TOP 10 BASEBALL PLAYERS OF ALL TIME

 When it comes to Major League Baseball (MLB), there have been countless legendary players throughout its history. From Babe Ruth to Jackie Robinson to Derek Jeter, these players have left an indelible mark on the sport. In this article, we'll be looking at the top 10 best MLB players of all time, taking into consideration their achievements, impact on the game, and overall legacy.

Who are the Best Baseball Players of all time?

1. Babe Ruth

2. Willie Mays

3. Hank Aaron

4. Ted Williams

5. Stan Musial

6. Ty Cobb

7. Mickey Mantle

8. Walter Johnson

9. Sandy Koufax

10. Jackie Robinson

1.Babe Ruth: Babe Ruth had an illustrious career in Major League Baseball (MLB) that spanned over two decades. He played for three different teams: the Boston Red Sox, the New York Yankees, and the Boston Braves. Throughout his career, Ruth set numerous records and achieved many milestones. 

 

Here are some of his most notable carrier records:

•     Home Runs: Babe Ruth was known for his incredible power at the plate, and he hit a total of 714 home runs in his career. This record stood for almost four decades before being broken by Hank Aaron in 1974.

•     RBI: Ruth also holds the MLB record for career runs batted in (RBI) with 2,213. This is a testament to his ability to drive in runs and be a productive hitter throughout his career.

•     Slugging Percentage: Ruth's career slugging percentage of .690 is the highest in MLB history. This measures a player's ability to hit for power and extra bases.

•     On-Base Percentage: Ruth also had a career on-base percentage of .474, which is the third-highest in MLB history. This measures a player's ability to get on base and reach safely.

•     OPS: Ruth's career OPS (on-base plus slugging) of 1.164 is also the highest in MLB history. This metric combines a player's on-base percentage and slugging percentage to give an overall measure of offensive productivity.

•     Runs Scored: Ruth scored a total of 2,174 runs in his career, which is the second-most in MLB history. This is a testament to his ability to get on base, steal bases, and score runs for his team.

•     Walks: Ruth drew 2,062 walks in his career, which is the second-most in MLB history. This is a testament to his ability to recognize pitches and be patient at the plate.

Overall, Babe Ruth's carrier records stand as a testament to his dominance and impact on the game of baseball. His legacy as one of the greatest players of all time remains secure.

2.Willie Mays: Willie Mays is widely considered to be one of the greatest baseball players of all time. During his career in Major League Baseball (MLB), he played for the New York and San Francisco Giants, as well as the New York Mets. Mays set numerous records and achieved many milestones throughout his career.

 

Here are some of his most notable career records:

•     Home Runs: Mays hit 660 home runs in his career, which is the fifth-highest total in MLB history. He hit at least 20 home runs in 16 seasons, and his career high was 52 in 1965.

•     Stolen Bases: Mays was also an exceptional base runner, stealing 338 bases in his career. He had at least 20 stolen bases in 13 seasons, and his career high was 40 in 1956.

•     Hits: Mays collected a total of 3,283 hits in his career, which is the 11th-highest total in MLB history. He had at least 200 hits in a season twice in his career, and his career high was 208 in 1958.

•     Runs Scored: Mays scored 2,062 runs in his career, which is the 10th-highest total in MLB history. He scored at least 100 runs in a season 13 times, and his career high was 130 in 1962.

•     Gold Gloves: Mays won 12 Gold Glove awards in his career, which is tied for the most in MLB history by an outfielder. He was known for his incredible fielding ability and made numerous highlight-reel catches throughout his career.

•     All-Star Games: Mays was selected to the All-Star Game 24 times in his career, which is tied for the most in MLB history. He was an All-Star in every season from 1954 to 1973, with the exception of 1972.

Overall, Willie Mays' career records stand as a testament to his exceptional all-around ability and impact on the game of baseball. He remains one of the most beloved and respected players in the history of the sport.

3.Hank Aaron: Hank Aaron is considered to be one of the greatest baseball players of all time. He had an illustrious career that spanned over two decades, during which he set numerous records. 

 

Here are some of the carrier records of Hank Aaron:

•     Most career home runs: Hank Aaron is best known for breaking Babe Ruth's record for most career home runs. He finished his career with 755 home runs, a record that stood for over 30 years until it was broken by Barry Bonds in 2007.

