Mike Schmidt - the Greatest Third Baseman Ever

[BOSSHOG]

Now I know that's something we can all agree on, especially today, the 18th anniversary of his 500th home run.

[JohnKleeb]

1. Best hitting Third Baseman of all time no doubt but

I think Brooks Robinson is the better third baseman, not to take away from Schimdt, but I think Brooks was better. Oh I agree best overall btw.

[BOSSHOG]

5. Ole Brooks from Arkansas

without a doubt the greatest defensive third baseman. Just didn't have the offensive muscle and Schmidt was pretty nifty with the glove as well.

[demosincebirth]

6. You're right. Brooks was the best defensive 3rd baseman of all times...

without a doubt!

[JohnKleeb]

11. Yeah he wasnt a great, great hitter

but he was dependable, it was his glove though that got him in the hall though of course and that awesome performance in the '70 series.

[BOSSHOG]

14. I grew up in Philly

in the 60's and Baltimore was my American League team. I got the opportunity (honor) to see a game at old Memorial Stadium. I also have been to their new stadium. He was awesome in the 70 series.

[JohnKleeb]

15. Camden Yards is a cathederal of a park

Its a great place, I think I got taken to memorial stadium as a baby but other that that none, I was 4 when it closed.

[BOSSHOG]

17. I don't recall the year I went to Camden Yards

but a good friend of mine and I had our picture taken with the football stadium under construction in the background. We had a great time. Is Memorial still open? I recall it being in a residential neighborhood, just like Old Connie Mack in North Philly.

[JohnKleeb]

19. I think Memorial is still around

I dont live near Baltimore really, I live more near DC than Baltimore. I believe the NFL Ravens played their first years there before transfering to that football stadium you stood behind. I would say you went there around 1996ish I Guess,

[Voltaire]

2. 18 years already...GAWDAMN!!!

I can remember his rookie season when Roger Freed was supposed to be the big hitting star from Reading.

But I am giving away my age here.

[BOSSHOG]

4. Ah Voltaire, you display your wisdom

I used to listen to the '64 games on my transistor radio long after my bedtime. I still seek counseling.

It was a sunny Saturday afternoon in Pittsburgh. Top of the ninth, Pirates up 6-5, runners on first and third and the Philly batter eyed the Pitcher. Harry Kalas makes the call, "Swing and a long drive, that balls outta here. There it is number 500. The 500th career homerun for Michael Jack Schmidt."

[Voltaire]

9. 64 was my first season

and the pain of it is still fresh. That and Joe Carter in 93. If I ever see Fregosi on the street I WILL pimp slap him for not leaving Roger Mason in.

[BOSSHOG]

12. In 64 they had the world series tickets printed

I lived six blocks from Connie Mack Stadium. Oh the Humanity!

[flakey_foont]

20. I was a kid in the Philly area

in '64............what a heartbreaker! But we had a great team that year, - Chris Short, Johnny Callison, Richie Allen,

[MrSlayer]

3. That is the general consensus.

He did it all. Great fielder and hitter but a jackass of a person. He got booed here so often because of his shit personality but there is no doubt he was the best to play the position.

[BOSSHOG]

8. Was he booed because of his shit personality

or did he develop his shit personality because he was booed? Its not like Philly fans are discriminating in who they choose to boo. I know, I am one. Member of the 700 club in the mid 80's. I'm looking at my autographed baseball right now, autographed by Chris Short; poster of Schmidty in my garage; miniature replica of Connie Mack Stadium and Phillie fanatic in my office.

For clarification for non Phillie fans - 700 Club refers to the upper section of Veterans Stadium. Although being a Phillie fan has been a religious experience for me which I have not waivered.

[Voltaire]

16. I wish I could FIND a replica of Connie Mack

Some of the best memories of my childhood were there. My wife and I flew in from Indiana for the next to last game at the Vet. She had never been to the Vet, it was her first and last time and she was crying with everyone else. A dump she was, but she was OUR dump.

I have lived in Indianapolis for awhile now but I NEVER root against a Philadelphia team. Sixers were here a couple of nights ago and I was with all the Pacer fans with my Philly stuff on. I get my first look at Citizen's Bank Park on June 10th. Can't wait!

[BOSSHOG]

18. I got my replica from Danbury Mint

I also got a replica of the Vet from Danbury Mint (Or I should say my wife found it for me on Ebay). The Vet replica has the seats all blue but it works for me. I'll have to get a replica of the new stadium however I haven't been in it yet. I lived on Somerset Street six blocks from Connie Mack and went to St Columba on Lehigh through the sixth grade. Callison and Taylor and Dalrymple and Mauch and Chris Short and Art Mahaffey and Wes Covington and Soft Pretzels and Sunday afternoon doubleheaders. I got a ton of old Phillie baseball cards in the attic. Those were the days my friend.

[Voltaire]

21. Stop or I will tear up....

Art Mahaffey! Jack The Giant Killer Balschun!

I, of course have very mixed emotions about Jim Bunning now.

[BOSSHOG]

22. Like a Crawfish

I have purged Jim Bunning from any positive memory I have of the Fightin Phils.

[MrSlayer]

23. No, he was always a dick.

You know how it is here. Give us a reason to love you and we will love you like no one has ever been loved but if you fuck up you're done. He even admits to it now, regrets how he acted.

[smoogatz]

7. A graduate of Ohio University, my alma mater

Used to watch him play at Trautwein field when I was a kid (free). Didn't he finally retire because he had terrible hemorrhoids?

[denverbill]

10. Eddie Mathews is close.

He was a bit before my time, but posted almost identical hitting stats.

[BOSSHOG]

13. Eddie Matthews was a great third baseman

and a team leader. I just don't get any warm fuzzies about any of the players today. There doesn't seem to be any Schmidt's or Matthews around anymore. Oh yeah, there are lots of great players, but not too many heros.