List of Major League Baseball career double plays leaders

In baseball statistics, a double play (denoted as DP) is the act of making two outs during the same continuous play. One double play is recorded for every defensive player who participates in the play, regardless of how many of the outs in which they were directly involved, and is counted in addition to whatever putouts and assists might also apply. Double plays can occur any time there is at least one baserunner and fewer than two outs.[1]

The list reflects the overall leaders in double plays in Major League Baseball and the leaders by each position.

Rank Rank amongst leaders in career double plays. A blank field indicates a tie.
Player Name
Throws Denotes right-handed (R) or left-handed (L) pitcher
MLB Total career putouts as a pitcher in Major League Baseball
* Denotes elected to National Baseball Hall of Fame
Bold Denotes active player[a]

Overall

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The top 100 leaders in double plays in major league history. Only twenty-one of the 100 (Eddie Collins, Stuffy McInnis, Jake Daubert, Rabbit Maranville, George Sisler, Joe Judge, Charlie Grimm, Lu Blue, Jim Bottomley, Bill Terry, Lou Gehrig, Charlie Gehringer, Jimmie Foxx, Joe Kuhel, Luke Appling, Dolph Camilli, Frank McCormick, Johnny Mize, George McQuinn, Bobby Doerr, and Mickey Vernon) had careers with significant playing time prior to World War II.

  • Stats updated as of the end of the 2024 season.
Rank Player (2025 DPs) DPs Pos. Years played
1 Mickey Vernon 2,044 1B 1939–1943, 1946–1960
2 Eddie Murray* 2,033 1B 1977–1996
3 Todd Helton* 2,028 1B 1997–2013
4 Rafael Palmeiro 1,782 1B/LF 1986–2005
5 Fred McGriff* 1,775 1B 1986–2004
6 Joe Kuhel 1,769 1B 1930–1947
7 Omar Vizquel 1,734 SS 1989–2012
8 Charlie Grimm 1,733 1B 1916, 1918–1936
9 Bill Mazeroski* 1,706 2B 1956–1972
10 Albert Pujols 1,702 1B/3B/LF 2001–2022
11 Chris Chambliss 1,687 1B 1971–1986, 1988
12 Paul Konerko 1,660 1B 1997–2014
13 Keith Hernandez 1,654 1B 1974–1990
14 Andrés Galarraga 1,648 1B 1985–1998, 2000–2004
15 Nellie Fox* 1,619 2B 1947–1965
16 Jeff Bagwell* 1,618 1B 1991–2005
17 Gil Hodges* 1,614 1B/OF 1943, 1947–1963
18 Wally Joyner 1,611 1B 1986–2001
19 Ozzie Smith* 1,590 SS 1978–1996
20 John Olerud 1,581 1B 1989–2005
21 Lou Gehrig* 1,575 1B 1923–1939
22 Will Clark 1,571 1B 1986–2000
23 Cal Ripken Jr.* 1,565 SS 1981–2001
24 Jim Bottomley* 1,562 1B 1922–1937
25 Luis Aparicio* 1,553 SS 1956–1973
26 Willie Randolph 1,547 2B 1975–1992
27 Joe Judge 1,543 1B 1915–1934
28 Mark Grace 1,533 1B 1988–2003
29 Jimmie Foxx* 1,528 1B 1925–1942, 1944–1945
30 Lou Whitaker 1,527 2B 1977–1995
31 Bobby Doerr* 1,507 2B 1937–1944, 1946–1951
32 Paul Goldschmidt (0) 1,506 1B 2011–Present
33 Joe Morgan* 1,505 2B 1963–1984
34 Don Mattingly 1,500 1B/OF 1982–1995
35 Steve Garvey 1,498 1B/3B 1969–1987
36 Carlos Delgado 1,496 1B 1993–2009
37 George Sisler* 1,495 1B 1915–1922, 1924–1930
38 George Scott 1,480 1B/3B 1966–1979
39 Freddie Freeman (0) 1,466 1B 2010–Present
40 Charlie Gehringer* 1,444 2B 1924–1942
41 Derrek Lee 1,442 1B 1997–2011
42 Joey Votto 1,432 1B 2007–2023
43 Luke Appling* 1,424 SS 1930–1950
44 Robinson Canó 1.418 2B 2005–2022
Mark Teixeira 1,418 1B 2003–2016
46 Derek Jeter* 1,408 SS 1995–2014
Mark McGwire 1,408 1B 1986–2001
48 Roberto Alomar* 1,407 2B 1988–2004
49 Willie McCovey* 1,405 1B/LF 1959–1980
50 Tino Martinez 1,398 1B 1990–2005
51 Frank White 1,382 2B/SS 1973–1990
52 Adrián González 1,381 1B 2004–2018
53 Red Schoendienst* 1,368 2B/LF 1945–1963
54 Cecil Cooper 1,348 1B 1971–1987
55 Norm Cash 1,347 1B 1958–1974
56 Tony Pérez* 1,342 1B/3B 1964–1986
57 Stuffy McInnis 1,338 1B 1909–1927
58 Bill Terry* 1,334 1B 1923–1936
59 Kent Hrbek 1,331 1B 1981–1994
60 Wally Pipp 1,329 1B 1913, 1915–1928
61 Jake Beckley* 1,327 1B 1888-1907
62 Johnny Mize* 1,320 1B 1936–1942, 1946–1953
63 Alan Trammell* 1,307 SS 1977–1996
John Mayberry 1,307 1B 1968–1982
65 Roy McMillan 1,304 SS 1951–1966
66 Bobby Grich 1,302 2B/SS/1B 1970–1986
67 J.T. Snow 1,298 1B 1992–2006, 2007
68 Ian Kinsler 1,291 2B 2006–2019
69 Dave Concepción 1,290 SS 1970–1988
70 Miguel Tejada 1,274 SS 1997–2013
71 Ted Kluszewski 1,269 1B 1947–1961
72 Bill Skowron 1,266 1B 1954–1967
73 Larry Bowa 1,265 SS 1970–1985
George McQuinn 1,265 1B 1936, 1938–1948
75 Jeff Kent 1,261 2B/1B/3B 1992–2008
76 Eric Karros 1,257 1B 1991–2004
77 Jimmy Rollins 1,249 SS 2000–2016
Adam LaRoche 1,249 1B 2004–2015
79 Pee Wee Reese* 1,246 SS 1940–42, 1946–58
80 Eddie Collins* 1,239 2B 1906–1930
81 Dick Groat 1,237 SS 1952, 1955–1967
82 Lee May 1,235 1B/OF 1965–1982
83 Cap Anson* 1,232 1B/3B/C 1871–1897
84 Joe Adcock 1,228 1B/LF 1950–1966
85 Royce Clayton 1,224 SS 1991–2007
86 Frank McCormick 1,221 1B 1934, 1937–1948
87 Édgar Rentería 1,218 SS 1996–2011
88 Phil Rizzuto* 1,217 SS 1941–1942, 1946–1956
89 Elvis Andrus 1,209 SS 2009–2023
90 Anthony Rizzo (0) 1,206 1B 2011–Present
91 Jake Daubert 1,201 1B 1910–1924
92 Bill Buckner 1,200 1B/LF 1969–1990
93 Lu Blue 1,196 1B 1921–1933
Eric Hosmer 1,196 1B 2011–2023
95 Orlando Cepeda* 1,192 1B/LF 1958–1974
96 Ray Durham 1,189 2B 1995–2008
97 Dolph Camilli 1,189 1B 1933–1943, 1945
98 Rabbit Maranville* 1,188 SS/2B 1912–1935
Bid McPhee* 1,188 2B 1882–1899
100 Bert Campaneris 1,186 SS 1964–1983


By position

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Pitchers

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Greg Maddux, the leader in all-time double plays by a pitcher.
 
Justin Verlander, the active leader in double plays by a pitcher and tied for 168th all-time.
 
