Fansided

Who is the best MLB player from each state?

By Joshua Sadlock

Sep 19, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) smiles to the bench after hitting a triple and driving in a run during the sixth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) smiles to the bench after hitting a triple and driving in a run during the sixth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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(Original Caption) Baltimore, Md.: Baltimore’s Brooks Robinson make a diving catch of a line drive by Cincinnati’s Johnny Bench in the 5th inning of the 3rd World Series game. The Orioles won, 9-3, giving them a 3-0 lead in the series.
(Original Caption) Baltimore, Md.: Baltimore’s Brooks Robinson make a diving catch of a line drive by Cincinnati’s Johnny Bench in the 5th inning of the 3rd World Series game. The Orioles won, 9-3, giving them a 3-0 lead in the series. /

Arkansas: Brooks Robinson

For a state that has not produced a high number of MLB players, Arkansas more than holds their own when it comes to elite talent. Six players from the state are in the Hall of Fame, including Lou Brock, Arky Vaughn, and Dizzy Dean. Brock retired as the all-time leader in stolen bases, while Dean was one of the most colorful personalities in baseball during his heyday.

Brooks Robinson stands out from the rest of the group, however. The Human Vacuum Cleaner is still the gold standard for defense at third base, having won 16 Gold Gloves in his 23 years with the Baltimore Orioles. He also won the 1964 MVP award and went to 15 All-Star Games in a row.

Robinson was not just all about the glove, recording 2,848 hits over his career. He also helped lead the Orioles to World Series titles in 1966 and 1970. In the postseason, Robinson was a .303/.323/.462 hitter. Even with the passage of time, Brooks Robinson stands out among the best third baseman in the history of baseball. The torch in Baltimore at the hot corner is in the process of being passed to Manny Machado, but it took the better part of four decades for a defender on his level to emerge.

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