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Lists about America's pastime, including rankings of MLB players by every position. 

Baseball

Bobby Grich

The greatest 2nd basemen of all time include some of the most iconic names in MLB history. Many of the names on this list are famous players who dominated during the pre-1950s era of Major League Baseball, like Rogers Hornsby and Jackie Robinson, but a few modern-era players like Joe Morgan and Ryne Sandberg are also considered among the best. These guys are the best second basemen in the league and make some of the toughest plays look so incredibly easy, with excellent fielding skills. Who do you think deserves the honor of the best 2nd baseman of all time? Vote for your favorite second baseman and rerank this list any way you like. The greatest second basemen of all time were slap hitters that got on base and set the table for their team. In recent years, the trend has shifted towards power, and that's changing the face of the 2-bagger dramatically. Like some of the <a href="/crowdranked-list/greatest-first-basemen-of-all-time" target="_blank">greatest first basemen ever</a>, these 2nd base players were true leaders on their respective teams. From Joe Morgan and Jackie Robinson (arguably two of the <a href="/crowdranked-list/the-greatest-baseball-players-of-all-time" target="_blank">greatest baseball players</a> ever) to modern players like Cano and Pedroia, every player listed here played (or plays) a key role for their team and many are <a href="http://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/best-hitters-in-baseball-history" target="_blank">power hitters</a>.

Best Athletes

Gabby Hartnett

After Johnny Bench and Yogi Berra (obvious greats), it's all opinion as to who the best catchers of all time are! A catcher has to have insane defensive prowess and focus to be considered great. Not surprisingly, several of the famous baseball catchers listed here are also among the <a href="http://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-greatest-baseball-players-of-all-time" target="_blank">greatest baseball players ever</a>&nbsp;in the MLB. The best baseball catchers on this list are from different teams, but all have impressive stats that back up their legacy.&nbsp;Who are the greatest catchers of all time? This list includes some of the most talented, legendary catchers in Major League Baseball history. From Yogi Berra to Thurman Munson, the players listed here were exemplary in their abilities. Vote for the MLB catchers you think are the best, vote down any you don't think deserve a spot and certainly, if any great catchers are missing, add them. You can also rerank this list your way.What makes a great catcher? It's more than just defensive prowess. A catcher's responsibilities are many. They've got to be able to work well with any and all <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/list-of-famous-baseball-starting-pitchers-who-play-professionally/reference" target="_blank">starting pitchers</a>, calling a good game for them so they can concentrate on getting batters out. Offensively, the greatest catchers of all time were able to contribute to their team's wins with the bat: They could hit. Typically, the MLB's best catchers might not have the speed that some of the outfielders do, but they've often got the power.Need proof? Just look at some of the names listed here. Yes, Bench, Fisk and certainly Mike Piazza all qualify, having had hundreds of home runs during their esteemed MLB careers.

Pee Wee Reese

This list of the greatest shortstops of all time includes some of the most iconic, <a href="/crowdranked-list/the-greatest-baseball-players-of-all-time" target="_blank">best baseball players</a> in Major League Baseball history. These MLB shortstops gave everything they had on the field and with their bats, to help their respective teams win games. Who do you believe is the greatest shortstop to ever play the game? Vote for the players you like the most, vote down any you don't think deserve the honor. Also, feel free to rerank this list - your order can affect the overall player order.Any list of the greatest shortstops to ever play the game should include the late, great Honus Wagner. The Flying Dutchman is one of the best to ever take the field, and his speed and hitting abilities are legendary. With a record eight batting titles, Wagner is not only one of the best shortstops, he's also one of the <a href="/crowdranked-list/best-hitters-in-baseball-history" target="_blank">greatest hitters</a> in baseball history. In terms of modern-era shortstops, names like Derek Jeter and Cal Ripken, Jr. come to mind almost instantly. Who gets a top 10 spot? That's for you to decide with your votes. And while you're at it, you might want to cast your vote for the <a href="/crowdranked-list/greatest-throwing-arms-of-all-time" target="_blank">greatest throwing arms of all time</a>!

Hank Aaron

This greatest baseball players list represents the combined lists of baseball fans everywhere. Anyone can make their own list of the best ballplayers ever to play the game, making this crowdranking a true consensus on who&#39;s the best baseball player of all time.

So who is the greatest baseball player of all time? There are plenty of amazing <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/top-50-current-best-baseball-players?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">top MLB players</a>&nbsp;to choose from. Are you a New York Yankees fan? Then you&#39;ll really like this list with Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, Joe DiMaggio and more repping your team. The same goes for fans of Ted Williams, Willie Mays, Bob Gibson, Stan Musial, Barry Bonds and everyone else who should be considered among the greatest baseball players of all time.&nbsp;

Clayton Kershaw

Who are the greatest pitchers of all time? Trying to decide who is the absolute greatest MLB pitcher ever is challenging&nbsp;to say the least, but it can be done -&nbsp;right here. This list includes some of the <a href="/crowdranked-list/the-greatest-baseball-players-of-all-time" target="_blank">best Major League Baseball players of all time</a>, but it is by no means complete. Add anyone you think is missing, vote for your favorites, and&nbsp;re-rank this list in any order you choose. Featuring starting pitchers, players known for throwing the fastest pitches and cool curveballs, Black pitchers, left handed pitchers, and more, our rankings include&nbsp;old baseball legends and the new players currently pitching today. Who are the most famous pitchers in the world? Are your favorites in the top 25? Get your votes in, and let&#39;s see who&#39;s the best of the best.

Each of the excellent baseball pitchers on this list can&nbsp;arguably&nbsp;be called the &quot;best,&quot; but they&#39;re all names every baseball fan should know. Some were known for their incredible fastballs; others, including Sandy Koufax and Bert Blyleven, are known for being some of the <a href="/crowdranked-list/greatest-curveball-pitchers-of-all-time" target="_blank">greatest curveball pitchers of all time</a>. These are the famous pitchers who managed, with sheer skill, to outwit and beat some of the <a href="/crowdranked-list/best-hitters-in-baseball-history" target="_blank">best hitters in baseball history</a>, too.

If you&#39;re interested in some modern-era baseball phenoms, check out this list of the <a href="/list/best-current-mlb-pitchers/ranker-baseball" target="_blank">best current MLB pitchers</a>, and vote for the current players you think deserve the top spots.

Ken Griffey, Jr.

Who are the greatest centerfielders of all time? Looking at this list, which includes some of the <a href="/crowdranked-list/the-greatest-baseball-players-of-all-time" target="_blank">greatest baseball players</a> ever to play the game, it's hard not to be awe struck by the incredible defensive talent. On top of that, nearly all of the outstanding centerfielders here are also among the <a href="/crowdranked-list/best-hitters-in-baseball-history" target="_blank">best hitters in MLB history</a>. Vote for the players that you believe were the best center fielders ever, and add any that might be missing. Also, you can re-rank this list to your liking.

