Minnesota Twins: The Top 5 Left Fielders in Franchise History

No. 1: Washington Senators’ Leon “Goose” Goslin

Years with the Washington Senators: 1921-1930, 1933, 1938 (12 Seasons)

Key Stats with the Washington Senators: 1361 G, 1659 H, 854 R, 127 HR, 932 RBI, 117 SB, 488 BB, .323 BA, 43.0 WAR, -1.4 dWAR, 1928 Batting Title, Three Top-25 MVP Finishes, 1924, 1925, 1933 AL Pennant, 1924 World Series, Hall of Fame

No player spent more time patrolling left field for the Washington Senators OR Minnesota Twins than Goose Goslin. The Hall of Fame player earned his nickname because of his tendency to flap his arms when a fly ball was coming his way, but that didn’t stop him from being an above average defender, with a -1.4 dWAR.

Goose, like most corner outfielders, was an excellent hitter, swinging his way to a .323 average and 1,659 hits, impressive numbers for someone who played in 1,361 games. Goose also had a bit of power, hitting 127 home runs and knocking in 932 RBI. Goslin ranks in the top twenty in each one of these categories, making him an impressive all-around hitter.

Goslin was also decently fast, as the outfielder stole 117 bases over his twelve-year time with the team, ranking him seventeenth in team history in that group as well. Goslin’s best season came in 1925 when he hit .334, 18 home runs, and 113 RBI, coupled with a league-leading 20 triples. That wouldn’t be his highest batting average, however, as he won the batting title in 1928 with an incredible .379 average.

Goslin helped the franchise win its first World Series in 1924 and was one of the top hitters when the team took the AL Pennant in 1924 and 1925. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1968 and there are few who are more deserving. He is definitively one of the team’s greatest players all time.