Baseball, known as “the national pastime,” has a rich history full of stars who have left an indelible mark on the sport.
Especially for the Hispanic community in the U.S., this sport has a special place in the heart, thanks to the talent of great figures who have demonstrated their ability on the diamond. QuéOnnda presents a list of the 10 best baseball players in history.
1. Babe Ruth
George Herman “Babe” Ruth, known as the “Sultan of Swat,” is widely considered one of the greatest baseball players in history.
Throughout his 22 seasons in the Major Leagues, he accumulated a total of 714 home runs, a mark that remained unbeaten until 1974.
Ruth was not only a prodigious hitter; he also excelled as a pitcher in his early years with the Boston Red Sox.
However, his trade to the New York Yankees in 1920 marked a turning point in his career and in baseball history.
In his first season with the Yankees, he set a new record by hitting 54 home runs, surpassing his own previous mark of 29 home runs in a single season.
His impact on the game was revolutionary, transforming baseball from a discipline focused on strategy and small ball to one dominated by power and explosive offense.
In addition to his on-field accomplishments, Ruth became a cultural icon, known for his charisma and exuberant personality, which helped popularize baseball and attract a new generation of fans.
His legacy endures to this day, and his influence on the sport is undeniable, cementing him as a central figure in baseball history.
Willie Mays
Willie Mays is widely recognized as one of the most complete players in baseball history, excelling on both offense and defense.
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Over the course of his 23-year Major League career, primarily with the New York/San Francisco Giants and briefly with the New York Mets, Mays amassed an impressive list of accomplishments.
He was selected 24 times to the All-Star Game, won 12 consecutive Gold Gloves from 1957 to 1968 and was named the National League’s Most Valuable Player twice (1954 and 1965).
Offensively, Mays hit 660 home runs, which placed him third on the all-time list at the time of his retirement.
In addition, he led the National League in home runs in four different seasons and maintained a .301 batting average throughout his career.
Defensively, his ability in center field was legendary. His famous over-the-shoulder catch in the 1954 World Series, known simply as “The Catch,” is considered one of the most iconic plays in baseball history.
The combination of his offensive and defensive prowess, along with his speed and knowledge of the game, cemented Willie Mays as a five-tool player and an iconic figure in baseball history.
3. Hank Aaron
On April 8, 1974, Hank Aaron made history by hitting his 715th home run, surpassing Babe Ruth’s record that had stood for nearly 40 years.
This milestone made him the new home run king in the Major Leagues.
Throughout his career, Aaron accumulated a total of 755 home runs, setting a mark that stood until 2007, when it was surpassed by Barry Bonds, according to Major League Baseball (MLB).
Aaron’s perseverance was exemplary, especially in facing and overcoming the adversities he encountered on his way to this historic achievement.
Jackie Robinson
On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson debuted with the Brooklyn Dodgers, breaking the racial barrier in Major League Baseball (MLB) and ending more than six decades of segregation in professional sports.
Prior to their incorporation, African-American players were relegated to the Negro Leagues, with no opportunity to compete in the Major Leagues.
The Dodgers’ decision to include Robinson not only transformed baseball, but also had a significant impact on the fight for racial equality in America.
Despite facing intense discrimination and hostility, Robinson excelled on the field, being named Rookie of the Year in 1947 and National League Most Valuable Player in 1949.
His success opened the door for other African-American players to enter the Major Leagues, forever changing the dynamics of the sport.
They have left an indelible mark
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5. Roberto Clemente
Roberto Clemente, born on August 18, 1934 in Carolina, Puerto Rico, is widely recognized as one of the most outstanding baseball players and an influential icon in the Hispanic community.
Throughout his 18-season career with the Pittsburgh Pirates in the Major Leagues, Clemente accumulated 3,000 hits, maintained a .317 batting average and won 12 consecutive Gold Gloves, standing out for his exceptional offensive and defensive performance.
Beyond his athletic accomplishments, Clemente was a fierce advocate for Latino players’ rights and actively fought against racial discrimination in baseball.
His humanitarian commitment was manifested in numerous charitable initiatives, especially in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Tragically, on December 31, 1972, he lost his life in a plane crash while transporting humanitarian aid to earthquake victims in Managua, Nicaragua.
In recognition of his legacy, in 1973, Clemente was posthumously elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame, becoming the first Latin American to receive this honor.
In addition, Major League Baseball established the Roberto Clemente Award, given annually to the player who best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement and contribution to the team.