A great center fielder is without a doubt one of the premiere defensive players on any baseball team. They must be incredibly alert and athletic, because they've got a lot of territory to protect. In short, the centerfielder gets a lot of action. It's not just speed, though: The best center fielders also possess great arm strength and accuracy. 

Many of the best centerfielders in Major League Baseball history (past and present) have some of the <a href="/crowdranked-list/greatest-throwing-arms-of-all-time" target="_blank">strongest throwing arms in baseball</a>, ever. Sure, they make the routine plays that get outs for their teams, but they also astound occasionally with incredible, spectacular catches.

Ron Cey

The greatest third basemen of all time include some veteran MLB players, many of whom are considered among the <a href="/crowdranked-list/the-greatest-baseball-players-of-all-time" target="_blank">greatest baseball players ever</a>. These are the guys who played the hot corner like a boss. They demonstrated excellent fielding abilities and contributed to the betterment of their teams with ease. Who do you believe is the best third baseman ever? Vote for your choices, vote down any players you don't think deserve the honor and of course, re-rank this list in any order you want.A great 3rd baseman will, of course, have an excellent fielding percentage, and the true greats also manage to be excellent at both defense and offense. Need examples? How about George Brett, arguably one of the third base greats - but he's also one of the <a href="http://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/best-hitters-in-baseball-history" target="_blank">best hitters in baseball history</a>, too (the same can be said for Mike Schmidt, among others). And can anyone dare argue that the brilliant &quot;Human Vacuum Cleaner,&quot; Brooks Robinson, isn't one of the greatest third basemen of all time? Enjoy voting for the players you believe are the best third baggers ever to play the game.

Jack Morris

The best baseball players not in the hall of fame are here on this list, though the <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/2020-baseball-hall-of-fame-ballot/ranker-baseball" target="_blank">2020 Baseball Hall of Fame ballot</a> has&nbsp;room for some of these stars.&nbsp;In order to be considered as slighted by the baseball hall of fame, a player must be non-active and have had the ability to appear on the hall of fame ballot at least once. Some of these men are considered to be among the <a href="http://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-greatest-baseball-players-of-all-time">greatest baseball players of all time</a>, yet remain off of the &quot;official&quot; list of the <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/top-50-current-best-baseball-players?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">best MLB players</a> ever at the baseball hall of fame in Cooperstown.

What keeps a player out of the baseball hall of fame? Some of these players- like Barry Bonds and Mark McGwire- have been involved in PED (performance enhancing drug) scandals, others broke the cardinal rule of not betting on the sport (Pete Rose), and still others were involved in a baseball player scandal, like Shoeless Joe Jackson who is said to have contributed to his team throwing the World Series. Some of the best baseball players are simply not on the list because they haven&#39;t yet acquired the 75% vote necessary for induction.

Who should be in the baseball hall of fame? What top baseball players are not in the hall of fame? Who are the best players not in the baseball hall of fame? These are the questions addressed here in the list of the greatest baseball players not in the hall of fame. If your favorite player isn&#39;t on the list, make sure to add them so others can agree or disagree.

If you&#39;re keeping track of the <a href="http://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/top-50-current-best-baseball-players">best current baseball players</a> make sure to check on that list and vote for your favorite baseball all-star.

Mike Schmidt

The best hitters in baseball history are those who hold the all-time hitting records in Major League Baseball, change the game as we know it, and are amongst the <a href="http://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-greatest-baseball-players-of-all-time" target="_blank">greatest baseball players of all time</a>. These sluggers dominated during their respective eras and captivated audiences at the same time. If you were to pick a top hitter for your all-time top baseball fantasy team, you'd be silly not to select these best baseball hitters as soon as possible.Pete Rose, Ty Cobb, Hank Aaron and Stan Musial all hold the top spots among the MLB all time hits, with Rose leading the pack at 4,256 over his career. Rose finished his career in 1986 and his record has withstood&nbsp;the time since.But the best hitters cannot be defined by the number of career hits alone. On that stat,&nbsp;Babe Ruth, arguably the best baseball hitter of all time, would rank in the 40s. Ruth&nbsp;holds top numbers for his home runs, slugging percentage, runs batted in and on-base&nbsp;percentage&nbsp;stats. Lou Gehrig is another who'd fall into that category with his major league records for the most grand slams -&nbsp;a figure since topped by a great modern slugger, Alex Rodriguez.So we're left with a conundrum. Do we deem those great players from yesteryear, like Willie Mays, Ted Williams and Shoeless Joe Jackson&nbsp;the best baseball hitters of all time? Do we give some love to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/best-current-baseball-players/alecdom" target="_blank">current top baseball players</a>&nbsp;like Barry Bonds, Albert Pujols and Derek Jeter? Tell us how you feel by voting for the best hitters in baseball history below!

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George Foster

Who are the greatest left-fielders of all time? Baseball's best left field players include some amazing legends of the game, with names like Ted Williams, Stan Musial and Carl Yastrzemski. They are without question among the <a href="/crowdranked-list/the-greatest-baseball-players-of-all-time" target="_blank">greatest baseball players of all time</a>, contributing to their respective teams while carving out their own Major League Baseball legacy. The mixture of power and average sets the left fielder apart from the other positions.

Which left-field players do you think deserve the top spots on this list? Vote them up, and be sure to re-rank this list as well (your rankings to affect the overall order of the CrowdRanked list).

Many of the left field players listed here have some of the <a href="/crowdranked-list/greatest-throwing-arms-of-all-time" target="_blank">greatest throwing arms of all time</a> (they have to, given the position), and without a doubt most are also included on any distinguished list of the <a href="/crowdranked-list/best-hitters-in-baseball-history" target="_blank">best hitters in baseball history</a>, too (Ted Williams? Stan Musial? Enough said).

Playing left field can be tricky. First of all, you absolutely must assume that ever single ball hit to the third baseman and the shortstop is going to be missed. You have got to be ready at all times to back up your teammates in the event they make an error. All of these players did (or do) that and more.

Who do you think should make the list of the <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/top-current-nba-players?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">best current players</a> in baseball? Ranked by fans, critics, and <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/list-of-famous-sports-analysts/reference?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">sports analysts</a>, this list includes the best current MLB players in all positions, from rookies to veteran&nbsp;pros. Vote for those you believe to be the best current baseball players in order to move them up the list, or click &quot;rerank&quot; to customize an order of your own.The best MLB players are those who have consistently proven their talent on the field. From expert pitchers to top <a href="http://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/greatest-shortstops-of-all-time?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">short stops</a>, these great athletes have made a name for themselves by being better than the rest. Who is the best player in baseball? There's sure to be plenty of debate. But the only way to get your voice heard (and make sure your choice for the best player in MLB makes it to the top of the list) is to vote! Remember, the guys on this list have be current players&nbsp;who play in the league today. Though they may soon be considered some of the <a href="http://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-greatest-baseball-players-of-all-time?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">best baseball players</a> of all time, for now, we're ranking who is best on the field right now!

