The Greatest Left Handed Baseball Players of All Time
Who is the best left handed baseball player ever? This list includes players in the Hall of Fame as well as those who have not yet been inducted but are truly great. It also includes players from all eras of baseball. They are great hitters and great position players in all facets of the game. This list has been ranked by baseball fans with the best major league left handed baseball players of all time.
Major League Baseball is America’s pastime and from its pastoral beginnings, through to its professional urban setting today, it has always captured our imagination and our hearts. Baseball is a game many Americans played as kids, and for that reason it always holds a special place in the American zeitgeist. Opening day each spring is something many baseball fans count down to all year long.
The best left handed baseball players of all time on this list include players such as Ichiro, Ken Griffey Junior, Babe Ruth, and Ted Williams. The best left handers ever in Major League Baseball are all supremely talented at hitting to get on base, hitting for home runs, and at their positions as well. Through their careers, these best left handed players helped their teams jockey for post-season position and win games.
Vote up the best left handed players of all time or add a south paw you thought was the greatest if he isn't already on the list.- 1Right fielder, Outfielder, Left fielder
Undoubtedly one of the most iconic figures in the history of baseball, Babe Ruth's legendary left-handed swing and unprecedented power at the plate revolutionized the sport during his time with the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox. The Sultan of Swat's contributions as both an exceptional left-handed pitcher and a prodigious hitter earn him a top spot on this list of greats. Though Ruth's impressive pitching stats could stand on their own, it is his unmatched home run prowess that will forever make him synonymous with the title of the greatest left-handed baseball player of all time.
- 2Outfielder, Left fielder
The Splendid Splinter, Ted Williams, was arguably the purest left-handed hitter the game has ever seen, with an uncanny ability to meticulously analyze and dissect opposing pitchers' offerings. Williams' combination of unparalleled patience, precision, and power allowed him to maintain a .344 career batting average with the Boston Red Sox, while also setting the benchmark for on-base percentage. Revered for his remarkable plate discipline and unwavering focus, Williams' illustrious career earns him a rightful place among the finest left-handed baseball players in history.
- 3Outfielder, Left fielder, First baseman
Stan "The Man" Musial's exceptional versatility and unerring consistency earned him legendary status as the St. Louis Cardinals' greatest player. Known for his iconic left-handed corkscrew stance and unwavering dedication to the game, Musial was revered for his sportsmanship, humility, and extraordinary work ethic. His ability to consistently deliver in the clutch and adapt his approach as needed solidified him as a true icon among left-handed baseball players and an inspiration to generations of fans.
- 4Outfielder, Center fielder
A true icon of the dead-ball era, Ty Cobb's relentless aggression and unrivaled competitiveness set the tone for his illustrious career. Nicknamed "The Georgia Peach," Cobb's left-handed hitting and lightning-fast baserunning helped him establish new standards for batting average and stolen bases, forever leaving an indelible mark on the game. While his controversial demeanor off the field may have tarnished his reputation for some, there is no denying the sheer impact of his astonishing talent and tenacity as one of the most formidable left-handed talents in the history of baseball.
- 5First baseman
Lou Gehrig's sheer consistency, sportsmanship, and dedication to the game earned him the moniker "The Iron Horse." As the cornerstone of the New York Yankees lineup during the 1920s and 1930s, Gehrig's powerful left-handed swing became synonymous with offensive production, propelling his team to an unprecedented era of dominance. Despite facing a tragic diagnosis that ultimately led to his premature retirement, Gehrig's unyielding determination and love for the game lives on as a testament to his unparalleled character and status as one of the finest left-handed baseball players of all time.
- 6Designated hitter, Outfielder, Left fielder
Ken Griffey Jr.'s smooth left-handed swing and unparalleled athleticism dazzled fans throughout his storied career, earning him the nickname "The Kid." As a dynamic center fielder with the Seattle Mariners and Cincinnati Reds, Griffey Jr. combined offensive prowess with Gold Glove-caliber defense, displaying a rare combination of power and grace rarely seen in the sport. His infectious smile and humble nature on and off the field solidified his status as a beloved figure in the baseball world and cemented his place as one of the greatest left-handed talents in the history of the game.
