---

Manny Machado plays third base – the least represented position in Cooperstown. Before his age-30 season the slugger built a solid case for baseball’s highest honor.

Heading into the 2022 season he has 251 homers, 275 doubles, 1,425 hits, and a 45.2 WAR. Machado’s trophy case is filling up. Two Gold Gloves and a Platinum Glove are there for his defense. He’s also got a Silver Slugger Award.

Machado started in the bigs with the Orioles, less than 5 weeks after turning 20. After 51 games in 2012, he became Baltimore’s everyday man at the hot corner in 2013. Manny responded by leading the league with 51 doubles, earning a Gold Glove, making the All Star team, and receiving votes in MVP balloting.

From 2013-2018 Machado made four All Star teams, and slugged at least 33 homers each season. Then at the trade deadline of ’18 he was dealt to Los Angeles where he helped the Dodgers reach the World Series.

The following season the Padres signed Machado to a 10-year deal. In 2019 he slammed 32 homers for the Friars. The following season he earned his first Silver Slugger and finished third in the MVP race. In 2021 Machado made his 5th All Star team.

If he continues his production, Machado will someday earn a plaque in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

In the collection is this signed program from the 2010 Aberdeen Ironbirds, Machado’s first pro team. The program is dated September 3, 2010. The Orioles first-round pick was just 14 at bats into his minor league career and already had 5 hits, a double, RBI, and two walks.

Machado has signed the page that features him in this JSA-certified piece.