Frank Robinson

What names come to mind when you think of the greatest right-fielders of all time? This list includes some of the best to ever play the game, including such Major League Baseball legends as Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron and Frank Robinson. This is, quite simply, an amazing list of power, defensive prowess, great arms, speed and high averages. Right field really does have it all. Vote for your top choices, vote down any right-fielders you don't believe deserve a spot on this list and re-rank these players in any order you like.

Some of the <a href="/crowdranked-list/best-hitters-in-baseball-history" target="_blank">best hitters in baseball history</a> are, not surprisingly, also excellent right-fielders. These players managed to combine excellent hitting abilities with <a href="/crowdranked-list/greatest-throwing-arms-of-all-time" target="_blank">stellar throwing arms</a> - basically a dream combination for any MLB player (or coach, for that matter).

What does it take to play right field? The best right-fielders listed here were outstanding defensive players. Some might believe that right field is an "easy" position, but it really isn't - you've got to be really fast and you've got to have a rocket of an arm. 

For more great baseball voting, check out these lists of the greatest <a href="/crowdranked-list/greatest-left-fielders-of-all-time" target="_blank">left-fielders ever, as well as the <a href="/crowdranked-list/greatest-first-basemen-of-all-time" target="_blank">first</a>, <a href="/crowdranked-list/greatest-2nd-basemen-of-all-time" target="_blank">second</a> and <a href="/crowdranked-list/greatest-third-basemen-of-all-time" target="_blank">third basemen of all time</a>.

John Smoltz

The best starting pitchers in baseball history have one vital quality in common: their ability to win. There are so many different ways to define a great pitcher: pitch velocity, outstanding command of their pitch locations and can have ridiculous movement on their breaking stuff. The best starting pitchers have a special quality that makes them more dominant than their contemporaries. They have the rare ability to reach back and get a key out when it's absolutely necessary. Many baseball fans love a starting pitcher who can throw in the high-90s and even low-100s. Throughout his 27-year career, Nolan Ryan hit those high-water marks. The pitcher nicknamed the Ryan Express is widely considered one of the best power pitchers of all time alongside Bob Gibson, Pedro Martinez and a few others. On the opposite side sits pitchers like Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine from the successful Atlanta Braves teams from the '90s. These pitchers were able to make up for their lack of pitch power by having arguably the best pitch placement in baseball history.Here is your opportunity to vote on which starting pitcher can be considered the best in baseball history.This Ultimate List will determine by your vote who can be considered the best starting pitcher of all time.

John Franco

The greatest relief pitchers of all time include some of the <a href="/list/best-current-mlb-pitchers/ranker-baseball" target="_blank">best current MLB players</a>, as well as some legends who are already in the baseball hall of fame. What do you think: Is Mariano Rivera the best relief pitcher in baseball history? Vote for the players you think deserve the top honor, and vote down any that you don't think are worthy. Also, rerank this list in any order you want.

Here's the thing about a really great relief pitcher: They are golden. They really are, because if you find a great team that's performing extremely well, during the regular or the post-season, the chances are very good that they've got an ace relief pitcher at the end of the rotation. All that work, all those runs accrued, mean absolutely nothing if things fall apart in the ninth inning. A great closer seals the deal, period.

If you want to vote some more, why not head over and decide who you think is the <a href="/crowdranked-list/greatest-curveball-pitchers-of-all-time" target="_blank">greatest curveball pitcher</a> or the <a href="/crowdranked-list/best-hitters-in-baseball-history" target="_blank">best hittters in baseball history</a>, too?

Nap Lajoie

As a baseball player, it&#39;s always a dream to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, whether you&#39;re a <a href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/best-hitters-in-baseball-history" target="_blank">big-time hitter</a> or one of the <a href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/greatest-pitchers-of-all-time" target="_blank">greatest pitchers</a> to play the game. The best professional players both past and present all have the chance to prove themselves and achieve a plaque in Cooperstown. But of all the players who do make it there, who are the very best?&nbsp;

The members of the Baseball Hall of Fame are some of the greatest players of all time and some of the true legends of the game. The Hall of Fame opened in 1939 in Cooperstown, New York, the site of the first ever baseball game. Since then, many icons have been enshrined into the HOF. Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron, Lou Gehrig, Tom Seaver, Willie Mays and Bob Gibson are just a few of the numerous legends who have been inducted and with good reason: they&#39;re the among the <a href="http://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-greatest-baseball-players-of-all-time">greatest baseball players ever</a>. Even those who didn&#39;t achieve great team success still made a huge impact on the game with their individual skills.&nbsp;

In order to get inducted into the MLB Hall of Fame, a finalist needs to receive at least 75 percent of the votes by the baseball writers. If they don&#39;t, they are eligible for up to 15 years, depending on if they receive the minimum amount of votes to stay on the ballot. If they don&#39;t make the Hall because of the writers, then the Veterans Committee can induct the players later on.

This is the list of the greatest baseball players in the Hall of Fame. Vote or re-rank this list according to who you think is the best player in Cooperstown. Then head over and check out the <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/2020-baseball-hall-of-fame-ballot/ranker-baseball" target="_blank">2020 Baseball Hall of Fame ballot</a>, and help decide who should be added to this list.

Stubby Clapp

They may not be as prevalent or as cool nowadays, but not too long baseball cards were what all the cool kids were doing. Having a sweet deck made you the coolest kid in school. You could even trade cards with of &nbsp;your Little League teammates!&nbsp;Amongst the hundreds of thousands of different baseball cards printed are some that stand out for their weird or funny appearance. From the player's name, to the silliness of the particular frame that was captured, these are the most ridiculous baseball cards you'll ever see. Take a trip down baseball card memory lane! It's America's favorite pastime for a reason!

Jeff Francoeur

This list of the greatest throwing arms of all time includes some legendary MLB players known for being true flamethrowers from the outfield. These baseball players might be way out in the outfield, but they get (or got) a ton of attention for making some incredibly exciting defensive plays, via assists. Which Major League Baseball players do you think had the best throwing arms ever?Vote, and be sure to re-rank this list your way, too.MLB players with the greatest throwing arms ever had cannons, keeping runners who were thinking about stealing bases in place, because they knew the chances they'd get thrown out were very, very high. The ballplayers listed here are without a doubt some of the <a href="/crowdranked-list/the-greatest-baseball-players-of-all-time" target="_blank">best baseball players</a> ever. Every single one of them racked up incredible assist numbers, combining sheer strength with athleticism and accuracy. If baseball's your thing, you'll definitely want to check out these lists of the greatest <a href="/crowdranked-list/greatest-first-basemen-of-all-time" target="_blank">first</a>, <a href="/crowdranked-list/greatest-2nd-basemen-of-all-time" target="_blank">second</a> and <a href="/crowdranked-list/greatest-third-basemen-of-all-time" target="_blank">third basemen of all time</a>.&nbsp;

Chili Davis

Who are the best all-time designated hitters? These guys are sent to the plate to hack away, and that's just what they do, time and time again. The greatest designated hitters of all time include some of the <a href="/crowdranked-list/the-greatest-baseball-players-of-all-time" target="_blank">best baseball players</a> in history. These DH players are true game changers, stepping up to the plate and giving it their all. Vote for the MLB designated hitters that you think are the best ever, vote down any you don't think deserve a spot here and rerank this list of players in any order you want.

