Who are some of your favorite Major League Baseball shortstops, all-time?

[okfine]

AROD was the all around GOAT. It’s not even a debate

He WAS a great player, no doubt about that. But those stories of his steroidal use will always be there.

The roids hurts his legacy in most circles, but before he bulked up he was an amazing 5 tool player. Barry Bonds was on his level, but I give it to AROD because it’s much harder to play shortstop than left field.

I still have that issue with many roid heads. It made some good ball which can't be denied. Took a lot for me to finally give in about Barry Bonds actions. Still hate him for it.

Tge reason why I’m indifferent to the roid guys is they were products of their era. Major League Baseball knew about it and did nothing when they could have easily put an end to it. I mean most ball players were juicing.

The HR game was a spectacle back then. Bash Bros Bullshit and all. Nothing like a rarely hit triple w/ an RBI or two.

 

[Rocko]

AROD was the all around GOAT. It’s not even a debate

He WAS a great player, no doubt about that. But those stories of his steroidal use will always be there.

The roids hurts his legacy in most circles, but before he bulked up he was an amazing 5 tool player. Barry Bonds was on his level, but I give it to AROD because it’s much harder to play shortstop than left field.

I still have that issue with many roid heads. It made some good ball which can't be denied. Took a lot for me to finally give in about Barry Bonds actions. Still hate him for it.

Tge reason why I’m indifferent to the roid guys is they were products of their era. Major League Baseball knew about it and did nothing when they could have easily put an end to it. I mean most ball players were juicing.

The HR game was a spectacle back then. Bash Bros Bullshit and all. Nothing like a rarely hit triple w/ an RBI or two.

I kind of have a different view, because I’m more of a causal baseball fan. To me seeing balls hit out of the park every game was exciting. You seem like more of a purist, so you’re probably more enthralled with the traditional type of game.

 

[bluzman61]

As our country's lock down drags on and on and on, I'm getting more and more hungry for live baseball. ANY baseball at this point, I would even watch a game of wiffle ball of players aged 80+, completely covered in protective wear. Anyway, this would be your favorites who played shortstop for their whole careers, or mostly at that position. My picks - 1) Honus Wagner, a great hitter AND great defensive player. I wish I had gotten to see him play. 2) Ozzie Smith, never much of a hitter, but he was THE best defensive player at that position, IMO. Some footage of him making seemingly impossible plays in the field is just amazing to watch. 4) Ernie Banks, although he DID play first base exclusively in his later seasons, he made his name at shortstop. And he had unbelievable power for a player at that position. 5) Cal Ripken, Jr., we all know about his incredible streak of games played, he was also very good defensively, and was a good hitter, as well. So, here are my favorites, who are some of yours?

Can't wait for you to ask what was the best WS you ever watched. Back in the day when the game was played.
Not like today with those 1 year contracts for HR hitters that can't play worth shit. I could rant on that one.

At least you like Americas game. Nothing like baseball.

Thanks. Best World Series IS a very good idea.

86’ is my vote

VERY understandable. I still think Bill Buckner got FAR too bad a rap for that play. He was a very good hitter throughout his career and NORMALLY very good defensively. My own favorite WS is 2001. Being a D-Backs fan since their inception, and living in Phoenix at the time make this an easy choice for me. My second favorite is 2005. I've been a White Sox fan since 1970, this series was beautiful to behold. The White Sox are my favorite team, followed closely by the D-Backs.

 

[Rocko]

As our country's lock down drags on and on and on, I'm getting more and more hungry for live baseball. ANY baseball at this point, I would even watch a game of wiffle ball of players aged 80+, completely covered in protective wear. Anyway, this would be your favorites who played shortstop for their whole careers, or mostly at that position. My picks - 1) Honus Wagner, a great hitter AND great defensive player. I wish I had gotten to see him play. 2) Ozzie Smith, never much of a hitter, but he was THE best defensive player at that position, IMO. Some footage of him making seemingly impossible plays in the field is just amazing to watch. 4) Ernie Banks, although he DID play first base exclusively in his later seasons, he made his name at shortstop. And he had unbelievable power for a player at that position. 5) Cal Ripken, Jr., we all know about his incredible streak of games played, he was also very good defensively, and was a good hitter, as well. So, here are my favorites, who are some of yours?

