George Brett

Kansas City’s dominant third baseman delivered 21 brilliant seasons – taking the Royals to the playoffs seven times and winning a title in 1985. He was a 13-time All-Star, a Gold Glove winner, and a three-time batting champion, but Brett did his most damage in 1980. His season included a 37-game hit streak, and a 2-for-4 day left him hitting .400 on Sept. 19 – just 14 games away from becoming the first player to hit .400 since Ted Williams in 1941. Brett’s pace slowed down a touch (ending the year hitting .390), but he took home the MVP award, eliminated the rival Yankees in the ALCS and led the Royals to the World Series.