The designated hitter is perhaps one of the most specialized positions in baseball. These are the players who bat for the pitchers. Each team gets just one DH, and, interestingly enough, the DH rule was only adopted by the American League (that may change, eventually).

Designated hitters, especially those on this list, are brought in to up a team's offense with more hits and (hopefully) more runs. Some of the greats listed here are among <a href="/crowdranked-list/best-hitters-in-baseball-history" target="_blank">the best hitters in baseball history</a> (Edgar Martinez, anyone?) and some players are included on this list of <a href="/crowdranked-list/top-50-current-best-baseball-players" target="_blank">the best current baseball players</a>, too.

Baseball is a game full of rules that the majority of people who follow the game know. It's three strikes and you're out, a home run has to go over the fence (except if it's an inside the park home run, or it's one of those ballparks with the yellow dividing line for home runs on the fence, &nbsp;or it's Tropicana Field), and there are nine innings, and if it's tied you just keep playing. Actually, baseball is pretty confusing. And just to make it more confusing, baseball has a long list of unwritten rules. Unwritten rules are basically rules that are supposed to be followed by players, but they are not in any sort of rule book and your team will not be penalized if they are not followed, yet they have somehow developed over time. Many of the rules are centered around respect. You are not supposed run up the score, admire a home run, or steal a base when already ahead by a wide margin. While other unwritten rules are centered around revenge or not to jinx your own team. Most of these rules are ridiculous and outdated, but baseball is a sport rich in tradition and the consequences can be tough if these unwritten rules aren't followed. Vote up this list for which unwritten rules you think are the most ridiculous.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Trevor Hoffman

Who are the best closers in baseball history? The players on this list shut down late innings with both class and style. Many of them are/were considered the best in the bullpen -- and among the <a href="/crowdranked-list/the-greatest-baseball-players-of-all-time" target="_blank">greatest baseball players of all time</a>, for that matter. Some are still playing, but others have officially retired from Major League Baseball. Enjoy this list of the top closing pitchers, vote for the closers you think are the greatest to ever hit the mound, and feel free to re-rank this list in any order you see fit.

The best relief pitchers ever in baseball have one thing in common: They get the job done. When a closer takes the mound, it's crunch time. Often, the closer has the awesome responsibility of helping his team hold a narrow lead. One run could change the outcome, and the relief pitcher has to make sure no one hits him. There is a reason why closers are the highest paid relief players on the team, after all.

Looking for more great baseball-related lists? Cast your votes for the <a href="/crowdranked-list/top-50-current-best-baseball-players" target="_blank">top current baseball players</a>, the <a href="/crowdranked-list/greatest-designated-hitters-of-all-time" target="_blank">greatest designated hitters of all time</a> and the <a href="/crowdranked-list/best-hitters-in-baseball-history" target="_blank">best hitters in baseball history</a>.

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Who are the greatest first basemen of all time? From the incomparable talents of Lou Gehrig to the stunning abilities of modern-era players like Albert Pujols, this list includes some of the best Major League Baseball first basemen, and really, some of the <a href="/crowdranked-list/the-greatest-baseball-players-of-all-time" target="_blank">greatest baseball players</a> to ever play the game. Who is your top choice? Be sure to vote, and you can also rerank this list in any order you want. 

The outstanding first basemen listed here all have similar abilties: They are versatile, incredibly quick and, quite often these days, the first baseman is also a wicked power hitter. Not surprisingly, several of the players on this list could easily be considered among the <a href="/crowdranked-list/best-hitters-in-baseball-history" target="_blank">best hitters in baseball history</a>, too. This list is full of excellent, talented first bag guys with great power numbers.

If you're a huge baseball fanatic, you might enjoy these lists of the <a href="/crowdranked-list/greatest-third-basemen-of-all-time" target="_blank">greatest third basemen of all time</a>, the <a href="/crowdranked-list/all-time-best-shortstops" target="_blank">all-time best shortstops</a> and the <a href="/crowdranked-list/greatest-pitchers-of-all-time" target="_blank">greatest pitchers of all time</a>, too.

The Greatest First Basemen of All Time | Famous MLB 1st Basemen

The Greatest First Basemen of All Time

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Lou Gehrig

Henry Louis Gehrig (born Heinrich Ludwig Gehrig; June 19, 1903 – June 2, 1941) was an American professional baseball first baseman who played 17 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the New York Yankees (1923–1939). Gehrig was renowned for his prowess as a hitter and for his durability, which earned him his nickname "The Iron Horse". He was an All-Star seven consecutive times, a Triple Crown winner once, an American League (AL) Most Valuable Player twice, and a member of six World Series champion teams. He had a career .340 batting average, .632 slugging average, and a .447 on base average. He hit 493 home runs and had 1,995 runs batted in (RBI). He still has the highest ratio of runs scored plus runs batted in per 100 plate appearances (35.08) and per 100 games (156.7) among Hall of Fame players.  In 1939 he was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame and was the first MLB player to have his uniform number (4) retired by a team.
A native of New York City and a student at Columbia University, Gehrig signed with the Yankees in 1923. He set several major-league records during his career, including the most career grand slams (23) (since broken by Alex Rodriguez) and most consecutive games played (2,130), a record that stood for 56 years and was long considered unbreakable until surpassed by Cal Ripken Jr., in 1995. Gehrig's consecutive game streak ended on May 2, 1939, when he voluntarily took himself out of the lineup, stunning both players and fans, after his performance on the field became hampered by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, an incurable neuromuscular illness; it is now commonly referred to in North America as "Lou Gehrig's disease". The disease forced him to retire at age 36, and was the cause of his death two years later. The pathos of his farewell from baseball was capped off by his iconic 1939 "Luckiest Man on the Face of the Earth" speech at Yankee Stadium.
In 1969 the Baseball Writers' Association of America voted Gehrig the greatest first baseman of all time, and he was the leading vote-getter on the MLB All-Century Team chosen by fans in 1999. A monument in Gehrig's honor, originally dedicated by the Yankees in 1941, currently resides in Monument Park at Yankee Stadium. The Lou Gehrig Memorial Award is given annually to the MLB player who best exhibits Gehrig's integrity and character.