•     Most career RBIs: Aaron also holds the record for most career RBIs (Runs Batted In) with 2,297. This is a testament to his ability to drive in runs and help his team score.

•     Most seasons with 30 or more home runs: Aaron hit 30 or more home runs in 15 different seasons, which is a record that he shares with Barry Bonds.

•     Most consecutive seasons with 20 or more home runs: Aaron hit 20 or more home runs in 20 consecutive seasons, which is a record that still stands today.

•     Most All-Star Game selections: Aaron was selected to the All-Star Game 25 times, which is a record that he shares with Willie Mays and Stan Musial.

•     Most seasons with 100 or more RBIs: Aaron had 11 seasons with 100 or more RBIs, which is a record that he shares with Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig.

•     Most total bases: Aaron holds the record for most total bases with 6,856. This includes all hits, extra-base hits, and walks.

Overall, Hank Aaron was a dominant player who set numerous records during his career. He was a consistent performer who was known for his power hitting and ability to drive in runs. His records are a testament to his skill and talent, and they have earned him a place as one of the all-time greats of baseball.

4.Ted Williams: Ted Williams is widely considered to be one of the greatest hitters in baseball history. He had a remarkable career that spanned over two decades, during which he set numerous records. 

 

Here are some of the career records of Ted Williams:

•     Highest career on-base percentage: Williams has the highest career on-base percentage in MLB history, with a .482 mark. This record reflects his ability to get on base through hits, walks, and hit-by-pitches.

•     Last player to hit over .400 in a season: In 1941, Williams hit .406, making him the last player in MLB history to hit over .400 in a season. This feat has not been accomplished since.

•     Most career walks: Williams drew a remarkable 2,021 walks during his career, which is still the record for the American League. This reflects his great eye at the plate and his ability to recognize pitches.

•     Highest career slugging percentage: Williams also has the highest career slugging percentage in MLB history, with a .634 mark. This reflects his power hitting and ability to drive the ball.

•     Most seasons with a .400 on-base percentage: Williams had 12 seasons in which he had a .400 or better on-base percentage, which is a record that he shares with Barry Bonds.

•     Most seasons with a .600 slugging percentage: Williams had eight seasons in which he had a .600 or better slugging percentage, which is a record that he shares with Babe Ruth.

•     Most walks in a season: Williams drew a remarkable 162 walks in 1949, which is still the record for the American League.

Overall, Ted Williams was a phenomenal hitter who set numerous records during his career. His ability to get on base and hit for power made him a feared opponent for pitchers. His records reflect his tremendous skill and ability, and they have earned him a place as one of the greatest players in baseball history.

5.Stan Musial: Stan Musial, also known as "Stan the Man", was one of the greatest baseball players of all time. He played for the St. Louis Cardinals for his entire 22-year career, during which he set numerous records. 

 

Here are some of the carrier records of Stan Musial:

•     Most hits by a National League player: Musial finished his career with 3,630 hits, which is the most by a National League player. This is a testament to his consistency and longevity as a player.

•     Most career doubles: Musial also holds the record for most career doubles by a National League player, with 725. This reflects his ability to hit for both power and average.

•     Most career extra-base hits: Musial has the most career extra-base hits by a National League player, with 1,377. This includes doubles, triples, and home runs.

•     Most career total bases by a National League player: Musial accumulated 6,134 total bases during his career, which is the most by a National League player.

•     Most seasons with 200 or more hits: Musial had seven seasons in which he had 200 or more hits, which is tied for the National League record with Rogers Hornsby.

•     Most seasons with a .300 batting average: Musial had 17 seasons in which he had a .300 or better batting average, which is tied for the National League record with Honus Wagner.

•     Most All-Star Game selections: Musial was selected to the All-Star Game 24 times, which is the most by a National League player.

Overall, Stan Musial was a dominant player who set numerous records during his career. He was a consistent performer who was known for his hitting ability and his longevity as a player. His records are a testament to his skill and talent, and they have earned him a place as one of the all-time greats of baseball.

6.Ty Cobb: Ty Cobb is widely considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time. He played for 24 seasons, primarily with the Detroit Tigers, and set numerous records during his career. 

Here are some of the carrier records of Ty Cobb:

•     Highest career batting average: Cobb holds the highest career batting average in MLB history, with a .366 mark. This reflects his exceptional ability to consistently hit for average.

