\n","providerName":"Twitter","providerUrl":"https://twitter.com","thumbnail_url":null,"type":"oembed","width":550,"contentType":"rich"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"**1.** Robin Ventura**, 1989-98** \n_Key fact: Five-time Gold Glove Award winner_\n\nVentura arguably is one of the more popular players in White Sox history. He also was extraordinarily productive over a decade on the South Side of Chicago, posting a 39.2 fWAR ranked highest all-time among the organization’s third basemen. His 39.4 bWAR also was No. 1 at the position.\n\nThe team’s top pick and 10th overall in the 1988 Draft had six seasons with at least 90 RBIs and another five seasons with at least 20 home runs, setting White Sox career-highs with 34 and 105, respectively, in 1996. One of his more memorable blasts came on July 21, 1991 in a 10-8 victory over the Rangers when Ventura connected for a walk-off grand slam against future Hall of Famer Rich “Goose” Gossage. Ventura had 18 career grand slams overall.\n\nVentura’s 171 home runs fall seventh in franchise history and his 741 RBIs check in at No. 8. He also managed the White Sox for five seasons, falling just short of reaching the postseason in his 2012 debut where the White Sox finished 85-77 but were in first place for 117 days.","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"**2.** Joe Crede**, 2000-08** \n_Key fact: Arguably the Most Valuable Player throughout the 2005 playoffs_\n\nThere’s not a White Sox fan around who will forget Crede’s two-out, walk-off double on a 0-2 count in Game 2 of the 2005 American League Championship Series against the Angels, a line drive down the left-field line evening the series at one win apiece following A.J. Pierzynski’s famous dropped third strike race to first and pinch-runner Pablo Ozuna’s stolen base. Crede also delivered a Sept. 20 walk-off home run against Cleveland’s David Riske in keeping the Indians from moving within 1 1/2 game of the AL Central lead and instead falling to 3 1/2 back of the White Sox, who were ahead by 15 on Aug. 1.\n\nCrede’s defense was consistently Gold Glove caliber, although he was never honored with such an award. His best season came in 2006 with a .283 average, 30 home runs, 94 RBIs, 31 doubles and an .828 OPS. Chronic back issues limited his career to 10 seasons, with nine coming as part of the White Sox.","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Video","contentDate":"2005-10-13T00:00:00Z","preferredPlaybackScenarioURL({\"preferredPlaybacks\":\"mp4AvcPlayback\"})":"http://mediadownloads.mlb.com/mlbam/2015/03/02/mlbtv_anacha_39665583_3gpp_128K.3gp","type":"video","description":"10/12/05: Joe Crede hits a walk-off double in the bottom of the 9th, giving the White Sox a 2-1 win over the Angels and evening the series","displayAsVideoGif":false,"duration":"00:00:54","slug":"crede-s-walk-off-hit-in-game-2-c39665583","tags":[{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-subject-mlbcom-no-transcode","title":"HBmig MLBCOM_NO_TRANSCODE","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"GameTag"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-home-team-id-145","title":"HBmig home_team_id: 145","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-subject-mlbcom-top-play","title":"HBmig MLBCOM_TOP_PLAY","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-away-team-id-108","title":"HBmig away_team_id: 108","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-subject-mlbcom-feature","title":"HBmig MLBCOM_FEATURE","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"TeamTag","slug":"teamid-145","title":"Chicago White Sox","team":{"__ref":"Team:145"},"type":"team"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-team-id-145","title":"HBmig 145","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-combined-media-state-media-archive","title":"HBmig MEDIA_ARCHIVE","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"PersonTag","slug":"playerid-150317","title":"Joe Crede","person":{"__ref":"Person:150317"},"type":"player"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-subject-mlbmobile-application-highlight","title":"HBmig MLBMOBILE_APPLICATION_HIGHLIGHT","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"classic","title":"classic","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"walk-off","title":"walk off","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"hitting","title":"hitting","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"highlight","title":"highlight","type":"taxonomy"}],"thumbnail":{"__typename":"Thumbnail","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/w9vgsix7bz6lrsddxyi4"},"title":"Crede's walk-off hit in Game 2","relativeSiteUrl":"/video/crede-s-walk-off-hit-in-game-2-c39665583"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"**3.