In an era when trades and free agency are the norm, some MLB players defied the trend by dedicating their entire careers to one team. These players left a lasting mark on their teams, and their legacies reflect that devotion.
Walter Johnson: Senators
Staying with one team for 21 seasons is unheard of these days. That’s exactly what Walter Johnson did, though. He spent all seasons with the Washington Senators, posting a 164.9 WAR, second only to Babe Ruth. By age 26, he had compiled 71.1 WAR.
Stan Musial: Cardinals
Stan Musial was so loyal to his franchise that he only missed one season to serve WWII. Musial earned three MVP Awards and was a key figure in three World Series championships, which built his legacy in the 3,000-hit club. He spent 23 seasons with the Cardinals.
Ted Williams: Red Sox
Another player known for his loyalty to both his country and his team is Ted Williams. Despite missing three seasons due to WWII, Williams compiled 34.2 WAR by age 23. Returning in 1946, he won two MVP Awards and stayed with the team from 1939 to 1960.
Lou Gehring: Yankees
His career came to a tragic end due to his ALS diagnosis. However, Lou Gehrig dedicated his 17-year career to the Yankees. In that time, he earned two MVP awards and played his last game at the age of 35 before being inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1939.
Mel Ott: Giants
Mel Ott started his career with the Giants at only 17 and stayed with them till he was 38. He was a key player in the Giants’ 1933 World Series victory. Even though the All-Star Game began in his eighth season, Mel Ott managed to earn 12 All-Star nods throughout his career.
Mickey Mantle: Yankees
By age 26, Mickey Mantle had accumulated 61.4 WAR and claimed two MVP Awards. He eventually earned a third, hit 536 home runs, and played 18 seasons with the Yankees. Mantle also won the 1956 Triple Crown before retiring in 1969, plagued by leg injuries.
Mike Schmidt: Phillies
Across 18 seasons with the Phillies, Schmidt won three MVP Awards, 10 Gold Gloves, and made 12 All-Star teams. This star hit 548 home runs, with his first MVP title and World Series MVP honors coming in 1980, when he led Philadelphia to a championship.
Carl Yastrzemski: Red Sox
Carl Yastrzemski, a 23-year Red Sox veteran and 18-time All-Star, played in two World Series without securing a win. In 1967, at age 27, he earned his only MVP, posting 12.5 WAR—the third-highest single-season WAR ever by a position player, behind Babe Ruth.
Cal Ripken Jr.: Orioles
Achieving the AL Rookie of the Year Award in 1982 and followed up with two AL MVP titles, he spent 21 seasons with the Orioles. He made 19 straight All-Star appearances and set the record for successive games played at 2,632, all with the Orioles after being drafted in 1978.
Roberto Clemente: Pirates
The Pirates saw a formidable player in Roberto Clemente until his career came to a halt due to his untimely passing. Notably, he had a long 18-year career, and in his final 11 seasons, he hit .329 with a .502 slugging percentage.
Bid McPhee: Cincinnati Redstockings
Bid McPhee dedicated his entire 17-year career to the Cincinnati Redstockings from 1882 to 1899. As a skilled second baseman, he showcased his talent in an era of baseball that emphasized both speed and strategy.
Bill Dickey: New York Yankees
Spending his entire 18-year career with the Yankees, he played from 1928 to 1946. An 11-time All-Star, he captured seven World Series titles and had impressive stats, including a .313 batting average, and his contributions got him a spot in the Hall of Fame in 1954.
Bill Russell: Los Angeles Dodgers
From 1969 to 1986, Bill Russell was a mainstay with the Los Angeles Dodgers. His resilience shone in 1973 when he led the league in games played. A three-time All-Star, Russell played a pivotal role in the team’s triumph during the 1981 World Series.
Bob Feller: Cleveland Indians
Bob Feller spent his entire career with the Cleveland Indians and dominated the mound from 1936 to 1956. He recorded 266 wins and 2,581 strikeouts, achieved World Series glory in 1948, and secured his spot in the Hall of Fame in 1962.
Bob Lemon: Cleveland Indians
This legend spent his entire career with the Cleveland Indians, making his mark from 1946 to 1958. He achieved a 207-128 record and was known for his strikeout ability. Lemon, a World Series champion in 1948, was added into the Hall of Fame in 1976 for his contributions.
15 Baseball Greats Who Never Switched Teams