Top 10 Puerto Rican-born MLB players in honor of Roberto Clemente Day
By Manny Gómez
The 7th – 5th ranked Puerto Rican born MLB players.
Bernie Williams | 49.6 bWAR
Like Posada, Bernie Williams also had the great privilege of having played his entire career on a single team, also the Yankees. Also like Posada, Bernie too has four World Series rings, including the ultra memorable 1996 World Series against the Atlanta Braves.
Included in his very decorated resume are FIVE All-Star selections, FOUR Gold Glove awards, a Silver Slugger, a Batting Title, and the 1996 ALCS MVP award.
Orlando Cepeda | 50.1 bWAR
The first Hall of Fame Puerto Rican player to appear on this list, Orlando Cepeda won the Rookie of the Year award in 1958 as a member of the San Francisco Giants. Years later, as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals, Cepeda would win the MVP award after leading the league with 111 RBI.
Included in his accomplishments are 11 All-Star selections and a 1967 World Series ring with the Cards. He would be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1999 by the Veteran’s Committee.
Jose Cruz | 54.4 bWAR
Jose Cruz is another one of those understated players that contributed to his team’s success in a variety of ways. He wasn’t much of a home run hitter but was capable of stealing a base or two when necessary. He was also a traditional contact hitter, even leading the league in hits in 1983 with 189 H.
His main accomplishments include TWO All-Star selections and TWO Silver Slugger awards.