Bob Lemon holds the American League record.
  • Stats updated as of the end of the 2024 season.
Rank Player (2025 DPs) Throws Double plays as a pitcher Other leagues, notes
MLB American League National League
1 Greg Maddux* R 98 0 98
2 Phil Niekro* R 83 8 75
3 Warren Spahn* L 82 0 82
4 Freddie Fitzsimmons R 79 0 79
5 Bob Lemon* R 78 78 0
6 Bucky Walters R 76 0 76
7 Walter Johnson* R 75 75 0
8 Burleigh Grimes* R 74 0 74
9 Tommy John L 69 49 20
10 Tom Glavine* L 67 0 67
11 Liván Hernández R 65 0 65
Jim Kaat* L 65 55 10
Kenny Rogers L 65 63 2
14 Dizzy Trout R 63 63 0
15 Zack Greinke R 62 25 37
16 Dennis Martínez R 61 36 25
17 Carl Mays R 59 37 22
18 Gaylord Perry* R 58 23 35
19 Ted Lyons* R 57 57 0
20 Eppa Rixey* L 56 0 56
21 Lew Burdette R 55 1 54
Don Drysdale* R 55 0 55
Carl Hubbell* L 55 0 55
24 Murry Dickson R 54 3 51
Willis Hudlin R 54 54 0
Kirk Rueter L 54 0 54
Tom Seaver* R 54 5 49
28 Mark Buehrle L 53 48 5
Jim Palmer* R 53 53 0
Eddie Rommel R 53 53 0
31 Bullet Joe Bush R 52 51 1
32 Sad Sam Jones R 51 51 0
Red Ruffing* R 51 51 0
34 Art Nehf L 50 0 50
35 Grover Cleveland Alexander* R 49 0 49
Whitey Ford* L 49 0 49
Paul Splittorff L 49 0 49
38 Bert Blyleven* R 48 42 6
Jamie Moyer L 48 40 8
Bobby Shantz L 48 42 6
41 Bartolo Colón R 47 30 17
Stan Coveleski* R 47 47 0
Early Wynn* R 47 47 0
44 John Denny R 46 11 35
Bob Gibson* R 46 0 46
Larry Jackson R 46 0 46
Herb Pennock* L 46 46 0
Rick Wise R 46 15 31
49 Ferguson Jenkins* R 45 23 22
Robin Roberts* R 45 8 37
Dave Stieb R 45 45 0
52 John Clarkson* R 44 0 44
Pud Galvin* R 44 0 39 Includes 3 in American Association, 1 in National Association, and 1 in Players' League
Orel Hershiser R 44 6 38
Claude Passeau R 44 0 44
Fritz Peterson L 44 44 0
57 Mordecai Brown* R 43 0 36 Includes 7 in Federal League
Johnny Schmitz L 43 17 26
George Uhle R 43 43 0
60 Harry Gumbert R 42 0 42
Mike Hampton L 42 0 42
Clarence Mitchell L 42 0 42
Don Sutton* R 42 6 36
Javier Vázquez R 42 15 27
65 Scott Erickson R 41 40 1
Ned Garver R 41 41 0
Ray Herbert R 41 36 5
Sid Hudson R 41 41 0
Vern Law R 41 0 41
Dutch Leonard R 41 26 15
Christy Mathewson* R 41 0 41
Lee Meadows R 41 0 41
Tony Mullane R 41 0 11 Includes 30 in American Association
Joe Niekro R 41 8 33
75 Larry French L 40 0 40
Bob Friend R 40 0 40
Mudcat Grant R 40 38 2
Hal Newhouser* L 40 40 0
Frank Tanana L 40 39 1
Cy Young* R 40 18 22
81 Mike Caldwell L 39 24 15
Curt Davis R 39 0 39
Waite Hoyt* R 39 29 10
Mike Morgan R 39 19 20
Jack Quinn R 39 34 3 Includes 2 in Federal League
Charles Radbourn* R 39 0 35 Includes 4 in Players' League
Rick Reuschel R 39 0 39
88 Elden Auker R 38 38 0
Jim Bagby R 38 36 2
Guy Bush R 38 0 38
Jon Garland R 38 29 9
Mel Harder R 38 38 0
Charlie Hough R 38 32 6
Danny MacFayden R 38 22 16
Milt Pappas R 38 23 15
Dan Petry R 38 38 0
Jerry Reuss L 38 6 32
Bob Stanley R 38 38 0
Mel Stottlemyre R 38 38 0
Walt Terrell R 38 27 11
Mike Torrez R 38 21 17

Catchers

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Ray Schalk, the leader in all-time double plays by a catcher
 
J. T. Realmuto, the active leader in double plays by a catcher and tied for 99th all-time.
 
Steve O'Neill had 36 double plays in 1916, the only season of 30 or more in major league history.
 
Yogi Berra led the American League in double plays a record six times.
 
Gabby Hartnett holds the National League record.
 
Charlie Bennett was the first catcher to record 100 double plays.
 
Tom Haller set the National League record of 23 double plays in 1968.

Catchers typically record double plays by throwing out a runner attempting to steal a base immediately after the batter has struck out, by tagging out a runner attempting to score a run after receiving a throw from an outfielder on an attempted sacrifice fly, by stepping on home plate to force out a runner with the bases loaded and then throwing out another runner (often the batter trying to reach first base), or by tagging out a runner attempting to score after an out has been recorded at another base. Double plays are also occasionally recorded when a rundown play is involved, almost always as the second out. On August 2, 1985, Carlton Fisk of the Chicago White Sox recorded a double play by tagging out two New York Yankees moments apart at home plate when both tried to score on a double.[2] The feat was duplicated by Paul Lo Duca of the New York Mets in Game 1 of the 2006 National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.[3]

Many of the career leaders were active during baseball's dead-ball era when runners made more aggressive attempts to advance around the bases in risky situations; 13 of the top 18 single-season totals, and 28 of the top 37, were recorded before 1928.[4] Ray Schalk holds the record for the most career double plays by a catcher with 222.[5] Steve O'Neill is second with 198;[6] only seven other catchers have recorded 150 career double plays.

  • Stats updated as of the end of the 2024 season.
Rank Player (2025 DPs) Double plays as a catcher Other leagues, notes
MLB American League National League
1 Ray Schalk* 222 222 0 Held the American League single-season record, 1913-1914 (tie)
2 Steve O'Neill 198 198 0 Held major league record, 1920-1923; held American League record, 1917-1923; holds the single-season record of 36 (set in 1916)
3 Yogi Berra* 175 175 0
4 Gabby Hartnett* 163 0 163
5 Iván Rodríguez* 158 136 22
6 Tony Peña 156 64 92
7 Bob Boone 154 87 67
Wally Schang 154 154 0
9 Jimmie Wilson 153 0 153 Held National League record, 1935-1938
10 Gary Carter* 149 0 149
11 Jason Kendall 148 30 118
12 Carlton Fisk* 147 147 0
13 Jim Sundberg 145 142 3
14 Deacon McGuire 143 32 90 Includes 21 in American Association; held major league record, 1904-1920
15 Rollie Hemsley 141 97 44
Ivey Wingo 141 0 141 Held National League record, 1924-1935
17 Rick Ferrell* 139 139 0
Muddy Ruel 139 139 0
Luke Sewell 139 139 0
20 Bill Dickey* 137 137 0
Al López* 137 1 136
Yadier Molina 137 0 137
23 Jim Hegan 136 130 6
24 Charles Zimmer 135 0 128 Includes 7 in American Association; held major league record, 1900-1904; held National League record, 1901-1924; held the single-season record, 1894-1897
25 Lance Parrish 133 117 16
26 Brad Ausmus 130 17 113
Benito Santiago 130 13 117
28 Bill Killefer 129 18 111
29 Johnny Bench* 127 0 127
Johnny Kling 127 0 127 Held the single-season record, 1902-1909 (tie), 1912-1914; held the National League single-season record, 1912-1922
31 Red Dooin 122 0 122 Held the single-season record, 1908-1909 (tie)
32 Del Crandall 116 2 114
33 Charlie Bennett 114 0 114 Held major league record, 1887-1900
34 George Gibson 112 0 112
Heinie Peitz 112 0 112
36 Rick Dempsey 111 100 11
Wilbert Robinson* 111 8 46 Includes 57 in American Association
John Roseboro 111 22 89
Billy Sullivan 111 98 13 Held the American League single-season record, 1901–1907
40 Frank Snyder 108 0 108
41 Charles Johnson 107 21 86
Ernie Lombardi* 107 0 107
Cy Perkins 107 107 0
Hank Severeid 107 103 4
45 Bill Bergen 106 0 106 Held the single-season record, 1909-1912
Frankie Hayes 106 106 0
47 Frank Bowerman 105 0 105
Johnny Edwards 105 0 105
Larry McLean 105 0 105 Held the single-season record, 1910-1912 (tie)
Oscar Stanage 105 105 0
51 Mickey Cochrane* 104 104 0
Darrell Porter 104 76 28
Ted Simmons* 104 16 88
54 Lou Criger 102 78 24
Duke Farrell 102 7 78 Includes 12 in Players' League, 5 in American Association
56 Sherm Lollar 101 101 0
Bob O'Farrell 101 0 101 Held the National League single-season record, 1922-1968
A. J. Pierzynski 101 82 19
59 Malachi Kittridge 100 15 85
Gus Mancuso 100 0 100
Jack Warner 100 21 79 Held the single-season record, 1897-1909
62 Eddie Ainsmith 99 79 20
Chief Meyers 99 0 99
64 Bill Freehan 98 98 0
65 Spud Davis 97 0 97
Mike Scioscia 97 0 97
67 Roger Bresnahan* 96 3 93
68 Jack Clements 94 0 94
69 Hank Gowdy 93 0 93
Ramón Hernández 93 66 27
Mickey Owen 93 4 89
72 Mike González 92 0 92
Terry Kennedy 92 14 78
Buddy Rosar 92 92 0
75 Mike Piazza* 88 0 88
Butch Wynegar 88 88 0
77 Elston Howard 87 87 0 Negro League totals unavailable
Birdie Tebbetts 87 87 0
79 Roy Campanella* 86 0 82 Includes 4 in Negro National League (second) (incomplete)
Tom Haller 86 1 85 Holds the National League single-season record of 23 (set in 1968)
Otto Miller 86 0 86
Jocko Milligan 86 0 15 Includes 58 in American Association, 13 in the Players' League
83 Mike Matheny 85 22 63
Walter Schmidt 85 0 85
85 Brian McCann 84 18 66
Joe Sugden 84 36 48
87 Bill Rariden 83 0 51 Includes 32 in Federal League
Zack Taylor 83 0 83
Sammy White 83 79 4
90 Doc Bushong 82 0 41 Includes 40 in American Association, 1 in National Association; held major league record, 1886-1887; held the single-season record, 1886-1887
Kirt Manwaring 82 0 82
Thurman Munson 82 82 0
Wes Westrum 82 0 82
94 John Bateman 81 0 81
Jorge Posada 81 81 0
96 Walker Cooper 80 0 80
Andy Seminick 80 0 80
98 Clay Dalrymple 79 3 76
99 Henry Blanco 78 11 67
Buck Ewing* 78 0 71 Includes 7 in Players' League
Russell Martin 78 27 51
J.T. Realmuto (0) 78 0 78

