Bay Area Sports: Ranking the Top 30 Players
Sep 20, 2015; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey (28) hits a three-run home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the sixth inning at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
#2 – Buster Posey, San Francisco Giants
Buster Posey’s resumé speaks for itself. At just 28 years old, Posey has a Most Valuable Player award, a Rookie of the Year award, three Silver Sluggers, a Comeback Player of the Year award, a batting title, and three All-Star appearances to his record. Not to mention, he’s been a large part in three World Series championships for the Giants.
Playing a premier defensive position, Posey’s defense as a catcher has improved greatly since his initial call-up in 2009. This year, he was a finalist for the NL Gold Glove at catcher, and when he fell to Yadier Molina, it was considered a snubbing. Couple that with his status as one of the best hitters in the game and you have a top-tier player in baseball.
Posey’s impact goes beyond his on-field contributions. His clean-cut, All-American image makes him one of the most popular guys in sports, and his charitable contributions are just icing on the cake.
It’s no coincidence that the Giants ended a 50-year championship drought in 2010, Posey’s first full year as a major leaguer. His natural ability, beautiful swinging, and born leadership make him the perfect face of the Giants’ franchise. Posey also has plenty of time to continue adding on to that already quite extensive resumé.
Next: The Cream of the Crop