The Short Answer: The history of baseball boasts plenty of outstanding players, each bringing their unique skills and persona to the field. From batting prowess to pitching mastery, incredible athletes have left their indelible marks on this beloved sport. Generally speaking, legends like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Willie Mays often come to mind when discussing all-time greats. Contemporarily, Barry Bonds and Mike Trout have shattered record after record. However, this is just a glimpse into the broad spectrum of talent that has graced our baseball fields.
The thrill of the pitch, the crack of the bat, the roar of the crowd - these are the sounds that define America's favorite pastime. Enthusiasts, casual fans, and newcomers alike often debate one question: who are the best baseball players of all time? This question, while intriguing, is not simple to answer due to the rich history and diverse talents that Major League Baseball has seen over the years. We'll try our best.
The Best Baseball Player by Decade
When discussing the greatest baseball players of all time, we thought it would be best to recognize the standout players from each decade. This approach highlights the evolution of the game and the dominance of individual talents in their respective eras. Here, we'll discuss the best position player and pitcher for each decade, providing statistics and achievements to support their selection.
1900s
Position Player: Honus Wagner (Pittsburgh Pirates)
Honus Wagner, known as "The Flying Dutchman," was a Hall of Fame shortstop for the Pittsburgh Pirates. With a .328 career batting average and 3,420 hits, Wagner was a dominant force in the early days of baseball. His eight batting titles showcase his consistency and skill at the plate, and his speed and defensive prowess set him apart as one of the game's earliest superstars.
Pitcher: Christy Mathewson (New York Giants)
Christy Mathewson, a pitcher for the New York Giants, was known for his exceptional control and pitching intelligence. He accumulated 373 wins and maintained a 2.13 ERA with 2,502 strikeouts. Mathewson's mastery of the screwball and his ability to outthink hitters made him one of the most dominant pitchers of his era.
1910s
Position Player: Ty Cobb (Detroit Tigers)
Ty Cobb, an outfielder for the Detroit Tigers, is remembered for his fierce competitiveness and unmatched batting skills. With a .366 career batting average, the highest in MLB history, and 4,189 hits, Cobb dominated the decade. His aggressive base running and 12 batting titles cemented his place as one of the all-time greats.
Pitcher: Walter Johnson (Washington Senators)
Walter Johnson, known as "The Big Train," pitched for the Washington Senators. Renowned for his powerful fastball, Johnson achieved 417 wins, a 2.17 ERA, and 3,509 strikeouts. His longevity and ability to dominate hitters consistently make him one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history.
1920s
Position Player: Babe Ruth (New York Yankees)
Babe Ruth, an outfielder for the New York Yankees, revolutionized baseball with his home run hitting. Ruth hit 714 home runs, maintained a .342 batting average, and drove in 2,214 RBIs. His incredible power transformed the game and established him as one of the most legendary figures in baseball history.
Pitcher: Grover Cleveland Alexander (Philadelphia Phillies/St. Louis Cardinals)
Grover Cleveland Alexander, known for his control and durability, pitched for the Philadelphia Phillies and St. Louis Cardinals. He amassed 373 wins, a 2.56 ERA, and 2,198 strikeouts. Alexander's consistency and effectiveness on the mound made him one of the era's top pitchers.
1930s
Position Player: Lou Gehrig (New York Yankees)
Lou Gehrig, the "Iron Horse" of the New York Yankees, was known for his durability and power hitting. Gehrig achieved a .340 career batting average, 493 home runs, and 1,995 RBIs. His streak of 2,130 consecutive games played stood as a record for decades, and his impact on the game was immense.
Pitcher: Lefty Grove (Philadelphia Athletics/Boston Red Sox)
Lefty Grove, a dominant left-handed pitcher, played for the Philadelphia Athletics and Boston Red Sox. With 300 wins, a 3.06 ERA, and 2,266 strikeouts, Grove's excellent control and competitive spirit made him a standout pitcher of the 1930s.