Can't wait for you to ask what was the best WS you ever watched. Back in the day when the game was played.
Not like today with those 1 year contracts for HR hitters that can't play worth shit. I could rant on that one.

At least you like Americas game. Nothing like baseball.

Thanks. Best World Series IS a very good idea.

86’ is my vote

VERY understandable. I still think Bill Buckner got FAR too bad a rap for that play. He was a very good hitter throughout his career and NORMALLY very good defensively. My own favorite WS is 2001. Being a D-Backs fan since their inception, and living in Phoenix at the time make this an easy choice for me. My second favorite is 2005. I've been a White Sox fan since 1970, this series was beautiful to behold. The White Sox are my favorite team, followed closely by the D-Backs.

That was a great World Series. I was rooting for the Yankees for a change, because it was 9/11. Every team I root for loses. I’m a met, knicks, bills fan. The only team I got to see win it was the Mets and I was in third grade, so it really didn’t mean that much to me.

 

[okfine]

As our country's lock down drags on and on and on, I'm getting more and more hungry for live baseball. ANY baseball at this point, I would even watch a game of wiffle ball of players aged 80+, completely covered in protective wear. Anyway, this would be your favorites who played shortstop for their whole careers, or mostly at that position. My picks - 1) Honus Wagner, a great hitter AND great defensive player. I wish I had gotten to see him play. 2) Ozzie Smith, never much of a hitter, but he was THE best defensive player at that position, IMO. Some footage of him making seemingly impossible plays in the field is just amazing to watch. 4) Ernie Banks, although he DID play first base exclusively in his later seasons, he made his name at shortstop. And he had unbelievable power for a player at that position. 5) Cal Ripken, Jr., we all know about his incredible streak of games played, he was also very good defensively, and was a good hitter, as well. So, here are my favorites, who are some of yours?

Can't wait for you to ask what was the best WS you ever watched. Back in the day when the game was played.
Not like today with those 1 year contracts for HR hitters that can't play worth shit. I could rant on that one.

At least you like Americas game. Nothing like baseball.

Thanks. Best World Series IS a very good idea.

86’ is my vote

VERY understandable. I still think Bill Buckner got FAR too bad a rap for that play. He was a very good hitter throughout his career and NORMALLY very good defensively. My own favorite WS is 2001. Being a D-Backs fan since their inception, and living in Phoenix at the time make this an easy choice for me. My second favorite is 2005. I've been a White Sox fan since 1970, this series was beautiful to behold. The White Sox are my favorite team, followed closely by the D-Backs.

Big Unit fan, eh? LOL.
1967 Cards over Red Sox Bob Gibson MVP. Should have beat the Tigers in 1968.

 

[okfine]

AROD was the all around GOAT. It’s not even a debate

He WAS a great player, no doubt about that. But those stories of his steroidal use will always be there.

The roids hurts his legacy in most circles, but before he bulked up he was an amazing 5 tool player. Barry Bonds was on his level, but I give it to AROD because it’s much harder to play shortstop than left field.

I still have that issue with many roid heads. It made some good ball which can't be denied. Took a lot for me to finally give in about Barry Bonds actions. Still hate him for it.

Tge reason why I’m indifferent to the roid guys is they were products of their era. Major League Baseball knew about it and did nothing when they could have easily put an end to it. I mean most ball players were juicing.

The HR game was a spectacle back then. Bash Bros Bullshit and all. Nothing like a rarely hit triple w/ an RBI or two.

I kind of have a different view, because I’m more of a causal baseball fan. To me seeing balls hit out of the park every game was exciting. You seem like more of a purist, so you’re probably more enthralled with the traditional type of game.

Maybe when your team is down by 2 in the bottom of the 9th, 2 out, 3 and 2. Thats exiting.

