Last Updated: June 17th, 2026 by Michael Griffin
I became more aware of Mike Schmidt toward the tail end of his career. I’d just been born when he first began, and was all of four when I went to my first game. It wasn’t until his third MVP win in 1986—one I was convinced Gary Carter deserved—that I began to appreciate just how good Schmidt was. Here are some slides to fill in the gaps for me and others about the man who was arguably the best third baseman ever.
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548 Home Runs: Power Numbers That Still Dazzle
Schmidt launched 548 home runs, each one with backspin, thanks to his swinging down on the ball. He hit 515 of them as a third baseman, putting him at the top of the list at that position.
Ten Gold Gloves: Schmidt’s Defensive Masterclass
Diving stops, barehanded grabs, and rocket throws across the diamond … Schmidt’s ten Gold Gloves are a testament to his artistry at third base. While fans often praise Brooks Robinson, Schmidt’s defensive prowess was in the same elite tier.
Three MVP Awards—In an Era Packed with Legends
Winning one MVP is a career highlight. Schmidt won three (1980, 1981, 1986), outshining a parade of future Hall of Famers. The thing is … he arguably could have won MORE in the ’70s if not for the quirks of voting.
Six Silver Slugger Trophies: The Best Bat at the Hot Corner
With six Silver Slugger Awards shining on his mantle, Schmidt proved year after year that he was the National League’s most dangerous hitter at third base. If the award had been around in the 1970s, he could’ve made it 10.
2,234 Hits: Consistency Over Eighteen Remarkable Seasons
Not just a slugger, Schmidt collected 2,234 hits. While he wasn’t a Wade Boggs capable of racking up 200-hit seasons, he was still dangerous each time he came to the plate.
Eight-Time National League Home Run Leader
Leading the National League in home runs eight times, Schmidt set a standard for power that few have matched. Other National Leaguers would start a season knowing they were likely vying for second place behind the Phillies slugger.
World Series MVP, 1980: Schmidt’s October to Remember
This is the face of a happy man. Schmidt’s bat caught fire in the postseason, and the Phillies finally won it all. He added a World Series MVP alongside his regular-season one that year.
1,595 RBIs: Driving in Runs Like Clockwork
With 1,595 career RBIs, Schmidt was a run-producing machine. If a teammate was on base, odds were good he’d drive them home with a big swing.
12 All-Star Appearances—A Fixture Among the Greats
From the late ’70s to the late ’80s, Schmidt was an annual All-Star. He’d show them each year why he was considered one of the best in the game.
Five-Time NL Slugging Percentage Leader
Schmidt didn’t just hit for power … he led the league in slugging percentage five times. Each at-bat was a chance for him to hit the ball hard.
Phillies All-Time Leader in Home Runs and RBIs
No one in Phillies history has hit more home runs or driven in more runs than Mike Schmidt. Every new player that comes to Philadelphia has someone to chase and measure themselves against.
Hall of Fame Induction, 1995: Immortality Secured
In 1995, Schmidt’s immortality was stamped with his Cooperstown induction. The Kid from Dayton was now on a podium with other greats, including Brooks Robinson.