Saturday, Chipper Jones rapped a two-run single against the Nationals (here's the exciting video).
Chipper Jones Is No. 1! (sorta)
Last weekend, Chipper Jones set a record. According to MLB.com. But like a lot of things, it sort of depends on how you look at things. Let’s take a different look!
It was sort of a big deal, because before that two-run single, Chipper Jones had been precisely tied on the all-time RBI list with George Brett ... and both had been tied atop the all-time RBI list for “third basemen”.*
But with that two-run single, Chipper took over No. 1 on the third-base list. And he’s driven in three more runs since then, which pushed him past a big round number! Chipper’s now got ...
1,601 Runs Batted In
That’s a lot.
But here’s where the “sorta” comes in. While Chipper Jones certainly qualifies as a third baseman, he’s also been other things during his illustrious career. He’s also been a Designed Hitter, on occasion, and, more notably, an outfielder. In 2002 and ‘3, he was almost exclusively an outfielder. So, because we love you, here are the all-time leaders in RBI by players who were actually, at that moment, playing third base:
1. Mike Schmidt - 1,474
2. Brooks Robinson - 1,350
3. Chipper Jones - 1,319
4. Ron Santo - 1,297
5. Eddie Mathews - 1,271
Meanwhile, Mr. Brett is well off the pace with only 1,005 RBI as an actual third baseman.
Next up for Chipper: Brooks Robinson for the No. 2 spot on the non-sorta list!
But if he sticks to his retirement plan -- which he probably should do, considering how many retirement gifts he’s accepted this season -- Chipper’s not going to catch Mike Schmidt, still the greatest third baseman in this and many other regards.
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