The first Venezuelan-born player to enter the Hall of Fame, Aparicio played shortstop for 18 seasons, winning a Gold Glove nine times. He was named the 1956 American League Rookie of the Year, and led the league in stolen bases for nine consecutive seasons between 1956-1964. A steady presence in the middle infield, Aparicio never played a single inning at any position other than shortstop during his career spanning parts of three decades.