1940s
Position Player: Ted Williams (Boston Red Sox)
Ted Williams, an outfielder for the Boston Red Sox, is often regarded as one of the greatest hitters in baseball history. Williams maintained a .344 career batting average, hit 521 home runs, and posted a .482 on-base percentage. He was the last player to hit over .400 in a season (.406 in 1941), showcasing his exceptional batting skills.
Pitcher: Bob Feller (Cleveland Indians)
Bob Feller, known for his fastball and strikeout ability, pitched for the Cleveland Indians. Feller accumulated 266 wins, a 3.25 ERA, and 2,581 strikeouts. His explosive fastball and competitive nature made him one of the top pitchers of the 1940s.
1950s
Position Player: Mickey Mantle (New York Yankees)
Mickey Mantle, an outfielder for the New York Yankees, was known for his power, speed, and ability to hit from both sides of the plate. Mantle hit 536 home runs, maintained a .298 batting average, and drove in 1,509 RBIs. His three MVP awards and impact on the Yankees' success make him a legend of the 1950s.
Pitcher: Warren Spahn (Milwaukee Braves)
Warren Spahn, a left-handed pitcher for the Milwaukee Braves, is the winningest left-handed pitcher in MLB history with 363 wins. He maintained a 3.09 ERA and struck out 2,583 batters. Spahn's consistency and durability over his career set him apart as one of the greatest pitchers.
1960s
Position Player: Willie Mays (San Francisco Giants)
Willie Mays, an outfielder for the San Francisco Giants, was known for his all-around abilities. Mays hit 660 home runs, maintained a .302 batting average, and drove in 1,903 RBIs. His defensive skills, speed, and power made him one of the greatest players of all time.
Pitcher: Sandy Koufax (Los Angeles Dodgers)
Sandy Koufax, a pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, was known for his dominant peak and unhittable curveball. Koufax achieved 165 wins, a 2.76 ERA, and 2,396 strikeouts. His performances in the 1960s, including multiple Cy Young Awards, solidified his legacy as one of the best pitchers.
1970s
Position Player: Johnny Bench (Cincinnati Reds)
Johnny Bench, a catcher for the Cincinnati Reds, was a key player for the "Big Red Machine" teams. Bench hit 389 home runs, drove in 1,376 RBIs, and won 2 MVP awards. His defensive skills and leadership behind the plate made him a standout player of the 1970s.
Pitcher: Tom Seaver (New York Mets)
Tom Seaver, known as "Tom Terrific," pitched for the New York Mets. Seaver achieved 311 wins, a 2.86 ERA, and 3,640 strikeouts. Considered one of the greatest right-handed pitchers, Seaver's dominance and consistency earned him three Cy Young Awards.
1980s
Position Player: Mike Schmidt (Philadelphia Phillies)
Mike Schmidt, a third baseman for the Philadelphia Phillies, was known for his power and defensive skills. Schmidt hit 548 home runs, drove in 1,595 RBIs, and won 3 MVP awards. His performance at the plate and in the field made him one of the best players of the 1980s.
Pitcher: Nolan Ryan (Houston Astros/Texas Rangers)
Nolan Ryan, famous for his longevity and strikeout records, pitched for the Houston Astros and Texas Rangers. Ryan achieved 324 wins, a 3.19 ERA, and 5,714 strikeouts, the most in MLB history. His fastball and durability made him a legendary figure in baseball.
1990s
Position Player: Ken Griffey Jr. (Seattle Mariners)
Ken Griffey Jr., an outfielder for the Seattle Mariners, was known for his athleticism and home run hitting. Griffey hit 630 home runs, maintained a .284 batting average, and drove in 1,836 RBIs. His defensive prowess and charisma made him a fan favorite and one of the best players of the 1990s.
