Greatest Baseball Players Of All Time Ranker
Baseball has been an American pastime for well over a century, and the sport has seen countless players come and go. However, some players have managed to leave a lasting legacy, becoming icons in the world of baseball. To celebrate some of these legends, we turn to the website Ranker, which has compiled a comprehensive list of the greatest baseball players of all time according to fans.
1. Babe Ruth
Unsurprisingly, Babe Ruth takes the top spot on Ranker's list. He's widely regarded as one of the greatest players in baseball history, with a career that spanned from 1914 to 1935. Ruth set numerous records, including the most home runs in a season and a career, and he won seven World Series championships.
2. Willie Mays
Willie Mays is often considered one of the most well-rounded players in baseball history. He was a five-tool player who excelled in every aspect of the game, from hitting to fielding. Over his 22-year career, Mays racked up 660 home runs, 3,283 hits, and 12 Gold Glove awards.
3. Hank Aaron
Hank Aaron was known for his consistency and longevity, playing in the major leagues for 23 years. During that time, he hit 755 home runs, setting a new record that stood for over three decades. Aaron also won three Gold Glove awards and was named an All-Star 25 times.
4. Ted Williams
Ted Williams was a hitting machine, known for his impressive batting average and power. He was the last player to hit over .400 in a season, and he finished his career with a .344 batting average. Williams was also a two-time MVP and 19-time All-Star.
5. Barry Bonds
Barry Bonds is a controversial figure in baseball, but there's no denying his talent on the field. He holds the records for most home runs in a single season and a career, with 73 and 762, respectively. Bonds won seven MVP awards and was named to the All-Star team 14 times.
6. Ty Cobb
Ty Cobb was one of the most feared hitters of his time, known for his aggressive style of play. He led the league in batting average a record 12 times and set numerous records that stood for decades. Cobb was also a fierce competitor, known for his intensity on the field.
7. Stan Musial
Stan Musial played his entire 22-year career with the St. Louis Cardinals, racking up over 3,600 hits and 475 home runs. He was known for his consistency and versatility, playing multiple positions throughout his career. Musial won seven batting titles and was a three-time MVP.
8. Lou Gehrig
Lou Gehrig is often remembered for his "Iron Horse" nickname, a nod to his incredible durability and consistency. He played in 2,130 consecutive games, a record that stood for over half a century. Gehrig also had an impressive batting average and won two MVP awards.
9. Jackie Robinson
Jackie Robinson is best known for breaking the color barrier in baseball, becoming the first African American player in the major leagues. However, his talent on the field was just as impressive, as he was a six-time All-Star and won the Rookie of the Year award in 1947. Robinson was also known for his speed and base-running skills.
10. Sandy Koufax
Sandy Koufax is often considered one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history, despite a relatively short career that lasted just 12 years. Koufax won three Cy Young awards and led the league in strikeouts four times. He also pitched four no-hitters, including a perfect game in 1965.
These are just a few of the many players who have left their mark on baseball history. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just enjoy watching the occasional game, there's no denying the impact these players had on the sport.