Top Ten Shortstops of All Time

Does anyone remember about ten years ago when the huge debate was around of who the best shortstop in the Major Leagues was at the time? It always seemed to come down to Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, and Nomar Garciaparra. These three individuals represented the changing of the guard at the shortstop position when it went from a scrappy on base hitter to a deluxe power position. The only one remaining playing the position is Derek Jeter who is inevitably heading to the Hall of Fame. Which begs the question: Who are the ten best shortstops of all time?

10. Omar Vizquel - He may be high on this list for some people, but as much as the position has changed in the past ten years, Vizquel is a throwback player. He plays tremendous defense and is still active in the league since joining in 1989. He has won 11 Gold Gloves and has a lifetime .270 batting average.

9. Lou Boudreau - Boudreau played the majority of his career with the Cleveland Indians, the 1948 Most Valuable Player was an eight time All Star with a .295 career average and 68 career home runs.

8. Luis Aparicio - The former White Sox, Oriole, and Red Sox stud collected over 2600 hits in his career along with the 1956 Rookie of the Year, nine Gold Gloves, and ten All Star appearances. When he called it quits in 1973 he held the record for shortstops in most games played, double plays turned, and assists.

7. Luke Appling - The Chicago White Sox star could have raked up better numbers through his career had he not joined the service during World War II. Voted the best White Sox player of all time by fans, Appling was a seven time All Star and retired with a career .310 batting average.

6. Robin Yount - The career Milwaukee Brewer led the team to a World Series victory in 1982 one of this two MVP seasons and collected 3142 hits in his stellar career along with 271 stolen bases.

5. Ernie Banks - Mr. Cub is one of the greatest power hitting shortstops of all time collecting 512 home runs and although he never played for a World Series winner, the fans still voted him as the best Cubbie of all time.

4. Ozzie Smith - The Wizard of Oz was not only known for his amazing ability in the field but his patented back flip he had going out to play. Although not the best hitter of all time, Ozzie had a knack for playing the position setting the standard for great defensive play in the 1980's.

3. Honus Wagner - With over 3400 hits Wagner set the bar really high for future shortstops when he stopped playing in 1917. he was the first person selected to the Hall of Fame in 1936 and he has one of the most valuable baseball cards of all time.

2. Derek Jeter - The highest active player on the list has yet to achieve some of the feats that will make him the greatest shortstop ever. The Yankee Captain will finish his career close to 4000 hits, over 250 home runs, and a career batting average of over .300 easily. Most importantly he has five championship rings and counting.

1. Cal Ripken Jr. - The new Iron Horse played in 2632 straight games a record that has almost no shot of being broken but his records reach far beyond the number of straight games Ripken played throughout his 20 year career with the Baltimore Orioles. The two time MVP collected over 3000 hits and 400 home runs and an astonishing 19 straight All-Star appearances. He brought fans back to baseball after the strike shortened 1994 season and saved the game. His impact his felt like no other.