10. Roger Clemens(Pitcher)
During his remarkable 24-year tenure, Roger Clemens secured an impressive seven Cy Young Awards, distinguishing himself as the premier pitcher in either the American or National League. With a total of 4,672 strikeouts to his name, he stands as the third-highest strikeout leader of all time. In 1986, Clemens achieved a rare feat for a starting pitcher by clinching a league MVP award, propelled by his stellar performance with the Boston Red Sox, where he boasted a remarkable 24–4 record, a 2.48 earned run average (ERA), and 238 strikeouts.
However, amidst his accolades, there looms a shadow of controversy. The era in which Clemens excelled was tainted by widespread steroid usage among players, including possibly Clemens himself. This casts a pall over his accomplishments, suggesting they may not be as extraordinary as they initially appear. Furthermore, personal biases come into play, as Clemens holds the dubious honor of being the player most despised by the author during their baseball fandom.
Thus, while Clemens undoubtedly merits recognition, his placement on any list must be tempered by these considerations, lest personal bias cloud the judgment. Such is the nature of subjective evaluation in the realm of sports.
9. Honus Wagner(Batter)
Many contemporary baseball enthusiasts primarily associate Honus Wagner with the iconic 1909–11 T206 Wagner card, regarded as the most valuable baseball card in history, owing to its rarity and association with the American Tobacco Company. However, the card’s exorbitant value is not solely attributed to its scarcity but also to the illustrious career of the man depicted on it. Affectionately known as “The Flying Dutchman,” Wagner stands as one of the greatest figures to grace the diamond.
Throughout his storied career, Wagner dominated the National League, leading in batting average an impressive eight times. Despite playing in the challenging “dead-ball era,” he retired with a remarkable .328 batting average. By the time he hung up his cleats in 1917, Wagner had amassed an extraordinary array of statistics, ranking second in major-league history for hits (3,420), doubles (643), triples (252), and runs batted in (1,732), all of which still hold positions among the top 25 of all time.
Wagner’s unparalleled talent and impact on the game were duly recognized in 1936 when he was among the inaugural class inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. This prestigious honor, bestowed upon only five players from thousands who had graced the field, speaks volumes about Wagner’s enduring legacy and his enduring status as one of baseball’s true titans.
8. Stan Musial(Batter)
Undoubtedly one of the paramount figures on this roster, “Stan the Man” not only excelled as a player but also epitomized the ideal citizen. A cherished icon of St. Louis, Stan Musial dedicated his entire 22-season career to the Cardinals franchise, forging an indelible bond with the city that remains unparalleled in athletic lore.
Musial’s contributions to the Cardinals were nothing short of legendary, guiding the team to three World Series triumphs (1942, 1944, and 1946) while garnering an equal number of MVP awards (1943, 1946, and 1948). His lifetime batting average of .331 stands as a testament to his unparalleled skill at the plate. Remarkably, even in his twilight years, Musial’s discerning eye and impeccable technique remained evident; his highest single-season strikeout tally amounted to a mere 46, achieved at the age of 41, all while maintaining a formidable .330 batting average.
Opposing pitchers were often left flummoxed by Musial’s prowess, with Carl Erskine ruefully admitting, “I’ve had pretty good success with Stan by throwing him my best pitch and backing up third.” Such was the consistency and brilliance of Musial’s hitting that opponents could only resign themselves to their inevitable fate when facing him. In both his athletic prowess and his character, Musial embodied the epitome of excellence and sportsmanship, leaving an indelible mark on the game of baseball and the hearts of fans everywhere.
7. Ty Cobb(Batter)
The transition from the saintly demeanor of Stan Musial to the dark persona of Ty Cobb marks perhaps the most dramatic shift in character on this list. While Musial epitomized nobility, Cobb resembled more of a malevolent force, akin to the troll lurking under the bridge, hurling boulders at unsuspecting passersby. Despite his reprehensible behavior, Cobb’s athletic prowess was undeniable, making him a formidable figure in the annals of baseball history.
Infamous for his unapologetic racism and penchant for sharpening his spikes to inflict maximum harm on opponents during aggressive slides, Cobb’s on-field exploits were as notorious as his off-field antics. Yet, amidst the controversy, Cobb’s statistical achievements stand as a testament to his unparalleled skill. His lifetime batting average of .366 remains the highest in major-league history, a remarkable feat in itself.
