10. Mickey Mantle, New York Yankees
Mickey Mantle, famously known as “The Commerce Comet,” was the iconic face of the New York Yankees dynasty. Renowned as one of the most accomplished players in Major League Baseball (MLB) history, Mantle clinched seven World Series championships and received All-Star honors a staggering 20 times throughout his illustrious career. His prowess in hitting towering home runs was unparalleled, as evidenced by his four-time American League home run leadership (in 1955, ’56, ’58, and 1960) and his Triple Crown victory in 1956. Additionally, Mantle showcased his extraordinary talent on the grandest stage, the World Series, where he notably smashed 18 home runs, demonstrating his exceptional ability to perform under pressure. Mickey Mantle’s legacy as a baseball legend remains unmatched to this day, etching his name indelibly in the annals of sports history.
Mickey Mantle stats: 2,415 hits, 536 home runs, 1,509 RBIs, 153 steals, .977 OPS, 172 OPS+
9. Walter Johnson, Washington Senators
In the ongoing debate over the greatest pitcher in baseball history, one name often overlooked is that of Walter Johnson. Despite having thrown his final pitch in 1927, Johnson’s legacy remains unparalleled. He dominated a baseball era vastly different from today’s, where pitch counts and innings management were non-existent concerns. This is precisely why he holds the record for the most career shutouts, an astonishing 110, a feat unmatched by any other pitcher in history. Though his fastball might not impress as much in today’s game, during his time, he was akin to a modern-day Jacob deGrom, commanding respect and admiration for his unparalleled skill on the mound.
Walter Johnson stats: 417-279, 2.17 ERA, 3,509 strikeouts, 1.06 WHIP, 5.3 K/9, 2.57 K/BB
8. Stan Musial, St. Louis Cardinals
Stan “the Man” Musial possessed an unparalleled mastery with the baseball bat, showcasing his extraordinary talent over nearly two decades. Regarded as the greatest player in the history of the St. Louis Cardinals, Musial boasted a remarkable feat of maintaining a .300-plus batting average in every season from 1941 to 1958. His impact on the game is evidenced by his ranking third all-time in runs produced, trailing only Barry Bonds and Babe Ruth. With an impressive 24 All-Star selections, seven NL batting titles, and three World Series rings to his name, Musial undeniably secures his position among the elite ranks of the greatest MLB players in history.
Stan Musial stats: 3,630 hits, 475 home runs, 1,951 RBIs, .976 OPS, 159 OPS+
7. Ted Williams, Boston Red Sox
Dubbed as potentially the greatest pure hitter of all time, Ted Williams undoubtedly stands as the premier player in the storied history of the Boston Red Sox. His impact on the game transcends generations, as evidenced by his enduring influence encapsulated in his book, “The Science of Hitting,” which remains essential reading for MLB players to this day. Williams dedicated his entire MLB career to the Red Sox, showcasing his remarkable talent until his brief hiatus for World War II service, only to return and continue his dominance on the baseball diamond. Holding the all-time record for On-Base Percentage (OBP) at an astounding .482, Williams boasted an impressive slash line of .328/.458/.584 even at the age of 38. His statistical achievements would undoubtedly have been even more remarkable had it not been for his three-year military service.
Ted Williams stats: 2,654 hits, 521 home runs, 1,839 RBIs, 1.116 OPS, 191 OPS+
6. Lou Gehrig, New York Yankees
Lou Gehrig, famously known as the “Iron Horse,” was poised to solidify his position as one of the greatest baseball players of all time before his battle with ALS cut short his career. Nevertheless, his contributions to the sport and his iconic farewell speech remain etched in history. As a six-time World Series champion and a distinguished member of the Major League Baseball All-Time Team, Gehrig’s consecutive games played streak of 2,130 remains a testament to his durability and skill, a record that likely would have stood unbroken if not for his illness. Teaming up with Babe Ruth, Gehrig’s remarkable 149 RBI per 162-game average ranks among the highest in MLB history, reflecting his extraordinary talent and consistency over his 17-year career.
Lou Gehrig stats: 2,721 hits, 493 home runs, 1,995 RBIs, 102 steals, 1.080 OPS, 189 OPS+
5. Ty Cobb, Detroit Tigers
Ty Cobb, affectionately known as “The Georgia Peach,” was a force to be reckoned with on the baseball diamond. Renowned as a hitting machine, he solidified his legacy by holding the MLB record for batting average and securing the second spot on the all-time hit list with an impressive 4,189 hits to his name. Notably, Cobb achieved the remarkable feat of batting over .400 in consecutive seasons (1911-1912), a testament to his unparalleled skill and consistency at the plate. Amidst fierce competition in his era, Cobb stood out as the undisputed king, clinching an unmatched 12 batting titles, further cementing his status as one of the greatest hitters in the history of Major League Baseball.
