Top 10 Baseball Players of All-time
Baseball has been a beloved sport for over a century, with millions of fans worldwide following the players and teams that make up the history of the game. From iconic pitchers to powerful hitters, there have been countless legends that have made their mark on the sport. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at the top 10 baseball players of all time.
Babe Ruth – Known as the “Sultan of Swat,” Babe Ruth is perhaps the most iconic baseball player of all time. He was a dominant pitcher and an incredible hitter, breaking numerous records throughout his career. Ruth is credited with popularizing the sport and ushering in the “live ball” era.
Willie Mays – Willie Mays is widely considered to be one of the greatest all-around players in baseball history. He was a five-tool player, excelling in hitting, fielding, baserunning, throwing, and power. Mays won two National League MVP awards and was a 24-time All-Star.
Hank Aaron – Hank Aaron is best known for breaking Babe Ruth’s home run record in 1974, but he was a great player in his own right. Aaron was a consistent hitter, averaging over 30 home runs and 100 RBIs per season. He won the National League MVP award in 1957 and was a 25-time All-Star.
Ty Cobb – Ty Cobb was a fierce competitor and one of the most successful hitters in baseball history. He won 11 batting titles and finished his career with a .366 batting average, the highest in baseball history. Cobb was also known for his aggressive style of play and was involved in several on-field altercations.
Stan Musial – Stan Musial played for the St. Louis Cardinals for 22 seasons and was one of the most consistent hitters in baseball history. He finished his career with a .331 batting average and won three National League MVP awards. Musial was also a 24-time All-Star.
Ted Williams – Ted Williams was one of the greatest hitters in baseball history, finishing his career with a .344 batting average and 521 home runs. He won two American League MVP awards and was a 19-time All-Star. Williams also served in both World War II and the Korean War, interrupting his baseball career.
Cy Young – Cy Young is considered to be the greatest pitcher in baseball history, with a record 511 wins and a 2.63 ERA. He won the American League MVP award in 1901 and was a three-time National League strikeout leader. The Cy Young Award, given annually to the best pitcher in each league, is named in his honor.
Jackie Robinson – Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in baseball when he became the first African American player in the major leagues in 1947. He was an exceptional player, winning the Rookie of the Year award in 1947 and the National League MVP award in 1949. Robinson’s impact on the game of baseball extends far beyond his accomplishments on the field.
Walter Johnson – Walter Johnson was one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball history, with 417 wins and a 2.17 ERA. He won the American League MVP award twice and was a two-time American League strikeout leader. Johnson is also remembered for his sportsmanship and leadership on and off the field.
Mickey Mantle – Mickey Mantle was a powerful hitter and one of the most popular players of his era. He won three American League MVP awards and hit 536 home runs in his career. Mantle was also known for his speed, stealing 153 bases during his career.
In conclusion, these 10 players have left an indelible mark on the history of baseball.
Honorable Mentions:
- Nolan Ryan
- Barry Bonds*
- Pete Rose*
- Tony Gwynn
- Lou Gehrig
- Satchel Paige
- Rod Carew
- Tom Seaver
- Ozzie Smith
- Ricky Henderson
- Mike Trout**
- Albert Pujols*
- Rogers Hornsby
- Honus Wagner
- Justin Verlander**
The above list is just a fraction of 22,883 MLB players, as of today, that have entertained and inspired us on the diamond.
*not currently in the Hall of Fame.
**active player
Photo Credit: BRONX, NY – SEPTEMBER 30: Babe Ruth #3 of the New York Yankees hits his 60th home run of the season against Washington Senators’ pitcher Tom Zachary and sets a record that will stand for 70 years, at Yankee Stadium on September 30, 1927 in the Bronx, New York. (Photo by National Baseball Hall of Fame Library)
