by Bob Swanson

Created on: July 24, 2008   Last Updated: September 18, 2008

The shortstop is the position where weak defenders are quickly spotted. For a shortstop to be successful he needs to be good defensively and cover a lot of ground. The shortstop is the maker of some of the most spectacular players in the game. From the diving stop up the middle, to the spinning throw from the outfield grass, and the all the double plays. Also any good shortstop knows how to jump over highflying spikes when turning two. Here are the 5 greatest shortstops in the history of baseball.

5. Our first shortstop is a little guy. He has only played in 3 All-Star games and does not have any power. Omar Vizquel is not the most popular shortstop, or the most powerful. He may only have 77 home runs and 880 runs batted in. He may only have a lifetime batting average of .272. What he does have is over 2,600 hits. He does play Gold Glove defense every single year. He has 10 Gold Gloves to his name and the record for most games at the position of shortstop. He is a switch-hitter and has stolen 384 bases. His amazing durability and consistency make Omar Vizquel the 5th greatest shortstop of all time.

4. This next shortstop plays for the New York Yankees. He is one of their best players ever and their best shortstop ever. Derek Jeter is known for the variety in his game. He does not have any weaknesses at all. He is a lifetime .315 hitter with a little pop. He has 201 home runs and almost 1,000 runs batted in. With just under 2,500 hits, he makes contact, a lot. His signature move is when he runs into the hole, jumps and lasers a throw to the first baseman. This play is a common visitor on ESPN's "Web Gems." He is a pure leader and will do what is best for the team every time.

3. Next is the "Wizard of Oz." Also known as Ozzie Smith. He is a St. Louis Cardinal great. A switch-hitter at the plate and a magician on defense. Watching one of his games was like watching a magic show. He was so great defensively at shortstop. Ozzie is the proud owner of 13 Gold Gloves and a Silver Slugger Award. He was a fan favorite as he was elected to 15 All-Star games. Smith wasn't a terrible hitter with 2,460 hits. The factor that gives him this spot is his defense. He is one of the best defensive players to ever step onto a baseball diamond. Ozzie Smith is the 3rd greatest shortstop in baseball history.

2. Known by many as the "Iron Man," known by all as Cal Ripken Jr. While we talk about what Cal did, we should talk about what he didn't do. That however would be a boring article

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