Ty Cobb stats: 4,189 hits, 117 home runs, 1,944 RBIs, 897 steals, .366 BA, .944 OPS, 168 OPS+
4. Barry Bonds, Pittsburgh Pirates and San Francisco Giants
Barry Bonds faced repercussions due to steroid allegations, resulting in his exclusion from the Hall of Fame and effectively being ostracized from MLB following an impressive age-42 season where he recorded 28 home runs with a remarkable 1.045 OPS. Had he not been compelled to retire prematurely, Bonds would have undoubtedly pursued the 800 home run milestone and surpassed the 3,000-hit and 2,000-RBI marks. Additionally, Bonds holds the distinction of owning the records for most intentional walks (688) and career walks (2,558). Furthermore, he remains the sole player in MLB history to achieve both 500 steals and 500 home runs, leaving behind a complex and controversial legacy in the annals of baseball history.
Barry Bonds stats: 2,935 hits, 762 home runs, 1,996 RBIs, 514 stolen bases, 1.051 OPS, 182 OPS+
3. Hank Aaron, Atlanta Braves
Hank Aaron, widely acclaimed as the true home run king, revolutionized the game with his unparalleled ability to send baseballs soaring out of the park. Emerging from the Negro League, Aaron made his MLB debut in March 1954, swiftly asserting his dominance by smashing 13 home runs in his rookie season while maintaining an impressive slash line of .280/.322/.447. From that point onward, he consistently proved himself as the premier player in Major League Baseball.
With an illustrious career boasting remarkable statistics such as 3,771 hits, 755 home runs, 2,297 RBIs, 240 steals, a .928 OPS, and a staggering 155 OPS+, Aaron’s legacy is etched in the annals of baseball history. He stands atop the MLB record books, holding the records for most career RBIs (2,297) and total bases (6,856). Despite the challenges of the era in which he played, Aaron rightfully earns the title of home run king, a testament to his extraordinary talent and perseverance.
Undoubtedly, Hank Aaron ranks among the greatest players in baseball history, further exemplified by his MLB record for All-Star Game Appearances, totaling an impressive 25 appearances, solidifying his status as an icon of the sport.
2. Willie Mays, San Francisco Giants
Willie Mays, renowned for his iconic “The Catch,” epitomizes excellence on the baseball field. His spectacular play in the Polo Grounds not only deserves recognition for its athleticism but also symbolizes the relentless hustle that characterized his nearly two-decade-long tenure with the Giants. Mays’ dynamic style of play propelled him to win an impressive 12 Gold Glove Awards and lead the National League in both home runs and steals on four separate occasions. Widely regarded as the best center fielder in baseball history, Mays’s defensive prowess solidifies his status as arguably the greatest outfielder ever to grace the MLB.
Willie Mays stats: 3,293 hits, 660 home runs, 1,909 RBIs, 338 steals, .940 OPS, 155 OPS+
1. Babe Ruth, Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees
It’s no surprise that “The Sultan of Swat” reigns supreme as the greatest baseball player of all time. His stellar performance in his initial five seasons with the Boston Red Sox, boasting a Hall of Fame-worthy 981 OPS and 190 OPS+, set the stage for his unparalleled career. However, a pivotal moment occurred on Dec. 26, 1919, when Red Sox owner Harry Frazee traded Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees in exchange for $100,000 cash.
Babe Ruth’s hitting statistics speak volumes: 2,873 hits, 714 home runs, 2,214 RBIs, 123 steals, a formidable 1.164 OPS, and a remarkable 206 OPS+. Transitioning to the Yankees, Ruth solidified his status as the epitome of baseball greatness. He became an integral part of the greatest dynasty in baseball history, clinching four World Series titles with the Yankees and accumulating seven rings in his illustrious career, while simultaneously plunging the Red Sox into a period of misfortune.
Throughout his 15 seasons with the Yankees, Ruth’s performance was nothing short of extraordinary. He boasted an otherworldly 1.195 OPS, a staggering 209 OPS+, and amassed 659 home runs and 1,978 RBIs. Moreover, Ruth’s prowess extended beyond the batter’s box, as evidenced by his impressive pitching statistics: a notable 94-46 record, a commendable 2.28 ERA, 488 strikeouts, and dominant performances on the mound during the World Series.
Remarkably, Ruth’s achievements as a pitcher are equally noteworthy. Across 10 seasons, he maintained a Cooperstown-worthy 2.28 ERA, recorded 107 complete games, 17 shutouts, and showcased his mastery in crucial postseason games. Babe Ruth’s multifaceted talents make him a true baseball icon, a player ahead of his time akin to Shohei Ohtani a century ahead of schedule. Undoubtedly, Babe Ruth’s legacy as the greatest baseball player ever remains unchallenged.