Posted on August 13, 2018

Top 10 Favorite MLB Players Of All Time

Scroll below and enjoy

presents a

Favorite

Players
Of All Time

I Don’t Care If I Never Get Back

Man, there’s just something special about baseball. The smell of freshly cut grass glistening under a bright springtime sun. The sounds of the bat echoing its familiar *THWAK* beyond the horizon. Finally learning how to catch the ball as a child after many agonizing (and painful… ) attempts. I swear baseball has been ingrained in The ‘Tude Dude’s bones since I learned to breathe and consequentially it’s the first major sport that I ever followed since I played some organized ball as a kid and wanted to learn how to get better by observing the pros in the MLB (thanks Mom) which was my introduction to analyzing the different nuances of athletic competition.

So many awesome greats got me hooked back in the day like Bo Jackson , Roger Clemens , Frank Thomas , Greg Maddux and the “bash brothers” (Mark McGwire & Jose Canseco) and I would try to emulate many of the impressive attributes that I witnessed by seeing how these guys did it in the majors. Throughout the years of watching many of these baseball stars as a kid, other names started to pepper into my lexicon from the legends of the past and it was then that I began to realize the grand history of the sport as a whole. Transcendent figures such as Babe Ruth , Ty Cobb , Stan “The Man” Musial , Sandy Koufax and Willie Mays were all like spirits that refused to die as everyone involved in the baseball world talked about these guys (and many more) with a great passion and it motivated me to learn more about the titans of America’s Pastime. Despite not being able to witness these revolutionary players when they did it, it was like they leapt off of the pages of old books and magazines when I would listen to stories or read about them and my love for the history of baseball grew more and more as the entirety of the sport started to materialize into my understanding.

Today, many more stars continue to stoke the fire of the old game and further on the legacy of the diamond like Clayton Kershaw , Mike Trout , Jose Altuve , Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper and it just keeps rolling on. One thing’s for sure, baseball is full of greats both past and present and it’s become increasingly difficult to corral in my favorites as the list just continues to expand with the years rolling on so now seems like the right time for The ‘Tude Dude to break down his favorite players from the baseball universe with so many amazing legends that have already come and gone to add their name to the pantheon of this great pastime. So grab your Cracker Jacks , hot dogs and old mitt and join me for a comprehensive look through the pillars of baseball history as I rattle the cages of my memory bank to decide once and for all (subject to change with future players) who belongs in my favorite baseball players list !

Position Key

P – Pitcher
C – Catcher
1B – First Basemen
2B – Second Basemen
3B – Third Basemen
SS – Shortstop
OF – Outfielder
DH – Designated Hitter

The following is a list of The ‘Tude Dude’s 10 favorite MLB players of all time.

Nolan Ryan
P

New York Mets
(1966/1968-1971)

California Angels
(1972-1979)

Houston Astros
(1980-1988)

Texas Rangers
(1989-1993)

No other pitcher exemplifies cowboy manliness and hard-charging ‘tude more than the uber competitive Nolan Ryan who maintained a 100 mph fastball deep into his 20+ season career. Never afraid of getting into a good old donnybrook (just ask #8 on this list), “The Ryan Express” came right at hitters with his supreme velocity and caused a lot of hurt feelings along the way to a “probably won’t ever be broken” #1 all time in MLB history 5,714 career strikeouts. Along with his unrivaled strikeout record, Ryan also has the record for the most no-hitters in history with 7 (3 more than any other player in history) which gives a good idea of his overall dominance throughout his long and prosperous career.

Ted Williams
OF

Boston Red Sox
(1939-1942/1946-1960)

With a bevy of cool nicknames like “The Splendid Splinter”, “Teddy Ballgame” and “The Greatest Hitter Who Ever Lived”, Ted Williams certainly made his mark upon the world of baseball and will forever be renowned by me personally for his absolute manliness in putting his great career to the side on two separate occasions to serve in World War II (1943-1945) and the Korean War (1952-1953) respectively. Finishing his career as one of the greatest ever members of the Boston Red Sox, Williams holds many illustrious records and achievements but without question his biggest claim to fame in my opinion is the fact that he is the last player in MLB history to finish a season with a batting average over .400 (.406 in 1941) which showcases his unique talent. Despite losing several seasons to serving in the military, Williams still reached supremely high marks throughout his career joining the prestigious 500 home run club, winning the A.L. MVP award as well as the Triple Crown 2 times and amassing an extremely envious .344 career batting average with a best-all-time .482 on-base percentage. Geez… maybe he really was the greatest hitter who ever lived!

