Oakland Athletics All-Time Top 20 Hitters in Franchise History

#18: Eric Chavez

Eric Chavez and his six Gold Gloves are more well known for defense than offense. However, Chavez had his share of success at the plate, most notably in 2002 when he won the Silver Slugger Award.

In three of Chavez’s seasons with the A’s, he was in the top ten in doubles, and in 2004, he led the league with 95 walks. Again, most of his success was as a defender, so while he might be the most beloved player in history, he only finds himself ranked 18th on the All-Time list of hitters.

In terms of franchise records, Chavez’s lengthy tenure with the A’s is his friend. His 282 doubles rank seventh among A’s players, as do his 787 RBIs. The stellar third baseman had time to rack up those numbers during a 13 year career with Oakland, beginning with his debut in 1998. In 2011, he signed as a free agent with the New York Yankees and also spent time with the Arizona Diamondbacks before retiring in 2014.

Chavez is certainly one of the greatest players in Athletics history, if only because so few of them have played as many years with the A’s as he has, but defense was definitely his specialty.

Next: Top 20 A's Hitters: #17