List of Top 20 home run hitters – MLB Featured – Part 2
In my previous article, we looked at the hitters occupying the last five spots (20 to 16) on our list of top 20 home-run hitters in the history of the game. Below is Part 2.
15. Mike Schmidt
Mike Schmidt was an aggressive third baseman. In addition to being a superb hitter, he had great defensive skills as well. Schmidt claimed 10 Gold Glove and six Silver Slugger Awards in a career that spanned over 17 years.
He made 2404 appearances for the Philadelphia Phillies, hitting 548 home-runs with 1595 RBI’s. His last four Major League Baseball seasons resulted in a big disappointment. In 1989, he decided to call it a career.
14. Manny Ramirez
Manny Ramirez was an unbelievably strong hitter. Pitchers feared him when he stepped onto the plate. The right hander made his MLB debut in 1993. He did not live up to the expectations in the rookie season.
However, Ramirez improved his game play considerably with each passing season. In 1995, Ramirez smacked 31 home-runs to post the most successful season of his career.
“Manny’s influence with our young kids has been something that, unless you see it, you wouldn’t believe it. They sort of migrate to him and talk about everything, from kidding around in between innings,” said former Los Angeles Dodgers’ coach Larry Bowa
in an interview.
“Manny is really a simple person. He works extremely hard. He just wants to play baseball and go home and be with his family. How can you not respect and love a guy like that?,” said All Star Nomar Garciaparra.
Things continued to get better for him. Between 1996 and 2000, he belted 186 home-runs with an average of 37 home-runs per season. In his 19-year long career, Ramirez has hit 555 home-runs with 1831 RBI’s, which gives him 14thplace on the list
of top 20 home-run hitters.
“I think people on the West Coast don't realize how good he is,” team mate Derek Lowe said.
13. Reggie Jackson
Reggie Jackson played a key role in the Oakland Athletics’ revival in early 1970’s. He played seven seasons for the A’s, showing some top quality hitting skills to make a name for himself.
Jackson started to play as a designated hitter for the New York Yankees in 1977. During five seasons in the Bronx, he smacked 144 home-runs.
He was also a very good overall player, claiming the Silver Slugger Award in 1980 and 1982. With 563 home-runs and 1702 RBI’s, he is placed 13th the list.
12. Rafael Palmeiro
Rafael Palmerio crafted a Hall of Fame career for himself with consistent and reliable hitting. He made his MLB Debut with the Chicago Cubs in 1986. However, it was not until 1990 when he realised his true potential.
Palmerio changed the course of his destiny after joining the Baltimore Orioles in 1994. In his five years tenure with the Orioles, he hit 182 home-runs at an average of 26 home-runs per season. He continued his marvellous hitting form to finish his career
with 569 home-runs and 1835, thus claiming the number 12thspot on the list of top 20 home-run hitters.
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own and in no way represent Bettor.com's official editorial policy.
Continued in Part 3
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