Last Updated: April 18th, 2024 by Jake Cain
Nap Lajoie: 1900’s
In the 1900’s, Nap Lajoie stood out as a second baseman with a bat that just couldn’t cool down. He owned the diamond with a stellar average, hitting over .300 from 1909 to 1913, and notching averages above .360 for three straight seasons beginning in 1910.
His 1910 batting average of .384 was a whisker away from leading the league.
He wasn’t just a hitter; Lajoie brought grace to second base, making the difficult plays look like a Sunday picnic. His career was marked by not only his batting prowess, but also an incredible baseball IQ that had other teams scrambling to match up.
Jokes aside, when the dust settled and the numbers were crunched, Lajoie’s 106.9 career WAR speaks volumes—sitting comfortably among the all-time greats at second base.
Given the nickname “the Frenchman,” Lajoie’s legacy went beyond stats, as he ended up becoming the eponym for the Cleveland Naps, a testament to his impact on the team and the city. His career has aged like fine wine, and today’s fans still tip their caps to Lajoie, the guy who could make a double play as smoothly as he could hit a line drive into the gaps.
Eddie Collins: 1910’s
Eddie Collins was a true standout among second basemen in the 1910s. He was a powerhouse at the plate, boasting a .344 batting average throughout the decade, making him an offensive force rarely matched by his peers.
Not just a hitter, he also had the speed, stealing over 430 bases during this time, adding another threat to his already impressive skill set.
Defensively, Collins was a reliable and agile player, his quick thinking and sharp reflexes turning probable hits into outs with grace. He wasn’t just good, he was consistently good, earning a reputation for dependability that coaches and players alike could count on.
Collins’ contributions helped lead his team to multiple World Series appearances, and his leadership on and off the field was palpable.
His baseball intelligence was something to marvel at; Collins understood the game on a level that few others did. He played smart, always aware of the situation, which made him not only a threat but also a key strategist in tight games.
Eddie Collins wasn’t just a second baseman, he was the second baseman of the 1910s, a player whose style and performance would influence the way the position was played for years to come.
Rogers Hornsby: 1920’s
During the 1920’s, Rogers Hornsby was the second baseman everyone talked about. While the guys were knocking it out of the park, Hornsby was racking up hitting stats that are still tough to believe.
In particular, his batting average of .358 is a National League record that has stood the test of time.
The man wasn’t just a hitter; he led second basemen in fielding percentage, showing he could flash the leather as well as swing the bat.
He wasn’t satisfied with just hitting over .400 three times; he had to go and win the National League MVP twice in that decade.
Hornsby’s 1922 season was pure baseball magic, boasting 42 home runs and 152 RBIs while batting an astronomical .401.
Nicknamed “The Rajah”, he wasn’t just playing the game, he was redefining it for future second basemen.
With a keen eye at the plate and quick hands in the field, it’s no wonder his amazing performance on the field and sharp baseball mind are still revered by fans today.
Charlie Gehringer: 1930’s
Charlie Gehringer was the guy you’d pick every time in a sandlot game—consistent, reliable, downright machine-like in the 1930’s. Nicknamed The Mechanical Man, he wasn’t just swinging the bat; he was a hit factory.
In the ’30s, he batted an impressive .320 and rarely missed a game, making him a Detroit Tigers’ cornerstone.
Crafting a .500 slugging percentage on three occasions during the decade, Gehringer was as much a power threat as he was a model of hitting precision.
He garnered accolades too, snagging the American League MVP in 1937.
It’s not just the batting—Gehringer’s glove work was also top-notch. He turned double plays with the grace of a ballet dancer, only dirtier and with more spikes.
His excellence wasn’t just in his stats but in his style. While others hogged headlines, Charlie clocked in, did his job, and wowed fans with understated brilliance on both sides of the ball.
His smooth, consistent play at the keystone positioned Detroit for success throughout the ’30s, making him an icon in Motown and a model for second basemen everywhere.
The dude was the full package—a hitting maestro, a defensive wizard, and as unshakeable as the Motor City’s assembly lines he mirrored. You want a second baseman who defines a decade? Charlie Gehringer’s your man for the ’30s.
Bobby Doerr: 1940’s
In the ’40s, Bobby Doerr was a powerhouse at second base for the Boston Red Sox. His ability to consistently drive in runs was impressive, securing over 100 RBIs in six seasons.
Defensively, he was no slouch either, masterfully handling his position and becoming a mainstay for Boston’s infield.
In a decade marked by some fierce competition, Doerr’s nine All-Star appearances showed just how highly he was regarded by fans and fellow players alike.
Jackie Robinson: 1950’s
In the 1950s, Jackie Robinson wasn’t just a force at second base; he was breaking barriers and setting the standard.
He didn’t just play the position; he redefined it with a unique blend of skills.
His agility turned double plays into an art form, and his speed on the base paths was a constant threat to opponents.
Proving he was more than just a trailblazer, his contributions to the team were tangible and dramatic.
In 1951, for example, he boasted a batting average of .338, and following it up in ’52 with a solid .308, he showed consistency at the plate was part of his game.
His versatility also shone through, as he seamlessly switched positions when needed without skipping a beat, playing first base and the outfield besides second base.
Always a team player, his leadership and competitive spirit were the heart and soul of the Dodgers.
Jackie’s influence stretched far beyond the diamond – he transcended the sport and became a symbol of progress and equality.
But make no mistake, when it came to playing second base in the ’50s, Jackie Robinson was in a league of his own. His stats were solid, but it was the way he carried himself, the way he played the game, that made him a legend in the eyes of baseball fans everywhere.