Robin Ventura
3B

Chicago White Sox
(1989-1998)

New York Mets
(1999-2001)

New York Yankees
(2002-2003)

Los Angeles Dodgers
(2003-2004)

Playing little league as a kid, third base was my primary position so naturally I looked up to many of the greats in the majors and no one grabbed my eyes more than Robin Ventura. Combining a steady glove, strong arm and quality swing, Ventura consistently played at an All-Star level throughout his career and was always a big part of his teams success year-in and year-out. Constantly working to rally his teammates, Ventura’s demeanor was a positive influence to the players around him and it was no surprise to see this natural-born leader become a MLB manager after he retired as a player, though he did resign in 2016. Still, I’ll always appreciate Ventura’s defense-first approach to the “hot-corner” making him a true standard-bearer for the position and the sport as far as I’m concerned.

Mike Piazza
C

Los Angeles Dodgers
(1992-1998)

Florida Marlins
(1998)

New York Mets
(1998-2005)

San Diego Padres
(2006)

Oakland Athletics
(2007)

Picked as a favor by Tommy Lasorda to Piazza’s father in the 62nd round, not much was expected from Mike Piazza as he seemed like just another feel good project for the talented-but-stubborn mid-90s Dodgers. Instead, this unlikely superstar turned into one of the greatest power-hitting catchers to ever play in the majors, showing off his offensive dominance at the position with 10 Silver Slugger Awards throughout his career. Despite a contract dispute that saw him get traded away from Los Angeles too soon, Piazza made his mark with the Dodgers and his suave personality seemed to fall in with the franchise perfectly though he did enjoy further success in New York during the prime of his career.

Bo Jackson
OF

Kansas City Royals
(1986-1990)

Chicago White Sox
(1991-1993)

California Angels
(1994)

My very-first ever favorite player as a kid, Bo Jackson was so amazing to watch with his freakish defensive ability combined with his power at the plate and the fact that he played in the NFL at the same time (with an equally dynamic talent no doubt) only elevated his spectacle into the stratosphere for me as a child. Unfortunately, due to a horrible hip injury, he wasn’t able to sustain a long career in either the MLB or the NFL and the world will be left to wonder how much more he could have achieved had he played longer. Despite the early exit from sports, Bo will always be considered one of the greatest athletes ever by The ‘Tude Dude and I’ll always remember the outfield wall-running, home run hitting, bat breaking marvel that came and went WAY too fast like a bolt of lightning.

Justin Turner
3B

Baltimore Orioles
(2009-2010)

New York Mets
(2010-2013)

Los Angeles Dodgers
(2014-)

With a beard that makes him look like a Lord of the Rings character and a smooth style that sees hims get plenty of hits at the plate, Justin Turner stands tall in the Dodger pantheon as one of the most beloved leaders they’ve ever had. Utilizing grit and hard work as his trademark merits, Turner provides the necessary steadiness seen from most championship-clubs maintaining his base with efficient defensive focus while also supplying plenty of batting pop. Its no surprise then since his arrival in 2014 the Dodgers have been a consistent title contender helping the club to finally win its first World Series since 1988 in 2020 after losing in the fall classic in heartbreaking fashion TWICE in 2017 & 2018. Also, his walk-off home run in game 2 of the 2017 NLCS against the Cubs ranks near the top as one of my all time personal favorite single moments as a baseball fan.

Clayton Kershaw
P

Los Angeles Dodgers
(2008-)

One of the greatest pitchers that has ever thrown in the majors, Clayton Kershaw has been a model of consistency during his career with Los Angeles constantly pushing the Dodgers to success as the ultimate left-handed ace of the staff. Blending power with deception as well as any hurler in the history of the game, “Kersh” has now set the ultimate bar on the mound in Dodgertown having won the Cy Young Award 3 times to go along with 1 MVP and 1 World Series trophy. Without a doubt worthy of a statue outside of Dodger Stadium, Kershaw will be forever remembered as my generation’s Sandy Koufax ushering in a new era of greatness for the “boys in blue” with class and dedication.

Mookie Betts
OF

Boston Red Sox
(2014-2019)

Los Angeles Dodgers
(2020-)

MOOKIE!!! Skyrocketing into my heart like a shooting star after previously ripping it out as an opponent in 2018, Mookie Betts kills it as 5-tool stud capable of drastically altering the game in a flash no matter if he’s coming up with a clutch RBI at the plate or making a slick defensive snag in the outfield unlike anything ever seen. Combining ridiculous talent with the moxie of a much older player, Betts and his championship pedigree were a catalyst to finally helping my beloved Dodgers get over the proverbial hump leading them to their first World Series victory in 32 years after many close calls! Because of this, his ascension on this list has been surprising and sudden but also VERY welcome and possibly not even done. No matter what, I’ve been screaming his name since he’s arrived in Dodger blue and now that he’s put fresh ink to a new 12-year contract extension in Los Angeles, I don’t see that changing anytime soon which sounds just fine to me!

