When choosing the most popular baseball players one must take into account the different eras they played in. Are we picking popular baseball players of all time or of the current crop of players that take the field each week? Let’s do both. We’ll look at the most well-known players in baseball, most popular in the fan’s eyes or even those who are infamous. Below we have listed what we consider to be the five most popular baseball players of all time and the five who are the best well-known today.
5 Popular Baseball Players in History
Babe Ruth has to be the most well-known amongst baseball fans and non-fans alike. The Babe was the first national star in the game of baseball. Not only did he set a new standard in baseball records with his offensive prowess, he took the country by storm with his off-field antics. His teammate Lefty Gomez was quoted as saying in regards to Ruth that “kids adore him, men idolize him, and women love him.”
Jackie Robinson’s heroics occurred on and off the field as he made history by challenging segregation in baseball. The strength and character of this player should be the goal of every man, women, and child in America. His Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player awards were an incredible accomplishment considering the taunting, insults, and death threats he received during the season.
Lou Gehrig is known as much for his on-field endeavors as well as the disease that bears his name. Playing in Babe Ruth’s shadow prevented him from achieving the popularity he deserved. He was taken from us too soon.
Ty Cobb was known as a cantankerous man but he wasn’t playing to be liked. He finished his career after 24 seasons compiling the most records in baseball history. Cobb became the first baseball player admitted to the Hall of Fame.
Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s record of most career home runs amidst tremendous pressure. His 755 home runs was eclipsed by Barry Bonds in 2006.
The 5 Most Popular Baseball Players of Today
In the today’s game of baseball, most popular means more notoriety whether good or bad. The most popular baseball players of this era may be famous or infamous depending on their circumstances.
Barry Bonds has become more famous for his alleged steroid use than his on-field accomplishments. The godson of Willie Mays racked up huge offensive numbers breaking Hank Aaron and Babe Ruth records along the way.
Roger Clemens won six Cy Young awards during a tumultuous career. One of the best arms in baseball, he was also known for his fiery hot temper. The knives have come out for him as allegations of performance enhancing drugs swirl around him.
Derek Jeter has played his whole career for the New York Yankees and is a wanted man. Advertisers are throwing huge dollars at Jeter to promote their products. Winning five World Series in his first six years in the league hasn’t hurt his popularity. Everyone loves a winner.
Randy Johnson became one of the most dominant pitchers in the game. At 6 ft. 10 in. he is not only popular but he is extremely hard to miss. His four consecutive Cy Young awards assure his place in baseball lore.
Alex Rodriquez or A-Rod is baseball’s highest paid player earning $275 million over 10 years with the New York Yankees.
Keep it locked here at Electro-Mech for all the latest in baseball news, trends, lates and greats, because we’re more than just an electronic scoreboards light up as our favorite players rack in the points.