Freddie Patek

The 5’5″ 148-lb Patek was the smallest major-league player of his time, but he possessed the range and arm to be an outstanding shortstop, three times an All-Star. He was particularly adept at turning double plays. His speed and aggressive baserunning were his primary offensive weapons. He led the AL in triples (11) in 1971 and stolen bases (53) in 1977. For his career, he totaled 385 steals. He hit for the cycle at Minnesota on July 9, 1971, in his first year with the Royals. Not usually a power hitter, he hit three home runs in one game for the Angels in Boston on June 20, 1980.