 

[bluzman61]

As our country's lock down drags on and on and on, I'm getting more and more hungry for live baseball. ANY baseball at this point, I would even watch a game of wiffle ball of players aged 80+, completely covered in protective wear. Anyway, this would be your favorites who played shortstop for their whole careers, or mostly at that position. My picks - 1) Honus Wagner, a great hitter AND great defensive player. I wish I had gotten to see him play. 2) Ozzie Smith, never much of a hitter, but he was THE best defensive player at that position, IMO. Some footage of him making seemingly impossible plays in the field is just amazing to watch. 4) Ernie Banks, although he DID play first base exclusively in his later seasons, he made his name at shortstop. And he had unbelievable power for a player at that position. 5) Cal Ripken, Jr., we all know about his incredible streak of games played, he was also very good defensively, and was a good hitter, as well. So, here are my favorites, who are some of yours?

Can't wait for you to ask what was the best WS you ever watched. Back in the day when the game was played.
Not like today with those 1 year contracts for HR hitters that can't play worth shit. I could rant on that one.

At least you like Americas game. Nothing like baseball.

Thanks. Best World Series IS a very good idea.

86’ is my vote

VERY understandable. I still think Bill Buckner got FAR too bad a rap for that play. He was a very good hitter throughout his career and NORMALLY very good defensively. My own favorite WS is 2001. Being a D-Backs fan since their inception, and living in Phoenix at the time make this an easy choice for me. My second favorite is 2005. I've been a White Sox fan since 1970, this series was beautiful to behold. The White Sox are my favorite team, followed closely by the D-Backs.

Big Unit fan, eh? LOL.
1967 Cards over Red Sox Bob Gibson MVP. Should have beat the Tigers in 1968.

Yep, Randy Johnson WAS a sight to see, and one of the greatest pitchers ever. He's still THE tallest MLB player ever, at 6 foot,10 inches. He must have been something to bat against.

 

[rightwinger]

AROD was the all around GOAT. It’s not even a debate

He WAS a great player, no doubt about that. But those stories of his steroidal use will always be there.

The roids hurts his legacy in most circles, but before he bulked up he was an amazing 5 tool player. Barry Bonds was on his level, but I give it to AROD because it’s much harder to play shortstop than left field.

ARods years in Seattle when he played with Ken Griffey Jr were some of the best ever by a Shortstop

 

[Rocko]

AROD was the all around GOAT. It’s not even a debate

He WAS a great player, no doubt about that. But those stories of his steroidal use will always be there.

The roids hurts his legacy in most circles, but before he bulked up he was an amazing 5 tool player. Barry Bonds was on his level, but I give it to AROD because it’s much harder to play shortstop than left field.

ARods years in Seattle when he played with Ken Griffey Jr were some of the best ever by a Shortstop

Edgar Martinez, Griffey, AROD, the Big Unit that was some team

 

[rightwinger]

As our country's lock down drags on and on and on, I'm getting more and more hungry for live baseball. ANY baseball at this point, I would even watch a game of wiffle ball of players aged 80+, completely covered in protective wear. Anyway, this would be your favorites who played shortstop for their whole careers, or mostly at that position. My picks - 1) Honus Wagner, a great hitter AND great defensive player. I wish I had gotten to see him play. 2) Ozzie Smith, never much of a hitter, but he was THE best defensive player at that position, IMO. Some footage of him making seemingly impossible plays in the field is just amazing to watch. 4) Ernie Banks, although he DID play first base exclusively in his later seasons, he made his name at shortstop. And he had unbelievable power for a player at that position. 5) Cal Ripken, Jr., we all know about his incredible streak of games played, he was also very good defensively, and was a good hitter, as well. So, here are my favorites, who are some of yours?

Can't wait for you to ask what was the best WS you ever watched. Back in the day when the game was played.
Not like today with those 1 year contracts for HR hitters that can't play worth shit. I could rant on that one.

At least you like Americas game. Nothing like baseball.

Thanks. Best World Series IS a very good idea.