First Basemen

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Mickey Vernon, the leader in all-time double plays by a first baseman
 
Paul Goldschmidt, the active leader and 23rd all-time in double plays by a first baseman
 
Todd Helton holds the National League record.
 
Charlie Grimm held the National League record for 80 years.
 
Jake Beckley held the major league record for 21 years.
 
Cap Anson reached 1,000 double plays before any other first baseman.
 
Ferris Fain holds the single-season record of 194 double plays.

Most of the career leaders are relatively recent players who have benefitted from improved infield defense, with equipment of better quality; 10 of the top 13 players made their major league debut after 1970. Longer careers have compensated for the fact that as strikeout totals have risen in baseball, the frequency of other defensive outs including ground outs has declined, with double play totals for first basemen likewise declining; 16 of the top 20 single-season totals were recorded between 1944 and 1980.[7] Because a right-handed first baseman needs to turn their body before throwing across the infield, left-handed first basemen are often preferred for defensive purposes; 14 of the top 21 career double-play leaders are left-handed. Mickey Vernon holds the record for the most career double plays by a first baseman with 2,044.[8] Eddie Murray (2,033) and Todd Helton (2,028) are the only other first basemen who have recorded 2,000 career double plays.

  • Stats updated as of the end of the 2024 season.
Rank Player (2025 DPs) Double plays as a first baseman Other leagues, notes
MLB American League National League
1 Mickey Vernon 2,044 2,041 3
2 Eddie Murray* 2,033 1,500 533 Holds record for right-handed first baseman
3 Todd Helton* 2,028 0 2,028
4 Rafael Palmeiro 1,782 1,766 16
5 Fred McGriff* 1,775 882 893
6 Joe Kuhel 1,769 1,769 0 Held major league record, 1946–1955; held American League record, 1944–1955; held the single-season record, 1935-1938
7 Charlie Grimm 1,733 0 1,733 Held major league record, 1932–1946; held National League record, 1930–2010; held the single-season record, 1924-1926
8 Albert Pujols 1,702 439 1,263
9 Chris Chambliss 1,687 1,073 614
10 Paul Konerko 1,660 1,650 10
11 Keith Hernandez 1,654 28 1,626
12 Andrés Galarraga 1,648 28 1,620
13 Jeff Bagwell* 1,618 0 1,618
14 Gil Hodges* 1,614 0 1,614 Held the National League single-season record, 1950-1966
15 Wally Joyner 1,611 1,227 384
16 John Olerud 1,581 1,210 371
17 Lou Gehrig* 1,575 1,575 0 Held American League record, 1938–1944; held the single-season record, 1938-1944
18 Will Clark 1,571 612 959
19 Jim Bottomley* 1,562 119 1,443 Held the single-season record, 1927–1935; held the National League single-season record, 1927-1938
20 Joe Judge 1,543 1,519 24 Held American League record, 1928–1938; held the single-season record, 1922-1923 (tie); held the AL single-season record, 1922-1925 (tie)
21 Mark Grace 1,533 0 1,533
22 Jimmie Foxx* 1,528 1,477 51
23 Paul Goldschmidt (0) 1,506 0 1,506
24 Don Mattingly 1,500 1,500 0
25 Steve Garvey 1,498 0 1,498
26 Carlos Delgado 1,496 1,045 451
27 George Sisler* 1,495 1,161 334 Held major league record, 1929–1932; held the single-season record, 1926–1927; held the American League single-season record, 1917-1918 (tie), 1926-1934
28 George Scott 1,480 1,480 0
29 Freddie Freeman (0) 1,466 0 1,466
30 Derrek Lee 1,442 67 1,375
31 Joey Votto 1,432 0 1,432
32 Mark Teixeira 1,418 1,287 131
33 Mark McGwire 1,408 1,012 396
34 Willie McCovey* 1,405 0 1,405
35 Tino Martinez 1,398 1,187 211
36 Adrián González 1,381 226 1,155
37 Cecil Cooper 1,348 1,348 0
38 Norm Cash 1,347 1,347 0
39 Tony Pérez* 1,342 213 1,129
40 Stuffy McInnis 1,338 1,001 337 Held major league record, 1926–1929; held the single-season record, 1923-1924 (tie)
41 Bill Terry* 1,334 0 1,334
42 Kent Hrbek 1,331 1,331 0
43 Wally Pipp 1,329 1,034 295 Held the American League single-season record, 1917-1918 (tie), 1920–1921; held the National League single-season record, 1926-1927
44 Jake Beckley* 1,327 0 1,266 Includes 61 in Players' League; held major league record, 1905-1926
45 Johnny Mize* 1,320 215 1,105
46 John Mayberry 1,307 1,257 50
47 J. T. Snow 1,298 415 883
48 Ted Kluszewski 1,269 102 1,167
49 Bill Skowron 1,266 1,222 44
50 George McQuinn 1,265 1,235 30 Held the single-season record, 1940-1944 (tie)
51 Eric Karros 1,257 15 1,242
52 Adam LaRoche 1,249 44 1,205
53 Lee May 1,235 335 900
54 Cap Anson* 1,232 0 1,191 Includes 41 in National Association; held major league record, 1886–1905; held the single-season record, 1884–1889; held National League single-season record, 1884-1892
55 Joe Adcock 1,228 268 960
56 Frank McCormick 1,221 0 1,221 Held the National League single-season record, 1939-1950
57 Anthony Rizzo (0) 1,206 217 989
58 Jake Daubert 1,201 0 1,201
59 Bill Buckner 1,200 410 790
60 Lu Blue 1,196 1,196 0
Eric Hosmer 1,196 807 389
62 Orlando Cepeda* 1,192 0 1,192
63 Dolph Camilli 1,189 62 1,127
64 Justin Morneau 1,180 988 192
65 Bill White 1,157 0 1,157
66 Hal Trosky 1,146 1,146 0 Held the American League single-season record, 1934-1935
67 George Burns 1,145 1,145 0 Held the American League single-season record, 1918-1920
68 Carlos Peña 1,140 1,036 104
69 Donn Clendenon 1,136 0 1,136 Holds the National League single-season record of 182 (set in 1966)
70 Boog Powell 1,131 1,130 1
71 Rod Carew* 1,130 1,130 0
72 Lyle Overbay 1,125 699 426
73 Ferris Fain 1,124 1,124 0 Holds the single-season record of 194 (set in 1949)
74 Mo Vaughn 1,119 1,003 116
75 George Kelly* 1,113 0 1,113 Held the National League single-season record, 1921-1923
76 Ryan Howard 1,106 0 1,106
77 Earl Torgeson 1,097 346 751
78 Ed Konetchy 1,093 0 1,010 Includes 83 in Federal League
Jason Thompson 1,090 593 497
80 Elbie Fletcher 1,086 0 1,086
Pete O'Brien 1,086 1,086 0
Gus Suhr 1,086 0 1,086 Held the National League single-season record, 1938-1939
83 Rudy York 1,072 1,072 0 Held the single-season record, 1944-1949
84 Vic Power 1,056 1,047 9
85 Mike Hargrove 1,043 1,019 24
86 José Abreu (0) 1,033 1,033 0
87 Prince Fielder 1,025 292 733
88 Eddie Robinson 1,018 1,018 0
89 Phil Cavarretta 1,012 29 983
90 Ernie Banks* 1,005 0 1,005
Carlos Santana (0) 1,005 810 195
92 Chris Davis 1,002 1,002 0
93 Jason Giambi 995 947 48
94 Dan Driessen 979 0 979
95 Miguel Cabrera 974 974 0
96 Hank Greenberg* 973 888 85
97 Walt Dropo 968 926 42
98 Willie Montañez 962 15 947
99 Jim Spencer 956 956 0
Fred Tenney 956 0 956

Second Basemen

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Bill Mazeroski, the leader in all-time double plays by a second baseman
 
Jose Altuve, the active leader and is 30th all-time in double plays by a second baseman.
 
