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Minnesota Twins: The Top 5 Shortstops in Franchise History

By Otto Johnson

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 26: Greg Gagne of the Minnesota Twins turns a double play during World Series game six between the Atlanta Braves and Minnesota Twins on October 26, 1991 at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Braves 4-3. (Photo by Rich Pilling/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 26: Greg Gagne of the Minnesota Twins turns a double play during World Series game six between the Atlanta Braves and Minnesota Twins on October 26, 1991 at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Braves 4-3. (Photo by Rich Pilling/Getty Images) /
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Minnesota Twins
Minnesota Twins’ Zoilo Versalles covers second base (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

No. 5 Zoilo Versalles

Years: 1959-1967 (9 Seasons)

1109 G, 1061 H, 87 HR, 406 RBI, 85 SB, 257 BB, .257 BA, 14.7 WAR, 8.8 dWAR, 2 Top-25 MVP Finishes, 2-Time All-Star, Two Gold Glove, 1965 MVP, 1965 AL Pennant

Zoilo Versalles was similar to Earl Battey in that he was one of the players who played in Washington and stayed with the team when they moved to Minnesota, playing seven seasons for the Twins after the move.

He was one of the team’s stars early on, being named to two All-Star Games, finishing in the Top-25 of MVP voting twice, and being awarded the 1965 MVP trophy. Versalles also helped lead the team to the American League Pennant that year, leading the league in runs, doubles, and triples.

Versalles didn’t have a ton of power, but he still racked up 1,061 hits, 405 RBI, and 87 home runs over 1,109 games, the thirtieth most games all-time. He also managed to hit .257 with 257 walks over his Twins career, earning a 14.7 WAR during his nine seasons.

His defense was his strongest skill, as he built up a dWAR of 8.8 and won two Gold Gloves over his time in Minnesota. He was very good at making tough plays look easily and helped make defense easier for the rest of his teammates.

Zoilo Versalles was one of the best shortstops to ever put on a Minnesota Twins uniform, showing his value while leading the team to their first World Series in Minnesota. He is one of only a few Twins to be named MVP and he is well-deserving of the fifth spot on this list.

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