Pitcher: Greg Maddux (Atlanta Braves)
Greg Maddux, a pitcher for the Atlanta Braves, was known for his pinpoint control and pitching intelligence. Maddux achieved 355 wins, a 3.16 ERA, and 3,371 strikeouts. His ability to outthink hitters and his four Cy Young Awards highlight his dominance in the 1990s.
2000s
Position Player: Albert Pujols (St. Louis Cardinals)
Albert Pujols, known as "The Machine," was one of the most dominant hitters of the 2000s. Playing primarily for the St. Louis Cardinals, Pujols hit 445 home runs, maintained a .334 batting average, and drove in 1,329 RBIs during the decade. He won three MVP awards (2005, 2008, and 2009) and consistently ranked among the league leaders in key offensive categories.
Pitcher: Randy Johnson (Arizona Diamondbacks)
Randy Johnson, known for his overpowering fastball and slider, pitched for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Johnson achieved 303 wins, a 3.29 ERA, and 4,875 strikeouts. His five Cy Young Awards and dominant presence on the mound make him one of the best pitchers of the 2000s.
2010s
Position Player: Mike Trout (Los Angeles Angels)
Mike Trout, an outfielder for the Los Angeles Angels, is widely considered the best player of the 2010s. Trout hit 306 home runs, maintained a .305 batting average, and drove in 1,002 RBIs. His exceptional all-around abilities and consistency have earned him multiple MVP awards.
Pitcher: Clayton Kershaw (Los Angeles Dodgers)
Clayton Kershaw, a pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, was known for his dominant pitching and multiple Cy Young Awards. Kershaw achieved 175 wins, a 2.43 ERA, and 2,493 strikeouts. His ability to control games and his remarkable ERA highlight his success in the 2010s.
2020s
Position Player: Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Angels)
Shohei Ohtani, a dual-threat as a pitcher and hitter for the Los Angeles Angels, is redefining what a baseball player can be. Ohtani's ability to excel both on the mound and at the plate sets him apart in the 2020s.
Pitcher: Gerrit Cole (New York Yankees)
Gerrit Cole, the ace of the New York Yankees, has been one of the top pitchers of the decade. Known for his dominant performances and strikeouts, Cole continues to be a force on the mound.
Addressing the Steroid Debate
Understanding the Controversy and its Impact
The use of steroids or performance-enhancing drugs in baseball has been a topic of continued debate. This issue brings into question the legacy of players and challenges the integrity of records that define the sport. Critics argue against steroid users, stating that such enhancements create a skewed advantage, thus devaluing the records and tarnishing the authenticity that baseball holds dear.
On the other hand, there are those who contend that irrespective of steroids, the skill and talent of these athletes should not be overcast by the steroid cloud and deserve recognition. These proponents argue that physical enhancement alone does not guarantee success, and that history should not be erased just because it doesn’t “uphold the integrity of the game."
Appreciating Players by Decade/Era
While this debate is significant, it's essential to appreciate that it significantly influences discussions about the greatest baseball players of all time. That is why in this blog, we emphasize recognizing the best players by their respective era. This approach provides an avenue to appreciate the sport's evolution and circumvents making unfair comparisons between players of different decades.
By focusing on the best performers from each era, we strike a balance without making direct comparisons – avoiding an unfair match between players like Shohei Ohtani and Barry Bonds who played in starkly different conditions and era -contexts. In the end, our goal lies in celebrating the sport's rich heritage, recognizing each player's unique contribution, and appreciating the evolution and milestones of Major League Baseball over the years.
Around the Horn: The Best Baseball Players of All Time
As we wrap up our journey through baseball history, we acknowledge the towering shadows cast by giants of the game such as Hammerin' Hank Aaron, Rickey Henderson, Frank Robinson, and Joe DiMaggio. Their omission is mostly due to the nature of this article being broken down by decades. For example, Joe DiMaggio is undoubtedly one of the greatest baseball players of all time but he never played for a full decade since he took a break from baseball for military service in the 1940s. While they may not feature on our decade-based list, their legacy holds a solid place in the chronicles of baseball history.
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