George Brett

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Rankings

Covers

Records

George Brett's career is defined by historic achievements that place him among baseball's elite. He is one of only five players in MLB history to amass 3,000 hits, 300 home runs, and a .300 batting average. His three batting titles across three decades remain a unique feat. Brett's .390 average in 1980 is the highest by a third baseman in a single season and the best in the American League since Ted Williams. He was elected to the Hall of Fame on 98.2% of ballots, one of the highest percentages ever. His number 5 was the first retired by the Royals, and a statue of him stands outside Kauffman Stadium. Brett's legacy as the greatest Royal of all time is undisputed.

AwardsGeorge Brett won the American League MVP in 1980 and five Silver Slugger Awards at third base. He was a 13-time All-Star and won three AL batting titles. He was a World Series champion as a player in 1985 and as an executive in 2015. In 1999, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. He also received The Sporting News Player of the Year and Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year honors in 1980.

Honours & Distinctions

Baseball Hall of Fame Induction

National Baseball Hall of Fame·1999

Inducted in first year of eligibility with 98.2% of votes.

Kansas City Royals Hall of Fame

Kansas City Royals·2006

Inducted as a charter member.

MLB All-Century Team

Major League Baseball·1999

Selected as one of the greatest players of the 20th century.

Number 5 Retired

Kansas City Royals·1994

First number retired by the franchise.

Statue Dedication

Kansas City Royals·2012

Bronze statue unveiled outside Kauffman Stadium.

Key to the City of Kansas City

City of Kansas City·1985

Awarded after the Royals' World Series victory.

Rankings & Lists

Top 10 Third Basemen of All Time

MLB Network·2020

#58

100 Greatest Players

The Sporting News·1999

#2 all-time third baseman

New Historical Baseball Abstract

Bill James·2001

Magazine Covers

Sports Illustrated

July 28, 1980

The Hottest Hitter in Baseball

Sports Illustrated

October 20, 1980

The Royals' George Brett

Sports Illustrated

September 28, 1992

3,000 Hits

Records & Feats

Only player to win batting titles in three different decades

Career Milestone·1990

Brett won AL batting titles in 1976, 1980, and 1990, a feat unmatched in MLB history.

Highest single-season batting average by a third baseman

Historic First·1980

Brett hit .390 in 1980, the highest average ever for a third baseman in a single season.

One of five players with 3,000 hits, 300 home runs, and a .300 average

Career Milestone·1992

Brett joined Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Stan Musial, and later Miguel Cabrera in this elite club.