** Bill Melton**, 1968-1975** \n_Key fact: Won the 1971 AL home run crown_\n\nMelton is guaranteed to be the only third baseman on this list who also was friends with members of the famous Rat Pack. But the man who became an entertaining and always outspoken studio analyst also could hit. Melton produced back-to-back seasons of 33 home runs in 1970-71, being selected as an AL All-Star in 1971, and his 154 career home runs with the White Sox rank ninth overall and second behind Ventura among White Sox third basemen. None of these top three third basemen were exceptionally fleet-footed, with Melton finishing 23-of-47 in career stolen bases, Ventura at 24-of-62 and Crede at 4-of-16.","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Video","contentDate":"2018-05-04T15:53:39Z","preferredPlaybackScenarioURL({\"preferredPlaybacks\":\"mp4AvcPlayback\"})":"http://mediadownloads.mlb.com/mlbam/mp4/2018/05/04/2005703583/1525449077676/asset_450K.mp4","type":"video","description":"Bill Melton reflects on 50 years in baseball on the anniversary of his first game","displayAsVideoGif":false,"duration":"00:01:01","slug":"melton-reflects-on-50-years-c2005703583","tags":[{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-subject-mlbcom-feature","title":"HBmig MLBCOM_FEATURE","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-mlbtax-cws-traditions-2010","title":"HBmig Sox TV","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-mmtax-shareable","title":"HBmig FB shareable (internal)","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-mmtax-2018","title":"HBmig 2018","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-mmtax-embeddable","title":"HBmig Blog embeddable","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"PersonTag","slug":"playerid-118941","title":"Bill Melton","person":{"__ref":"Person:118941"},"type":"player"},{"__typename":"TeamTag","slug":"teamid-145","title":"Chicago White Sox","team":{"__ref":"Team:145"},"type":"team"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-team-id-145","title":"HBmig 145","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-combined-media-state-media-archive","title":"HBmig MEDIA_ARCHIVE","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-mmtax-club-produced","title":"HBmig Club-produced Content","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"cws-soxtv","title":"SoxTV","type":"taxonomy"}],"thumbnail":{"__typename":"Thumbnail","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/p0klauth0q6talbravso"},"title":"Melton reflects on 50 years","relativeSiteUrl":"/video/melton-reflects-on-50-years-c2005703583"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"**4.** Pete Ward**, 1963-69** \n_Key fact: Known for consistent extra-base power_\n\nWard knocked out 97 home runs as a member of the White Sox, finishing in double digits during five of his seven seasons. He had 22 homers in 1963 and a career-high 23 in ’64. He also produced 132 doubles during his time with the White Sox, knocking out 87 from 1963-65 with 34 in ’63, 28 in ’64 and 25 in ’65. His .482 slugging percentage ranked him eighth overall in the AL in 1963, and his best two seasons came in ’63 and ’64 when he also picked up a combined 178 RBIs. Ward’s 20.7 career fWAR ranked him third in that category among White Sox third basemen.","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"**5.** Willie Kamm**, 1923-31** \n_Key fact: Known for having an exceptional batting eye_\n\nKamm’s .370 on-base percentage ranks him second behind Floyd Baker among all White Sox third basemen. He was not a power hitter, with 25 of his 29 career home runs coming during his nine seasons with the White Sox. But he did finish with 243 doubles as part of the White Sox and 94 stolen bases. Kamm’s 23.7 career fWAR places him second among third basemen behind Ventura.\n\n**Others** \n**Yoán Moncada** \nIt’s a tad premature to put Moncada on this list after one strong season at the position. But his 2019 campaign was borderline Most Valuable Player caliber after switching to the position from second base, and in these tough times brought about by the Coronavirus pandemic, it’s always good to have some positive vibes for the future. Moncada certainly has a chance to be No. 1 when all is said and done with his career.\n\n**Eric Soderholm** \nHere’s a shoutout to the 1977 South Side Hitmen, as Soderholm finished with 25 home runs as the team’s third baseman. He hit 51 homers over three seasons with the White Sox.","type":"text"}],"relativeSiteUrl":"/news/white-sox-third-baseman-all-time-ranking","contentType":"news","subHeadline":null,"summary":"CHICAGO -- No one loves a good debate quite like baseball fans, and with that in mind, we asked each of our beat reporters to rank the top five players by position in the history of their franchise, based on their career while playing for that club. These rankings are","tagline({\"formatString\":\"none\"})":null,"tags":[{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"season-2020","title":"Season 