Player Profile: Luis Aparicio

Name:	Luis Ernesto Aparicio
Shortstop; Right-handed batter
Lived:	1934 -
Career span:	1956 - 1973
Hall of Fame?	Yes (1984)
Primary team:	Chicago White Sox (1956-1962; 1968-1970)

 

Player notes:Luis Aparicio was the man most responsible for bringing the stolen base back as an offensive weapon, after a decade in whcih sluggers ruled the game. He therefore paved the way for subsequent base running artists such as Maury Wills and Lou Brock. He was AL Rookie of the Year for the White Sox in 1956, and three years later was the main man who put the "go" in the "Go-Go Sox" that won the first pennant for the franchise in 40 years. He lead the AL in stolen bases nine consecutive years.

In addition to his base stealing prowess, Aparicio was a slick fielding shortstop who won Gold Glove Awards nine times. He still holds the Major League record for most games played at shortstop (2,581).

While he was not a particularly great hitter, Aparicio's great fielding and base running abilities make him a deserving Hall-of Famer. His impact on the game was indeed substantial.