Jimmie Foxx

James Emory Foxx (October 22, 1907 – July 21, 1967), nicknamed "Double X" and "The Beast", was an American professional baseball first baseman who played 20 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Philadelphia Athletics, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, and Philadelphia Phillies. His most productive years were with the Philadelphia Athletics and the Boston Red Sox, where he hit 30 or more home runs in 12 consecutive seasons and drove in more than 100 runs in 13 consecutive years.
Foxx became the second player in MLB history to hit 500 career home runs, after Babe Ruth. Attaining that plateau at age 32 years 336 days, he held the record for youngest to reach 500 for sixty-eight years, until superseded by Alex Rodriguez in 2007. His three career Most Valuable Player awards are tied for second all-time. Foxx was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1951.

Cap Anson

Adrian Constantine Anson (April 17, 1852 – April 14, 1922), nicknamed "Cap" (for "Captain") and "Pop", was an American Major League Baseball (MLB) first baseman. Including his time in the National Association (NA), he played a record 27 consecutive seasons. Anson was regarded as one of the greatest players of his era and one of the first superstars of the game. Anson spent most of his career with the Chicago Cubs franchise (then known as the "White Stockings" and later the "Colts"), serving as the club's manager, first baseman and, later in his tenure, minority owner. He led the team to six National League pennants in the 1880s. Anson was one of baseball's first great hitters, and probably the first to tally over 3,000 career hits.
His contemporary influence and prestige are regarded by historians as playing a major role in establishing the racial segregation in professional baseball that persisted until the late 1940s. On several occasions, Anson refused to take the field when the opposing roster included black players.  Anson may have influenced the most noted vote in 19th-century professional baseball in favor of segregation:  a July 14, 1887 one by the high-minor International League to ban the signing of new contracts with black players.After retiring as a player and leaving the Colts, Anson briefly managed the New York Giants. He ran several enterprises in Chicago, including opening a billiards and bowling hall and running a semi-professional baseball team he dubbed "Anson's Colts". Anson also toured extensively on the vaudeville circuit, performing monologues and songs. Many of his business ventures failed. As a result, Anson lost his ownership stake in the Colts (by then known as the Cubs) and filed for bankruptcy. Anson was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1939.

George Sisler

George Harold Sisler (March 24, 1893 – March 26, 1973), nicknamed "Gorgeous George", was an American professional baseball player for 15 seasons, primarily as first baseman with the St. Louis Browns.
Sisler played college baseball for the University of Michigan. He then started his major league career in 1915 and became one of the game's stars. In 1920 and 1922, Sisler had batting averages over .400 and won the American League batting titles. His 257 hits in 1920 set an MLB single-season record that stood until 2004. An attack of sinusitis in 1923 caused Sisler's play to decline, but he continued to play in the majors until 1930. After Sisler retired as a player, he worked as a major league scout and aide. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1939.

Johnny Mize

John Robert Mize (January 7, 1913 – June 2, 1993), nicknamed Big Jawn and The Big Cat, was an American professional baseball player, coach and scout. He played as a first baseman in Major League Baseball (MLB) for 15 seasons between 1936 and 1953, losing three seasons to military service during World War II. Mize was a ten-time All-Star who played for the St. Louis Cardinals, New York Giants, and the New York Yankees. During his tenure with the Yankees, the team won five consecutive World Series.
Mize retired in 1953 with 359 career home runs and a .312 batting average. Defensively, he recorded a .992 fielding percentage as a first baseman. He served as a radio commentator, scout and coach in the major leagues after he retired as a player. He was selected for induction to the Baseball Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee in 1981. In 2014, he was inducted into the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame Museum.

Norm Cash

Norman Dalton Cash (November 10, 1934 – October 11, 1986) was an American Major League Baseball first baseman who spent almost his entire career with the Detroit Tigers. An outstanding power hitter, his 377 career home runs were the fourth most by an American League left-handed hitter when he retired, behind Babe Ruth, Ted Williams and Lou Gehrig; his 373 home runs with the Tigers rank second in franchise history behind his teammate Al Kaline (399). He also led the AL in assists three times and fielding percentage twice; he ranked among the all-time leaders in assists (4th, 1317) and double plays (10th, 1347) upon his retirement, and was fifth in AL history in games at first base (1943). He was known to fans and teammates during his playing days as "Stormin' Norman."

Harmon Killebrew

Harmon Clayton Killebrew, Jr.(; June 29, 1936 – May 17, 2011), nicknamed "The Killer" and "Hammerin' Harmon", was an American professional baseball first baseman, third baseman, and left fielder. During his 22-year career in Major League Baseball (MLB), primarily with the Minnesota Twins, Killebrew was a prolific power hitter who, at the time of his retirement, had the fourth most home runs in major league history. He was second only to Babe Ruth in American League (AL) home runs, and was the AL career leader in home runs by a right-handed batter . Killebrew was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1984.
Killebrew was a stocky 5-foot-11-inch (180 cm) tall, 213-pound (97 kg) hitter with a compact swing that generated tremendous power. He became one of the AL's most feared power hitters of the 1960s, hitting 40 home runs in a season eight times. In 1965, he played in the World Series with the Twins, who lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers. His finest season was 1969, when he hit 49 home runs, recorded 140 runs batted in (RBIs), and won the AL Most Valuable Player Award. Killebrew led the league six times in home runs and three times in RBIs, and was named to thirteen All-Star teams.
With quick hands and exceptional upper body strength, Killebrew was known not just for the frequency of his home runs but also for their distance. He hit the longest measured home runs at Minnesota's Metropolitan Stadium, 520 ft (158 m), and Baltimore's Memorial Stadium, 471 ft (144 m), and was the first of just four batters to hit a baseball over the left field roof at Detroit's Tiger Stadium. Despite his nicknames and his powerful style of play, Killebrew was considered by his colleagues to be a quiet, kind man. Asked once what hobbies he had, Killebrew replied, "Just washing the dishes, I guess."After retiring from baseball, Killebrew became a television broadcaster for several baseball teams from 1976 to 1988, and also served as a hitting instructor for the Oakland Athletics.

