4. Willie Jones, Phillies 1947-59
His “Puddin’ Head” nickname alone earns him a spot on this list, but Willie Jones was also a heck of a third baseman.
Jones joined the Phillies during one of many unsuccessful eras; in his debut season in 1947, they went 62-92-1. Different times.
However, by 1949, they were above .500, and by 1950, they were the 91-win Whiz Kids and the National League pennant winners.
Over thirteen seasons, the two-time All-Star hit .258/.343/.413 with a .756 OPS. He averaged 24 doubles and 18 home runs per 162 games. Between 1949-58, his final full season in Philadelphia, Jones played 118+ games every year and had 108+ hits in all but one season. Among franchise leaders, Jones’ six grand slams are third-most, behind Mike Schmidt and Ryan Howard.
The Gold Glove Award wasn’t given out until 1957, but if they’d started earlier, Jones would’ve had a few. Between 1949-56, he led NL third basemen in putouts seven times, twice in assists and double plays turned, and four times in games played at third.