•     Most career hits: Cobb finished his career with 4,189 hits, which was the most in MLB history until Pete Rose surpassed him in 1985. This record reflects his longevity as a player and his ability to consistently get on base.

•     Most career runs scored: Cobb scored a total of 2,245 runs during his career, which is still the record for the American League. This reflects his ability to get on base and his speed on the basepaths.

•     Most career steals of home plate: Cobb stole home plate a total of 54 times during his career, which is a record that still stands in MLB history.

•     Most batting titles won: Cobb won the batting title a record 12 times during his career, which is a testament to his hitting ability and consistency at the plate.

•     Most seasons with 200 or more hits: Cobb had 11 seasons in which he had 200 or more hits, which is a record that he shares with Ichiro Suzuki.

•     Most consecutive batting titles won: Cobb won the batting title in three consecutive seasons, from 1917-1919, which is a record that he shares with Rogers Hornsby and Rod Carew.

Overall, Ty Cobb was a dominant player who set numerous records during his career. His exceptional hitting ability, speed, and consistency made him one of the greatest players of all time. His records reflect his incredible talent and have earned him a place as a legend in the sport of baseball.

7.Mickey Mantle: Mickey Mantle is considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time, and he played for the New York Yankees for his entire 18-year career. He set numerous records during his time as a player. 

 

Here are some of the carrier records of Mickey Mantle:

•     Most home runs by a switch-hitter: Mantle hit a total of 536 home runs during his career, which is the most by a switch-hitter in MLB history. This record reflects his power and ability to hit from both sides of the plate.

•     Most walks in a season: Mantle drew 232 walks in the 1957 season, which is still the record for the most walks in a single season in MLB history. This reflects his ability to get on base and his keen eye for pitches.

•     Most World Series home runs: Mantle hit a total of 18 home runs in World Series play, which is still the record for the most World Series home runs in history. This reflects his ability to perform in high-pressure situations.

•     Most runs scored in a World Series: Mantle scored 42 runs in World Series play, which is also still the record for the most runs scored in a World Series.

•     Most extra-base hits in a World Series: Mantle hit 26 extra-base hits in World Series play, which is still the record for the most extra-base hits in a World Series.

•     Most seasons with 30 or more home runs: Mantle had 10 seasons in which he hit 30 or more home runs, which was a record at the time.

•     Most career walks by a switch-hitter: Mantle drew a total of 1,733 walks during his career, which is the most by a switch-hitter in MLB history.

Overall, Mickey Mantle was a dominant player who set numerous records during his career. His power, speed, and ability to perform in clutch situations made him one of the greatest players of all time. His records reflect his incredible talent and have earned him a place as a legend in the sport of baseball.

8.Walter Johnson: Walter Johnsonis considered one of the greatest pitchers in the history of baseball. He played for the Washington Senators for his entire 21-year career, and he set numerous records during his time as a player. 

 

Here are some of the carrier records of Walter Johnson:

•     Most career shutouts: Johnson recorded a total of 110 shutouts during his career, which is still the record for the most career shutouts in MLB history. This reflects his dominance on the mound and his ability to completely shut down opposing teams.

•     Most career strikeouts: Johnson recorded a total of 3,508 strikeouts during his career, which was the most in MLB history until Nolan Ryan surpassed him in 1983. This record reflects his ability to overpower batters with his fastball and his exceptional control.

•     Most seasons leading the league in strikeouts: Johnson led the league in strikeouts 12 times during his career, which is still the record for the most seasons leading the league in strikeouts.

•     Most career wins by a right-handed pitcher: Johnson recorded a total of 417 wins during his career, which is still the record for the most career wins by a right-handed pitcher.

•     Most innings pitched in a season: Johnson pitched a total of 370 innings in the 1913 season, which is still the record for the most innings pitched in a single season.

•     Most consecutive seasons with 200 or more strikeouts: Johnson had 10 consecutive seasons in which he recorded 200 or more strikeouts, which is still the record for the most consecutive seasons with 200 or more strikeouts.

•     Most games pitched in relief: Although Johnson was primarily a starting pitcher, he did pitch in relief on occasion. He appeared in relief in 15 games during his career, which is still the record for the most games pitched in relief by a pitcher with at least 400 career starts.

