I have never seen anyone play 3rd base as well as Brooks did. Not just in the World Series, but in April and in September. He hit well, but he was the best fielder at his position of all.

Class Act. The best fielding third basemen of all time. clutch hitter, and hard nosed. Played the game right.

A better hitter than many think, not superb, but had power and could drive in runs. The legendary, out of this world defense need not even be mentioned, his play in the '70 Series was magical. A vital part of some awesome Orioles clubs in the 60's and 70's.

16 Gold Gloves in a row. Nobody else has ever pulled that off, at any position.

I haven't seen him play because I'm too young, but numbers and eyewitnesses put Robinson's glove ahead of Schmidt's. . .but Schmidt's bat puts him over the edge. . .having said that, watching Brooks on highlight films makes me rub my eyes in disbelief. . .

Possibly the best third baseman defensively to ever play the game.

A glove that had to be seen to be believed, and a decent bat to go with it, Robinson is one of the great gentlemen of the game. At his peak he was a one man wrecking crew, destroying offenses with plays that seemed impossible until he did them. In the 1970 World Series he played so well, singlehandedly shutting down a fine Reds team, that Cincinnati catcher Johnny Bench said he belonged in a higher league.

the best I've ever seen defensively. Heart stopping plays. Magic and memorable performances.

Even though I'm a die hard Yankee fan, my vote has to go with Brooks Robinson. An all-star 3rd baseman who raised his defensive game to an even higher level in the post-season.

Nothing went by this guy

I agree with what James B.W. Bevis wrote especially regarding Brookie's offense. As such, I must respectfully disagree with tboneya: he has NOT been underrated as a hitter. As Mr. Bevis states, for his career, he was just a bit better than average with the stick, with a couple of good seasons. No way he deserves a 5...that goes to Mr. Schmidt. (A note regarding Robinson being the best ever with the glove: by many accounts, Billy Cox was better than Brooksie; as good with the glove and he had a better arm.)

Great choice as best defensive 3B of all time, but only an OK choice (if that) as best all-around 3B. I'd go with Schmidt, Brett, Mathews, Boggs and possibly others over Brooksie overall. Defense is important, but it also takes runs to win ballgames. Brooks was probably only a hair above average hitter for his position over his career, although he was quite a bit better in his best seasons. It's tough to rate a guy like that #1 at his position. Nothing personal against Brooks, who is considered a really nice guy according to everyone who has met him and/or written about him.