The ’60s and ’70s were big years for baseball, with players breaking home run records, setting strikeout milestones, and redefining the art of base-stealing. Let’s look at 15 legends who left a lasting mark on the game during this golden era.
Hank Aaron – The Home Run King
On April 8, 1974, four days after trying to break Babe Ruth’s home run record for 714 home runs, Hank Aaron made history when he hit his 715th home run, becoming one of baseball’s all-time greats.
Bob Gibson – A Pitching Powerhouse
Considered to be one of the best postseason pitchers in Baseball, Gibson set the record for the lowest ERA in a season in 1968 (1.12), a mark that still stands today. His dominance led to changes in pitching mound regulations.
Willie Mays – Five-Tool Player and Record-Setter
Starting his career in the Negro leagues, Willie Mays was an all-around talent. In the ’60s, he set the record for most home runs by a right-handed hitter, solidifying his place among baseball’s legends.
Nolan Ryan – The Strikeout King
In 1973, Nolan Ryan set an enduring record with 383 strikeouts. The following year, he racked up 367, the fourth highest in modern history. His legendary fastball remains iconic to this day.
Lou Brock – Stolen Base Sensation
Brock’s stolen bases in 1974 set his name in stone. With 118 stolen bases, Brock dominated the National League in stolen bases, leading the league in steals an impressive eight times throughout his career.
Reggie Jackson – Mr. October’s Power
Considered to be one of the best power hitters of all time, Reggie Jackson set records in the postseason, including five home runs in the 1977 World Series, earning him the nickname “Mr. October.”
Carl Yastrzemski – Triple Crown Winner
Carl Yastrzemski secured his place in baseball history by achieving a remarkable feat. In 1967, he became the final player of the 20th century to secure the Triple Crown, finishing the season atop the league in home runs, RBIs, and batting average.
Johnny Bench – Revolutionizing the Catcher’s Role
Johnny Bench, a catcher for the century, was the benchmark for catchers in the ’70s. He set the record for most home runs by a catcher and was a key player for the Cincinnati Reds’ dominance.
Steve Carlton – Dominance on the Mound
In 1972, Carlton became the first pitcher in modern history to win 27 games for a last-place team, the Philadelphia Club, which finished with 59 wins. He recorded a 1.97 ERA and 310 strikeouts that season.
Frank Robinson – First to Win MVP in Both Leagues
Frank Robinson stands out as the only player to receive MVP accolades in both the American and National Leagues, highlighting his remarkable versatility and dominance during the 1966 season. He was awarded the AL MVP that year.
Roberto Clemente – 3,000 Hits
Apart from being known as a humanitarian, Roberto Clemente became the first Latin American baseball player to reach 3000 hits on September 30, 1972, at the Three Rivers Stadium. This would also be his last hit.
Tom Seaver – The Franchise’s Dominance
Seaver set many records back in the ’70s, including leading the league in strikeouts five times. He even had 178 wins in the 1970s season alone and is known as one of the greats in baseball.
Pete Rose – All-Time Hits Leader
Also known as the Charlie Hustle of Baseball, Rose was a switch hitter. He was MLB’s all-time leader in hits, with 4,256 in his 24-year career in the big leagues. He also won three batting titles.
Mickey Mantle – A Legendary Switch-Hitter
Although his career came to a halt due to his injuries, Mickey Mantle is still one of the finest in baseball. He set records as a switch-hitter, including most home runs by a switch-hitter, a record he held throughout the ’60s.
Brooks Robinson – The Human Vacuum Cleaner
Widely regarded as the greatest defensive third baseman of all time, Brooks Robinson won 16 consecutive Gold Glove awards. He set records for the most career assists (6,205) and double plays (618) by a third baseman.
15 Baseball Players Who Broke Records in the ’60s and ’70s