86’ is my vote

VERY understandable. I still think Bill Buckner got FAR too bad a rap for that play. He was a very good hitter throughout his career and NORMALLY very good defensively. My own favorite WS is 2001. Being a D-Backs fan since their inception, and living in Phoenix at the time make this an easy choice for me. My second favorite is 2005. I've been a White Sox fan since 1970, this series was beautiful to behold. The White Sox are my favorite team, followed closely by the D-Backs.

Big Unit fan, eh? LOL.
1967 Cards over Red Sox Bob Gibson MVP. Should have beat the Tigers in 1968.

Yep, Randy Johnson WAS a sight to see, and one of the greatest pitchers ever. He's still THE tallest MLB player ever, at 6 foot,10 inches. He must have been something to bat against.

The thing with Randy Johnson was he also had long arms. His height and release point meant he was over a foot closer to home when he released the ball.
Given his velocity and the batter having a foot less space to hit it in made him unhittable

 

[rightwinger]

AROD was the all around GOAT. It’s not even a debate

He WAS a great player, no doubt about that. But those stories of his steroidal use will always be there.

The roids hurts his legacy in most circles, but before he bulked up he was an amazing 5 tool player. Barry Bonds was on his level, but I give it to AROD because it’s much harder to play shortstop than left field.

I still have that issue with many roid heads. It made some good ball which can't be denied. Took a lot for me to finally give in about Barry Bonds actions. Still hate him for it.

And I think A-Rod SHOULD be in the Hall of Fame when he's eligible. The allegations of his steroid use seemed kind of sketchy to me. And he didn't really LOOK like someone taking steroids. Barry "Big Head" Bonds, on the other hand, gained at LEAST 60-70 lbs. of bulk and muscle, and his head really DID get bigger. His hat size actually increased, which is HIGHLY abnormal. There's no question in my mind he used steroids.

A-Rod tested positive

 

[Rocko]

AROD was the all around GOAT. It’s not even a debate

He WAS a great player, no doubt about that. But those stories of his steroidal use will always be there.

The roids hurts his legacy in most circles, but before he bulked up he was an amazing 5 tool player. Barry Bonds was on his level, but I give it to AROD because it’s much harder to play shortstop than left field.

I still have that issue with many roid heads. It made some good ball which can't be denied. Took a lot for me to finally give in about Barry Bonds actions. Still hate him for it.

And I think A-Rod SHOULD be in the Hall of Fame when he's eligible. The allegations of his steroid use seemed kind of sketchy to me. And he didn't really LOOK like someone taking steroids. Barry "Big Head" Bonds, on the other hand, gained at LEAST 60-70 lbs. of bulk and muscle, and his head really DID get bigger. His hat size actually increased, which is HIGHLY abnormal. There's no question in my mind he used steroids.

A-Rod tested positive

Yeah but the Chinese Wuhan virus is a hoax

 

[rightwinger]

View attachment 327507

But he is such an asshole. A Rod.

I ALMOST picked him for my top 5. But he did play exclusively at third base and was a DH in his entire time with the Yankees. Also, there were the steroids allegations.

He was a gifted asshole and worse when he got to... Jeterland. Ugh.

Playing 3rd base held him back

You know what I'm talking about. Yankee fan, si?
I watched him against the Angels many times when the Rangers came to LA and he was great.

Im a met fan, but I always rooted for AROD on whatever team he played for. He was untucking believable as a Ranger

I think when he was on the Rangers was when he started juicing

 

[Rocko]

View attachment 327507

But he is such an asshole. A Rod.

I ALMOST picked him for my top 5. But he did play exclusively at third base and was a DH in his entire time with the Yankees. Also, there were the steroids allegations.

He was a gifted asshole and worse when he got to... Jeterland. Ugh.

Playing 3rd base held him back

You know what I'm talking about. Yankee fan, si?
I watched him against the Angels many times when the Rangers came to LA and he was great.

