Schmidt, Mike (1949-…), ranks among the greatest third basemen in baseball history. Schmidt was also a feared slugger, ending his career with 548 home runs. Schmidt played his entire career with the Philadelphia Phillies of the National League. He was named the league’s Most Valuable Player in 1980, 1981, and 1986. Schmidt led the league in home runs eight times—a National League record—and in runs batted in four times. He won 10 Gold Glove awards, more than any other third baseman in league history.
Michael Jack Schmidt was born in Dayton, Ohio. Philadelphia drafted him in 1971, while he was attending Ohio University. Schmidt played in the minor leagues before joining the Phillies near the end of the 1972 season. He became a star in 1974, leading the league in home runs and batting .282. Schmidt retired during the 1989 season. He was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1995.