Nellie Fox holds the American League record.
 
Bid McPhee held the major league record for 37 years, and led his league a record 11 times.
 
Jerry Priddy's 150 double plays in 1950 remain the American League record.
 
Fred Pfeffer held the National League record for 41 years.
 
Bucky Harris posted the first season of 100 double plays by a second baseman in the 20th century, setting a new record three years in a row.

In baseball and softball, the second baseman is a fielding position in the infield, commonly stationed between second and first base. The second baseman often possesses quick hands and feet, needs the ability to get rid of the ball quickly, and must be able to make the pivot on a double play. In addition, second basemen are almost always right-handed. Only four left-handed throwing players have appeared as second basemen in the major leagues since 1950; one of the four, Gonzalo Márquez, was listed as the second baseman in the starting lineup for two games in 1973, batting in the first inning, but was replaced before his team took the field on defense, and none of the other three players lasted even a complete inning at the position.[9] In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the second baseman is assigned the number 4.

Second basemen typically record a double play by receiving a throw from another player to force out the runner advancing to second base, then throwing to first base to retire the batter/runner, or by fielding a ground ball and then either throwing to the shortstop covering second base or stepping on the base themselves before the throw to first base is made. Second basemen generally benefit in this respect from playing alongside an excellent shortstop with great range and quickness; strong middle infields are regarded as crucial to a team's defensive play, and double play totals are regarded as a strong indicator of their defensive skill. Double plays are also recorded when the second baseman catches a line drive, then throws to a base before the runner can tag up, or another infielder or the pitcher catches the line drive and then throws to the second baseman in the same situation; on occasion, the throw might come from an outfielder after an unexpected catch of a fly ball. Other double plays occur when the second baseman records an out at second base, then throws out a runner attempting to advance on the basepaths, or on a double steal attempt in which the catcher throws out a runner attempting to steal second base, and the second baseman throws back to the catcher to retire a runner trying to steal home. Double plays are also occasionally recorded when a rundown play is involved, almost always as the second out. Because of the high number of ground outs, second basemen and shortstops typically record far more double plays than players at any other position except first base.

Most of the career leaders are relatively recent players who have benefitted from improved infield defense, with equipment of better quality; 9 of the top 14 players made their major league debut after 1962, and only two were active before 1945. Longer careers have compensated for the fact that as strikeout totals have risen in baseball, the frequency of other defensive outs including ground outs has declined, with double play totals for second basemen likewise declining; 23 of the top 29 single-season totals were recorded between 1935 and 1974, and none of the top 362 were recorded before 1921.[10] Bill Mazeroski holds the record for the most career double plays by a second baseman with 1,706.[11] Nellie Fox is second with 1,619; only four other second basemen have recorded 1,500 career double plays.

  • Stats updated as of the end of the 2024 season.
Rank Player (2025 DPs) Double plays as a second baseman Other leagues, notes
MLB American League National League
1 Bill Mazeroski* 1,706 0 1,706 Holds the single-season record of 161 (set in 1966)
2 Nellie Fox* 1,619 1,568 51 Held major league record, 1963-1970
3 Willie Randolph 1,547 1,391 156
4 Lou Whitaker 1,527 1,527 0
5 Bobby Doerr* 1,507 1,507 0 Held major league record, 1951-1963
6 Joe Morgan* 1,505 62 1,443
7 Charlie Gehringer* 1,444 1,444 0 Held major league record, 1938-1951
8 Robinson Canó 1,418 1,347 71
9 Roberto Alomar* 1,407 1,001 406
10 Frank White 1,382 1,382 0
11 Red Schoendienst* 1,368 0 1,368 Held National League record, 1957–1967; held NL single-season record, 1954-1961 (tie)
12 Bobby Grich 1,302 1,302 0
13 Ian Kinsler 1,291 1,255 36
14 Jeff Kent 1,261 3 1,258
15 Eddie Collins* 1,239 1,239 0 Held major league record, 1926–1938; held American League record, 1922–1938; held AL single-season record, 1920-1921 (tie)
16 Ray Durham 1,189 746 443
17 Bid McPhee* 1,188 0 657 Includes 531 in American Association; held major league record, 1889–1926; held single-season record, 1886–1921; held National League single-season record, 1892-1923
18 Billy Herman* 1,177 0 1,177 Held National League record, 1942-1957
19 Joe Gordon* 1,160 1,160 0
20 Ryne Sandberg* 1,158 0 1,158
21 Craig Biggio* 1,153 0 1,153
22 Brandon Phillips 1,115 97 1,018
23 Bret Boone 1,085 502 583
24 Frankie Frisch* 1,062 0 1,062 Held National League record, 1933-1942
25 Luis Castillo 1,051 126 925
26 Nap Lajoie* 1,050 883 167 Held American League single-season record, 1906-1921
27 Jim Gantner 1,036 1,036 0
28 Frank Bolling 1,003 521 482
29 Steve Sax 998 404 594
30 Jose Altuve (0) 994 771 223
31 Chase Utley 993 0 993
32 Tom Herr 991 54 937
33 Glenn Hubbard 975 94 881
34 Manny Trillo 973 73 900
35 Ski Melillo 965 965 0
36 Buddy Myer 963 963 0 Held single-season record, 1935-1950
Bobby Richardson 963 963 0
38 Hughie Critz 960 0 960
39 Cookie Rojas 953 518 435
40 Tony Taylor 950 91 859
41 Harold Reynolds 948 948 0
42 Dustin Pedroia 940 940 0
43 Julián Javier 907 0 907
44 Jerry Priddy 906 906 0 Holds the American League single-season record (150 in 1950), was the major league record until 1966
45 Mark Ellis 903 703 200
46 Dave Cash 901 0 901
47 Rogers Hornsby* 895 10 885 Held National League record, 1929-1933
48 Fred Pfeffer 894 0 821 Includes 73 in Players' League; held National League record, 1888–1929; held single-season record, 1884–1886; held NL single-season record, 1884-1892
49 Robby Thompson 873 0 873
50 Félix Millán 855 0 855
51 Brian Roberts 850 850 0
52 Del Pratt 849 849 0
53 Orlando Hudson 841 407 434
54 Ted Sizemore 835 31 804
55 Don Blasingame 834 224 610
Chuck Knoblauch 834 834 0
57 Tito Fuentes 832 119 713
58 Johnny Temple 829 175 654
59 Johnny Ray 828 263 565
60 Mark McLemore 823 815 8
61 Bucky Harris* 817 817 0 Held single-season record, 1921–1928; held American League single-season record, 1921-1935
62 Eddie Stanky 816 0 816
63 Tony Cuccinello 812 2 810 Held single-season record, 1931–1935; held National League single-season record, 1931-1950
64 Davey Lopes 811 171 640
65 Tony Lazzeri* 808 798 10
66 Tommy Helms 807 0 807
67 Ronnie Belliard 801 238 563
68 Aaron Hill 800 539 261
69 Eric Young 786 13 773
70 Bobby Ávila 785 764 21
71 Dan Uggla 784 0 784
72 Julio Cruz 780 780 0
73 Bobby Knoop 779 779 0
Fernando Viña 779 275 504
75 Damion Easley 772 666 106
76 Adam Kennedy 769 606 163
77 Carlos Baerga 759 552 207
Davey Johnson 759 600 159
79 Glenn Beckert 758 0 758
80 Mark Grudzielanek 744 259 485
Jerry Remy 744 744 0
82 Delino DeShields 743 100 643
83 Bill Doran 742 5 737
84 Rougned Odor (0) 739 726 13
84 Sandy Alomar 729 710 19
86 DJ LeMahieu (0) 724 91 633
87 Plácido Polanco 718 463 255
88 Dick Green 712 712 0
89 Larry Doyle 698 0 698
90 Jim Gilliam 696 0 628 Includes 68 in Negro National League (second) (incomplete)
91 Horace Clarke 695 689 6
92 Jonathan Schoop (0) 691 674 17
93 Jody Reed 690 449 241
94 Brian Dozier 689 606 83
Johnny Evers* 689 1 688
96 Rennie Stennett 687 0 687
97 Ron Hunt 685 0 685
98 Howie Kendrick 682 585 97
99 Kolten Wong (0) 670 21 649
100 Mickey Morandini 669 28 641

Third Basemen

edit
 
Brooks Robinson, the all-time leader in double plays by a third baseman
 
Nolan Arenado, the active leader and 8th all-time in double plays by a third baseman.
 
Graig Nettles' 54 double plays in 1971 are the most by a third baseman.
 
Mike Schmidt holds the National League record.
 
Evan Longoria has led the American League in double plays three times in his career.
 
Pie Traynor held the National League record for 31 years.
 
Billy Nash held the major league record for 27 years.

