who is the greatest 2nd baseman of all-time?

Answer 1

No question. Hornsby.

After him, then you can debate, but as the 2nd best player when in his prime, I would say Joe Morgan.

ON EDIT: Dear lord. Baseball freak actually mentioned Placido Palonco in the same sentance as Rogers Honsby. Utely is idiotic to mention with him for at least the next five years, but POLONCO!?! That takes the cake.

Answer 2

How can people throw out players like Morgan, Sandberg, Utley, Placido, etc.? Hornsby is the obvious choice at 2nd base. As far as 2nd and 3rd you'd have to take Biggio and Eddie Collins, in no particular order. If you take all the second baseman that have made it to the H.O.F. and score the 6 major categories (hits, runs, rbi, hrs, sb, ave) with players getting points between 0-17 depending on their rank, the list would be the following:

1)Eddie Collins
2)Roger Hornsby
3)Craig Biggio (I added his numbers even though he isn't in the H.O.F. yet)

The only thing preventing Hornsby from being number 1 is lack of at bats compared to the other two. I think you could make arguments for either Biggio or Collins being the 2nd best of all time, but you can't argue with Hornsby's numbers.

There were a lot that believed Morgan was either first or second, which is crazy. The only stat that morgan has on Biggio is stolen bases. Just because Morgan is great on TV doing games doesn't make him the best 2nd baseman of all time, or even top 3.

As far as Sandberg goes he only had one stat on Biggio as well-Average(.285-.282).

As far as Chase and Placido go I shouldn't even have to mention them because we're using the phrase greatest of all time, not best in the league right now. Having said that I do believe that Chase will be in the top 3 of all time if he can find a way to get at least 7,000 at bats. Basically if his career isn't shortened because of injuries.

For those that would argue that there is much more to the game than those 6 stats, then I would agree. The more stats you throw out I feel would only help Biggio's case. 1st all time in HBP for all batters. 5th all time in doubles for all batters (1st in 2nd baseman). 2nd for 2nd baseman in GIDP ave. In fact he was the first player to play an entire 162 game season and not ground into a double play. He also spent the majority of his career hitting in a pitchers park (Astrodome).

Answer 3

I'm going to go with Collins.
2B is a defensive position first. Contemporaries said that Horsby would not cover second on steals, couldn't catch pop-ups, and was weak in the pivot. He also managed to lead the league in errors at least once.
He was traded three times and outright released twice.
A great hitter, yes. Not a great second baseman.
Eddie Collins, while not as good a hitter (few were), was an outstanding fielder, probably the Gold Glover of his day if they had had the award. He was on four WS winning teams and was one of the "clean Sox" in 1919. He has the highest Win Shares totals of any second basemen ever. He was also far better on the base paths than Hornsby.
I would take Collins at 2nd and make the Rajah a DH.

By the way, while it's nice to see people remembering Hornsby, one person who might know something about the game is Bill James. He ranks Hornsby #4 at 2B.

Answer 4

Joe Morgan grow to be the best 2d Baseman of all time! in his 22 12 months occupation he had 2517 hits, 268 HR, 1133 RBI. a occupation .271 avg with a .392 OBP he gained 2 international sequence with the Reds. and recognized in 4 international sequence over all. (seventy two, seventy 5, seventy six, 80 3) he's a 5 time gold glover and gained the Silver Slugger in '80 two. he recognized in 2,649 video games and performed for 5 communities. in many cases he performed for the Astros (Colt .40 5's) and the Reds. he wrapped up his occupation with the Giants, Phillies, and A's. he's now calling video games for ESPN and hes the best to take heed to. he has a super know-how and love for the sport. hes a hall of famer who provides decrease back to his community day in and outing. there have been some super 2d baseman, yet i've got faith Morgan is the main memorable. hes my decision

Answer 5

Depending on the era Rogers Hornsby has to be on my list. Charlie Derringer (Tigers) was absolutely incredible yet you never hear his name mentioned and that's a shame. Jackie Robinson has to be on my list as well. He only played 10 seasons but take a look at his numbers, unbelievable.

Today I think that Jeff Kent will one day be a member of Cooperstown as well. If Joe Morgan is a hall of famers then certainly Jeff Kent belongs there as well. Kent is head and shoulders better than Morgan.

Answer 6

1. Hornsby
2. Morgan
3. Ryne Sandberg (although I believe he came up as a 3B in the Phillies organiztion before being traded to Cubs)
4. Mazeroski
5. Lou Whitaker (longevity and excellence on and off the field)

DO NOT mention Kent (too many errors early in career), Utley or Polanco (too young) because they are not even the best within their franchises histories ( Remember Manny Trillo and Whitaker?)

Answer 7

Rogers Hornsby is the classic choice, and it's hard to argue with it. He certainly was one of the great right-handed hitters in history.

I'm not so sure that Joe Morgan doesn't deserve to be in the argument, though. He certainly did absolutely everything well, including run and field, and was a lot better person in the clubhouse.

Answer 8

*considers*
I'm thinking Rogers Hornsby. We're talking INSANE at bats here. Not like A-Rod's AB's. More insane. He was right-handed, I believe. His batting was unbelievable, literally. Think .424 BA single season. (I think he holds the record.) He career BA was .358! Which, you know, is amazing. (I believe he holds the NL record for career BA.) He is considered the most powerful hitter, arguably, in the history of baseball. Or, at least his numbers say so. But now onto his actual position. 2B! In his first full season at second base, he pretty much led the league in assists and doubleplays. He was VERY quick too.
2 Triple Crowns as well.
I thought what Rogers Hornsby accomplished was pretty dang AMAZING!

Hope I could help!

Yankees Love. <3

Answer 9

Rogers Hornsby

Answer 10

Ryne Sandberg