Top 5 Baseball Infielders Of All Time
Not only do fans of Major League Baseball (MLB) get to enjoy the game, they know the ins and outs of the sport, teams, and trends, and also know all about the players.
As a result, betting on the games is a popular activity amongst fans. Because of its rising popularity, there is a wide range of betting options available for MLB lines.
Thanks to its rich history, the MLB has gifted fans with some of the most legendary names in the sporting world - in a variety of positions. Here are the top 5 baseball infielders of all time.
Ozzie Smith retired as one of the greatest defensive shortstops of all time and remains a baseball legend to this day.
He played 19 seasons for the Cardinals and Padres with a .262 batting average, 1,257 runs scored, 2,460 hits, 793 RBIs, and 28 home runs, 793 RBIs. He was also the recipient of 13 Gold Glove awards, 1 League Championship MVP, 1 Silver Slugger, and 1 World Series throughout his career.
Smith defined the word “acrobatic” when on the field and showed exactly what he could do each time he was out there. In each game, he dove, rolled, and flipped himself and the ball to make plays that the majority of players simply lacked the instinct and coordination to ever even consider.
Notably, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2002 for the trademark flip and the big home run in 1985.
Referred to as a “human vacuum cleaner” due to his extensive run of 23 seasons for the Orioles, Brooks Robinson has been regarded as one of the greatest defensive third basemen in the history of the major league.
Robinson’s defense was every bit as good as the baseball legends say. He contributed to making the Baltimore Orioles pitching staff appears much better than they were - and that group wasn’t terrible, to begin with!
Robinson made many sensational plays going into foul territory and launching long throws to first base as he did diving far to his left on sharp ground balls and liners.
He had a .267 batting average, 2,848 hits, 268 home runs, 1,357 RBIs, and 1,232 runs scored. He won many accolades for his talents including 1 MVP award, 1 World Series MVP award, 16 Gold Glove awards, and 2 World Series. He, too, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1983.
Aparicio was the first iconic Venezuelan shortstop in any baseball league. Aparicio was a consistently winning player, as evidenced by 1 pennant (with the 1959 White Sox) and a World Series ring (with the 1966 Orioles). He retains his legendary status even today.
Aparicio is noted for his contact ability at the plate. The smoothness and gusto of turning double plays allowed Aparicio to set a new standard, alongside his agility on sharp ground balls to his right.
Luis Aparicio played in over 18 seasons for the White Sox, Rex Sox, and the Orioles. He also had a .262 batting average, 2,677 hits, 791 RBIs, achieved 83 home runs, and a grand total of 1,335 runs scored. Throughout his career, he won 9 Gold Glove awards, the Rookie of the Year award, and also won 1 World Series.
Aparicio was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1984 - becoming the first Venezuelan native to earn the enshrinement.
Omar Vizquel is a Venezuelan shortstop. He was entrusted to take his status as a Venezuelan shortstop into an entirely new generation. He accomplished this with magnificence and flair.
Omar Vizquel played for 24 seasons across 6 teams, including the Indians and the Mariners. He had a career batting average of .272, scored 2,877 hits, 80 home runs, 951 RBIs, and also scored 1,445 runs. He also owns 11 Gold Glove awards.
Vizquel is said to be the best bare-handed infielder to ever slip on a glove. Aside from this incredible achievement, he has also played far more games at shortstop than anyone in MLB history, and more games than any other Venezuelan in any position.
With a nickname like “Iron Man,” and over 21 seasons of playing for the Orioles, Cal Ripken Jr. has more than earned his spot on this list.
He had a .276 batting average, 3,184 hits, 431 home runs, 1,695 RBIs, and scored 1,647 runs. He won many awards including two Gold Glove awards, 2 MVP awards, the Rookie of the Year award, 1 World Series, and 8 Silver Sluggers. He was also inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007 for his talents.
Ripken was also a superstar fielder at this vital baseball position, particularly as his fundamental athleticism and skill set intersected at the optimum point from his late twenties into his early thirties. Ripken is also remembered for his durability, and his effort to reinvent the position of shortstop.
There are many incredible baseball players that deserve to be recognized for their talents, but these are some of the most well-decorated and widely recognized players throughout the history of the sport.
