George Brett

Being a Kansas City native George Brett is one of the only sports heroes we had to look up to, and as far as all-time Kansas City sports heroes go, he's number one (number two is any number of members of the 1969 Super Bowl Chiefs team or Tony Gonzalez, at least in my book). Easily one of the top 5 third basemen of all time. He is one of four players in MLB history to get 3,000 hits, 300 home runs, and a career .300 batting average, and his 3,154 hits are the most by a third basemen. He has a reputation in KC for being not-so-nice, but if you had people coming up to you constantly you'd probably get irritable too. And of course you can't forget the famous pine-tar incident, Brett charging out of the dugout like a raging bull, profanity streaming, practically leaping at the umpires, mullet flying in the wind, it took like four people to restrain him, lol - classic!

watch it here:

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080723&am; p;content_id=3181787&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.js p&c_id=mlb

Certainly one of the greatest third basemen ever, ranks around 2nd or 3rd for third basemen. Schmidt was a better fielder and had more power and that's why I'd put Schmidt first, but Brett wasn't exactly a hack- he won 3 batting titles, an MVP, had good if not outstanding power, ran hard, played hard. The best third baseman in the AL from the mid 70's until the mid 80's, an easy HOF'er and one of the 2 or 3 greatest third basemen ever.

Along with Mike Schmidt, the greatest third baseman in my lifetime. The Pine Tar Incident was one of those classic Baseball moments that us Baseball fans still chuckle at. Boy, was George pissed!

George Brett was the greatest non-pitcher of his era.

George Brett won three batting titles in three different decades (I would call that consistent). He was elected to the Hall Of Fame with a %98 approval rating (You won't see 98 out of 100 sportswriters agree on too many things--so that says something). Every time I saw him play he taught me something new about the game and how to win.

Towards the end of his career started to get real inconsistant.

George Brett of the Kansas City Royals (1973 - 1993) played each game with ceaseless intensity and unbridled passion. Lifetime mark include .305 AVG, 317 HR, 1,595 RBIs and 3,154 hits. Eleven .300 seasons, a 13 Time All-Star and the first player to win a batting title in three decades (1976, 1980, 1990). Hit .390 in 1980 his MVP season and he also led the Royals to the Royals first World Series Title in 1985. Ranks among All-Time leaders in hits, doubles, long hits, and total bases. A.L. Career record, most intentional walks.

Brett was so solid and a joy to watch. He was a smart player who could field his position well, hit for power, and really hit for average. He had the best run at .400 in my lifetime. A well-earned spot in the HOF.