2020","type":"season"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"storytype-article","title":"Article","type":"article"},{"__typename":"TeamTag","slug":"teamid-145","title":"Chicago White Sox","team":{"__ref":"Team:145"},"type":"team"},{"__typename":"ContributorTag","slug":"scott-merkin","title":"Scott Merkin","type":"contributor"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"evergreen","title":"evergreen","type":"taxonomy"}],"type":"story","thumbnail":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/tkn8rmlz0adl14axltse","title":"White Sox Third Baseman All-Time Ranking"},"getHeaderFromForgePath({\"contentSource\":\"MLB\",\"headerPath\":\"/_navs/header/mlb/global-nav\",\"paletteKey\":\"mlb-base-palette\",\"propertiesKey\":\"mlb-global-properties\"})":{"__typename":"Header","navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"align:right;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"MLB.TV","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/tv?&affiliateId=mlbMENUtv","placement":"right","visible":"true","subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Buy MLB.TV Offseason Package","linkUrl":"/live-stream-games/subscribe?&affiliateId=mlbMENUtv","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Watch & Listen","linkUrl":"/live-stream-games?&affiliateID=mlbMENUtv","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB.TV Partners","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/live-stream-games/partners?&affiliateId=mlbMENUtv","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Link Account","linkUrl":"live-stream-games/partners?&affiliateId=mlbMENUtv","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Help Center","linkUrl":"/live-stream-games/help-center?&affiliateID=mlbMENUtv","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"align:right;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets","placement":"right","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"All-Star Tickets","linkUrl":"/all-star/tickets","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1721167200;"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB at Rickwood Field","linkUrl":"/events/rickwood/tickets","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1718924400;"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Spring Training","linkUrl":"/tickets/spring-training","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1711511940;"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Postseason Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets/postseason","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Buy on SeatGeek","linkUrl":"https://seatgeek.com/mlb-tickets?aid=15994&pid=integration&rid=1&utm_medium=partnership&utm_source=mlb_sponsorship&utm_campaign=integration","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Sell on SeatGeek","linkUrl":"https://seatgeek.com/sell/mlb-tickets?aid=15994&pid=integration&rid=15&utm_medium=partnership&utm_source=mlb_sponsorship&utm_campaign=integration","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Season Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets/season-tickets","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Single Game Tickets","linkUrl":"/schedule","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Group Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets/group-tickets","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Special Ticket Offers","linkUrl":"/tickets/fan-value","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"VIP Ticket Packages","linkUrl":"/tickets/on-location-experiences","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Students","linkUrl":"/tickets/students","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Tourism","linkUrl":"/tourism","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB World Tour","linkUrl":"/international/events","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Ticket Terms & Conditions","linkUrl":"/tickets/terms-and-conditions","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"align:right;","icon":"shopping-cart","linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Shop","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/?_s=bm-mlbcom-hp","placement":"right","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Online Shop","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/?_s=bm-mlbcom-hp","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Auction","linkUrl":"https://auctions.mlb.com/iSynApp/showHomePage.action?sid=1101001&isynsharedsession=9mislq-18JnZhOEp-FeGzvUB3G6zxwkeKqwX99MKAttEdaSACl02r4aCDzYhNvUm","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Gift Cards","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/gift-cards/x-462351+z-94899005-3509039474?