Graig Nettles: .248/.329/.421, 390 home runs, 1314 RBI, 68.0 WAR, 8.3% (1994)
A stellar defensive third baseman, Graig Nettles was more than just a glove at the hot corner. He also hit with prodigious power, a combination that led many to think he would be a Hall of Fame player after he retired.
During the 1970’s, it was easy to understand why that was the prevailing thought. Nettles was frequently among the league leaders in homers, including his league leading 32 bombs in 1976. That power, along with his ability to draw a walk, helped make up for his low batting averages, as he provided plenty of value in the lineup.
What made him a truly special player, however, was his glove. Although Nettles only won two Gold Glove awards, he earned a great deal of notoriety for his defense due to his play in the postseason. As it was, that excellent defensive reputation was well deserved, as Nettles currently ranks second all time in assists and double plays as a third baseman, and is sixth in MLB history with 134 runs saved at the hot corner.
Several players have made the Hall of Fame due to their ability with the glove, such as Bill Mazeroski, Ozzie Smith and Ray Schalk. Yet Nettles was a far superior hitter to any of them, hitting for power and getting on base while displaying that same level of defense. Nettles may not have the same hardware, but historically, he was certainly on par with them.
Maybe Graig Nettles was not a Hall of Fame player with his bat. However, his ability with the golve cannot be discounted, making him a legitimate candidate for induction.
Next: Staying at the hot corner