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MLB All-Star Game: All-time team

By Dave Stevenson

Jul 27, 2014; Cooperstown, NY, USA; Plaques all installed in the museum for viewing after the class of 2014 national baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony at National Baseball Hall of Fame. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 27, 2014; Cooperstown, NY, USA; Plaques all installed in the museum for viewing after the class of 2014 national baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony at National Baseball Hall of Fame. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Getty Images /

Second Base

There are a ton of choices here, but Roger Hornsby gets the nod for his well-rounded game. Not only was he an excellent top of the order hitter in his prime, he was also a premier defender for his era. This lineup is going to hit a ton of home runs, but it will need somebody to get on base for them. Hornsby fills that role flawlessly.

He had a .358 batting average for his career. That alone is amazing. His on-base percentage of .434 and a slugging percentage of .577 puts him among the best hitters of all-time. Defensive stats were questionable back in the 1920’s, but Fangraphs has him as a positive defender throughout his career.

Hornsby won two National League MVPs, one while playing for the St. Louis Cardinals and one while playing for the Chicago Cubs. He won the 1926 World Series with the Cardinals. Hornsby’s 130.3 WAR places him on the throne of second basemen and among the best players of all-time.

He’s the easy choice for second base. Some of the honorable mentions include Roberto Alomar, Joe Morgan, and Rod Carew. However, none of them brought to the table what Hornsby did. His versatility as a second baseman, shortstop, and third baseman makes him even more valuable.

Next: Shortstop

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