The most famous MLB players of all time have etched their name into baseball folklore. From past legends like Babe Ruth to modern-day icons such as Mike Trout, let’s honor the greatest MLB players in history.
#1 Babe Ruth
When it comes to ranking the most famous MLB players of all time, Babe Ruth deserves to be right at the very top of the list. Between 1914 and 1935, baseball belonged to Ruth. The home run king posted outrageous numbers throughout his glittering career, firing the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees to multiple World Series triumphs in the process.
#2 Barry Bonds
Of course, Barry Bonds is a controversial figure in the world of baseball due to his links to steroids and PEDs. However, in terms of pure ability, the former Pittsburgh Pirates and San Francisco Giants superstar is undoubtedly one of the greatest MLB players in history. Widely regarded as the best power hitter ever, Bonds won seven MVP Awards, eight Gold Glove Awards and 12 Silver Slugger Awards.
#3 Willie Mays
Very few baseball fans would argue that Willie Mays is not one of the greatest center fielders of all time, but the Alabama native was also an incredible hitter. Between 1948 and 1973, Mays collected a whopping 24 MLB All-Star appearances, 12 Gold Glove Awards and two MVP Awards, in addition to a World Series title with the San Francisco Giants.
#4 Ted Williams
Ted Williams is a bonafide Boston Red Sox legend, having represented the franchise in four different decades. Williams was an MLB All-Star on 19 occasions between 1939 and 1960, and he also set countless records along the way. The two-time MVP is arguably the greatest contact hitter in history and will always be considered among the most famous MLB players ever.
#5 Hank Aaron
Undoubtedly one of the best power hitters of all time, Hank Aaron broke the home run record during his tenure. On top of that, the 25-time MLB All-Star and three-time Gold Glove Award winner even has the best hitter award named after him. Naturally, that makes him one of the greatest baseball players ever to grace the field.
#6 Ty Cobb
Believe it or not, one of the most famous MLB players of all time was born all the way back in 1886. That tells you everything you need to know about Ty Cobb’s longevity. “The Georgia Peach” boats some of the most ludicrous hitting stats known to man, including 151 WAR and .366 AVG. Plus, the Detroit Tigers icon received the MVP Award in 1911.
#7 Mickey Mantle
It is pretty rare to find an MLB player who spends the entirety of their career with the same franchise, but Mickey Mantle is an exception. The legendary hitter dedicated his career to winning with the New York Yankee between 1951 and 1968, collecting 20 All-Star call ups, seven World Series titles and a host of other accolades for good measure.
#8 Mike Trout
Since Mike Trout is still strutting his stuff for the Los Angeles Angels, the 31-year-old has plenty of time to move up this list in the future. The unstoppable center fielder is already a three-time MVP, nine-time Silver Slugger and 11-time All-Star. If he carries on the way he’s going, Trout will only rise up the list of the most famous MLB players ever.