Most of the career leaders are relatively recent players who have benefitted from improved infield defense, with equipment of better quality; only six of the top 25 players made their major league debut before 1966, none of them before 1944. Only seven of the top 84 single-season totals were recorded before 1949, and only two of the top 152 were recorded before 1918.[12] Brooks Robinson holds the record for the most career double plays by a third baseman with 618.[13]

  • Stats updated as of the end of the 2024 season.
Rank Player (2025 DPs) Double plays as a third baseman Other leagues, notes
MLB American League National League
1 Brooks Robinson* 618 618 0
2 Adrián Beltré* 523 355 168
3 Graig Nettles 470 418 52 Holds the single-season record of 54 (set in 1971)
4 Gary Gaetti 460 395 65
5 Mike Schmidt* 450 0 450
6 Buddy Bell 430 362 68
7 Wade Boggs* 423 423 0
8 Nolan Arenado (0) 421 0 421
9 Aurelio Rodriguez 408 396 12
10 Ron Santo* 395 6 389 Held National League record, 1972-1986
11 Evan Longoria 390 303 87
12 Eddie Mathews* 369 0 369 Held major league record, 1966-1968; held National League record, 1964-1972
13 Robin Ventura 359 269 90
14 Ken Boyer 355 5 350
Scott Rolen* 355 30 325
16 Kyle Seager 351 351 0
17 Sal Bando 345 345 0
Eddie Yost 345 345 0 Held major league record, 1959-1966; held American League record, 1959-1967
19 Vinny Castilla 331 25 306
Doug DeCinces 331 331 0
21 Tim Wallach 319 4 315
22 Clete Boyer 315 223 92
Ron Cey 315 1 314
Matt Williams 315 21 294
25 Terry Pendleton 312 2 310
26 Harlond Clift 309 309 0 Held major league record, 1945-1959; held the single-season record, 1937-1971
27 George Brett* 307 307 0
28 George Kell* 306 306 0
Ken Keltner 306 306 0
30 Pie Traynor* 303 0 303 Held major league record, 1933-1945; held National League record, 1933-1964; held single-season record, 1925-1927; held NL single-season record, 1925-1950
31 Mike Lowell 302 109 193
32 Willie Kamm 299 299 0 Held American League record, 1933-1945
Manny Machado (0) 299 164 135
34 Frank Malzone 289 289 0
35 Pinky Higgins 288 288 0
36 Aramis Ramírez 287 0 287
37 Ken Caminiti 280 10 270
38 Heinie Groh 277 0 277 Held major league record, 1924-1933; held National League record, 1922-1933; held NL single-season record, 1915-1925
39 Jeff Cirillo 276 110 166 Holds the National League single-season record
(45 in 1998; tie)
Chipper Jones* 276 0 276
41 Willie Jones 273 2 271
42 Darrell Evans 270 2 268 Holds the National League single-season record (45 in 1974)
43 Ossie Bluege 266 266 0
Billy Nash 266 0 221 Includes 37 in Players' League, 8 in American Association; held major league record, 1897-1924; held single-season record, 1890-1925
45 Eric Chavez 262 254 8
46 Larry Gardner 261 261 0 Held American League record, 1923-1933; held the single-season record, 1920-1925 (tie)
47 Home Run Baker* 260 260 0 Held American League record, 1918-1924; held AL single-season record, 1910-1925
48 Ken McMullen 258 248 10
49 Matt Chapman (0) 257 223 34
50 Carney Lansford 256 256 0
Doug Rader 256 2 254
52 Stan Hack 255 0 255
53 Arlie Latham 253 0 118 Includes 126 in American Association, 9 in the Players' League; held major league record, 1890-1897
54 Bob Elliott 252 21 231
55 Josh Donaldson 245 203 42
56 Troy Glaus 243 190 53
57 Todd Zeile 238 47 191
58 David Wright 237 0 237
59 Charlie Hayes 231 52 179
60 Travis Fryman 230 230 0
61 Ryan Zimmerman 229 0 229
62 Jimmy Austin 228 228 0 Held American League record, 1916-1918
63 Don Hoak 227 0 227
64 Jimmy Collins* 225 113 112
65 Richie Hebner 224 10 214
Brandon Inge 224 222 2
Don Money 224 153 71
68 Eddie Foster 220 220 0
69 Ken Reitz 219 0 219
Pinky Whitney 219 0 219
71 Joe Randa 218 165 53
72 Billy Shindle 215 0 164 Includes 51 in American Association
73 Eugenio Suárez (0) 214 44 170
Billy Werber 214 114 100
75 Lave Cross 212 71 139 Includes 2 in American Association; held National League single-season record, 1899-1915
76 Alex Rodriguez 205 205 0
77 Bob Bailey 203 0 203
78 Bill Madlock 200 2 198
79 Todd Frazier 199 74 125
Milt Stock 199 0 199
81 Mike Moustakas 196 162 34
José Ramírez (0) 196 196 0
83 Andy Carey 194 190 4
Mike Pagliarulo 194 175 19
85 Hank Majeski 192 171 21
86 Bill Mueller 190 57 133
87 Kevin Seitzer 189 189 0
88 Joe Crede 188 188 0
Jimmy Dykes 188 188 0
90 Anthony Rendon (0) 186 41 145
91 Paul Molitor* 185 185 0
92 Steve Buechele 184 123 61
Bill Melton 184 184 0
Red Rolfe 184 184 0
95 Alex Bregman (0) 183 183 0
David Freese 183 31 152
97 Bill Bradley 182 160 18 Includes 4 in Federal League; held American League single-season record, 1901-1902 (tie)
98 Ken Oberkfell 180 0 180
99 Jim Tabor 178 153 25
100 Pedro Feliz 177 0 177
Toby Harrah 177 177 0

Shortstop

edit
 
Omar Vizquel, the all-time leader in double plays by a shortstop
 
Francisco Lindor, the active leader and 87th all-time in double plays by a shortstop.
 
Ozzie Smith holds the National League record.
 
Cal Ripken Jr. holds the American League record, and led the AL in double plays a record eight times.
 
Luis Aparicio held the major league record for 24 years.
 
Luke Appling held the major league record for 24 years.
 
Rick Burleson's 147 double plays in 1980 remain the record for shortstops.

Shortstop, abbreviated SS, is a baseball or softball fielding position in the infield, commonly stationed between second and third base, which is considered to be among the most demanding defensive positions. The position is mostly filled by defensive specialists, so shortstops are generally relatively poor batters who typically hit lower in the batting order. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the shortstop is assigned the number 6.

Shortstops typically record a double play by fielding a ground ball and then either throwing to the second baseman to force out the runner advancing to second base, or stepping on the base themselves before throwing to first base to retire the batter/runner, or by receiving a throw from another player to force a runner at second base before the throw to first base is made. Shortstops generally benefit in this respect from playing alongside an excellent second baseman with great range and quickness; strong middle infields are regarded as crucial to a team's defensive play, and double play totals are regarded as a strong indicator of their defensive skill. Double plays are also recorded when the shortstop catches a line drive, then throws to a base before the runner can tag up, or another infielder or the pitcher catches the line drive and then throws to the shortstop in the same situation; on occasion, the throw might come from an outfielder after an unexpected catch of a fly ball. Other double plays occur when the shortstop records an out at second base, then throws out a runner attempting to advance on the basepaths, or on a double steal attempt in which the catcher throws out a runner attempting to steal second base, and the shortstop throws back to the catcher to retire a runner trying to steal home. Double plays are also occasionally recorded when a rundown play is involved, almost always as the second out. Because of the high number of ground outs, shortstops and second basemen typically record far more double plays than players at any other position except first base.

Most of the career leaders are relatively recent players who have benefitted from improved infield defense, with equipment of better quality; nine of the top twelve players made their major league debut after 1969, and only one was active before 1951. Five of the top nine players spent their entire careers with one team. Longer careers have compensated for the fact that as strikeout totals have risen in baseball, the frequency of other defensive outs including ground outs has declined, with double play totals for shortstops likewise declining; 18 of the top 25 single-season totals were recorded between 1944 and 1988, and none of the top 478 were recorded before 1920.[14] Omar Vizquel holds the record for the most career double plays by a shortstop with 1,734.[15] Only three other shortstops have recorded 1,500 career double plays.

