Reds Top 5: Shortstops

Who are the top shortstops in Cincinnati Reds history? Don Helbig shares his thoughts.

Every avid fan of the Cincinnati Reds has a particular and usually fervent opinion on which players are the best in franchise history, particularly at each position. They’re always fun debates to take part in. With that in mind, I began a series that ranks who I believe are the best players at their position in franchise history.

My list of the top five at each position is based solely on what the player did in their career while wearing a Reds uniform. If you don’t agree with my list, I invite you to share your thoughts in the comments below.

For the fourth of the 10-part series, here's my ranking of the top five shortstops in Reds' history.

1. Barry Larkin, 1986-2004

Barry Larkin is widely considered one of the greatest shortstops in MLB history. The Cincinnati native was a 12-time All-Star, nine-time Silver Slugger award winner, and three-time Gold Glove Award winner during his career with the Reds. He was named National League MVP in 1995 and won a World Series with the team in 1990. He batted .295 with 198 home runs, 960 RBI, and 379 stolen bases in his time wearing a Cincinnati uniform. Larkin was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2012. His number 11 is retired by the Reds.

2. Dave Concepcion. 1970-1988

Dave Concepcion played for the Reds from 1970-1988 and was a key player on the team's Big Red Machine era of the 1970s. He was a nine-time All-Star, two-time Silver Slugger award winner, and five-time Gold Glove Award winner. He won two World Series titles with the team in 1975 and 1976. He batted .267 with 101 home runs, 950 RBI, and 321 stolen bases in his time with the Reds. In my opinion, Concepcion belongs in the Baseball Hall of Fame. He was one of the best shortstops of his era and his career numbers match up or surpass other Hall of Fame shortstops like Ozzie Smith. Concepcion was elected to the Reds Hall of Fame in 2000. His number 13 was retired by the Reds in 2007.

3. Roy McMillan, 1951-1960

I heard a lot about Roy McMillan from my dad, who saw him play a lot in the 1950's. McMillan was known for his defensive prowess and won the first three Gold Glove Awards given to a shortstop from 1957-59. In 1,348 games for the Reds, McMillan batted .249 with 42 HR, 395 RBI and had 30 SB. He was elected to the Reds Hall of Fame in 1971. 

4. Leo Cardenas, 1960-1968  

Leo Cardenas was a four-time All-Star and 1965 Gold Glove Award winner at shortstop with the Reds. He was just 21 year old when he broke into the Major Leagues with the Reds. In 1,157 games for the Reds, Cardenas batted .261, collecting 1058 hits, 72 HR and 413 RBI. He smashed a career-high 20 HR with 81 RBI in 1966. Cardenas was elected to the Reds Hall of Fame in 1981. Fun Fact: I played on the same team as his son, Leo Cardenas Jr, in 1993 in the Buckeye League. He was a slick fielder like his father. 

5. Zack Cozart, 2011-2017

Zack Cozart played seven seasons with the Reds and was steady in the field while contributing offensively with 703 hits in 743 games, including 82 HR and 280 RBI. In his final season as a Red in 2017, Cozart at the age of 31 was named to the National League All-Star team and had his best overall season, batting .297 with 24 HR, 63 RBI, a .385 OBP, 548 SLG and .933 OPS. 

Honorable mention: Felipe Lopez, Rich Aurilia 

Next week: Left Field