Fansided

MLB power rankings: Top 30 nicknames of all-time

By John Buhler

Aug 14, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) smiles after a single against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the fifth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 14, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) smiles after a single against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the fifth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 23, 2016; Cooperstown, NY, USA; Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson and his wife arrive at National Baseball Hall of Fame during the MLB baseball hall of fame parade of legends. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 23, 2016; Cooperstown, NY, USA; Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson and his wife arrive at National Baseball Hall of Fame during the MLB baseball hall of fame parade of legends. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports /

13. Brooks Robinson: The Human Vacuum Cleaner

When he was playing third base for the Baltimore Orioles from 1955 to 1977, Brooks Robinson wanted all the ground balls. He was so skilled defensively at the hot corner, he garnered one of the most recognizable nicknames in the sport: The Human Vacuum Cleaner.

Robinson won 16 straight gold gloves from 1960 to 1975 at third base for the Orioles. He could hit a good bit as well with a .267 career batting average, 2,848 career hits, 268 career home runs and 1,357 career runs batted in.

Robinson was an 18-time American League All-Star, won two World Series in 1966 and 1970, and the 1964 AL MVP. He is one of the greatest Orioles of all-time and the best defensive third basemen the game of baseball has ever seen.

The only guys in recent memory to come anywhere near the defensive prowess at third base since  Robinson were Mike Schmidt and Scott Rolen, both playing in the National League. Robinson is synonymous with the best years of Orioles baseball and vacuum cleaners. What a combination!

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