This shot really captures Soriano's intensity at the plate.
I fondly remember Alfonso Soriano from my childhood. He's absolutely one of my favorite players ever, especially as a kid. His intense, explosive swing, mixed with fantastic blinding speed is something I'll never forget. Soriano would eventually achieve that 40-40 accomplishment this card speaks of in 2006.
I've truly never seen another player like Soriano. He was just pure entertainment, pure skill on the diamond. I'm rather confused he didn't get more Hall of Fame buzz, but he did not play his first full season until he was 25 and his intense playstyle did not exactly translate to longevity I guess.
Alfonso was named to SEVEN consecutive All-Star games from 2002-2008, was a 4x Silver Slugger and led the MLB in stolen bases in 2002.
Alfonso retired in 2014 with 2,095 hits, 412 home runs, 1,159 RBIs, 289 stolen bases and a .270 batting average.
He might not have won a World Series or have some of the MOST elite numbers but Alfonso is one of the best to ever do it!