_s=bm-mlbcom-Home","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB NYC Flagship Store","linkUrl":"/shop/nyc-retail-store","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"European Shop","linkUrl":"http://www.mlbshopeurope.com/stores/mlb/en?portal=MLTS66FS&CMP=PSC-MLTS66FS","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Photo Store","linkUrl":"https://photostore.mlb.com/","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"amp:true;mobile:true","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"News","linkUrl":"/news","placement":"mobile","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Rule Changes","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/rule-changes-2023","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Probable Pitchers","linkUrl":"/probable-pitchers/","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Starting Lineups","linkUrl":"/starting-lineups","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Transactions","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/transactions","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Injury Report","linkUrl":"/injury-report","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"World Baseball Classic","linkUrl":"/world-baseball-classic","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Draft","linkUrl":"/draft/2024","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"All-Star Game","linkUrl":"/all-star/","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Life","linkUrl":"/fans/mlb-life","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Pipeline","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/pipeline","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Postseason History","linkUrl":"/postseason/history","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Great Stories","linkUrl":"/news/topic/longform","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Podcasts","linkUrl":"/fans/podcasts","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Watch","linkUrl":"/tv?&affiliateId=mlbMENU","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":"Video","navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Search","linkUrl":"/video","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Statcast","linkUrl":"/video/topic/statcast","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Network","linkUrl":"/network","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]},{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":"MLB.TV","navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Buy MLB.TV Postseason Package","linkUrl":"/live-stream-games/subscribe?&affiliateId=mlbMENU","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Watch & Listen","linkUrl":"/live-stream-games?&affiliateID=mlbMENU","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Help Center","linkUrl":"/live-stream-games/help-center?&affiliateID=mlbMENU","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"mobile:true;amp:true;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Scores","linkUrl":"/scores","placement":"mobile","visible":"true","subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"amp:true;mobile:true;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Schedule","linkUrl":"/postseason","placement":"mobile","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2023 Postseason Recap","linkUrl":"/postseason/history/2023","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2024 Regular Season","linkUrl":"/schedule/","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2024 Postseason","linkUrl":"/postseason","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2025 Spring Training","linkUrl":"/schedule/2025-02-20","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Events","linkUrl":"/events","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Team by Team Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule/team-by-team","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"National Broadcasts","linkUrl":"/live-stream-games/national-broadcast-schedule","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"mobile:true;amp:true;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Stats","linkUrl":"/stats","placement":"mobile","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Statcast Leaders","linkUrl":"https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/statcast_leaderboard","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Statcast","linkUrl":"/statcast","linkTarget":"","visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Baseball Savant","linkUrl":"https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Top Prospect Stats","linkUrl":"/prospects/stats/top-prospects?type=all&minPA=1","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"amp:true;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Standings","linkUrl":"/standings/wild-card","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Youth","linkUrl":"/youth-baseball-softball","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Play Ball","linkUrl":"/play-ball","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Youth Baseball & Softball","linkUrl":"/youth-baseball-softball","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"","icon":"group","linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Players","linkUrl":"/players","placement":null,"visible":"true","subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Prospect Rankings","linkUrl":"/prospects","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Depth Charts","linkUrl":"/team/roster/depth-chart","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Players Association","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbplayers.com","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Negro Leagues","linkUrl":"/history/negro-leagues","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"MLB Play","linkUrl":"/play","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Beat the Streak","linkUrl":"/play?gameId=BeatTheStreak2022","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Immaculate Grid","linkUrl":"/play?gameId=ImmaculateGrid2024","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Trivia","linkUrl":"/play?gameId=SporcleTrivia2024","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Pickle","linkUrl":"/play?gameId=Pickle2023","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"By the Numbers","linkUrl":"/play?gameId=ByTheNumbers2022","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Diamond Decisions","linkUrl":"/play?gameId=DiamondDecisions2024","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Bingo","linkUrl":"/play?gameId=Bingo2023","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"expires:1720022400;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Vote","linkUrl":"/all-star/ballot?affiliateId=asb-topnav-mlb-2024","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"amp:true;module:teammodule;align:right;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Teams","linkUrl":"/team","placement":"right","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Team Module","linkUrl":null,"linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"module:teammodule;"}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"align:right;lang:es;label:Español","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"ES","linkUrl":"/es","placement":"right","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"日本語","linkUrl":"http://www.mlb.jp/","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"lang:ja"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"한국어","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbkor.com/","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"lang:ko"}]}]}],"cfPalette":{"__typename":"CF_Palette","headerMastheadBackgroundColor":"#002D72","headerMastheadTextColor":"#ffffff","headerNavigationBackgroundColor":"#041E42","headerNavigationBorderColor":"#057AFF","headerNavigationTextColorHover":"#ffffff","headerNavigationTextColor":"#ffffff"},"cfWebProperties":{"__typename":"CF_WebProperties","urlLogo":null,"headerMastheadTagline":null,"headerPrimaryLogo":{"__typename":"CF_Asset","url":null,"description":null},"headerMastheadSponsorImage":{"__typename":"CF_Asset","url":null,"description":null},"headerMastheadTaglineContainerWidth":"512px","headerMastheadTaglineContainerHeight":"56px"}},"getTeamsBySportId({\"ids\":[1]})":[{"__ref":"Team:133"},{"__ref":"Team:134"},{"__ref":"Team:135"},{"__ref":"Team:136"},{"__ref":"Team:137"},{"__ref":"Team:138"},{"__ref":"Team:139"},{"__ref":"Team:140"},{"__ref":"Team:141"},{"__ref":"Team:142"},{"__ref":"Team:143"},{"__ref":"Team:144"},{"__ref":"Team:145"},{"__ref":"Team:146"},{"__ref":"Team:147"},{"__ref":"Team:158"},{"__ref":"Team:108"},{"__ref":"Team:109"},{"__ref":"Team:110"},{"__ref":"Team:111"},{"__ref":"Team:112"},{"__ref":"Team:113"},{"__ref":"Team:114"},{"__ref":"Team:115"},{"__ref":"Team:116"},{"__ref":"Team:117"},{"__ref":"Team:118"},{"__ref":"Team:119"},{"__ref":"Team:120"},{"__ref":"Team:121"}]},"Person:123697":{"__typename":"Person","id":123697},"Team:145":{"__typename":"Team","id":145,"division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"name":"Chicago White Sox","shortName":"Chi White Sox","teamName":"White Sox"},"Person:150317":{"__typename":"Person","id":150317},"Person:118941":{"__typename":"Person","id":118941},"Division:200":{"__typename":"Division","id":"200"},"Team:133":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":133,"name":"Athletics","shortName":"Athletics","teamName":"Athletics"},"Division:205":{"__typename":"Division","id":"205"},"Team:134":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":134,"name":"Pittsburgh Pirates","shortName":"Pittsburgh","teamName":"Pirates"},"Division:203":{"__typename":"Division","id":"203"},"Team:135":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":135,"name":"San Diego Padres","shortName":"San Diego","teamName":"Padres"},"Team:136":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":136,"name":"Seattle Mariners","shortName":"Seattle","teamName":"Mariners"},"Team:137":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":137,"name":"San