The SuperstarsMany fans would say that the discussion of second-basemen should begin and end with Rogers Hornsby. Holder of the post-1900 single-season batting average record of .424, Hornsby hit over .400 three times, won two triple crowns, and has the right-handed lifetime batting average record of .358, second only to Ty Cobb overall. He hit for power with 301 home runs and a single-season high of 42 and was considered by his contemporaries to be one of the top fielders ever at his position.
Other students of baseball history would offer early 20th century stars Nap Lajoie and Eddie Collins as serious competition for Hornsby. Lajoie at .338 lifetime and Collins at .333 were also excellent fielders and base-stealers. Lajoie, who began his career before the turn of the century, also batted .400 once. Collins, one of the honest members of the notorious 1919 Black Sox, was Babe Ruth's choice for all-time second-sacker.
A bit later and extending into the memory of our oldest fans was Charlie Gehringer, who played an entire career for the Detroit Tigers, batting .320 and sparking pennant winners in 1934, 1935, and 1940. A much-admired fielder, he was a perennial leader in assists and fielding percentage.
The Last Half-CenturyThe period closer to today would be dominated by Pete Rose, who batted .303 lifetime, including 15 seasons above .300, and earned the title of "Mr. Hustle" as a vital cog of the Big Red Machine of the 1970's. But Rose, who broke Ty Cobb's long-standing career basehits record with 4,256 of his own, spent only four years as a regular second baseman.
Seven-time batting cchampion Rod Carew hit .328 lifetime with a single-season high of .388, but spent more of his career at first base than second. So, too, Jackie Robinson, a lifetime .311 batter, spectacular fielder, and intimidating baserunner, played only five full seasons at the keystone sack before decamping to the outfield and third base.
The best of those who remained primarily a second baseman may have been Joe Morgan of the aforementioned Big Red Machine. While he batted only .271 over his career, Morgan was a fine bat handler with power, a brilliant fielder, an excellent base stealer, and an acknowledged team leader. Another contender would be Roberto Alomar, a lifetime .300 hitter, rangy fielder, and prolific base stealer.
Among active players, Chase Utley of the world champion Philadelphia Phillies is showing signs of eventual consideration for all-time honors. After six years, Utley, a fine fielder, has a .298 batting average, four straight 100-runs batted in seasons, and two seasons with more than 30 home runs.
Reference: Baseball-Reference.com
