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Milwaukee Brewers: The Top 5 Third Basemen In Franchise History

By David Gasper

19 Jul 1998: Infielder Jeff Cirillo #26 of the Milwaukee Brewers in action during a game against the Atlanta Braves at the Turner Field in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves defeated the Brewers 11-6. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Dunn /Allsport
19 Jul 1998: Infielder Jeff Cirillo #26 of the Milwaukee Brewers in action during a game against the Atlanta Braves at the Turner Field in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves defeated the Brewers 11-6. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Dunn /Allsport /
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Milwaukee Brewers
OAKLAND, CA – 1989: Paul Molitor #4 of the Milwaukee Brewers waits to run the baseline during the 1989 season game against the Oakland Athletics at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /

1. Paul Molitor

Years as a Brewer: 1978-1992

The man who’s name hangs high above Miller Park is the best third baseman in Milwaukee Brewers franchise history. And this really isn’t any surprise.

In 15 seasons as a Brewer, Molitor totaled 2,281 hits, 405 doubles, 160 home runs, 790 RBIs, and 412 stolen bases. He had an aggregate .303 average with Milwaukee with a 125 OPS+. He was an incredible complement to Robin Yount in that lineup that saw two postseason berths, and one World Series appearance.

Molitor hit over .300 in eight of his 15 seasons in Milwaukee. He made the All-Star team five times as a member of the Brewers. He won the Silver Slugger award twice, and finished second in the Rookie of the Year voting in 1978.

Also, Molitor had three top-10 MVP finishes with the Crew, although he never won the award. The best finish he had was fifth in 1987 when he hit .353 with a 1.003 OPS with 41 doubles and 114 runs scored. Those numbers led the league despite the fact he played in only 118 games that year.

He could do it all. Molitor was one of the best players in Milwaukee Brewers history, generally speaking. But at his position, there was no one better. Paul Molitor was the best third baseman the Brewers have ever had.

Next: Top 5 Shortstops in Franchise History

Stay tuned for the next edition of our series covering the top players at every position in Brewers franchise history.

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