Orel Hershiser
P

Los Angeles Dodgers
(1983-1994/2000)

Cleveland Indians
(1995-1997)

San Francisco Giants
(1998)

New York Mets
(1999)

As a Dodgers fan, it’s extremely difficult to look back on that magical season of 1988 and not give upmost respect and gratitude to Orel Hershiser for all that he did to help bring the World Series to Los Angeles. Combining a cerebral strategy with a competitive edge, “The Bulldog” was a fixture in Los Angeles for many years as the ace of the pitching staff and now does color commentary for Dodger broadcasts, further galvanizing Hershiser into the lore of franchise history. I still remember how proud I was as a kid of my Orel Hershiser baseball card collection and I’ll always love his cool-as-a-cucumber personality which fits Los Angeles like a pitcher’s glove.

Babe Ruth
OF/P

Boston Red Sox
(1914-1919)

New York Yankees
(1920-1934)

Boston Braves
(1935)

George Herman Ruth is perhaps the most mystical and transcendent player that ever graced the field of play in baseball (or American sports) and his shadow will forever loom over the great game as a bastion of legend unlike anything ever seen which is why he’s my personal favorite player of all time. Leaving footprints in the ground like a real-life Paul Bunyan, Ruth became a poster-child for newspaper headlines and amassed an impressive collection of nicknames over his career as a result of his achievements such as “The Sultan of Swat”, “The Great Bambino”, “The King of Crash”, and “The Colossus of Clout” but none of them stuck more than “The Babe” which he earned playing baseball at a young age with older kids at St. Mary’s Industrial School for Boys in Baltimore. Though Ruth became most well known during his home run hitting prime with the Yankees, to truly understand the greatness of The Babe, one must observe the early years of pitching dominance that he displayed with the Boston Red Sox. During his 6 seasons in “Beantown”, Ruth won 3 World Series championships and was among the best pitchers in the entire league posting crucial campaigns as a left-handed stud on the mound. As his hitting prowess increased, The Babe desired to be an everyday player and no longer wished to rest on the pitchers schedule but Boston did not wish to oblige him and the amazing legend – “The Curse of the Bambino” was born after the Red Sox traded Ruth to the arch-rival Yankees and failed to win another World Series for decades. Already a top-tier ballplayer when he arrived in the Bronx, the legend of The Babe amazingly grew even larger as he ushered in the greatest dynasty in American professional sports with his never-before-seen strength and power that looked like something out of a comic book. I still have a hard time wrapping my head around this enigma of a man – ONE OF THE GREATEST HOME RUN HITTING TITANS IN BASEBALL HISTORY WAS ALSO ONE OF THE GREATEST PITCHERS. Included in his never-before-seen bag of tricks was his savvy fielding and the fact that he was left-handed which furthered his uniqueness in MLB. Ruth went on to win 4 more World Series championships in New York while setting the bar as perhaps the baddest home run hitting threat of all time! I haven’t even mentioned his super-cool and fun-loving personality as he seemed to revel in being a star and was an interviewer’s dream (kind of reminds me of a way-ahead-of-his-time Shaq in this way) while never forgetting the kids and generally displaying a jolly disposition. Yeah, Babe Ruth is the MAN in The ‘Tude Dude’s book and his legend will never die as his spirit continued to dwell among the heavenly grounds of Yankee Stadium (and in my heart) forever.

Sandy Koufax (P)

Arguably the greatest ever thrower on the mound, Sandy Koufax dominated opposing batters with a brutal left-handed fastball during his career and set the initial mark of pitching excellence for the Dodgers franchise that is still being measured against to this day.

Ivan Rodriguez (C)

An excellent combination of ferocious defense and consistent hitting make “Pudge” Rodriguez one of the best catchers to ever patrol behind home base.

David Ortiz (1B/DH)

A pure power hitter and clutch performer, “Big Papi’s” large frame is surpassed by his heart and charisma and will forever be remembered among the great legends in Boston sports history.

Cal Ripken jr. (SS/3B)

A model of consistency and a harbinger of playing the game with great class at the highest level, “The Iron Man” Cal Ripken astonished from both sides of the plate and set the ultimate consecutive games played mark that will probably never be touched again throughout the span of time.

Cody Bellinger (OF/1B)

Playing with a bravado that inspires confidence to everyone around him, Cody Bellinger hit the ground running in his baseball career with one of the greatest ever rookie seasons in MLB history and looks to catapult his name into the pantheon of legends as he continues his ascent into superstardom.

