By: Armando Garcia

Hey everyone. Mando from Kickball here. That’s Armando Garcia, for those who do not know me by my cool, hip, super original nickname. The time is finally here. The article everyone has been waiting for. Who is the G.O.A.T? The best third baseman of all time. There are many people who deserve to be on this list, but it will only be a Top 10. There rankings are based solely on the person’s ability to play third base. The rankings are based on range, accuracy, arm strength, and all-around kickball I.Q. This list will not only contain current third basemen, but it will contain those of kickball past. You may agree with some and you may disagree, but one thing everyone can agree on is that there is only one person who could be listed as number one on this list. Now do not fear, even if you do not recognize a name, I will be giving you information on every single member of the Top 10. Without further ado, here we go!

Honorable Mentions:

Bryan Bernal – A man who has never seen a shirt he does not want to cut the sleeves off. Known as Simba, this man cub has been putting in work in KOALA Kickball for a while. He has one of the strongest arms in the league, although at times he may be a bit wild. He is consistent player in the field and has a high kickball IQ that no doubt comes from years of baseball.

Jurik Morales – He is one hell of a third baseman. In my eyes, he has not been doing it long enough but he is slowly climbing up the ranks. He continues to improve every season. He is hurt by the fact that most times, he plays on a team that already has a third baseman.

1. Gabe Lopez – The one who most of you probably do not know. He does not have many seasons of kickball under his belt, but Gabe has one of the strongest arms, with a very awkward release. It is basically a better version of the throw Rene Medina makes. His range is impressive, and his hands are even better. At times, mental errors occur, but he makes up for it by being able to make throws from any spot around third base.
2. Chris Plasencia – Now, this man may not play third base than often anymore, but it does not take away from his ability. But when he did, he was a force to be reckoned with. His arm strength and accuracy has garnered him the nickname of Amazon Prime. No one is safe if they round second and he has the ball. He has one of the highest kickball IQ’s on this list and it is shown with his ability to turn double plays off an infield fly, like no one else.
3. Mike Martinez – Another one who no longer plays third base anymore He has the most KOALA Kickball experience of anyone on this list, but more on that later. His arm and accuracy are top notch. His range may not be that great but he more than makes up for it with his ability to read and react to a ball quickly.
4. Fidel Betancourt – Fidel has one of the strongest arms in KOALA and has exceptional range. He may have occasional moments are inaccuracy, but he makes up for it with the plays he makes in the field. His kickball IQ is top notch.
5. Jesus Zamora – Who in the hell is Jesus Zamora? You might be asking yourself this question, but if I tell you Chucho, you know exactly who I am talking about. He has been a staple of the Pata Sucias Dynasty at Tropical Park for many seasons. He has possibly the best range of anyone on this list. His hands are arguably some of the best on this list. He also has exceptional arm strength and accuracy which makes him dangerous on the field.
6. Tony Quezada – The man with easily the most all-around kickball experience to ever play in KOALA Kickball. He has played in three different kickball leagues for many years. He was a member of the Inaugural season at Miami Lakes and continued to play kickball before he moved away. Tony may not be remembered by many people but those who saw him play, can agree he deserves to be on this list. He has superior arm strength and accuracy. He also has very good kickball IQ and that is why he is number 5 on this list.
7. Joan Villegas – People may not know this name but he deserves to be on this list. He has one of the strongest and most accurate arms in the league. He has been playing mainly at Cutler Bay and not many people know of him. Many people know him as an outfielder but he is an elite third baseman. But he easily should be on this list.
8. Humberto “Kiko” Gutierrez – And finally, we have made it to the Top 3 third basemen in KOALA kickball history. One of the most liked players in KOALA Kickball history. This man always knew exactly what to do when he was on the field. One of the most accurate third baseman in KOALA kickball history and his arm strength is also up there. No list of third baseman would complete without having Kiko on it.
9. Dennis Renesto – Dennis can be considered a “young gun” but he does not play like it. Dennis is one of the most impressive players on this list. He has exponentially improved with every season he plays. His mix of arm strength and accuracy is topped, in my opinion, by only one man on this list and he is rated number 1. His range may be the best in all of KOALA Kickball and it is only improved by his IQ on the field. AND FINALLY…
10. Danny Morales – No one can really disagree with this pick. Danny is the best third baseman in KOALA Kickball history. He has everything that is needed to play the position. Between his exceptional arm strength and pinpoint accuracy, he makes everyone else’s job a little easier. His range is one of the, if not the best, of all time. His IQ is one of the best. All of these things put together, make him the KOALA Kickball GOAT at third base.