George Brett
Hall of Fame third baseman and Royals legend.
George Howard Brett (born May 15, 1953) is an American former professional baseball third baseman, designated hitter, and first baseman who played 21 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Kansas City Royals. Brett's 3,154 career hits are second most by any third baseman in major league history (after only Adrian Beltré's 3,166) and rank 18th all-time. He is one of five players in MLB history to accumulate 3,000 hits, 300 home runs, and a career .300 batting average (the others being Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Miguel Cabrera, and Stan Musial). He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1999 in his first year of eligibility, and is one of only two players in MLB history to win a batting title in three different decades (alongside Rod Carew). He was also a member of the Royals' 1985 World Series victory over the St. Louis Cardinals.
- Batting Titles Decades
- Three different decades (shared with Rod Carew)
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Brett was born in Glen Dale, West Virginia, the youngest of four sons. He graduated from El Segundo High School in 1971 and was selected by the Kansas City Royals in the second round (29th overall) of the 1971 MLB draft. He began his professional career as a shortstop but was soon shifted to third base. Brett won his first batting title in 1976 with a .333 average. In dramatic fashion, he went 2-for-4 in the final game of the season against the Minnesota Twins, beating out rivals Hal McRae, Rod Carew, and Lyman Bostock. His lead over second-place McRae was less than .001. Brett won the title when a fly ball dropped in front of Twins left fielder Steve Brye, bounced on the Royals Stadium AstroTurf and over Brye's head to the wall; Brett circled the bases for an inside-the-park home run. McRae, batting just behind Brett in the lineup, grounded out. In 1978, Brett hit three home runs off Catfish Hunter in Game 3 of the ALCS, becoming the second player to hit three home runs in an LCS game (Bob Robertson was the first, having done so in Game 2 of the 1971 NLCS).
In Their Own Story
On June 10, 1980, Brett tore a ligament in his foot while attempting to steal second and missed a month of play. Upon returning after the All-Star Break on July 10, he hit .494 (42-for-85) in his first 21 games back. By August 26, his average climbed to .407 after going 5-for-5 in Milwaukee. Although a slump in late September dropped him below the magic number, he rallied in the final week, going 10-for-19 to finish at .390 (175 hits in 449 at-bats). This performance earned him 17 of 28 first-place MVP votes. Beyond his hitting, Brett was a fierce competitor who hit three home runs off Catfish Hunter in Game 3 of the 1978 ALCS and led the Royals to their first pennant in 1980 by sweeping the Yankees.
Reader's Guide
Brett was named the Royals' interim hitting coach in 2013 on May 30, but he stepped down from the position on July 25 to resume his position of vice president of baseball operations. In 2015, he won his second World Series ring when the Royals won the series in five games over the New York Mets.
Did You Know?
- Brett is one of only two players in MLB history to win a batting title in three different decades, alongside Rod Carew.
- He is one of five players in MLB history to accumulate 3,000 hits, 300 home runs, and a career .300 batting average.
- Brett's 3,154 career hits are second most by any third baseman in major league history, after Adrian Beltré's 3,166.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is George Brett?
George Brett is a legendary third baseman who spent his entire twenty-one-year Major League career with Kansas City. He is widely considered the greatest player in franchise history due to his longevity and consistent excellence at the plate.
What makes his hitting record special?
His hitting statistics are elite, as he is one of only five players ever to record 3,000 hits while maintaining a .300 batting average and 300 home runs. This combination cements his status among the game's all-time offensive greats.
Did he win batting titles across decades?
Brett holds the unique distinction of winning American League batting titles in three separate decades, showcasing his sustained dominance over time. No other player has ever achieved this specific milestone before or since.
When was he inducted into the Hall of Fame?
He was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1999 immediately upon becoming eligible for induction. This honor recognized his massive contributions and immediate impact on the sport during his playing days.
Which championship did he help the Royals win?
Brett helped lead the Royals to their first-ever World Series championship victory in 1985 against the St. Louis Cardinals. His leadership was crucial during that pennant-winning season, solidifying his legacy with the organization.
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