and certainly not on par with Alomar or Morgan.

8. Eddie Collins

Teams:

• Philadelphia Athletics
• Chicago White Sox

Honors:

• 4x World Series Champion
• AL MVP

Career Batting Average: .333
Collins was a standout player in the early 20th century, known for his high batting average, base-stealing prowess, and keen eye for drawing walks. Despite the absence of Gold Gloves during his time, his defensive abilities were impressive. In the World Series, he excelled, winning four titles and maintaining a .328 batting average in 34 career games. His versatile style of play could likely translate well to the modern era, perhaps resembling that of Ichiro Suzuki, albeit at a different position.

9. Charlie Gehringer

Team:

• Detroit Tigers

Honors:

• AL MVP
• 6x All-Star

Career Hits: 2,839
Dubbed “The Mechanical Man” for his unwavering consistency, he was a fixture at second base for the AL in the first six All-Star Games, even into his 30s. A contemporary comparison? Look no further than Robinson Cano, a player known for his all-around excellence and absence of weaknesses in his game.

10. Rod Carew

Teams:

• Minnesota Twins
• California Angels

Honors:

• 18x All-Star
• 7x Batting Champion

Career Batting Average: .328
Carew, often likened to Tony Gwynn or Ichiro Suzuki of his era, was renowned for his masterful bat control and exceptional bunting skills. Despite playing in the low-scoring 1970s, he secured seven batting titles and boasted a lifetime average of .328. In 1977, he made a formidable chase for .400, ultimately finishing with an impressive .388. While transitioning to first base halfway through his career, his impact would have been even greater as a second baseman.

Conclusion:

The second base position has been graced by a myriad of talented players throughout history, each leaving their own unique imprint on the game. From the power hitters to the defensive wizards, these second base icons have captivated audiences and inspired generations with their skill and passion for baseball. As we celebrate their legacies, let us also look forward to the future, eagerly anticipating the next generation of second base phenoms who will carry the torch and continue the tradition of excellence on the diamond.