Call to the pen
Fansided

MLB history: Digging into Alfonso Soriano’s most impressive numbers

By Travis Landes

May 17, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees designated hitter Alfonso Soriano (12) rounds the bases on his home run during the seventh inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Yankee Stadium. New York Yankees won 7-1. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
May 17, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees designated hitter Alfonso Soriano (12) rounds the bases on his home run during the seventh inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Yankee Stadium. New York Yankees won 7-1. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Alfonso Soriano was one of the most notable and feared hitters since the turn of the century, seemingly appearing at the top of the New York Yankees lineup overnight as soon as he was welcomed to The Show. He provided instant impact, and he would go on to have an illustrious career. But what were his best numbers? What made him so unique? How’s his trophy room? Let’s dive into Soriano’s career and accolades.

What made Alfonso Soriano such a key player during his MLB career

Alfonso Soriano’s Career Stats: .270 AVG. 412 home runs, 1159 RBI, 289 Stolen Bases, .319 OBP, .500 SLG, .819 OPS, 1152 Runs

It took very little time for the baseball world to see how good Alfonso Soriano was. In his first full year in the big leagues in 2001 for the Yankees, Soriano finished third in American League Rookie of the Year voting behind only CC Sabathia and Ichiro Suzuki. After that, it would only snowball while he was in pinstripes. Soriano would have arguably the best year he ever had at the mere age of 26, going from third in Rookie of the Year voting to third in MVP voting the following year, leading the league in hits (209), runs (128), stolen bases (41), at-bats and plate appearances in 2002.

Soriano’s power became the staple of his game, hitting 20-plus home runs for 12 straight seasons, and half of those seasons he hit 30-plus. His season-high would come while in his lone season in Washington, bashing 46 homers for the club.

Soriano’s 289 career stolen bases makes him a very unique power/speed package at a high level. The list of players all time with more than 400 home runs and more than 250 stolen bases? Willie Mays, Alex Rodriguez, Carlos Beltran, Gary Sheffield, Andre Dawson and Soriano.

He also posted a career 162 game average of 318 total bases as well, proving tremendous production.

A name everyone knows, yet it is so quickly forgotten just how good Alfonso Soriano was when he arrived on the scene. Everywhere he went he hit bombs and provided more than reliable run production. He did it all with an old school swing with five-tool talent that churned out four Silver Sluggers … with power numbers that in all honesty deserved more.

Alfonso Soriano will forever be one of the best all around power hitters of his time.

Have the New York Yankees been unlucky?. dark. Next

Home/MLB History