The shortstops of the 1950s changed how fans viewed a position known primarily for defensive skill, as they displayed various talents unseen before and latterly established their legacies among all-time greats. As the game became more popular, shortstops ultimately developed as a key component of championship-level teams. Not only were these players adept in the field, but most also provided punch at the plate, combining power with speed and bat control.
Top 10 Shortstops of the 1950s
1. Ernie Banks - Chicago Cubs
Ernie Banks is considered by many as one of the best MLB players at shortstop during his time (1953-1971). Affectionately known as "Mr. Cub," Banks was a slugger who had home run power and hit for average, making him one of baseball's most feared hitters. Playing for the moribund Cubs, Banks was a perennial All-Star (14 times) and consecutive MVP in 1958 and '59, one of just three players to win back-to-back honors that decade.
2. Harvey Kuenn - Detroit Tigers
Kuenn was one of the top shortstops in the AL during his career. Kuenn won his first of four AL Batting Titles in 1959 with a .353avg. He was less celebrated for his glove work, but he remained a valuable member of the Tigers with the bat and an important piece in their success during that decade.
3. Al Dark - Boston Braves, New York Giants, St. Louis Cardinals
Al Dark was an all-around great shortstop of the part of a decade in which he played for several teams. Dark was a 4-time All-Star who won the World Series with the New York Giants in 1954, and he could hold his own defensively as well. With his quiet, efficient style of play and field leadership ability, Dark didn't attract as much attention. He epitomized the steady shortstop play that marked American League teams during this period.
4. Pee Wee Reese, Brooklyn Dodgers.
Great all-around shortstop in the '50s. Defensively, Reese was a wizard with tremendous range and cannon arm who also made significant contributions at the plate by hitting for power and average. Reese was the captain of the 1955 World Series champion Brooklyn Dodgers and a 10-time All-Star. In addition, his leadership and field presence has made him easily one of the top shortstops in baseball during this decade.
5. Eddie Joost - Philadelphia Athletics
Joost made legitimate noise as a gloveman in the 1950s. Joost was a 4-time All-Star shortstop with the Philadelphia Athletics and known for his double play abilities and excellent range.
6. Solly Hemus - St. Louis Cardinals
Boasting superb all-around play, Hemus was a two-time All-Star who meshed sound defensive skills with good hitting. Though not as eye-popping an addition as some of his peers, Hemus' across-the-board contributions turned him into a steady force for the Cards.
7. Phil Rizzuto - New York Yankees
Phil Rizzuto was a star for the New York Yankees in their World Series-winning teams of the '50s and also captured seven All-Star selections along with an AL MVP award (1950). Rizzuto wasn't a powerful player but was an expert at getting on base and scoring runs, as well as playing slick-fielding shortstop. His leadership and clutch play propelled the Yankees to the world championship in 1949, crediting him as one of that decade's most elite shortstops.
8. Johnny Logan - Milwaukee Braves
Logan was a big part of the Brave's success in the Milwaukee squad that beat New York for the championship. Logan was the epitome of a well-rounded player. Logan boasted tremendous defensive prowess and also wielded an equally powerful bat. He played both sides of the ball and was a steady contributor for Braves teams over ten years, earning four All-Star selections.
9. Roy McMillan - Cincinnati Reds
Roy McMillan was one of the best shortstops offensively during the 1950s but earned all his kudos for what he did at that position defensively. While he did not have the gaudy offensive numbers of some shortstops from his era, McMillan was considered one of the best defensive players at a position known for defense. He was a 2x All-Star who played solid defense at shortstop for the Cincinnati Reds and was vital to their success.
10. SS Luis Aparicio - Chicago White Sox
Luis Aparicio was a thrilling and electric shortstop in the early years of his career with the Chicago White Sox, and he undoubtedly impacted baseball during that time. Aparicio was one of the fastest men ever to play shortstop, and his combination of offense and defense made him a two-way threat. Aparicio was no power hitter, but his athleticism, base-stealing understanding, and consistent glove at shortstop helped make him one of the most valuable players at that spot in the decade while keying Chicago's contention.
The Lasting Effect of 1950s SS
Shortstops of the 1950s made an impression on Major League Baseball, giving us a new level to measure up against at shortstop. Guys like Ernie Banks, the offensive gunslinger to Pee Wee Reese, who mesmerized at defense, this era of baseball produced a crop of Hall of Fame-type characters that still define how the game is played.
The effects of these 1950s Shortstop titans still have a bearing because of how the stance has finished up pending this day when it comes to end-of-wire playoff contender teams. The abilities, the accomplishments, and the heritage of these players continue to serve as an inspiration for shortstops in working their way up through youth baseball programs everywhere, ensuring that this golden age from back there in the 1950s will never fade away.
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