Francisco Giants","shortName":"San Francisco","teamName":"Giants"},"Team:138":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":138,"name":"St. Louis Cardinals","shortName":"St. Louis","teamName":"Cardinals"},"Division:201":{"__typename":"Division","id":"201"},"Team:139":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":139,"name":"Tampa Bay Rays","shortName":"Tampa Bay","teamName":"Rays"},"Team:140":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":140,"name":"Texas Rangers","shortName":"Texas","teamName":"Rangers"},"Team:141":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":141,"name":"Toronto Blue Jays","shortName":"Toronto","teamName":"Blue Jays"},"Division:202":{"__typename":"Division","id":"202"},"Team:142":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":142,"name":"Minnesota Twins","shortName":"Minnesota","teamName":"Twins"},"Division:204":{"__typename":"Division","id":"204"},"Team:143":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":143,"name":"Philadelphia Phillies","shortName":"Philadelphia","teamName":"Phillies"},"Team:144":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":144,"name":"Atlanta Braves","shortName":"Atlanta","teamName":"Braves"},"Team:146":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":146,"name":"Miami Marlins","shortName":"Miami","teamName":"Marlins"},"Team:147":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":147,"name":"New York Yankees","shortName":"NY Yankees","teamName":"Yankees"},"Team:158":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":158,"name":"Milwaukee Brewers","shortName":"Milwaukee","teamName":"Brewers"},"Team:108":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":108,"name":"Los Angeles Angels","shortName":"LA Angels","teamName":"Angels"},"Team:109":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":109,"name":"Arizona Diamondbacks","shortName":"Arizona","teamName":"D-backs"},"Team:110":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":110,"name":"Baltimore Orioles","shortName":"Baltimore","teamName":"Orioles"},"Team:111":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":111,"name":"Boston Red Sox","shortName":"Boston","teamName":"Red Sox"},"Team:112":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":112,"name":"Chicago Cubs","shortName":"Chi Cubs","teamName":"Cubs"},"Team:113":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":113,"name":"Cincinnati Reds","shortName":"Cincinnati","teamName":"Reds"},"Team:114":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":114,"name":"Cleveland Guardians","shortName":"Cleveland","teamName":"Guardians"},"Team:115":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":115,"name":"Colorado Rockies","shortName":"Colorado","teamName":"Rockies"},"Team:116":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":116,"name":"Detroit Tigers","shortName":"Detroit","teamName":"Tigers"},"Team:117":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":117,"name":"Houston Astros","shortName":"Houston","teamName":"Astros"},"Team:118":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":118,"name":"Kansas City Royals","shortName":"Kansas City","teamName":"Royals"},"Team:119":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":119,"name":"Los Angeles Dodgers","shortName":"LA Dodgers","teamName":"Dodgers"},"Team:120":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":120,"name":"Washington Nationals","shortName":"Washington","teamName":"Nationals"},"Team:121":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":121,"name":"New York Mets","shortName":"NY Mets","teamName":"Mets"}}}
window.adobeAnalytics = {"reportingSuiteId":"mlbglobal08,mlbcom08","linkInternalFilters":"mlb"}
window.globalState = {"tracking_title":"Major League Baseball","lang":"en"}
window.appId = ''
/*-->*/
CHICAGO -- No one loves a good debate quite like baseball fans, and with that in mind, we asked each of our beat reporters to rank the top five players by position in the history of their franchise, based on their career while playing for that club. These rankings are for fun and debate purposes only … if you don’t agree with the order, participate in the Twitter poll to vote for your favorite at this position.
Here is Scott Merkin’s ranking of the top 5 third basemen in White Sox history. Next week: Shortstop.
In the upcoming weeks, https://t.co/G34Or1fW3B is going to select the top all-time White Sox player at every position. Third base is up, following my picks and your vote of Carlton Fisk at catcher, Frank Thomas at first and Nellie Fox at second. Here’s your chance at 3B:
1.Robin Ventura, 1989-98 Key fact: Five-time Gold Glove Award winner
Ventura arguably is one of the more popular players in White Sox history. He also was extraordinarily productive over a decade on the South Side of Chicago, posting a 39.2 fWAR ranked highest all-time among the organization’s third basemen. His 39.4 bWAR also was No. 1 at the position.
