Luis Aparicio

"Little Looie" earned many honors during his career and established many new records. For the nine years between 1956 and 1964, he was the leader in stolen bases (reaching his highest number of fifty-six in 1959). Further, he earned the honor of being the first major league player since Ty Cobb to steal fifty or more bases three years in a row.

Aparicio was an outstanding fielder and earned great distinction as a Gold Glove winner every year from 1958 to 1962 and then in 1964, 1966, 1968, and 1970. (Gold Gloves are presented to honor the best fielders at their positions.) In addition, Aparicio led all American League shortstops in fielding for eight consecutive years, led five times in games played, seven times in assists, four times in putouts, twice each in total chances per game and double plays, and only once in errors. The American League at-bats leader in 1966, Aparicio ranks first among all shortstops in lifetime games (2,581), double plays (1,553), chances (12,564), and assists (8,016).

Aparicio's high level of performance won him a place on the All-Star team as shortstop from 1958-1964 and 1970-1972—a total of ten times. He also ranked as the Sporting News All-Star shortstop every other year from 1964 to 1972.