Editing Mike Schmidt (section)

== Legacy ==

Mike Schmidt retired in 1989 and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1995, his first year of eligibility. His legacy as the greatest third baseman in baseball history rests on statistical achievements—the home runs, the MVP awards, the Gold Gloves—that document sustained excellence unmatched at his position. His Philadelphia career connected him to a city and franchise whose history he transformed, the 1980 championship validating a career that would have been exceptional even without postseason success. Schmidt represents what Philadelphia sports can achieve at their highest level, his career demonstrating that the city can host greatness even when the relationship between player and fans is sometimes uncomfortable.<ref name="schmidt"/>