Mike Schmidt retires

MIke schmidt retired??? When?

Schmidt played on both plastic, and natural grass. Brooks played on mostly grass, with the exceptions of the KC Royals, and his last season againt Toronto and Seattle. You are making a case for Mike Schmidt, since he played in a league that had both surfaces vs. the natural grass A.L. Teams with natural grass during Schmidt's era were; San Francisco, San Diego, LA, NY Mets, and Atlanta. Schmidt had to adjust his defense at home vs. the handful of grass NL teams. Brooks didn't!!

Good point. I'd add, however that Brooks had never even played on artificial turf before the 1970 WS, and he shut down the Reds on it as if he'd played the stuff his entire career....quite spectacularly.

Mike Schmidt was the best defensive third baseman in the National League in his time. He won the Gold Glove award ten times. Before steroids, he was in the top ten of all time home run leaders. Seriously, just stand back, and think about it. An infielder is in the same league with his bat as the common HR outfield slugger. That's why Mike Schmidt is the best third baseman of all time. If you're speaking of defense only, Brooks has it in spades. In baseball, homeruns rule.

It depends on what criteria you use I think. I factor in defense at 3rd as equally important as offense. I also consider post season play and leadership qualities. Factoring those in I think Brooks comes out ahead. No doubt Schmidt was the greatest power hitting 3rd baseman ever, but I see Brooks as being a more complete player.

When you're as good of a player as Schmidt and play for 18 years in a sport you love, you have the right to cry like a baby when you retire.

Very True

GO PHILLIES ( VINCE)

Poor little fella....