Hank Greenberg

Henry Benjamin Greenberg (born Hyman Greenberg; January 1, 1911 – September 4, 1986), nicknamed "Hammerin' Hank", "Hankus Pankus", or "The Hebrew Hammer", was an American professional baseball player and team executive. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB), primarily for the Detroit Tigers as a first baseman in the 1930s and 1940s. A member of the Baseball Hall of Fame and a two-time Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award winner, he was one of the premier power hitters of his generation and is widely considered as one of the greatest sluggers in baseball history. He had 47 months of military service including service in World War II, all of which took place during his major league career.Greenberg played the first twelve of his thirteen major league seasons for Detroit. He was an American League (AL) All-Star for four seasons and an AL MVP in 1935 (first baseman) and 1940 (left fielder). He had a batting average over .300 in eight seasons, and won two World Series championships with the Tigers (1935 and 1945). He was the AL home run leader four times and his 58 home runs for the Tigers in 1938 equaled Jimmie Foxx's 1932 mark for the most in one season by anyone but Babe Ruth, and tied Foxx for the most home runs between Ruth's record 60 in 1927 and Roger Maris' record 61 in 1961. Greenberg was the first major league player to hit 25 or more home runs in a season in each league, and remains the AL record-holder for most runs batted in in a single season by a right-handed batter (183 in 1937, a 154-game schedule). In 1947, Greenberg signed a contract for a record $85,000 salary before being sold to the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he played his final MLB season that year. After retiring from playing, Greenberg continued to work in baseball as a team executive for the Cleveland Indians and Chicago White Sox.
Greenberg was the first Jewish superstar in American team sports. He attracted national attention in 1934 when he refused to play on Yom Kippur, the holiest holiday in Judaism, even though he was not particularly observant religiously and the Tigers were in the middle of a pennant race. He was one of the few opposing players to publicly welcome African-American player Jackie Robinson to the major leagues in 1947.

Stan Musial

Stanley Frank Musial (; born Stanisław Franciszek Musiał; November 21, 1920 – January 19, 2013), nicknamed Stan the Man, was an American baseball outfielder and first baseman. He spent 22 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) playing for the St. Louis Cardinals, from 1941 to 1944 and 1946 to 1963. Widely considered to be one of the greatest and most consistent hitters in baseball history, Musial was a first-ballot inductee into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1969, and was also selected to the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame in the inaugural class of 2014.
Musial batted .331 over the course of his career and set National League (NL) records for career hits (3,630), runs batted in (1,951), games played (3,026), at bats (10,972), runs scored (1,949) and doubles (725). His 475 career home runs then ranked second in NL history behind Mel Ott's total of 511. His 6,134 total bases remained a major league record until surpassed by Hank Aaron, and his hit total still ranks fourth all-time, and is the highest by any player who spent his career with only one team. A seven-time batting champion with identical totals of 1,815 hits at home and 1,815 hits on the road, he was named the National League's (NL) Most Valuable Player (MVP) three times and led St. Louis to three World Series championships. He also shares the major league record for the most All-Star Games played (24) with Hank Aaron and Willie Mays. Musial was born in Donora, Pennsylvania, where he frequently played baseball informally or in organized settings, and eventually played on the baseball team at Donora High School.
Signed to a professional contract by the St. Louis Cardinals as a pitcher in 1938, Musial had arm problems and performed erratically on the mound for two seasons. On the recommendation of minor league manager Dickie Kerr, Musial was converted into an outfielder and made his major league debut in 1941.
Noted for his unique batting stance, he quickly established himself as a consistent and productive hitter. In his first full season, 1942, the Cardinals won the World Series. The following year, he led the NL in six different offensive categories and earned his first MVP award. He was also named to the NL All-Star squad for the first time; he appeared in every All-Star game in every subsequent season he played. Musial won his second World Series championship in 1944, then missed the entire 1945 season while serving in the Navy.
After completing his military service during the war, Musial returned to baseball in 1946 and resumed his consistent hitting. That year he earned his second MVP award and third World Series title. His third MVP award came in 1948, when he finished one home run short of winning baseball's Triple Crown. After struggling offensively in 1959, Musial used a personal trainer to help maintain his productivity until he decided to retire in 1963. At the time of his retirement, he held or shared 17 major league records, 29 National League records, and nine All-Star Game records. Ironically, in 1964, the season following his retirement, the Cardinals went on to defeat the New York Yankees in an epic 7-game clash, for St. Louis' first World Series championship in nearly two decades (a team which included future Hall of Famer Lou Brock performing what would have likely been Musial's left field duties). In addition to overseeing businesses, such as a restaurant both before and after his playing career, Musial served as the Cardinals' general manager in 1967, winning the pennant and World Series, then quitting that position. He also became noted for his harmonica playing, a skill he acquired during his playing career. Known for his modesty and sportsmanship, Musial was selected for the Major League Baseball All-Century Team in 1999. In February 2011, President Barack Obama presented Musial with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award that can be bestowed on a person by the United States government.

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Bill Terry

William Harold Terry (October 30, 1898 – January 9, 1989) was a Major League Baseball first baseman and manager. He stood 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 m) tall and weighed 200 pounds (91 kg). Terry was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1954. In 1999, he ranked number 59 on The Sporting News list of the 100 Greatest Baseball Players, and was a nominee for the Major League Baseball All-Century Team. The Giants retired Terry's uniform number 3 in 1984; it is posted on the facade of the upper deck in the left field corner of AT&T Park. Nicknamed "Memphis Bill", he is most remembered for being the last National League player to hit .400, a feat he accomplished by batting .401 in 1930.

Freddie Freeman

Frederick Charles Freeman (born September 12, 1989) is a Canadian-American professional baseball first baseman for the Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has been with the Braves organization since he was drafted by them out of high school in 2007. He made his MLB debut in 2010 and is a four-time MLB All-Star. Freeman won his first Gold Glove Award following the 2018 season, and his first Silver Slugger Award at the conclusion of the 2019 season. The Atlanta Braves selected Freeman in the second round, with the 78th overall selection, of the 2007 Major League Baseball draft. Freeman signed with the team for $409,500, foregoing his college scholarship.[6] He was the Braves' fifth-best prospect heading into the 2009 season, according to Baseball America,[7] and the 11th-best prospect overall in their mid-season top 25.

JoeVatalaro

Gil Hodges

Gilbert Ray Hodges, ne Hodge (April 4, 1924 – April 2, 1972) was an American Major League Baseball (MLB) first baseman and manager who played most of his 18-year career for the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers. He was inducted into the New York Mets Hall of Fame in 1982.
Hodges is generally considered to be the best defensive first baseman of the 1950s. He was an All-Star for eight seasons and a Gold Glove Award winner for three consecutive seasons. Hodges and Duke Snider are the only players to have the most home runs or runs batted in together during the decade with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Hodges was the National League (NL) leader in double plays four times and in putouts, assists and fielding percentage three times each. He ranked second in NL history with 1,281 assists and 1,614 double plays when his career ended, and was among the league's career leaders in games (6th, 1,908) and total chances (10th, 16,751) at first base.
Hodges also managed the New York Mets to the 1969 World Series title over the favored Baltimore Orioles, one of the greatest upsets in Fall Classic history.In 2014, Hodges appeared for the second time as a candidate on the National Baseball Hall of Fame's Golden Era Committee election ballot for possible Hall of Fame consideration in 2015. He and the other candidates all missed getting elected. The committee meets and votes on ten candidates selected from the 1947 to 1972 era every three years.