  • Stats updated as of the end of the 2024 season.
Rank Player (2025 DPs) Double plays as a shortstop Other leagues, notes
MLB American League National League
1 Omar Vizquel 1,734 1,433 301
2 Ozzie Smith* 1,590 0 1,590 Held major league record, 1995-2007
3 Cal Ripken Jr.* 1,565 1,565 0
4 Luis Aparicio* 1,553 1,553 0 Held major league record, 1971-1995; held American League record, 1971-1996
5 Luke Appling* 1,424 1,424 0 Held major league record, 1947-1971; held American League record, 1946-1971; held AL single-season record, 1936-1938
6 Derek Jeter* 1,408 1,408 0
7 Alan Trammell* 1,307 1,307 0
8 Roy McMillan 1,304 0 1,304 Held National League record, 1965-1992; held NL single-season record, 1954-1970
9 Dave Concepción 1,290 0 1,290
10 Miguel Tejada 1,274 1,020 254
11 Larry Bowa 1,265 0 1,265
12 Jimmy Rollins 1,249 18 1,231
13 Pee Wee Reese* 1,246 0 1,246 Held National League record, 1956-1965
14 Dick Groat 1,237 0 1,237
15 Royce Clayton 1,224 387 837
16 Édgar Rentería 1,218 181 1,037
17 Phil Rizzuto* 1,217 1,217 0
18 Elvis Andrus 1,209 1,209 0
19 Rabbit Maranville* 1,188 0 1,188 Held major league record, 1930-1947; held National League record, 1930-1956; held single-season record, 1914-1920
20 Bert Campaneris 1,186 1,186 0
21 Lou Boudreau* 1,180 1,180 0 Held single-season record, 1944-1970; held American League single-season record, 1943-1979
22 Don Kessinger 1,170 89 1,081
23 Joe Cronin* 1,165 1,164 1 Held American League record, 1939-1946
24 Garry Templeton 1,164 0 1,164
25 Orlando Cabrera 1,123 507 616
26 Ozzie Guillén 1,094 1,040 54
27 Barry Larkin* 1,092 0 1,092
28 Dick Bartell 1,072 76 996
29 Mike Bordick 1,055 1,031 24
30 Mark Belanger 1,054 1,050 4
31 Alfredo Griffin 1,053 832 221
32 Chris Speier 1,043 6 1,037
33 Leo Cárdenas 1,036 426 610
34 Tim Foli 1,028 155 873
35 Álex González
(b.1977)
1,025 157 868
36 Dave Bancroft* 1,021 0 1,021 Held major league record, 1928-1930; held National League record, 1927-1930; held single-season record, 1920-1925
37 Rafael Furcal 1,020 0 1,020
38 Ed Brinkman 1,005 990 15
39 Freddie Patek 1,004 858 146
40 Marty Marion 978 41 937
41 Greg Gagne 967 826 141
42 Roger Peckinpaugh 966 966 0 Held major league record, 1925-1928; held American League record, 1921-1939; held single-season record, 1923-1925 (tie); held AL single-season record, 1917-1921, 1923-1933
43 J. J. Hardy 953 646 307
44 Eddie Miller 946 0 946
45 Frankie Crosetti 944 944 0 Held American League single-season record, 1938-1943
46 Tony Fernández 943 770 173
47 Robin Yount* 941 941 0
48 Alvin Dark 933 0 933
49 Brandon Crawford (0) 932 0 932
50 Billy Jurges 929 0 929
51 Eddie Joost 928 709 219
52 Jhonny Peralta 920 728 192
53 Jack Wilson 913 60 853
54 José Reyes 911 164 747
55 Bill Russell 909 0 909
56 Dick Schofield 900 819 81
57 Leo Durocher* 895 70 825
58 Johnny Logan 894 0 894
59 Bill Dahlen 881 0 881 Held major league record, 1908-1925; held National League record, 1906-1927; held single-season record, 1898-1914
60 Jay Bell 877 161 716
61 Troy Tulowitzki 871 139 732
62 Maury Wills 859 0 859
63 Walt Weiss 854 286 568
64 Alex Rodriguez 853 853 0
Vern Stephens 853 853 0
66 Tommy Corcoran 851 0 759 Includes 56 in American Association, 36 in Players' League; held major league record, 1905-1908
67 Arky Vaughan* 850 0 850
68 Rafael Ramírez 842 0 842
69 Bucky Dent 839 839 0
70 Jim Fregosi 836 820 16
71 José Valentín 830 722 108
72 Alex Gonzalez
(b.1973)
829 604 225
73 Rick Burleson 827 827 0 Holds the single-season record of 147 (set in 1980)
74 Travis Jackson* 826 0 826
75 Alcides Escobar 825 696 129
76 Alexei Ramírez 807 731 76
77 Billy Rogell 805 803 2 Held American League single-season record, 1933-1936
78 Neifi Pérez 796 159 637
79 Andrelton Simmons 783 428 355
80 Chico Carrasquel 770 770 0
81 Honus Wagner* 766 0 766
82 Herman Long 765 18 692 Includes 55 in American Association; held major league record, 1900-1905; held National League record, 1901-1906
83 Wally Gerber 764 748 16
84 Cristian Guzmán 762 490 272
85 Erick Aybar 758 649 109
86 Bud Harrelson 751 57 694
87 Francisco Lindor (0) 746 434 312
88 Deivi Cruz 738 581 157
89 Zoilo Versalles 727 654 73
90 Everett Scott 726 726 0 Held American League single-season record, 1921-1923
91 Ernie Banks* 724 0 724
92 Spike Owen 723 498 225
93 Ron Hansen 722 722 0
94 Gene Alley 709 0 709
95 Rich Aurilia 708 39 669
Shawon Dunston 708 3 705
97 Roy Smalley 702 702 0 Held single-season record, 1979-1980
98 Iván DeJesús 700 4 696
99 Bobby Wine 698 0 698 Holds the National League single-season record of 137 (set in 1970), was major league record until 1979
100 Glenn Wright 695 0 695 Held single-season record, 1925-1928

Left Fielders

edit
 
Jimmy Sheckard, the all-time leader in double plays by a left fielder
 
Teoscar Hernández, the active leader and tied for 124th all-time in double plays by a left fielder.
 
Bobby Veach holds the American League record.
 
Bibb Falk holds the AL single-season record for the last 96 years.
 
Max Carey hold two records as a left fielder.

The left fielder (LF) is one of the three outfielders, the defensive positions in baseball farthest from the batter. Left field is the area of the outfield to the left of a person standing at home plate and facing toward the pitcher's mound. The outfielders have to try to catch long fly balls before they hit the ground or to quickly catch or retrieve and return to the infield any other balls entering the outfield. The left fielder must also be adept at navigating the area of left field where the foul line approaches the corner of the playing field and the walls of the seating areas. Being the outfielder closest to third base, the left fielder generally does not have to throw as far as the other outfielders to throw out runners advancing around the bases, so they often do not have the strongest throwing arm, but their throws need to be accurate. The left fielder normally plays behind the third baseman and shortstop, who play in or near the infield; unlike catchers and most infielders (excepting first basemen), who are virtually exclusively right-handed, left fielders can be either right- or left-handed. In the scoring system used to record defensive plays, the left fielder is assigned the number 7.

Left fielders are most commonly credited with a double play when they throw the ball to an infielder who tags a runner attempting to advance on the basepaths, even on a caught fly ball that results in an out (see tag up); of special importance are throws to the catcher if the runner is trying to reach home plate to score a run, perhaps on a sacrifice fly. Left fielders will often record assists by throwing out runners who try to advance farther than the batter, such as going from first to third base on a single, or batter/runners who try to stretch a hit into a longer one. Outfielders also earn double plays on relay throws to infielders after particularly deep fly balls, by throwing to a base to record an out on an appeal play, or in situations where they might deflect a fly ball before another defensive player makes the catch; in extraordinary instances, right fielders have occasionally recorded double plays by throwing out batters at first base after fielding uncaught line drives that reached them quickly. Outfielders record far fewer double plays than other players due to the difficulty of making an accurate throw in time to retire a runner from a great distance; middle infielders routinely record more double plays in a single season than outfielders do in their entire careers. Double plays are an important statistic for outfielders, giving a greater indication of a left fielder's throwing arm than double plays by infielders do. In recent years, some sabermetricians have begun referring to assists by outfielders as baserunner kills.

Jimmy Sheckard is the all-time leader in career double plays as a left fielder with 58.[16] Zack Wheat (50) is the only other left fielder who has recorded 50 career double plays. Michael Brantley, who had 24 double plays through the 2023 season to place him tied for 99th all-time, is the leader among active players.