Overall, Walter Johnson was a dominant pitcher who set numerous records during his career. His ability to strike out batters and shut down opposing teams made him one of the greatest pitchers of all time. His records reflect his incredible talent and have earned him a place as a legend in the sport of baseball.

9.Sandy Koufax: Sandy Koufax is widely considered one of the greatest pitchers in the history of baseball. He played for the Los Angeles Dodgers for his entire 12-year career and set numerous records during his time as a player. 

 

Here are some of the carrier records of Sandy Koufax:

•     Most strikeouts in a season: Koufax recorded 382 strikeouts in the 1965 season, which is still the record for the most strikeouts in a single season by a left-handed pitcher.

•     Most seasons leading the league in ERA: Koufax led the league in ERA five times during his career, which is still the record for the most seasons leading the league in ERA by a left-handed pitcher.

•     Most career shutouts in the modern era: Koufax recorded 40 shutouts during his career, which is the most by a pitcher in the modern era (post-1900).

•     Most career no-hitters: Koufax threw four career no-hitters, which is tied for the most in MLB history with Nolan Ryan.

•     Most strikeouts in a World Series game: Koufax struck out 15 batters in Game 1 of the 1963 World Series, which is still the record for the most strikeouts in a World Series game.

•     Most Cy Young Awards won consecutively: Koufax won the Cy Young Award three times in a row from 1963 to 1965, which is still the record for the most Cy Young Awards won consecutively by a pitcher.

•     Fewest hits allowed per nine innings in a season: Koufax allowed only 5.79 hits per nine innings in the 1965 season, which is still the record for the fewest hits allowed per nine innings in a single season.

Overall, Sandy Koufax was a dominant pitcher who set numerous records during his career. His ability to strike out batters and throw no-hitters made him one of the greatest pitchers of all time. His records reflect his incredible talent and have earned him a place as a legend in the sport of baseball.

10.Jackie Robinson: Jackie Robinson is widely regarded as one of the most significant figures in the history of baseball, as well as a trailblazer for civil rights and social justice. He broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball when he made his debut for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. While his career statistics do not compare to those of some of the all-time greats, Robinson still set several records and accomplished numerous feats during his career. 

 

Here are some of the carrier records of Jackie Robinson:

•     First African-American to play in the major leagues: Robinson's most significant record is his groundbreaking achievement as the first African-American player in the major leagues since the 1880s. He faced significant obstacles and discrimination, but he persevered and ultimately paved the way for future generations of minority players.

•     Rookie of the Year: In his debut season with the Dodgers, Robinson won the Rookie of the Year award, becoming the first African-American player to do so. He hit .297 with 12 home runs, 48 RBIs, and a league-leading 29 stolen bases.

•     Six-time All-Star: Robinson was selected to the All-Star team six times during his ten-year career. He was a versatile player who excelled both offensively and defensively.

•     National League MVP: In 1949, Robinson was named the National League MVP, becoming the first African-American player to win the award. He hit .342 with 16 home runs, 124 RBIs, and a league-leading 37 stolen bases.

•     Batting champion: Robinson won the National League batting title in 1949, hitting .342, and again in 1952 with a .308 average. He finished his career with a .311 batting average, 137 home runs, and 734 RBIs.

•     First African-American to manage in the major leagues: After retiring as a player, Robinson became a vocal advocate for civil rights and worked to promote equality in baseball. In 1975, he became the first African-American to manage a major league team when he took over as the skipper of the Cleveland Indians.

Overall, Jackie Robinson's contributions to the game of baseball and to civil rights cannot be overstated. His courage and determination in the face of racism and discrimination paved the way for future generations of players, and his impact on the game and on society continues to be felt today.

In conclusion, the game of baseball has produced some of the most iconic and legendary players of all time. From Babe Ruth to Willie Mays, and from Hank Aaron to Derek Jeter, each of these players has left an indelible mark on the sport and has set numerous records and accomplishments throughout their careers. Whether it was their hitting prowess, their defensive skills, or their dominance on the pitcher's mound, these players all have one thing in common: they elevated the game to new heights and cemented their place in baseball history. While there will always be debates about who the greatest player of all time is, one thing is certain: these top 10 MLB players of all time will forever be remembered as legends of the game.