Frank Chance

Frank Leroy Chance (September 9, 1877 – September 15, 1924) was an American professional baseball player. A first baseman, Chance played in Major League Baseball for the Chicago Cubs (initially named the "Orphans") and New York Yankees from 1898 through 1914. He also served as manager of the Cubs, Yankees, and Boston Red Sox.
Discovered by the Cubs as he played semi-professional baseball while attending college, Chance debuted with the Cubs in 1898, serving as a part-time player. In 1903, Chance became the Cubs' regular first baseman, and in 1905, he succeeded Frank Selee as the team's manager. Chance led the Cubs to four National League championships in the span of five years (1906–1910) and won the World Series in 1907 and 1908. With Joe Tinker and Johnny Evers, Chance formed a strong double play combination, which was immortalized as "Tinker-to-Evers-to-Chance" in "Baseball's Sad Lexicon".
Let go by the Cubs after the 1912 season, Chance signed with the Yankees, serving as a player–manager for two seasons. He joined the Los Angeles Angels of the Pacific Coast League as a player–manager, returning to MLB in 1923 as manager of the Red Sox. Chance was named the manager of the Chicago White Sox in 1924, but never took control of the team as he became ill. He died later that year.
Noted for his leadership abilities, Chance earned the nickname "Peerless Leader."  He is the all-time leader in managerial winning percentage in Cubs history. Chance was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in the 1946 balloting by the Veterans Committee, along with Tinker and Evers. He was inducted into the Fresno County Athletic Hall of Fame's first class, in 1959.

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Anthony Rizzo

Anthony Vincent Rizzo (born August 8, 1989) is an American professional baseball first baseman for the Chicago Cubs of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has also played in MLB for the San Diego Padres. He is a three-time All-Star. Through his philanthropic ventures, he is a regular finalist for the Heart and Hustle award and is considered by many to be one of the most respected players in Major League Baseball. Rizzo was selected by the Boston Red Sox in the sixth round of the 2007 MLB draft and became a top minor league prospect in the Red Sox organization. He was traded to the San Diego Padres after the 2010 season along with three other prospects in exchange for All-Star first baseman Adrián González. He made his MLB debut in 2011 with San Diego.

Mark Grace

Mark Eugene Grace (born June 28, 1964) is a former Major League Baseball (MLB) first baseman who spent 16 seasons with the Chicago Cubs and Arizona Diamondbacks of the National League (NL). He was a member of the 2001 World Series champion Diamondbacks that beat the New York Yankees. Grace batted and threw left-handed; he wore jersey number 28 and 17 during his rookie season of 1988, and he kept number 17 for the remainder of his career.

Willie Stargell

Wilver Dornell Stargell (March 6, 1940 – April 9, 2001), nicknamed "Pops" later in his career, was an American professional baseball left fielder and first baseman who spent 21 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) (1962–1982) with the Pittsburgh Pirates. During his career, he batted .282, with 2,232 hits, 423 doubles, 475 home runs, and 1,540 runs batted in, helping his team win six National League (NL) East division titles, two NL pennants, and two World Series championships (1971, 1979). Stargell was a seven-time All-Star and two-time NL home run leader. In 1979, he won the NL Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award, the NL Championship Series MVP Award, and the World Series MVP Award. In 1982, the Pirates retired his uniform number 8.
Stargell was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1988.

joe-scott

Pete Rose

Peter Edward Rose (born April 14, 1941), also known by his nickname "Charlie Hustle", is an American former professional baseball player and manager. Rose played in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1963 to 1986, and managed from 1984 to 1989.
Rose was a switch hitter and is the all-time MLB leader in hits (4,256), games played (3,562), at-bats (14,053), singles (3,215), and outs (10,328). He won three World Series rings, three batting titles, one Most Valuable Player Award, two Gold Gloves, and the Rookie of the Year Award, and also made 17 All-Star appearances at an unequaled five positions (second baseman, left fielder, right fielder, third baseman, and first baseman). Rose won both of his Gold Gloves when he was an outfielder, in 1969 and 1970.
In August 1989 (his last year as a manager and three years after retiring as a player), Rose was penalized with permanent ineligibility from baseball amidst accusations that he gambled on baseball games while he played for and managed the Reds; the charges of wrongdoing included claims that he bet on his own team. In 1991, the Baseball Hall of Fame formally voted to ban those on the "permanently ineligible" list from induction, after previously excluding such players by informal agreement among voters. After years of public denial, Rose admitted in 2004 that he bet on baseball and on the Reds. The issue of Rose's possible reinstatement and election to the Hall of Fame remains contentious throughout baseball.
On June 22, 2015, ESPN concluded its own investigation of Rose and determined that he had bet on baseball while still a player–manager from 1984 to 1986. The results of the investigation were made public and revealed the records of bets that Rose had made on baseball. U.S. federal authorities had seized the records from one of Rose's associates. Rose is the only person to be placed on the ineligible list by mutual agreement.

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Ted Kluszewski

Theodore Bernard "Big Klu" Kluszewski (September 10, 1924 – March 29, 1988) was an American professional baseball player from 1947 through 1961. He spent most of his 15-year Major League Baseball (MLB) career playing for the Cincinnati Reds as a first baseman.
Kluszewski was a National League (NL) All-Star for four seasons. He had a .298 lifetime batting average, hitting over .300 seven times. In 1954, he was the NL Most Valuable Player (MVP) runner-up (he had a .326 batting average, led the NL in home runs (49), RBI (141), and fielding average (.996)). In 1959, Kluszewski was traded late in the season to the Chicago White Sox from the Pittsburgh Pirates. He batted .297 and did not commit any errors in 31 games for Chicago which helped the "Go Go" White Sox of the 1950s clinch the American League pennant. In 1962, he was inducted into the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame.

Ernie Banks

Ernest Banks (January 31, 1931 – January 23, 2015), nicknamed "Mr. Cub" and "Mr. Sunshine", was an American professional baseball player who starred in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a shortstop and first baseman for the Chicago Cubs between 1953 and 1971. He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977, and was named to the Major League Baseball All-Century Team in 1999.
Banks is regarded by some as one of the greatest players of all time. He began playing professional baseball in 1950 with the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro leagues. He served in the U.S. military for two years, played for the Monarchs again, and began his major league career in September 1953. The following year, Banks was the National League Rookie of the Year runner-up. Beginning in 1955, Banks was a National League (NL) All-Star for 11 seasons, playing in 13 of the 15 All-Star Games held during those years. Banks was the Cubs' main attraction in the late 1950s, the National League Most Valuable Player in 1958 and 1959, and the Cubs' first Gold Glove winner in 1960.
In 1962, Banks became a regular first baseman for the Cubs.  Between 1967 and 1971, he was a player-coach. In 1969, through a Chicago Sun-Times fan poll, Cubs fans voted him the greatest Cub ever. In 1970, Banks hit his 500th career home run at Wrigley Field. He retired from playing in 1971, was a coach for the Cubs in 1972, and in 1982 was the team's first player to have his uniform number retired.
Banks was active in the Chicago community during and after his tenure with the Cubs. He founded a charitable organization, became the first black Ford Motor Company dealer in the United States, and made an unsuccessful bid for a local political office. In 2013, Banks was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his contribution to sports. Banks lived in the Los Angeles and Chicago areas.

