The Baseball Scholar

Much like second base and catcher, the shortstop is a position that has historically been a defense first position. Players like Honus Wagner, Ernie Banks, and Cal Ripken set the stage for the offensive output the position has come to expect. A defensive player still has a place in today’s game but he needs to have a potential to produce at minimum average numbers at the dish.

Honorable Mention

• Alex Rodriguez, Seattle Mariners, 2000
• Alex Rodriguez, Texas Rangers, 2001
• Robin Yount, Milwaukee Brewers, 1982
• Derek Jeter, New York Yankees, 1999
• Luke Appling, Chicago White Sox, 1936

• 10. Ernie Banks, Chicago Cubs, 1959



• Age: 28
• NL MVP
• NL All-Star




Ernie Banks Batting Statistics

WAR	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	SB	CS	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS
10.2	155	589	97	179	25	6	45	143	2	4	64	72	.304	.374	.596	.970

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• 9. Rogers Hornsby, St. Louis Cardinals, 1917



• Age: 21




Rogers Hornsby Batting Statistics

WAR	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	SB	CS	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS
9.9	145	523	86	171	24	17	8	66	17		45	34	.327	.385	.484	.868

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• 8. Lou Boudreau, Cleveland Indians, 1948



• Age: 30
• AL MVP
• AL All-Star




Lou Boudreau Batting Statistics

WAR	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	SB	CS	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS
10.4	152	560	116	199	34	6	18	106	3	2	51	50	.355	.453	.534	.987

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• 7. Honus Wagner, Pittsburgh Pirates, 1905



• Age: 31




Honus Wagner Batting Statistics

WAR	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	SB	CS	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS
10.2	147	548	114	199	32	14	6	101	57		54	53	.363	.427	.505	.932

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• 6. Alex Rodriguez, Seattle Mariners, 1996



• Age: 20
• AL All-Star
• AL Silver Slugger




Alex Rodriguez Batting Statistics

WAR	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	SB	CS	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS
9.4	146	601	141	215	54	1	36	123	15	4	59	104	.358	.414	.631	1.045

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• 5. Honus Wagner, Pittsburgh Pirates, 1906



• Age: 32




Honus Wagner Batting Statistics

WAR	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	SB	CS	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS
9.3	142	516	103	175	38	9	2	71	53	1	58	31	.339	.416	.459	.875

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• 4. Honus Wagner, Pittsburgh Pirates, 1909



• Age: 35




Honus Wagner Batting Statistics

WAR	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	SB	CS	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS
9.2	137	495	92	168	39	10	5	100	35		66	24	.339	.420	.489	.909

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• 3. Honus Wagner, Pittsburgh Pirates, 1907



• Age: 33




Honus Wagner Batting Statistics

WAR	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	SB	CS	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS
9.0	142	515	98	180	38	14	6	82	61		46	40	.350	.408	.513	.921

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• 2. Honus Wagner, Pittsburgh Pirates, 1904



• Age: 30




Honus Wagner Batting Statistics

WAR	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	SB	CS	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS
8.3	132	490	97	171	44	14	4	75	53		59	44	.349	.423	.520	.944

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• 1. Honus Wagner, Pittsburgh Pirates, 1908



• Age: 34




Honus Wagner Batting Statistics

WAR	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	SB	CS	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS
11.5	151	568	100	201	39	19	10	109	53		54	22	.354	.415	.542	.957

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