This is the third installment in a series that focuses on highlighting the top five athletes in each position for the Texas Rangers. This episode zeroes in on the indispensable roles of second basemen and shortstops. Players in these positions for the Rangers are noted for their speed and defensive prowess. This roster boasts of notable figures who carried the torch for the franchise during its three stints at the World Series, the record holders for several offensive metrics, and even a one-time MVP who later courted controversy by dabbling in performance-enhancing substances.
Remember Dave Nelson? He came to the Senators through a trade deal. Quite noteworthy is his action in 1971, which is known for recording the franchise’s final run in Washington. But, the year following this, he carved his name in history by swiping 51 bases, securing a spot as the second-best in the single-season record of the franchise.
Mark McLemore was another formidable force in the fleet, fondly nicknamed ‘Supersub’ during his protracted 19-year MLB tenure. However, during his five-year tenure with the Texas Rangers spanning the years 1995-99, McLemore shone as the secondary baseman. His brightest moments were probably in his last playing year with the club, when he registered .274 on the batting scale, recorded 155 hits and had an impressive, career-best count of 105 runs.
Another standout player in the team was Texas-born talent, Michael Young. He honed his skills on the field and steadily gained recognition as one of the league’s most accomplished hitters. His tenure as a secondary baseman concluded in style, as he scored a commendable .306 in 2003, leaving an indelible mark.
Alfonso Soriano was a force to be reckoned with during his tenure with the Texas Rangers. He succeeded in earning a spot in the All-Star roster and a coveted Silver Slugger award in his two seasons with the team. Moreover, he bagged the title of MVP in the Midsummer Classic of 2004, thanks to his spectacular three-run home run in the opening inning. He further raised the bar in 2005 by becoming a member of the renowned 30-30 club, with 36 home runs and 30 stolen bases to his name.
Turning our attention to the shortstops, Scott Fletcher had a memorable four-year stint with Texas. 1987 marked his peak season as he batted .287, setting his career-best scores with 63 RBIs, an impressive tally of 82 runs, and a whopping 169 hits.
The tale of his achievement is closely followed by that of Colbert ‘Toby’ Harrah. Harrah, recognized for his iconic mustache and sideburns, was also popular for his playful antics off the field in the Rangers’ clubhouse. Throughout his 11-year journey with the Rangers, he demonstrated versatility by playing across three infield positions and secured three All-Star appellations.
Harrah’s game time in Texas was highlighted with significant milestones. This includes earning seven All-Star nods, six seasons with over 200 hits, and delivering performances of at least 80 runs, 30 doubles, and 80 RBIs in five seasons. With such achievements, he cemented his position as the team’s all-time leader in several categories, including games played, runs, hits, doubles, strikeouts, and total bases.
Another shining star in the constellation of the Texas Rangers is Elvis Andrus, who made quite a name for himself with his agility on the field. He stole 20 or more bases ten different times while playing for Texas, establishing his reputation as a speedy trailblazer.
Andrus’s journey with the Texas Rangers is further marked by his historic breaking of the franchise’s stolen base record previously held by Kinsler in 2014. As he closed this chapter of his career, he added 305 stolen bases to his name in the annals of the Rangers.