- Question
Who is the best baseball player of all time?
Baseball, since the late 19th Century, has been a quintessential American pastime and, today, the MLB serves as the second-most popular major North American sports league. Within such a long and storied history of outstanding individual performances, many baseball fans naturally gravitate toward this question. From the absolutely reality-defying sluggers, pitchers, outfielders, and catchers, who is the best baseball player of all time?
Babe Ruth is the greatest baseball player ever
Babe Ruth, the Great Bambino, the Sultan of Swat, the King of Crash, absolutely dominated the game of baseball since he was 23 years old and catapulted it into a new era of widespread popularity and Americana. His seemingly unbeatable performances still stand today as lore in the baseball community, and his name is one of the most recognizable in all of sports history.
Hank Aaron is the greatest baseball player ever
Hank Aaron (AKA "Hammer") left his mark on the National League for 20 years, and his batting performance is still largely unmatched today. His story of overcoming many obstacles to pass Babe Ruth for the home run record and his historical base-hitting numbers help him achieve the title of GOAT.
Barry Bonds is the greatest baseball player ever
Barry Bonds put up the most jaw-dropping statistical career performance of all time, and his record number of dingers only scratches the surface of his sheer excellence as a baseball genius.
Willie Mays is the greatest baseball player ever
Willie Mays (the "Say Hey Kid") redefined the meaning of versatility in baseball. Not only was Mays a phenomenal athlete and a historically elite hitter, his extraordinary defensive performance vaults him to the title of greatest center fielder, and overall baseball player, to ever live.
Other eligible greatest baseball players ever
This position holds that the title of greatest baseball player should be open beyond the usual names. It argues that several other all-time greats — among them Lou Gehrig and Ted Williams — have records and statistical achievements that put them squarely in contention for the top spot.