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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
8 of 31
Next
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 /

43. . 1999-2014. Yankees, Rangers, Nationals, Cubs. Alfonso Soriano. 24. player

He may not have spent the majority of his career as a leadoff hitter, but it’s impossible to ignore the production a young Alfonso Soriano had at the top of the lineup.

In 2002, Soriano had one of the greatest single-season performances ever for a leadoff hitter. In 156 games, all of them atop the order, he hit .300/.322/.547 with 39 home runs and 102 RBI. Soriano led the Major Leagues in plate appearances (741), at bats (696), hits (209), and runs (128). He also led the American League with 41 stolen bases and finished third in MVP voting.

With the Washington Nationals in 2006, Soriano spent some time hitting fifth and some time in the three hole, but led off the majority of the season. In 159 games, he hit a career high 46 home runs, drove in 95 runs, scored 119 times and stole 41 bases – making him the fourth and final (to date) member of the 40-40 Club.

Not only does Rafael Soriano rank second all-time in home runs to lead off a ball game with 54 in only 768 opportunities, he holds both the American League and National League records for most homers by a leadoff hitter to start a game with 13 in 2003 with the New York Yankees and 12 with the Chicago Cubs in 2007.

Next: Rafael Furcal

Home/Boston Red Sox