Fansided

MLB: Top 30 leadoff hitters of all-time

By Nicholas Ian Allen

Mar 24, 2015; Jupiter, FL, USA; Miami Marlins right fielder Ichiro Suzuki (51) heads toward the dugout during a game against the Boston Red Sox at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2015; Jupiter, FL, USA; Miami Marlins right fielder Ichiro Suzuki (51) heads toward the dugout during a game against the Boston Red Sox at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Royals, A's, Cubs. Willie Wilson. 11. player. 7. . 1976-1994

Some consider the 1980s as the golden era for leadoff-hitting base stealers, and Willie Wilson was one of the very best.

After parts of three seasons in the big leagues from 1976-78, Wilson became the primary leadoff hitter for the Kansas City Royals in May 1979. A switch-hitter with lightning speed, Wilson hit .315/.351/.420 and led all of baseball with 83 stolen bases that season.

In 1980, the Montgomery, AL native put together the best year of his career with a .326/.357/.421 slash in 161 games (all but three of them atop the lineup). Wilson led Major League Baseball in plate appearances (745), at bats (705), hits (230), runs (133) and triples (15) that season, and also swiped 79 bases in 89 attempts.

Despite hitting only three home runs and driving in only 49 runs, Wilson finished fourth in the 1980 AL MVP voting and earned a Silver Slugger Award. He was also awarded a Gold Glove.

Overall, Wilson led off 1,321 times for Kansas City, won the 1982 batting title (.332) and made the AL All-Star team for the first time that season. He led the Majors in triples five times – he collected 15 three-baggers three times and hit 21 in 1985, the year he and the Royals won the World Series.

In 19 big league seasons, Wilson hit .285/.326/.376 with 2,207 hits, 1,169 runs and stole 668 bases (which sits 12th on the all-time list).

Next: Maury Wills

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