Across the decades, baseball has produced superstars whose skills elevated their teams and electrified fans. Every MLB franchise has its own legend, the player who dominated on the field. Here’s a look at one top player from each of these popular MLB teams—athletes who rose to the top.
New York Yankees – Babe Ruth
The New York Yankees have had countless legends, but none compare to Babe Ruth, who revolutionized the game of baseball. Starting his career as a pitcher, he transitioned to becoming one of the most fearsome hitters in the league with 714 home runs over his career.
Boston Red Sox – Ted Williams
Ted Williams is regarded as the greatest hitter ever to play for the Boston Red Sox. Known as “The Splendid Splinter,” Williams posted a lifetime batting average of 0.344 and is the only player since 1941 to hit over 0.400 in a single season.
San Francisco Giants – Willie Mays
For the San Francisco Giants, Willie Mays stands head and shoulders above the rest. He excelled in every facet of the game—hitting, fielding, and base running. Over his 22-year career, he amassed 660 home runs, won two MVP awards, and earned 12 Gold Gloves.
Los Angeles Dodgers – Sandy Koufax
Recognized for his dominant fastball and devastating curve, Sandy Koufax’s record in the early 1960s is viewed as one of the most remarkable stretches by a pitcher in MLB history. He won three Cy Young Awards, threw four no-hitters, and recorded a perfect game in 1965.
St. Louis Cardinals – Stan Musial
The St. Louis Cardinals’ Stan “The Man” Musial was a lifetime. He finished his power-packed career with a .331 batting average and amassed a total of 3,630 hits. His ability to perform at a high level made him the cornerstone of the Cardinals’ success in the 1940s and 1950s.
Chicago Cubs – Ernie Banks
“Mr. Cub” Ernie Banks is known for his infectious enthusiasm and love for the game. A two-time MVP, Banks was one of the premier power hitters of his time. The player achieved 512 home runs throughout his career, all while playing shortstop and first base.
Detroit Tigers – Ty Cobb
A hitting machine, Ty Cobb was known for his aggressive play style and fiery personality. He compiled a 0.366 lifetime batting average, the highest in MLB history. In addition to winning 11 batting titles, he consistently intimidated opposing pitchers with his top speed and precision.
Cincinnati Reds – Johnny Bench
As the greatest catcher in the Cincinnati Reds’ history, Johnny Bench led the team to two World Series titles. The combination of his defensive prowess and powerful bat made him a dual-threat player. In all, Bench won 10 Gold Gloves, two MVP awards, and 389 home runs.
Pittsburgh Pirates – Roberto Clemente
Roberto Clemente was a two-time World Series champion, 12-time Gold Glove winner, and the 1966 National League MVP. As an electrifying player with 3,000 hits and a 0.317 batting average in this career, he was known for his exceptional arm, defensive skills, and powerful bat.
Philadelphia Phillies – Mike Schmidt
The history of the Philadelphia Phillies won’t be complete without Mike Schmidt. Known for his powerful bat and stellar defense at third base, Schmidt’s career spanned 18 seasons, during which he hit 548 home runs, won 10 Gold Gloves, and claimed three MVP awards.
Atlanta Braves – Hank Aaron
Hank Aaron’s legacy is tied closely to the Atlanta Braves, where he spent much of his career. He was a 25-time All-Star, a National League MVP, a key part of the Braves’ 1957 World Series championship and even broke Babe Ruth’s home run record.
Chicago White Sox – Frank Thomas
Through his powerful swing and keen eye, Frank Thomas scored 521 home runs and won two MVP awards. This athlete was also known for his ability to hit for both power and average. His towering home runs earned him a spot in the Hall of Fame.
Minnesota Twins – Kirby Puckett
The Minnesota Twins’ wouldn’t have accomplished much in the 1980s and early 1990s without Kirby Puckett. In 1987 and 1991, the player led the franchise to two World Series titles. To cap it all, Puckett was a 10-time All-Star and six-time Gold Glove winner.
Houston Astros – Jeff Bagwell
In 1994, Jeff Bagwell won the MVP award for his powerful bat and impressive versatility as a first baseman. Over his 15-year career, he managed over 400 home runs and 1,500 RBIs. Expectedly, Jeff was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2017.
Oakland Athletics – Rickey Henderson
Most experts regard Rickey Henderson as the greatest leadoff hitter and base runner in the history of the sport. Henderson’s speed and ability to get on base revolutionized the leadoff spot, and his record 1,406 stolen bases may never be broken.
15 of the Greatest Players from Top MLB Teams