Im a met fan, but I always rooted for AROD on whatever team he played for. He was untucking believable as a Ranger

I think when he was on the Rangers was when he started juicing

Yup

 

[bluzman61]

As our country's lock down drags on and on and on, I'm getting more and more hungry for live baseball. ANY baseball at this point, I would even watch a game of wiffle ball of players aged 80+, completely covered in protective wear. Anyway, this would be your favorites who played shortstop for their whole careers, or mostly at that position. My picks - 1) Honus Wagner, a great hitter AND great defensive player. I wish I had gotten to see him play. 2) Ozzie Smith, never much of a hitter, but he was THE best defensive player at that position, IMO. Some footage of him making seemingly impossible plays in the field is just amazing to watch. 4) Ernie Banks, although he DID play first base exclusively in his later seasons, he made his name at shortstop. And he had unbelievable power for a player at that position. 5) Cal Ripken, Jr., we all know about his incredible streak of games played, he was also very good defensively, and was a good hitter, as well. So, here are my favorites, who are some of yours?

Can't wait for you to ask what was the best WS you ever watched. Back in the day when the game was played.
Not like today with those 1 year contracts for HR hitters that can't play worth shit. I could rant on that one.

At least you like Americas game. Nothing like baseball.

Thanks. Best World Series IS a very good idea.

86’ is my vote

VERY understandable. I still think Bill Buckner got FAR too bad a rap for that play. He was a very good hitter throughout his career and NORMALLY very good defensively. My own favorite WS is 2001. Being a D-Backs fan since their inception, and living in Phoenix at the time make this an easy choice for me. My second favorite is 2005. I've been a White Sox fan since 1970, this series was beautiful to behold. The White Sox are my favorite team, followed closely by the D-Backs.

Big Unit fan, eh? LOL.
1967 Cards over Red Sox Bob Gibson MVP. Should have beat the Tigers in 1968.

Yep, Randy Johnson WAS a sight to see, and one of the greatest pitchers ever. He's still THE tallest MLB player ever, at 6 foot,10 inches. He must have been something to bat against.

The thing with Randy Johnson was he also had long arms. His height and release point meant he was over a foot closer to home when he released the ball.
Given his velocity and the batter having a foot less space to hit it in made him unhittable

Yep. Do you remember when John Kruk batted against Johnson in an All-Star game? Randy's first pitch went OVER John's head, and John turned his batting helmet around and switched to the right side of the plate, after feigning heart palpitations from the first pitch? That was hilarious. Kruk must have been a great guy to play with AND against. In his last season of baseball, as a member of the White Sox, he retired when got his career batting average back up to exactly .300. And this was BEFORE the season was over! He was quite a character.

 

[Rocko]

View attachment 327507

But he is such an asshole. A Rod.

I ALMOST picked him for my top 5. But he did play exclusively at third base and was a DH in his entire time with the Yankees. Also, there were the steroids allegations.

He was a gifted asshole and worse when he got to... Jeterland. Ugh.

Playing 3rd base held him back

You know what I'm talking about. Yankee fan, si?
I watched him against the Angels many times when the Rangers came to LA and he was great.

Im a met fan, but I always rooted for AROD on whatever team he played for. He was untucking believable as a Ranger

I think when he was on the Rangers was when he started juicing

Yup

If memory serves me right he was hitting low 40’s hrs on Seattle and then high 50’s on the rangers

 

[bluzman61]

AROD was the all around GOAT. It’s not even a debate

He WAS a great player, no doubt about that. But those stories of his steroidal use will always be there.

The roids hurts his legacy in most circles, but before he bulked up he was an amazing 5 tool player. Barry Bonds was on his level, but I give it to AROD because it’s much harder to play shortstop than left field.

I still have that issue with many roid heads. It made some good ball which can't be denied. Took a lot for me to finally give in about Barry Bonds actions. Still hate him for it.

And I think A-Rod SHOULD be in the Hall of Fame when he's eligible. The allegations of his steroid use seemed kind of sketchy to me. And he didn't really LOOK like someone taking steroids. Barry "Big Head" Bonds, on the other hand, gained at LEAST 60-70 lbs. of bulk and muscle, and his head really DID get bigger. His hat size actually increased, which is HIGHLY abnormal. There's no question in my mind he used steroids.

