Mike Schmidt

Mike Schmidt is considered the greatest third baseman in MLB history, leading the Phillies to their first World Series title in 1980.

Michael Jack Schmidt was born on September 27, 1949, in Dayton, Ohio, and grew up idolizing Cincinnati Reds stars Frank Robinson and Johnny Bench. The Philadelphia Phillies drafted him in 1971, and he debuted the following year, though his early career was marked by inconsistent hitting that tested the patience of Phillies fans. Schmidt developed into arguably the greatest third baseman in baseball history, combining elite power with exceptional defense — he won 10 Gold Glove Awards to go with three National League MVP trophies (1980, 1981, 1986) and eight home run titles. His breakthrough moment came in 1976, when he hit four home runs in a single game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. The arrival of Pete Rose in Philadelphia in 1979 proved transformative for Schmidt, whose relaxed, businesslike demeanor had sometimes clashed with the city's demanding fanbase; Rose's enthusiasm and knowledge of the game helped Schmidt refine his approach. The pairing paid off in 1980, when the Phillies won their first World Series championship in franchise history, with Schmidt earning World Series MVP honors. Schmidt spent his entire 18-year career with the Phillies, finishing with 548 home runs, and retired in an emotional, tearful announcement in 1989, saying he could no longer meet the high standards he had set for himself. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1995 with 96.5% of the vote, and the Phillies retired his No. 20.

Power hitter with exceptional defensive skills at third base

Greatest third baseman in baseball history

• World Series champion & MVP (1980)
• 3x NL MVP
• 10x Gold Glove
• 12x All-Star
• 6x Silver Slugger
• Hall of Fame 1995