Top 10 National League Third Basemen

Third base has been a strong position in National League culture. Which no longer exists because of the Universal DH, but we digress. The hot corner is an important position on the field, and most of those players were run producers when they batted. Here is my list.

1. Mike Schmidt

He came into the league a mediocre third baseman and a guy who hit under .200. With hard work, this Philadelphia Phillies legend was the best fielder notching ten gold glove awards and the best run producer with 548 home runs and 1,595 RBI.

2. Eddie Mathews

This power hitter was the seventh player in the 500-home run club. He led the NL in home runs in 1953 and 1959 and was the MVP runner-up in both of those seasons with the Atlanta Braves.

3. Pie Traynor

This Pirates legend had a .320 lifetime batting average and led the Pirates to a World Series win in 1926 with a .346 batting average.

4. Chipper Jones

This Atlanta Braves legend would get serenaded with “Larry” by Mets fans at Shea Stadium because of his dominance there. It never affected his game. His 1,623 RBI and .303 batting average are impressive in any era. He was NL MVP in 1999 and won a batting title in 2008.

5. David Wright

“The Captain” made it all look easy at times for the New York Mets. Until spinal stenosis took away his career. In his 11 years of excellent, he won two gold gloves and had 970 RBI with five seasons of 100 or more RBI.

6. Nolan Arenado

In nine years, he’s had six 100 RBI seasons with two of 40 or more home runs in the high altitude that the Colorado Rockies benefit from. His nine gold glove awards say it all.

7. Matt Williams

This barrel-chested third baseman starred for the Giants and the Diamondbacks where he won a World Series. His 378 home runs, six postseason home runs, and 1,363 RBI are all impressive numbers. He won four gold gloves as well.

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8. Ken Boyer

This St. Louis Cardinals great was always good for 20 home runs and sometimes 100 RBI season. His five gold gloves and 1964 NL MVP Award get him on this list.

9. Scott Rolen

He was solid with the Phillies and the Cardinals. His five 100 RBI seasons and eight gold gloves get him on the list. I don’t think he’s a Hall of Famer, but maybe voters will say otherwise in the future.

10. Ron Santo

This Chicago Cubs legend had four 100 RBI seasons and five gold gloves. He once led the league in triples and walks four times.