‘Hall Of Fame Debate’ – Wade Boggs VS George Brett
When discussing the greatest third baseman of all-time, the names Mike Schmidt and Brooks Robinson seem to be the first two names uttered in most conversations.
The third spot is kind of up for grabs though. From Chipper Jones to George Brett to Eddie Matthews to Wade Boggs, the list of names that could fill the third spot is a lengthy one.
So, tonight, we will debate two of those Hall of Famers: Wade Boggs and George Brett.
First, let’s look at their numbers:
| Wade Boggs | George Brett | |
| Seasons | 18 | 21 |
| Games | 2440 | 2707 |
| Hits | 3010 | 3154 |
| 200 Hit Seasons | 7 | 2 |
| 150-199 Hit Seasons | 4 | 9 |
| Batting Average | 0.328 | 0.305 |
| .300 Seasons | 15 | 11 |
| Batting Titles | 5 | 3 |
| On-Base % | 0.415 | 0.369 |
| Doubles | 578 | 665 |
| Home Runs | 118 | 317 |
| Runs Scored | 1513 | 1583 |
| RBI | 1014 | 1596 |
| 100-RBI Seasons | 0 | 4 |
| All-Star | 12 | 13 |
| Gold Glove | 2 | 1 |
| Silver Slugger | 8 | 3 |
| ROY | 0 | 0 |
| MVP | 0 | 1 |
| Postseasons | 6 | 7 |
| WS Titles | 1 | 1 |
Ok, and now that the numbers are posted, here are my take-aways:
- Boggs’ number of 200-hit seasons stands out immediately
- The difference between a .328 and a .305 career batting average is huge over a 18-21 season career
- Boggs’ career on-base percentage is .46 points higher that Brett’s
- Brett has almost 100 more doubles and 200 more home runs than Boggs
- Boggs scored a lot more average runs per year
- Brett drove in runs at a much greater clip – 3:2
- Boggs was recognized with 8 Silver Slugger Awards to Brett’s 3
- Brett’s MVP Season stands out
Man, what a race between these two guys. While Wade Boggs was able to excel in the 3rd spot in the batting order due to his ability to put the ball in play and draw walks, Brett was a huge run-producer for the Royals. Brett’s home run numbers and RBI cannot be ignored. And the fact that he did that while maintaining a career batting average of .305 is huge. I was extremely surprised to see that Brett had more career doubles than Boggs – very surprised!
As for league-wide recognition, they have similar All-Star numbers, with Boggs getting the edge in both Gold Glove Awards and Silver Sluggers. But, it was Brett that is able to stake his claim as the best player in baseball with his MVP Award.
So, now it is vote time.
And my vote goes to Wade Boggs. For me, Boggs was the perfect person you would want batting third for your team. His uncanny ability to get on base by either collecting hits or drawing walks was elite. Ultimately, it led to a lot of runs being scored – and a lot of wins for the Boston Red Sox. His defense was better than Brett’s and the Silver Slugger wins cannot be ignored.
And now it is your turn. Cast your vote in the debate – Wade Boggs VS George Brett!!!!
30-Year Old Cardboard 
George Brett! Classic work horse on the field. Great clutch hitter when you needed him. Team loyalty and a passion for the game. Plus the famous pine tar incident.
Wade Boggs was a great hitter too and had a good glove. I think he lost his passion for the game when he was traded to the Yankees and then given up for the expansion draft.
Fordman- Thanks for the vote.
Boggs 1, Brett 1
Two great players, Really a tough call. Boggs was a great hitter that took advantage of his home field (career .369 BA at Fenway, .302 on the road). Brett also hit for a higher BA at home, but the old configuration of Royals Stadium probably hurt his HR totals and he hit more on the road during his career. I was a huge fan of Brett, so I will pick him.
BTW, there is no doubt in my mind that these guys battle it out for third best third baseman currently in the HOF. One is Schmidt, but two is not Robinson, he comes in fifth in my book. Eddie Mathews is the clear number two
Wrigley Regular- Great data; thanks for sharing!
Boggs 1, Brett 2
Brett in a landslide. There’s a reason Brett has over 500 more RBI’s, he got his hits when they counted. George Brett is the man you wanted batting third. I also disagree that Mike Schmidt is on a tier above either of these guys. In 18 years he only managed 2234 hits, which is pretty freaking weak by Hall of Fame terms. He hit more homers, but that was it. Brett still had more RBI’s than Schmidt.
You must be a northeasterner if you think Schmidt and Robinson are the “clear cut” top two.
sillygoose- Thanks for the vote. Don’t forget that defense is half of the game, and there are no better defensive third baseman in the sport’s history than Schmidt & Robinson…
Boggs 1, Brett 3
And I am the farthest thing from a ‘northeasterner’.
U forget Brett’s postseason numbers, I think in 2 games he hit 6 hrs.
Schmidt may not have been a .300 hitter; but 500+ HR’s, 3-time MVP and the Best (along with a younger S Rolen) at playing the bunt from the third base position.
Wrigley Regular- I agree that defense has to play a role in this debate – especially at a spot like 3B where it is very hard to be an elite defender.
After looking at the numbers I’m picking Brett. Brett’s HR, RBI and Runs scored totals really stand out in making my choice. Although Brett had over 300 HR his OPS is a point lower than Boggs, which I found a little strange.
If Boggs played his entire career with the Red Sox his offensive numbers would have been much more better and would have made this a tougher choice.
Matt- Thanks for the vote. It’s hard to argue against the run production that Brett served up!!
Boggs 1, Brett 4
My vote is for Boggs. No disrespect to Brett, but Boggs was the better of the two. You did a great job describing the numbers; I just want to add for the naysayers, Boggs has fewer RBI’s because he batted 1st for most of his career. This drastically reduced his chances for batting in runs. And I am tired of people saying that a home run hitter has more value on team than someone who has a higher batting average and gets on base more.
Fisk Fanatic- it’s nice to se someone mention the player’s purpose in the lineup and I agree it is a huge factor. Great point by you!!!
Boggs 2, Brett 4
Well, you finally got one wrong 🙂 Boggs slapping out more singles in a hitter friendly park doesn’t make him a better player than Brett. I can’t imagine what kind of number Brett would have had if he played his whole career in Boston. Other things that stand out for me – Brett helped take his teams to more postseasons despite playing in a time when fewer teams made the postseason. Also, I like that Brett played his whole career in Kansas City and didn’t cling on. Boggs getting his 3,000 hit in those awful Devil Rays uniform is a baseball “moment” I would rather forget.
J-Bro, I was bound to get one wrong at some point… LoL
I agree that it would have been nice to see Boggs play his entire career in Boston.
Thanks for voting and contributing!!
Boggs 2, Brett 5
George Brett my childhood hero!
Wtmullican- Certainly a good choice!!
My vote goes to Brett, he was a middle of the order guy and a run producer, boggs put up some insane batting averages in the 80s but sacrificed power to do so. Brett also had that season even boggs couldn’t come close to with a 390 batting average. Also, dont forget to look at there post season stats because that’s where Brett separates from boggs. He was a one man wrecking crew in 85. Ask Toronto fans.
My vote would be for George Brett. The power #’s put me over the top. Brett also stole 201 bases compared to Boggs 24. I love a player that goes A to Z with the same team. Both great hitters. Both HOFers.