  • Stats updated as of the end of the 2024 season.
Rank Player (2025 DPs) Double plays as a left fielder Other leagues, notes
MLB American League National League
1 Jimmy Sheckard 58 0 58 Held National League single-season record, 1911–1912; held the single-season record, 1911–1912
2 Zack Wheat* 50 1 49
3 Bobby Veach 42 42 0
4 Bibb Falk 36 36 0 Holds AL single-season record (9 in 1927)
5 Jack Graney 35 35 0
Duffy Lewis 35 35 0
Ken Williams 35 31 4
8 Goose Goslin* 34 34 0
9 Sherry Magee 33 0 33
10 George Burns 30 0 30
Max Carey* 30 0 30 Holds National League single-season record (11 in 1912) (tie); Holds the single-season record (11 in 1912) (tie)
Alfonso Soriano 30 2 28
13 Charlie Jamieson 29 29 0
14 Bob Johnson 28 28 0
15 Fred Clarke* † 27 0 27
Ted Williams* 27 27 0
Carl Yastrzemski* 27 27 0
18 Carson Bigbee 26 0 26
19 Matty McIntyre 25 25 0
20 Joe Medwick * 24 0 24
Al Simmons* 24 22 2
22 Rube Ellis 23 0 23 Held National League single-season record, 1909–1911; held the single-season record, 1909–1911
George Stone 23 23 0
Joe Vosmik 23 23 0
25 Bob Bescher 22 0 22
Barry Bonds 22 0 22
Topsy Hartsel 22 19 3
Babe Ruth* 22 22 0
Howie Shanks 22 22 0
30 Patsy Dougherty 21 21 0
Minnie Miñoso* 21 21 0 Negro League totals unavailable
Tim Raines* 21 9 12
33 Del Ennis 20 0 20
George Foster 20 0 20
Bernard Gilkey 20 0 20
Heinie Manush* 20 1 19
37 Rickey Henderson* 19 16 3
Burt Shotton 19 16 3
Jimmy Slagle 19 0 19
40 Lou Brock* 18 0 18
Jeff Heath 18 17 1
Geoff Jenkins 18 0 18
Billy Williams* 18 0 18
44 Jesse Burkett* † 17 8 9
José Cruz 17 0 17
Dan Gladden 17 17 0
Luis Gonzalez 17 0 17
Jim Rice* 17 17 0
Hank Sauer 17 0 17
Riggs Stephenson 17 0 17
Tillie Walker 17 17 0
52 Augie Galan 16 0 16
Shoeless Joe Jackson 16 16 0
Gary Ward 16 16 0
55 Mike Greenwell 15 15 0
Les Mann 15 0 13 Includes 2 in Federal League
Jo-Jo Moore 15 0 15
Rick Reichardt 15 15 0
Lonnie Smith 15 4 11
Moose Solters 15 15 0
61 Vince Coleman 14 5 9
Alex Gordon 14 14 0
Bobby Higginson 14 14 0
Raúl Ibañez 14 13 1
Gary Matthews 14 0 14
Jack McCarthy 14 10 4
Irish Meusel 14 0 14
Lou Piniella 14 14 0
John Stone 14 14 0
Gus Zernial 14 14 0
71 Dusty Baker 13 0 13
Albert Belle 13 13 0
Tommy Davis 13 3 10
Chick Hafey* 13 0 13
Steve Henderson 13 3 10
Matt Holliday 13 1 12
Ralph Kiner* 13 0 13
Carlos Lee 13 4 9
Kevin McReynolds 13 0 13
Sam Mertes 13 5 8
Rube Oldring 13 13 0
Luis Polonia 13 13 0
Gee Walker 13 11 2
Roy White 13 13 0
Gene Woodling 13 13 0
86 Garret Anderson 12 12 0
Dante Bichette 12 3 9
Pat Duncan 12 0 12
Bill Lamar 12 12 0
Austin McHenry 12 0 12
Mike Menosky 12 12 0
Ward Miller 12 1 5 Includes 6 in Federal League
Rip Radcliff 12 12 0
Kip Selbach 12 10 2
Spike Shannon 12 0 12
Willie Stargell* 12 0 12
Shannon Stewart 12 12 0
B.J. Surhoff 12 12 0
99 Michael Brantley 11 11 0
Pat Burrell 11 0 11

Center Fielders

edit
 
Tris Speaker, the all-time leader in double plays by a center fielder.
 
Jackie Bradley Jr., the active leader in double plays by a center fielder and tied for 82nd all-time.
 
Willie Mays holds the National League record.

The center fielder (CF) is one of the three outfielders, the defensive positions in baseball farthest from the batter. Center field is the area of the outfield directly in front of a person standing at home plate and facing beyond the pitcher's mound. The outfielders' duty is to try to catch long fly balls before they hit the ground or to quickly catch or retrieve and return to the infield any other balls entering the outfield. Generally having the most territory to cover, the center fielder is usually the fastest of the three outfielders, although this can also depend on the relative strength of their throwing arms and the configuration of their home field, due to the deepest part of center field being the farthest point from the infield and home plate. The center fielder normally plays behind the shortstop and second baseman, who play in or near the infield; unlike catchers and most infielders (excepting first basemen), who are virtually exclusively right-handed, center fielders can be either right- or left-handed. In the scoring system used to record defensive plays, the center fielder is assigned the number 8.

Center fielders are most commonly credited with a double play when they throw the ball to an infielder who tags a runner attempting to advance on the basepaths, even on a caught fly ball that results in an out (see tag up); of special importance are throws to the catcher if the runner is trying to reach home plate to score a run, perhaps on a sacrifice fly. Left fielders will often record assists by throwing out runners who try to advance farther than the batter, such as going from first to third base on a single, or batter/runners who try to stretch a hit into a longer one. Outfielders also earn double plays on relay throws to infielders after particularly deep fly balls, by throwing to a base to record an out on an appeal play, or in situations where they might deflect a fly ball before another defensive player makes the catch; in extraordinary instances, right fielders have occasionally recorded double plays by throwing out batters at first base after fielding uncaught line drives that reached them quickly. Outfielders record far fewer double plays than other players due to the difficulty of making an accurate throw in time to retire a runner from a great distance; middle infielders routinely record more double plays in a single season than outfielders do in their entire careers. Double plays are an important statistic for outfielders, giving a greater indication of a left fielder's throwing arm than double plays by infielders do. In recent years, some sabermetricians have begun referring to assists by outfielders as baserunner kills.

Tris Speaker is the all-time leader in career double plays as a center fielder with 146;[17][18][19] he is the only player to record more than 100 career double plays as a center fielder. Speaker played a particularly shallow center field and six of his double plays were unassisted, which is the record for outfielders.[20] Jackie Bradley Jr. , who had 20 double plays through the 2023 season to place him tied for 82nd all-time, is the leader among active players.

  • Stats updated as of the end of the 2024 season.
Rank Player (2025 DPs) Double plays as a center fielder Other leagues, notes
MLB American League National League
1 Tris Speaker* 146 146 0
2 Ty Cobb* 77 77 0
3 Willie Mays* 59 0 59
4 Max Carey* 58 0 58
5 Clyde Milan 55 55 0
6 Dode Paskert 48 0 48
7 Cy Seymour 46 0 46
8 Ginger Beaumont 44 0 44
Sam West 44 44 0
10 Ken Griffey Jr.* 41 35 6
Edd Roush* 41 0 37 Includes 4 in Federal League
12 Fielder Jones 40 40 0
Tommy Leach 40 0 40
14 Richie Ashburn* 39 0 39
Happy Felsch 39 39 0
16 Steve Finley 37 0 37
17 Hy Myers 36 0 36
18 Joe Birmingham 35 35 0
Doc Cramer 35 35 0
Vince DiMaggio 35 0 35
Amos Otis 35 34 1
22 Roy Thomas 34 0 34
23 Kenny Lofton 33 30 3
24 Bill Bruton 31 9 22
Jim Edmonds 31 8 23
Amos Strunk 31 31 0
27 Dom DiMaggio 30 30 0
Fred Lynn 30 30 0
Kirby Puckett* 30 30 0
Cy Williams 30 0 30
31 Brett Butler 29 13 16
Joe DiMaggio* 29 29 0
Baby Doll Jacobson 29 29 0
34 Earl Averill* 28 28 0
Carlos Beltrán 28 14 14
Curt Flood 28 0 28
Lloyd Waner* 28 0 28
38 Paul Blair 27 27 0
Jim Wynn 27 0 27
40 Jimmy Barrett 26 26 0
Benny Kauff 26 0 18 Includes 8 in Federal League
Burt Shotton 26 25 1
43 Johnny Bates 25 0 25
Danny Hoffman 25 25 0
Solly Hofman 25 0 24 Includes 1 in Federal League
Mickey Mantle* 25 25 0
Jigger Statz 25 0 25
48 Sam Chapman 24 24 0
Ira Flagstead 24 23 1
Adam Jones 24 24 0
Omar Moreno 24 4 20
Johnny Mostil 24 24 0
53 Andruw Jones 23 0 23
Mark Kotsay 23 12 11
Nemo Leibold 23 23 0
Terry Moore 23 0 23
Jack Smith 23 0 23
Homer Smoot 23 0 23
Bobby Thomson 23 1 22
60 César Cedeño 22 0 22
Earle Combs* 22 22 0
Marquis Grissom 22 0 22
Johnny Groth 22 22 0
Lance Johnson 22 14 8
Willie McGee 22 2 20
Rebel Oakes 22 0 18 Includes 4 in Federal League
B.J. Upton 22 15 7
68 Ping Bodie 21 21 0
Willie Davis 21 1 20
Larry Doby* 21 21 0 Negro League totals unavailable
Emmet Heidrick 21 19 2
Dave Henderson 21 21 0
Garry Maddox 21 0 21
Gary Pettis 21 21 0
Fred Schulte 21 20 1
Jimmy Slagle 21 0 21
Del Unser 21 15 6
Tillie Walker 21 21 0
Devon White 21 18 3
Hack Wilson* 21 0 21
Mookie Wilson 21 3 18
82 Harry Bay 20 18 2
Jackie Bradley Jr. (0) 20 18 2
Darrin Jackson 20 2 18
Rick Monday 20 11 9
86 Mike Cameron 19 9 10
Taylor Douthit 19 0 19
Doug Glanville 19 18 1
Dave Philley 19 19 0
Chick Stahl 19 19 0
91 Lenny Dykstra 18 0 18
Carlos Gómez 18 8 10
Torii Hunter 18 18 0
Charlie Jones 18 18 0
Chet Lemon 18 18 0
Ray Powell 18 0 18
Mickey Rivers 18 18 0
Andy Van Slyke 18 1 17
99 Tommie Agee 17 10 7
Wally Berger 17 0 17

Right Fielders

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Harry Hooper, the all-time leader in career double plays by a right fielder
 
Jason Heyward, the active leader in double plays by a right fielder and tied for 81st all-time.
 