The team’s top pick and 10th overall in the 1988 Draft had six seasons with at least 90 RBIs and another five seasons with at least 20 home runs, setting White Sox career-highs with 34 and 105, respectively, in 1996. One of his more memorable blasts came on July 21, 1991 in a 10-8 victory over the Rangers when Ventura connected for a walk-off grand slam against future Hall of Famer Rich “Goose” Gossage. Ventura had 18 career grand slams overall.
Ventura’s 171 home runs fall seventh in franchise history and his 741 RBIs check in at No. 8. He also managed the White Sox for five seasons, falling just short of reaching the postseason in his 2012 debut where the White Sox finished 85-77 but were in first place for 117 days.
2.Joe Crede, 2000-08 Key fact: Arguably the Most Valuable Player throughout the 2005 playoffs
There’s not a White Sox fan around who will forget Crede’s two-out, walk-off double on a 0-2 count in Game 2 of the 2005 American League Championship Series against the Angels, a line drive down the left-field line evening the series at one win apiece following A.J. Pierzynski’s famous dropped third strike race to first and pinch-runner Pablo Ozuna’s stolen base. Crede also delivered a Sept. 20 walk-off home run against Cleveland’s David Riske in keeping the Indians from moving within 1 1/2 game of the AL Central lead and instead falling to 3 1/2 back of the White Sox, who were ahead by 15 on Aug. 1.
Crede’s defense was consistently Gold Glove caliber, although he was never honored with such an award. His best season came in 2006 with a .283 average, 30 home runs, 94 RBIs, 31 doubles and an .828 OPS. Chronic back issues limited his career to 10 seasons, with nine coming as part of the White Sox.
3.Bill Melton, 1968-1975 Key fact: Won the 1971 AL home run crown
Melton is guaranteed to be the only third baseman on this list who also was friends with members of the famous Rat Pack. But the man who became an entertaining and always outspoken studio analyst also could hit. Melton produced back-to-back seasons of 33 home runs in 1970-71, being selected as an AL All-Star in 1971, and his 154 career home runs with the White Sox rank ninth overall and second behind Ventura among White Sox third basemen. None of these top three third basemen were exceptionally fleet-footed, with Melton finishing 23-of-47 in career stolen bases, Ventura at 24-of-62 and Crede at 4-of-16.
4.Pete Ward, 1963-69 Key fact: Known for consistent extra-base power
Ward knocked out 97 home runs as a member of the White Sox, finishing in double digits during five of his seven seasons. He had 22 homers in 1963 and a career-high 23 in ’64. He also produced 132 doubles during his time with the White Sox, knocking out 87 from 1963-65 with 34 in ’63, 28 in ’64 and 25 in ’65. His .482 slugging percentage ranked him eighth overall in the AL in 1963, and his best two seasons came in ’63 and ’64 when he also picked up a combined 178 RBIs. Ward’s 20.7 career fWAR ranked him third in that category among White Sox third basemen.
5.Willie Kamm, 1923-31 Key fact: Known for having an exceptional batting eye
Kamm’s .370 on-base percentage ranks him second behind Floyd Baker among all White Sox third basemen. He was not a power hitter, with 25 of his 29 career home runs coming during his nine seasons with the White Sox. But he did finish with 243 doubles as part of the White Sox and 94 stolen bases. Kamm’s 23.7 career fWAR places him second among third basemen behind Ventura.
Others Yoán Moncada It’s a tad premature to put Moncada on this list after one strong season at the position. But his 2019 campaign was borderline Most Valuable Player caliber after switching to the position from second base, and in these tough times brought about by the Coronavirus pandemic, it’s always good to have some positive vibes for the future. Moncada certainly has a chance to be No. 1 when all is said and done with his career.
Eric Soderholm Here’s a shoutout to the 1977 South Side Hitmen, as Soderholm finished with 25 home runs as the team’s third baseman. He hit 51 homers over three seasons with the White Sox.