Bill Mazeroski: 1960’s
In the 1960s, Bill Mazeroski stood out as an exceptional second baseman for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
He wasn’t just a slick fielder; Maz also delivered in clutch moments, with his most famous home run lifting the Pirates over the Yankees in the 1960 World Series.
He consistently displayed a knack for defensive prowess, nabbing seven All-Star selections throughout the decade, solidifying his reputation as a stellar infielder.
While he didn’t put up the flashiest numbers, his 1960 Series-winning home run is the kind of big moment that cements a player’s legacy.
Mazeroski’s glove work was so sharp that it earned him the affectionate nickname “the Glove,” a testament to his reliability on defense.
He wasn’t about the pomp and show; instead, his game spoke volumes on the diamond with smart, effective play that was second to none.
To put it simply, Mazeroski’s impact on the game was huge—the kind of stuff every kid playing stickball in the ’60s wanted to emulate.
Sure, offensive players often grab the spotlight, but for folks who appreciate a seamless double play, Maz was their guy, demonstrating the art of second base every game.
Joe Morgan: 1970’s
During the 1970s, Joe Morgan consistently showcased why he was the top second baseman of the decade.
With his five Gold Glove Awards, he displayed stellar defensive skills, practically redefining excellence in the field.
His ability to steal bases was legendary, notching over 40 steals in nine separate seasons, blending speed with intelligence on the basepaths.
But what made Morgan truly exceptional was his powerful blend of hitting, with a high on-base percentage and home run power that contributed significantly to the Cincinnati Reds’ “Big Red Machine” dominance.
Morgan didn’t just play the game; he dominated it, making crucial plays and providing game-changing at-bats.
His Sports Illustrated title of “1975’s Sportsman of the Year” speaks volumes, as does his back-to-back MVP awards in ’75 and ’76, which were testament to his all-around impact.
The man wasn’t just good, he was a ’70s baseball highlight reel, with an incredible baseball mind that fans still tip their caps to.
His influence in the game went beyond stats, contributing to the story of baseball with a legacy any fan of the sport can appreciate.
Lou Whitaker: 1980’s
Lou Whitaker was the man for the Detroit Tigers in the 80s. He had a stellar combination of skills at second base that made fans take notice.
‘Sweet Lou,’ as they called him, played with a kind of smooth flair that was rare for the time. In the decade, he bagged three Gold Glove awards, which says a lot about his defensive wizardry.
Bat-wise, Whitaker was no slouch either. He cranked out hits with consistency and had solid power for a second baseman, notching an impressive batting average of .273 in the 80s.
His performance at the plate earned him five All-Star appearances in the decade, showing he wasn’t just a favorite in Detroit, but all over the league.
But he wasn’t all about personal accolades. In 1984, Whitaker was a key player in helping the Tigers clinch the World Series title.
It’s his combination of exceptional glove work, reliable hitting, and championship-winning experience that makes Lou Whitaker stand out as the best second baseman of the 1980s.
Craig Biggio: 1990’s
In the 1990’s, Craig Biggio wasn’t just good, he was the guy at second base. His versatility on the field was unmatched; Biggio switched from catching to second base, bringing a rare mix of defensive skill and offensive power to the Astros.
He could swipe bases, slam homers, and wield his glove with the best of them, making the All-Star team multiple times throughout the decade. Biggio had the kind of hustle that made you spill your nachos cheering from the stands.
Chase Utley: 2000’s
In the 2000’s, Chase Utley emerged as a powerhouse at second base for the Philadelphia Phillies. He wasn’t just good; he was a six-time All-Star and played a pivotal role in bringing home the World Series trophy in 2008.
With his knack for clutch hitting and his smooth fielding, Utley wasn’t just a fan favorite—his stats backed up the love.
He hit over 25 home runs in four consecutive seasons from 2005 to 2008, a rare feat for a second baseman.
Fielding-wise, he turned double plays like a magician and had the kind of range that made the difficult plays look easy. You’d be hard-pressed to find a rival second baseman in that decade with a blend of skills that shone as brightly on both sides of the diamond as Utley’s did.
Chase was more than just numbers, though. His ferocious style of play and the downright dirty uniform after every game made him the epitome of Philly baseball—tough, relentless, and always playing like it’s the last game of the Series.
This gritty approach earned him the endearing moniker “the Man” among the Philly faithful.
When baseball fans reminisce about the 2000’s, Utley stands out not just for his skills but for how he played the game—it was a full-throttle, give-it-all performance every time he stepped on the field. If you were building a dream team for that decade, Utley’s name would be etched in stone at second base.
Robinson Cano: 2010’s
During the 2010s, Robinson Canó stood out as a powerhouse at second base. Beginning the decade with the New York Yankees, he demonstrated a unique combination of defensive prowess and offensive firepower.
His skill at turning double plays and his smooth fielding were matched by his consistent batting average and home run tally. Moreover, Canó racked up numerous awards in the 2010s, including multiple All-Star selections and Silver Slugger Awards, solidifying his position as one of the decade’s elite second basemen.
By then, every fan knew when Canó stepped up to the plate, chances were something exciting was going to happen. By the power of his swing alone, he could change the course of a game, earning himself a reputation as a clutch hitter.
He wasn’t just reliable, he was a bona fide star, shining brightest when the pressure was on. His stint with the Mariners after leaving the Yankees only continued to build his legacy, as he remained a key figure in the lineup.
Cano brought fans to their feet with his knack for hitting in the clutch, solidifying himself as a player who not only had the stats but also the moments that stick in your mind. He had a natural ability to make the big plays look easy, whether it was with his bat or his glove.