1972–1989 · 3B

Mike Schmidt

6' 2", 195 lbs·Lived to 77·Bats R / Throws R

Hall of Fame · 199510×Gold Glove6×Silver Slugger3×MVPAll-Star

The Almanac's Take

Schmidt's transformation from a strikeout-prone rookie to baseball's premier power-hitting third baseman defines excellence through evolution. After whiffing 136 times in his first full season, he rebuilt his approach without sacrificing the raw power that would eventually produce 548 home runs — still the National League record for third basemen.

The strike-shortened 1981 season showcased Schmidt at his absolute peak, when he hit .316 with a 1.080 OPS while playing Gold Glove defense. That 157 OPS+ represents a player operating 57 percent above league average, remarkable for someone manning the hot corner with such defensive brilliance.

Three MVP awards and 10 Gold Gloves tell the story of a complete player who redefined his position. Schmidt proved that third base could be a premier offensive position while never compromising defensively, setting the template for modern corner infielders who combine elite power with defensive value.

Career Highs

1.080

Best OPS · 1981

Most HR · 1980

121

Most RBI · 1980

.316

Best AVG · 1981

Career Arc · OPS

18 seasons

Statistical Comps

Aaron Judge

100%

2025 season

ISO .357 · K% 23.6 · BB% 18.3 · HR% 7.8

Ketel Marte

99%

2025 season

ISO .233 · K% 14.9 · BB% 11.5 · HR% 5.0

Career · Batting

18 seasons

Year	Team	G	AB	HR	RBI	AVG	OPS	OPS+
1972	PHI	13	34	1	3	.206	.619	93
1973	PHI	132	367	18	52	.196	.697	99
1974	PHI	162	568	36	116	.282	.941	136
1975	PHI	158	562	38	95	.249	.890	127
1976	PHI	160	584	38	107	.262	.900	132
1977	PHI	154	544	38	101	.274	.967	132
1978	PHI	145	513	21	78	.251	.798	114
1979	PHI	160	541	45	114	.253	.950	131
1980	PHI	150	548	48	121	.286	1.004	141
1981	PHI	102	354	31	91	.316	1.080	157
1982	PHI	148	514	35	87	.280	.949	133
1983	PHI	154	534	40	109	.255	.923	129
1984	PHI	151	528	36	106	.277	.919	130
1985	PHI	158	549	33	93	.277	.907	127
1986	PHI	160	552	37	119	.290	.937	130
1987	PHI	147	522	35	113	.293	.936	125
1988	PHI	108	390	12	62	.249	.742	107
1989	PHI	42	148	6	28	.203	.668	96
Career		2404	8352	548	1595	.267	—	—

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