Cobb’s dominance at the plate was staggering, leading the American League in batting average an astonishing 12 times throughout his 24-year career. However, he was far from being merely a singles hitter, also topping the AL in slugging percentage on eight occasions. Notably, Cobb achieved the elusive feat of batting over .400 in three seasons (1911, .420; 1912, .409; and 1922, .401), further solidifying his place in baseball lore.
By the time Cobb retired in 1928, he had amassed a staggering array of records, including the all-time leader in hits (4,189), runs scored (2,246), and stolen bases (892), records that would stand until the late 20th or early 21st centuries. Despite his tarnished legacy, Cobb’s impact on the game remains indelible, serving as a cautionary tale of the complexities inherent in sporting greatness.
6. Walter Johnson(Pitcher)
Walter Johnson, the formidable flame-thrower, stands as a towering figure in the annals of baseball history, epitomizing dominant pitching for generations to come. Throughout his illustrious 21-year career with the Washington Senators, aptly dubbed “Big Train,” Johnson redefined excellence on the mound.
His prowess was such that he often led the American League in strikeouts, an impressive feat accomplished 12 times during his tenure. Yet, perhaps his most staggering achievement lies in his 110 career complete-game shutouts, a record that remains unassailable in major-league history and likely to endure for eternity. To put this feat in perspective, the current active leader, Clayton Kershaw, trails far behind with a mere 15 shutouts over eight and a half seasons.
In 1913, Johnson’s dominance reached unparalleled heights when he secured 36 wins with a minuscule 1.14 ERA and an astounding 0.78 WHIP (walks and hits per inning pitched), capturing the prestigious Chalmers Award, akin to the modern MVP accolade. His brilliance continued to shine as he led the Senators to their first World Series championship in 1924, earning his second MVP honor in the process.
Johnson’s legacy extends beyond individual awards and accolades. His 3,509 career strikeouts stood as a record for 56 years, while his impressive tally of 417 wins ranks second only to Cy Young’s 511. In every aspect, from his overpowering pitching to his enduring impact on the game, Walter Johnson remains an iconic figure whose greatness transcends the passage of time.
5. Hank Aaron(Batter)
While Hank Aaron’s title as the Home Run King defined an era, his legacy extends far beyond his prodigious power hitting. With a staggering 755 career home runs, a record he held for an impressive 33 years, Aaron rightfully earned his moniker as “Hammerin’ Hank.” However, his contributions to the game surpass mere home run totals.
Aaron’s achievements include an all-time-best 2,297 runs batted in and an astonishing 6,856 total bases, highlighting his unparalleled power at the plate. Yet, his excellence extended beyond the batter’s box, evidenced by his solid career .305 batting average and his recognition with three Gold Glove Awards for his outfield prowess.
Consistency was Aaron’s hallmark, evident in his remarkable streak of 21 consecutive All-Star Game selections and his impressive feat of hitting at least 30 home runs in 15 separate seasons. Moreover, Aaron’s legacy is further underscored by his standing records and milestones. By the end of his illustrious career in 1976, he ranked second in major-league history for hits (3,771) and runs scored (2,174), cementing his status as one of the game’s all-time greats.
Beyond the accolades and statistics, Aaron’s impact transcends the realm of sports, serving as a symbol of resilience and excellence. His enduring legacy continues to inspire generations, reminding us not only of his remarkable talent but also of his unwavering dedication to the sport he loved.
4. Ted Williams(Batter)
Ted Williams, often hailed as “the greatest pure hitter who ever lived,” left an indelible mark on the sport of baseball. His .482 lifetime on-base percentage remains unmatched in the annals of the game, a testament to his extraordinary batting prowess. Despite missing nearly five prime seasons due to military service, Williams still ranks among the top 20 in total runs scored, home runs, runs batted in, and walks.
Affectionately known as “The Splendid Splinter,” Williams was revered for his unparalleled eye at the plate, culminating in his legendary .406 batting average in 1941, the last major-league season to see a player reach the elusive .400 mark. Throughout his illustrious 19-year career with the Boston Red Sox, he led the American League in batting average six times, slugging percentage nine times, and on-base percentage an astounding 12 times.
Williams’s exceptional talents weren’t confined to the baseball diamond alone. Renowned as a skilled fisherman and fighter pilot, he transcended the boundaries of sports, earning accolades in multiple arenas. Despite his myriad accomplishments, Williams maintained a complex relationship with the public, often characterized by his prickly demeanor.