A-Rod tested positive

Thanks. I just think he never LOOKED like he was juicing, compared to Barry "Big Head" Bonds.

 

[Rocko]

As our country's lock down drags on and on and on, I'm getting more and more hungry for live baseball. ANY baseball at this point, I would even watch a game of wiffle ball of players aged 80+, completely covered in protective wear. Anyway, this would be your favorites who played shortstop for their whole careers, or mostly at that position. My picks - 1) Honus Wagner, a great hitter AND great defensive player. I wish I had gotten to see him play. 2) Ozzie Smith, never much of a hitter, but he was THE best defensive player at that position, IMO. Some footage of him making seemingly impossible plays in the field is just amazing to watch. 4) Ernie Banks, although he DID play first base exclusively in his later seasons, he made his name at shortstop. And he had unbelievable power for a player at that position. 5) Cal Ripken, Jr., we all know about his incredible streak of games played, he was also very good defensively, and was a good hitter, as well. So, here are my favorites, who are some of yours?

Can't wait for you to ask what was the best WS you ever watched. Back in the day when the game was played.
Not like today with those 1 year contracts for HR hitters that can't play worth shit. I could rant on that one.

At least you like Americas game. Nothing like baseball.

Thanks. Best World Series IS a very good idea.

86’ is my vote

VERY understandable. I still think Bill Buckner got FAR too bad a rap for that play. He was a very good hitter throughout his career and NORMALLY very good defensively. My own favorite WS is 2001. Being a D-Backs fan since their inception, and living in Phoenix at the time make this an easy choice for me. My second favorite is 2005. I've been a White Sox fan since 1970, this series was beautiful to behold. The White Sox are my favorite team, followed closely by the D-Backs.

Big Unit fan, eh? LOL.
1967 Cards over Red Sox Bob Gibson MVP. Should have beat the Tigers in 1968.

Yep, Randy Johnson WAS a sight to see, and one of the greatest pitchers ever. He's still THE tallest MLB player ever, at 6 foot,10 inches. He must have been something to bat against.

The thing with Randy Johnson was he also had long arms. His height and release point meant he was over a foot closer to home when he released the ball.
Given his velocity and the batter having a foot less space to hit it in made him unhittable

Yep. Do you remember when John Kruk batted against Johnson in an All-Star game? Randy's first pitch went OVER John's head, and John turned his batting helmet around and switched to the right side of the plate, after feigning heart palpitations from the first pitch? That was hilarious. Kruk must have been a great guy to play with AND against. In his last season of baseball, as a member of the White Sox, he retired when got his career batting average back up to exactly .300. And this was BEFORE the season was over! He was quite a character.

I remember that. funny as hell

 

[Jarlaxle]

AROD was the all around GOAT. It’s not even a debate

He WAS a great player, no doubt about that. But those stories of his steroidal use will always be there.

The roids hurts his legacy in most circles, but before he bulked up he was an amazing 5 tool player. Barry Bonds was on his level, but I give it to AROD because it’s much harder to play shortstop than left field.

I still have that issue with many roid heads. It made some good ball which can't be denied. Took a lot for me to finally give in about Barry Bonds actions. Still hate him for it.

And I think A-Rod SHOULD be in the Hall of Fame when he's eligible. The allegations of his steroid use seemed kind of sketchy to me. And he didn't really LOOK like someone taking steroids. Barry "Big Head" Bonds, on the other hand, gained at LEAST 60-70 lbs. of bulk and muscle, and his head really DID get bigger. His hat size actually increased, which is HIGHLY abnormal. There's no question in my mind he used steroids.

A-roid never got bigger because he was more than likely juicing since high school.

Bonds getting a swelled head was probably from HGH.

 

[Jarlaxle]

If memory serves me right he was hitting low 40’s hrs on Seattle and then high 50’s on the rangers

Seattle is a pitcher's park. Arlington is a hitter's park.