Second base is known as the Keystone because it’sin the middle of the field, joining the right side and left side. Its importance in the field is shared by the player associated with it, the second baseman. Although typically thought of as a good glove, light bat position, some of the best second basemen in the history of the game have proven this assumption wrong. Not only have they provided consistent, reliable defense, but many of them have been a source of offensive production from a position where it’s not usually expected. Below are the best second basemen in the history of the game. Spoiler alert: Rod Carew isn’t on the list. His 81.2 career WAR, 3,053 hits, and .393 career OBP puts him near the top of any discussion of second basemen, but he actually started almost 100 more games at first than he did at second. So here are the top 10 second basemen, presented alphabetically. 

3000 hits. 500 home runs. Certain numbers reflect a level of dominance in baseball that only a small handful of players are able to achieve. Fewer than 35 players have been able to rack up hits or slug home runs at a significant enough rate over their career to join either club. Fewer still have been able to join the even more elite club of players with 3000 hits and 500 home runs. These players are among the best of the best to ever step up the plate, combining elite contact and power skills to shine in their respective eras. Today we are going to run down the list of MLB players with 3000 hits and 500 home runs in their career.

Note: All the statistics and events referenced below can be found using the Sports Reference Stathead tool!