Luis Aparicio – The Best I Ever Saw
When he retired, Luis Aparicio was considered the best defensive shortstop ever. At that time, he had played the most games, had the most assists and double plays, and had the best (they were not invented yet) best Dwar and zone range of any shortstop in MLB history.
Since retiring, he has fallen a little backward behind Omar Vizquel, Mark Belanger, Cal Ripken, and Ozzie Smith. However, it is safe to say he is still one of the top five defensive shortstops in baseball history.
He played 18 seasons with the White Sox, Orioles, and Red Sox. He hit .262 during his career and led the AL in steals for nine straight seasons. He won the Rookie of the Year in 1956 and was runner-up in the MVP race in 1959. He won 9 Gold Gloves, played on 13 All-Star Teams, and played in the 1959 World Series for the White Sox and the 1966 World Series for the Orioles. Both against the Dodgers, losing in 59 and winning in 66.
He was elected into the Hall of Fame in 1984.
Luis said, in his view, not even his election into the Hall of Fame has brought Frank Robinson the recognition he deserved. “the thing is with Frank, if he didn’t beat you with a hit, he stole a base, made a great catch or would kick a ball out of your glove to win a game. He always had something on his mind, and I don’t know anybody who played the game was more of a force on the field.”
In addition to his lineup, he wanted to add two players from the Minnesota Twins. Tony Oliva (2022 Hall of Famer), “Tony was a pure hitter in how they talk about Ted Williams. Before his legs went, he was second to nobody with a bat in his hands.” He added, “I also could have done without facing Camilo Pascual. He was the best curveball pitcher I ever saw. Nobody could make you look more foolish when you were in the batters’ box.”
Luis Apparicios All Time Team:
Outfield –
Frank Robinson, Mickey Mantle, and Al Kaline
Around the horn in the infield – Brooks Robinson (3b), Tony Kubek (ss), Bobby Richardson (2b), and Vic Power at (1B)
Battery:
Jim Palmer (RH) and Dave McNally (LH) and catching Bill Freehan (c)
Here are a few audio treats to listen to:
1959 World Series Go Go Sox vs. LA Dodgers
1966 World Series Baltimore Orioles vs. LA Dodgers
Luis Aparicio Hall of Fame Speech
A few other audio treats:
Al Kaline Biography
Frank Robinson (1961 & 1966, 1969, 1970, and 1971 World Series)
Mickey Mantle – Longest Homerun, Hardest Ball he hit, Self Reflections
Brooks Robinson – 1970 World Series
Bobby Richardson Interview about Sandy Koufax
Last week he listed Hank Aaron
s team and the week before Babe Ruth’s team.
Next week we will dive into Luke Appling, old Aches and Pains. If you want a primer, here is the lengthy interview Appling gave.
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