Known for having one of the smoothest swings in the game, as well as for wearing a helmet even when fielding, Olerud was an excellent line drive hitter to all parts of the field. He had one of the best batting eyes in baseball, usually drawing 90-100 walks a season. Despite being one of the slowest players in MLB (he had a record nine seasons with more than 400 plate appearances and no stolen bases), Olerud was also a very intelligent base runner. A three-time Gold Glove winner, he was an excellent defensive first baseman and part of Sports Illustrated's "Greatest Infield Ever" with Edgardo Alfonzo, Rey Ordóñez, and Robin Ventura.