8th Inning: A Unique Membership of Nine Players

 

There is another impressive group that Thurman Munson is a member of that is worth pointing out when considering the full scope of his career. He is one of exactly 9 men in baseball history – including 3 catchers – who have ever won a Rookie of the Year award and MVP while also collecting a Gold Glove award and a World Series Championship in their career. The other names prior to or concurrent with Munson were Frank Robinson, Willie Mays, Johnny Bench, and Pete Rose. After Munson, the only players to achieve the feat were Cal Ripken Jr., Albert Pujols, Dustin Pedroia, and Buster Posey. Certainly an impressive collection of all-time great players!

 

The Nine Players Who Have Won a Rookie of the Year Award, an MVP Award, a World Series Title, and a Gold Glove During Their Career

Rookie of the Year

MVP

World Series

Gold Glove

Willie Mays

1951

1954 & 1965

1954

12 (1957-1968)

Frank Robinson

1956

1961 & 1966

1966 & 1970

1958

Pete Rose

1963

1973

1975, 1976 & 1980

1969 & 1970

Johnny Bench

1968

1970 & 1972

1975 & 1976

10 (1968-1977)

Thurman Munson

1970

1976

1977 & 1978

1973, 1974 & 1975

Cal Ripken Jr.

1982

1983 & 1991

1983

1991 & 1992

Albert Pujols

2001

2005, 2008 & 2009

2006 & 2011

2006 & 2010

Dustin Pedroia

2007

2008

2007 & 2013

2008, 2011, 2013 & 2014

Buster Posey

2010

2012

2010, 2012 & 2014

2016

Scroll to Top