In a moment that encapsulated his enigmatic persona, Williams famously eschewed a curtain call after hitting a home run in his final career at-bat. Famed author John Updike captured the essence of Williams’s mystique, declaring, “Gods do not answer letters.” In life and in sport, Ted Williams stood as an enduring symbol of greatness, his legacy immortalized by his unparalleled achievements and his enigmatic allure.
3. Barry Bonds(Batter)
Barry Bonds’ inclusion as the third spot on this list is undeniably contentious, given his reputation for being cantankerous and the cloud of steroid allegations that surrounds him. Many baseball fans view him as the embodiment of the steroid era’s perceived illegitimacy. However, Bonds’ legacy is a complex tapestry that extends beyond mere accusations.
Even before the alleged steroid use, Bonds was already destined for the Hall of Fame, boasting extraordinary talent and prowess on the field. His exceptional eye-hand coordination propelled him to remarkable heights, evidenced by his record-breaking 2,558 career walks and an astonishing .444 lifetime on-base percentage.
The impact of steroids on Bonds’ performance remains a topic of debate, with no definitive conclusion. Regardless, his statistical achievements are undeniably impressive. Bonds’ career boasts an unparalleled 762 home runs, including a single-season record of 73 in 2001. He also holds the record for the most career MVP awards, with a remarkable seven to his name.
Perhaps one of the most telling statistics is Bonds’ 688 intentional walks, more than double the amount given to the player with the second-most of all time. This staggering figure underscores the fear he instilled in opposing pitchers, a testament to his unparalleled dominance at the plate.
While Bonds’ legacy may be marred by controversy, his impact on the game of baseball cannot be denied. His extraordinary statistics serve as a reminder of his unparalleled talent and the indelible mark he left on the sport, regardless of the circumstances surrounding his career.
2. Willie Mays(Batter)
Willie Mays’ place on this list requires no justification, unlike his godson Barry Bonds, whose career is often clouded by controversy. Mays’ inclusion is based purely on his unparalleled talent and contributions to the game of baseball. His remarkable achievements at the plate speak volumes—3,283 hits, 660 home runs, and 1,903 runs batted in—but it was his extraordinary play in the outfield that truly set him apart.
Mays’s defensive prowess earned him an unprecedented 12 consecutive Gold Glove Awards from 1957 to 1968, solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest all-around players in baseball history. One iconic moment that epitomizes his brilliance occurred during the 1954 World Series when, in the eighth inning of a tied game, Mays made an over-the-shoulder catch at the warning track—a play that is etched in baseball lore. This pivotal moment helped secure victory for the New York Giants in that game and ultimately led to their championship triumph.
Despite only winning one World Series title in his career, Mays’ individual achievements shine brightly. He was selected to the All-Star team an astounding 20 times and earned MVP honors twice (in 1954 and 1965). His unparalleled skillset and contributions to the sport transcend team success, cementing his status as a true legend of the game. In the eyes of many observers, Willie Mays remains the epitome of greatness in baseball history.
1. Babe Ruth(Batter)
Babe Ruth’s place as the greatest baseball player of all time is unequivocal, transcending any qualifiers or eras in which he played. While it’s true he competed in a time before Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier and before modern training regimens shaped athletes’ physiques, Ruth’s historic talent surpasses these considerations.
Ruth’s arrival in the major leagues in 1914 marked a seismic shift, signaling the end of the dead-ball era. He revolutionized the game, shattering records with his unprecedented power. Within seven years of his debut, Ruth more than doubled the all-time record for home runs in a season, ultimately achieving a personal best of 60 home runs in 1927. Remarkably, he led the American League in home runs an astonishing 12 times.
Not only was Ruth a prodigious power hitter, but he also excelled as a pitcher in his early years, leading the AL with a 1.75 ERA in 1921. His dominance extended to the postseason, where he pitched 29 and two-thirds consecutive scoreless innings across two World Series appearances.
Beyond his on-field exploits, Ruth’s charismatic personality and off-field celebrity made him the first transcendent American sports superstar. His tenure with the storied New York Yankees of the 1920s elevated baseball to a level of prominence in the national consciousness that persists to this day.
Ruth’s legacy as the greatest baseball player of all time is not only based on his unparalleled skill but also on his profound impact on the game and its cultural significance. His influence reverberates through generations, solidifying his status as an icon in both sports and American history.