John Olerud

John Garrett Olerud (; born August 5, 1968), nicknamed Johnny O and Big Rude, is a left-handed American former Major League Baseball first baseman.  Olerud played with the Toronto Blue Jays (1989–96), New York Mets (1997–99), Seattle Mariners (2000–04), New York Yankees (2004), and Boston Red Sox (2005).
A patient, productive hitter throughout his career, Olerud won the American League batting title in 1993 and was runner-up for the National League batting title in 1998. Also a three-time Gold Glove winner, he was an excellent defensive first baseman and part of Sports Illustrated's "The Best Infield Ever?" cover in 1999 with Edgardo Alfonzo, Rey Ordóñez, and Robin Ventura, when he played for the Mets.

Mark Teixeira

Mark Charles Teixeira ( tay-SHAIR-ə; born April 11, 1980) is an American former professional baseball first baseman who played 14 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB), primarily with the New York Yankees. He also played for the Texas Rangers, Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.  Before his professional career, he played college baseball at Georgia Tech, where in 2001 he won the Dick Howser Trophy as the national collegiate baseball player of the year.  One of the most prolific switch hitters in MLB history, Teixeira was an integral part of the Yankees' 27th World Series championship in 2009, leading the American League (AL) in home runs and runs batted in (RBI) while finishing second in the Most Valuable Player Award (MVP) balloting. Teixeira was a three-time All-Star, won five Gold Glove Awards and three Silver Slugger Awards, and also holds the all-time major league record for most games with a home run from both sides of the plate, with 14.  He was the fifth switch hitter in MLB history to reach 400 home runs.
Drafted fifth overall by the Texas Rangers in 2001, Teixeira made his MLB debut on Opening Day in 2003, and hit 26 home runs as a rookie.  He hit career-highs of 43 home runs and 144 RBI in 2005.  The centerpiece of consecutive mid-season trades in 2007 and 2008, the Rangers first sent him to the Braves for a prospect package centered around Elvis Andrus and Matt Harrison. He was later traded in July 2008 to the Los Angeles Angels, where he played for half a season and lost in the first round of the playoffs. In December 2008, he agreed to a lucrative eight-year contract with the Yankees, contributing his most productive season in pinstripes the following year. Injuries limited his effectiveness afterward, including a calf strain in 2012, early season-ending wrist surgery in 2013, various ailments in 2014, a shin fracture in 2015, and neck spasms and torn cartilage in 2016. Teixeira retired at the conclusion of the 2016 season and contract with the Yankees. In each season from 2004 to 2011, Teixeira hit at least 30 home runs with 100 RBI.

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Andres Galarraga

Andrés Galarraga

Andrés José Padovani Galarraga (Spanish: [anˈdɾez ɣalaˈraɣa]; born June 18, 1961) is a Venezuelan former professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball as a first baseman for the Montreal Expos (1985–1991 and 2002), St. Louis Cardinals (1992), Colorado Rockies (1993–1997), Atlanta Braves (1998–2000), Texas Rangers (2001), San Francisco Giants (2001 and 2003) and Anaheim Angels (2004). He batted and threw right-handed.
At six-foot-three and 235 pounds (1.91 m, 117 kg), Galarraga began his professional career in Venezuela at the age of 16. Despite several injuries that plagued Galarraga throughout his career, he was a very popular player both for his achievements on the field, and for his big and bright smile. He was nicknamed The Big Cat (textually translated from English as El Gran Gato, although his nickname in his native Venezuela was El Gato) for his impressively quick reflexes and seamless defensive skills as a first baseman in spite of his large physical size. Galarraga was a five time All-Star, won two National League Gold Glove Awards and two NL Silver Slugger Awards, and won two MLB Comeback Player of the Year Award, the second time after his successful return to baseball following cancer treatment.

DanielRomeroCortijo

Boog Powell

John Wesley "Boog" Powell (born August 17, 1941) is an American former professional baseball first baseman and left fielder. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Baltimore Orioles, Cleveland Indians and the Los Angeles Dodgers between 1961 and 1977. He was with the Orioles’ World Series Champion teams in 1966 and 1970, the American League Champion teams in 1966, 1969, 1970 and 1971, and the American League East Division Champion teams in 1969, 1970, 1971, 1973 and 1974. The four-time All-Star won the American League's Most Valuable Player award in 1970 and in 1964 posted a .606 slugging percentage to lead the American League.

KeithGBrown

Adrian Gonzalez

Adrián González Savín (born May 8, 1982), also known by his nicknames "A-Gon" and "Titán", is an American-Mexican former professional baseball first baseman. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Texas Rangers, San Diego Padres, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Mets.
González was born in the United States, but was raised in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, until 1990, when he returned to the United States. He played for Mexico in the 2006, 2009, 2013, and the 2017 editions of the World Baseball Classic.
González was the first overall pick in the 2000 MLB draft by the Florida Marlins. He was traded to the Rangers, and made his MLB debut with them in 2004. He was traded to the Padres after the 2005 season, where he was an All-Star selection three times and a two-time Gold Glove Award winner. He was traded to the Red Sox after the 2010 season, and was traded to the Dodgers in August 2012. After playing for the Dodgers throughout the 2017 season, he was traded to the Atlanta Braves, but was released without playing for them. He then played for the Mets, who released him during the 2018 season.

Paul Goldschmidt

Paul Edward Goldschmidt (born September 10, 1987), nicknamed "Goldy", is an American professional baseball first baseman for the St. Louis Cardinals of Major League Baseball (MLB). He made his MLB debut with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2011. Lightly recruited out of The Woodlands High School, Goldschmidt played for the Texas State Bobcats and was selected by the Diamondbacks in the eighth round of the 2009 MLB draft. He rose through the minor leagues, reaching the major leagues in 2011. The Diamondbacks traded him to the Cardinals during the 2018–19 offseason. Goldschmidt is a six-time MLB All-Star. He led the National League in home runs and runs batted in during the 2013 season. He has won the National League (NL) Hank Aaron Award, Gold Glove Award, and Silver Slugger Award. Goldschmidt has twice finished runner-up for the NL Major League Baseball Most Valuable Player Award, in 2013 and 2015.

Who are the greatest first basemen of all time? From the incomparable talents of Lou Gehrig to the stunning abilities of modern-era players like Albert ...