Let us move on to my pick for the American League's top shortstop of the 1970s, which is All-Star Bert Campaneris:
For
me this was somewhat of an easy pick, with "Campy" putting in a great
decade playing for the Oakland A's, Texas Rangers and part of 1979 for
the California Angels.
He would be named to five All-Star teams, win three World Championships and get some MVP votes in five different seasons.
A
spark plug for the three-peat Oakland A's dynasty, he took home two of
his six stolen base crowns between 1970 and 1979, stealing 40+ seven
times.
By the time he was done as a Major League player in 1983 at the age of
41, he’d finish with 2249 career hits with 1181 runs scored with six
all-star game nods in 19 years.
I fondly remember his time with the New York Yankees in 1983, this last action before retiring. Just seemed like a fun veteran to have around giving tips to youngsters like Don Mattingly.
I fondly remember his time with the New York Yankees in 1983, this last action before retiring. Just seemed like a fun veteran to have around giving tips to youngsters like Don Mattingly.
I
do have to admit however, that it was a close race between Camaneris
and Baltimore Orioles glove man Mark Belanger, who though was as
light-hitting as they got, did take home seven Gold Gloves for his
defensive work.
But for me, offense came out on top, and "Campy" is my guy at short for the A.L. All-Decade team.