Mel Ott holds the National League record.

Right fielders are most commonly credited with a double play when they throw the ball to an infielder who tags a runner attempting to advance on the basepaths, even on a caught fly ball that results in an out (see tag up); of special importance are throws to the catcher if the runner is trying to reach home plate to score a run, perhaps on a sacrifice fly. Left fielders will often record assists by throwing out runners who try to advance farther than the batter, such as going from first to third base on a single, or batter/runners who try to stretch a hit into a longer one. Outfielders also earn double plays on relay throws to infielders after particularly deep fly balls, by throwing to a base to record an out on an appeal play, or in situations where they might deflect a fly ball before another defensive player makes the catch; in extraordinary instances, right fielders have occasionally recorded double plays by throwing out batters at first base after fielding uncaught line drives that reached them quickly. Outfielders record far fewer double plays than other players due to the difficulty of making an accurate throw in time to retire a runner from a great distance; middle infielders routinely record more double plays in a single season than outfielders do in their entire careers. Double plays are an important statistic for outfielders, giving a greater indication of a left fielder's throwing arm than double plays by infielders do. In recent years, some sabermetricians have begun referring to assists by outfielders as baserunner kills.

Harry Hooper is the all-time leader in career double plays as a right fielder with 86;[21][22][23] he is the only right fielder with more than 80 career double plays. Jason Heyward, who had 20 double plays through the 2023 season to place him tied for 82nd all-time, is the leader among active players.

  • Stats updated as of the end of the 2024 season.
Rank Player (2025 DPs) Double plays as a right fielder Other leagues, notes
MLB American League National League
1 Harry Hooper* 86 86 0
2 Mel Ott* 59 0 59
3 Sam Rice* 55 55 0
4 Paul Waner* 54 0 54
5 Sam Crawford* † 50 38 12
6 Curt Walker 46 0 46
7 Jesse Barfield 45 45 0
Ross Youngs* 45 0 45
9 Dwight Evans 42 42 0
10 Chief Wilson 41 0 41
11 Roberto Clemente* 40 0 40
Tommy Griffith 40 0 40
John Titus 40 0 40
Larry Walker* 40 0 40
15 Hank Aaron* 39 0 39
16 Bobby Bonds 38 15 23
Harry Heilmann* 38 33 5
Mike Mitchell 38 0 38
19 Frank Schulte 37 4 33
20 Chuck Klein* 36 0 36
21 Cliff Heathcote 34 0 34
Rusty Staub 34 3 31
23 George Browne 33 2 31
Kiki Cuyler* 33 0 33
Elmer Flick* † 33 26 7
Wally Moses 33 33 0
Casey Stengel* 33 0 33
28 Vladimir Guerrero* 32 10 22
Willie Keeler* † 32 24 8
30 Jermaine Dye 30 29 1
Harry Lumley 30 0 30
32 Johnny Callison 29 1 28
Shano Collins 29 29 0
Enos Slaughter* 29 2 27
Jack Tobin 29 24 0 Includes 5 in Federal League
36 Tom Brunansky 28 25 3
Ty Cobb* 28 28 0
Steve Evans 28 0 20 Includes 8 in Federal League
Max Flack 28 0 24 Includes 4 in Federal League
Al Kaline* 28 28 0
Bob Meusel 28 27 1
Socks Seybold 28 28 0
Elmer Smith 28 25 3
44 Bruce Campbell 27 27 0
Tommy Henrich 27 27 0
Dave Parker 27 0 27
Billy Southworth* 27 1 26
Dave Winfield* 27 11 16
49 José Bautista 26 26 0
Jay Buhner 26 26 0
Reggie Jackson* 26 26 0
52 Dante Bichette 25 13 12
Gavvy Cravath 25 0 25
Jeff Francoeur 25 7 18
Carl Furillo 25 0 25
Tommy Holmes 25 0 25
Sixto Lezcano 25 14 11
Ron Northey 25 0 25
59 Jack Clark 24 0 24
José Guillén 24 10 14
Tony Gwynn* 24 0 24
Willard Marshall 24 0 24
Danny Moeller 24 23 1
64 Patsy Donovan 23 5 18
Shawn Green 23 14 9
Babe Herman 23 0 23
Tim Salmon 23 23 0
Jimmy Sebring 23 0 23
Sammy Sosa 23 1 22
Darryl Strawberry 23 1 22
Dixie Walker 23 1 22
Glenn Wilson 23 4 19
73 Danny Murphy 22 19 0 Includes 3 in Federal League
Rubén Sierra 22 22 0
Ichiro Suzuki 22 22 0
76 Bobby Abreu 21 9 12
Rocky Colavito 21 21 0
George Harper 21 2 19
Raúl Mondesí 21 7 14
Bill Nicholson 21 0 21
81 Danny Green 20 20 0
Jason Heyward (0) 20 0 20
Orlando Merced 20 5 15
Bing Miller 20 20 0
Paul O'Neill 20 15 5
Tony Oliva* 20 20 0
Babe Ruth* 20 20 0
Homer Summa 20 20 0
89 Jackie Jensen 19 19 0
Magglio Ordóñez 19 19 0
Braggo Roth 19 19 0
92 Jeromy Burnitz 18 3 15
Rob Deer 18 0 18
Wilbur Good 18 2 16
Willie Kirkland 18 9 9
Don Mueller 18 1 17
Trot Nixon 18 18 0
Ellis Valentine 18 1 17
Vic Wertz 18 18 0
100 Harold Baines* 17 17 0
Jay Bruce 17 5 12

Notes

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  1. ^ A player is considered inactive if he has announced his retirement or has not played for a full season.

References

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  1. ^ "Official Baseball Rules (2022 Edition): Rule 9.11" (PDF). Major League Baseball. Retrieved 21 Dec 2022.
  2. ^ "Cut4: That time Carlton Fisk tagged two guys out at the plate on the same play". Major League Baseball. 2 August 2015. Retrieved December 21, 2022.
  3. ^ "2006 National League Division Series (NLDS) Game 1". Baseball Reference. Retrieved December 21, 2022.
  4. ^ "Single-Season Leaders & Records for Double Plays Turned as C". Baseball Reference. Retrieved December 21, 2022.
  5. ^ "Ray Schalk Career Stats". Baseball Reference. Retrieved December 6, 2022.
  6. ^ "Steve O'Neill Career Stats". Baseball Reference. Retrieved December 6, 2022.
  7. ^ "Single-Season Leaders & Records for Double Plays Turned as 1B". Baseball Reference. Retrieved December 23, 2022.
  8. ^ "Mickey Vernon Career Stats". Baseball Reference. Retrieved December 8, 2022.
  9. ^ "From 1950 to 2013, Throws LH, Played: 2B". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved September 23, 2019.
  10. ^ "Single-Season Leaders & Records for Double Plays Turned as 2B". Baseball Reference. Retrieved December 23, 2022.
  11. ^ "Bill Mazeroski Career Stats". Baseball Reference. Retrieved December 10, 2022.
  12. ^ "Single-Season Leaders & Records for Double Plays Turned as 3B". Baseball Reference. Retrieved December 23, 2022.
  13. ^ "Brooks Robinson Career Stats". Baseball Reference. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
  14. ^ "Single-Season Leaders & Records for Double Plays Turned as SS". Baseball Reference. Retrieved December 23, 2022.
  15. ^ "Omar Vizquel Career Stats". Baseball Reference. Retrieved December 18, 2022.
  16. ^ "Jimmy Sheckard Career Stats". Baseball Reference. Retrieved August 14, 2023.
  17. ^ "Tris Speaker Career Stats". Baseball Reference. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
  18. ^ Jensen, Don. "WTris Speaker Bio". Society For American Baseball Research. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
  19. ^ "Tris Speaker Hall of Fame Profile". National Baseball Hall of Fame. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
  20. ^ "Double Play Records for Outfielders". Baseball Almanac. Retrieved October 4, 2024.
  21. ^ "Harry Hooper Career Stats". Baseball Reference. Retrieved June 30, 2021.
  22. ^ Zingg - Reed, Paul - E. A. (Betsy). "Harry Hooper Bio". Society For American Baseball Research. Retrieved June 30, 2021.
  23. ^ "Harry Hooper Hall of Fame Profile". National Baseball Hall of Fame. Retrieved August 1, 2021.
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