We will take a look at the careers of Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson, perhaps the greatest 3rd baseman of all time and St. Louis Cardinal Great, Ken Boyer.
By the Numbers
Taking an initial look at the numbers, it would appear that Brooks Robinson was the better player all around. But taking a second look may give you a different perspective.
If we can agree that 15 years of playing Major League Baseball is a acceptable period, for consideration for the Hall of Fame Candidate than lets look at the new numbers.
Let us look at the players season averages over their career.
Season Averages
Games Played
Robinson 123Boyer 135Advantage Boyer +12
ABs 463 497Advantage Boyer +34
Runs 53 73Advantage Boyer +20
Hits 123 142 Advantage Boyer +19
HRs 11 19Advantage Boyer +8
RBI 59 76 Advantage Boyer +17
BB 37 47Advantage Boyer +10
SB 1 7 Advantage Boyer + 6
AVG .267 .287Advantage Boyer +20 pts
Given that Brooks Robinson was the all time greatest defensive 3rd baseman, Ken Boyer was
an excellent fielder as well, earning five gold gloves.
I am convinced that in their prime, I would have chosen Boyer over Robinson to play 3rd base.
The offensive advantage, of 20 additional runs scored, a 20 point higher batting average, with
more hits, walks and stolen bases, that Boyer more that makes up for the difference in defensive ability with Brooks Robinson.
Boyer should not be penalized because, he did not play 20 plus seasons, his record speaks for itself, I believe he belongs in the Hall of Fame.