Frank Thomas, Willy Mays, Ken Griffey jr., Walker Buehler, Barry Bonds, Jackie Robinson, Lou Gehrig, Jim Edmonds, Raul Mondesi, Mike Trout, Trea Turner, Juan Gonzalez, Roberto Alomar, Ty Cobb, Greg Maddux, Andre Ethier, Kenny Lofton, Will Clark, Rickey Henderson, Kris Bryant, Ozzie Smith, Randy Johnson, Mark McGwire, Larry Walker, Ken Caminiti, Roger Clemens, Gary Sheffield, Derek Jeter, Edgar Martinez, Kenley Jansen, Paul O’Neill, Buster Posey, Mariano Rivera, Hideo Nomo, Bryce Harper, Curt Schilling, Kirk Gibson, Alex Rodriguez, Mickey Mantle, Vladimir Guerrero, Corey Seager, John Smoltz, Jim Thome, Johnny Bench, Don Mattingly, Giancarlo Stanton, Mike Schmidt, Chipper Jones, Mike Scioscia, Matt Kemp, Scott Rolen, Andrew McCutchen, Chuck Finley, Steve Garvey, Rich Hill, Adrian Beltre, Eric Gagne, Hank Aaron, Manny Machado, David Price, Stan Musial, Matt Williams, Bernie Williams, Greg Vaughn, Carlos Delgado, Jason Giambi, Evan Longoria, Johnny Damon, Albert Pujols, George Brett, Joe DiMaggio, Tom Glavine, Eric Karros, John Olerud, Shawn Green, Kevin Brown, Craig Biggio, Pete Rose, Pedro Martinez, Duke Snider, Tony Gwynn, Hyun Jin Ryu, Kirby Puckett, Miguel Cabrera, Vinny Castilla, Aaron Judge, Jeff Bagwell, Gary Sanchez, Andres Galarraga, Harmon Killebrew, Robin Yount, Tim Salmon, Roberto Clemente, Mitch Williams, Shohei Ohtani, Dave Stewart, Barry Larkin, Fred McGriff, Honus Wagner, Joey Votto, Max Scherzer, Yasiel Puig, Tim Hudson, Rafael Palmeiro, Kike Hernandez, Nomar Garciaparra, Ichiro Suzuki, Joe Morgan, Yasmani Grandal, Wade Boggs, Don Drysdale, Dennis Eckersley, Roy Halladay, Dave Winfield, Sammy Sosa, Gary Carter, Manny Ramirez, Paul Molitor, Trevor Bauer, Eddie Murray, Yogi Berra, Ernie Banks, Reggie Jackson, Warren Spahn, Brooks Robinson, John Kruk, Max Muncy, Tim Lincecum, Joe Mauer, Paul Konerko, Darryl Strawberry, Fernando Valenzuela and the relentlessly punctual Bert “Be Home” Blyleven .

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Category: Tubular Top 10's Tags: #baseball, #MLB, #top 10 MLB players, top 10, top 10 lists

One Comment on “Top 10 Favorite MLB Players Of All Time”

The Indigo Gamer
October 5, 2018

I cant help myself, the whole time I’m reading this great list, i just keep singing that good ol’ baseball song!
“Really off key singing”
TAKE ME OUT TO THE BAAAAAAALL GAAAAAAME!!!!

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The 'Tude Dude

Top 10 Favorite MLB Players Of All Time

Nolan Ryan P

New York Mets (1966/1968-1971)

California Angels (1972-1979)

Houston Astros (1980-1988)

Texas Rangers (1989-1993)

Ted Williams OF

Boston Red Sox (1939-1942/1946-1960)

Robin Ventura 3B

Chicago White Sox (1989-1998)

New York Mets (1999-2001)

New York Yankees (2002-2003)

Los Angeles Dodgers (2003-2004)

Mike Piazza C

Los Angeles Dodgers (1992-1998)

Florida Marlins (1998)

New York Mets (1998-2005)

San Diego Padres (2006)

Oakland Athletics (2007)

Bo Jackson OF

Kansas City Royals (1986-1990)

Chicago White Sox (1991-1993)

California Angels (1994)

Justin Turner 3B

Baltimore Orioles (2009-2010)

New York Mets (2010-2013)

Los Angeles Dodgers (2014-)

Clayton Kershaw P

Los Angeles Dodgers (2008-)

Mookie Betts OF

Boston Red Sox (2014-2019)

Los Angeles Dodgers (2020-)

Orel Hershiser P

Los Angeles Dodgers (1983-1994/2000)

Cleveland Indians (1995-1997)

San Francisco Giants (1998)

New York Mets (1999)

Babe Ruth OF/P

Boston Red Sox (1914-1919)

New York Yankees (1920-1934)

Boston Braves (1935)