Famous 20th Century Baseball Players

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Find out more about the greatest 20th Century Baseball Players, including Yogi Berra, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, James Harden, Flip Saunders and Seth Curry.
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 1 
Jackie Robinson
(First African-American to Play in Major League Baseball)
Jackie Robinson
14
Birthdate: January 31, 1919
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Cairo, Georgia, United States
Died: October 24, 1972
The first African-American to play in MLB in the modern era, Jackie Robinson helped herald the end of racial segregation in baseball. He broke the baseball color line and encouraged black players not to be confined to the Negro leagues alone. In 1962, he became a Baseball Hall of Fame inductee.
 2 
Joe DiMaggio
(One of the Greatest Baseball Players of All Time)
Joe DiMaggio
11
Birthdate: November 25, 1914
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Martinez, California, United States
Died: March 8, 1999
MLB center fielder Joe DiMaggio won nine World Series championships and bagged 13 All-Star games during his 13-year tenure with the New York Yankees. Nicknamed Joltin' Joe and The Yankee Clipper, the 3-time MVP is remembered for his unbeaten 56-game hitting streak record and his marriage to Marilyn Monroe.
 3 
Hank Aaron
(One of the Greatest Baseball Players in History)
Hank Aaron
13
Birthdate: February 5, 1934
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Mobile, Alabama, United States
Died: January 22, 2021

Baseball player Hank Aaron, also known as Hammer or Hammerin' Hank, is remembered for his stint with the MLB teams Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves and Milwaukee Brewers. He also competed as part of the Negro League team Indianapolis Clowns. He was named to The Sporting News 100 Greatest Baseball Players.

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 4 
Lou Gehrig
(One of the Most Durable Players in American Professional Baseball and One of its Great Hitters)
Lou Gehrig
9
Birthdate: June 19, 1903
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Yorkville, New York, United States
Died: June 2, 1941

Lou Gehrig was an American baseball player. Nicknamed The Iron Horse for his durability and prowess as a hitter, Lou Gehrig played for the New York Yankees of the Major League Baseball (MLB). His life and career inspired the 1942 film The Pride of the Yankees in which he was portrayed by actor Gary Cooper.

 5 
Derek Jeter
(American Former Professional Baseball Shortstop and Executive)
Derek Jeter
19
Birthdate: June 26, 1974
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Pequannock Township, New Jersey, United States

Derek Jeter is an American former baseball player whose popularity had made him one of the most marketed sportsmen of his generation during his playing career. Since 2017, he has been playing a key role as part owner and the chief executive officer of the Miami Marlins. Also a well-known philanthropist, Jeter created a charitable organization called Turn 2 Foundation.

 6 
Ichiro Suzuki
(The First Japanese-born Position Player to be Posted and Signed to an MLB Club)
Ichiro Suzuki
11
Birthdate: October 22, 1973
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Aichi, Japan

Ichiro Suzuki is a Japanese former baseball player who played as an outfielder in top-level professional leagues, including Major League Baseball (MLB). Also a popular player at the Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan, Suzuki became the first MLB player to be inducted into the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame

 7 
Mickey Mantle
(One of the Greatest Switch Hitters in Baseball History)
Mickey Mantle
8
Birthdate: October 20, 1931
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Spavinaw, Oklahoma, United States
Died: August 13, 1995

Professional baseball player Mickey Mantle played his entire Major League Baseball (MLB) career with the New York Yankees. He played as a center fielder, right fielder, and first baseman. Regarded by many as the greatest switch hitter in baseball history, he won the Triple Crown in 1956 and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974. 

 8 
Roberto Clemente
(Puerto Rican Professional Baseball Right Fielder)
Roberto Clemente
9
Birthdate: August 18, 1934
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Carolina, Puerto Rico
Died: December 31, 1972

Roberto Clemente was a Puerto Rican baseball player who represented the Pittsburgh Pirates in Major League Baseball (MLB). Apart from being a popular player, Clemente was also a great humanitarian whose impact is still being felt in MLB. Since his untimely death at the age of 38, Clemente has been the subject of several documentaries, articles, and books.

 9 
Nolan Ryan
(One of the Best MLB Pitchers of All Time)
Nolan Ryan
11
Birthdate: January 31, 1947
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Refugio, Texas, United States

The celebrated former baseball player whose Major League career spanned 27 years, retired with record 5,714 strikeouts and seven no-hitters. Nicknamed Ryan Express, Nolan Ryan played as a pitcher and had long stints with Houston Astros and California Angels. A member of the American National Baseball Hall of Fame, he is the principal owner of Ryan Sanders Sports and Entertainment.

 10 
Ken Griffey Jr.
(Baseball Player)
Ken Griffey Jr.
10
Birthdate: November 21, 1969
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Donora, Pennsylvania, United States
 11 
Ted Williams
(One of the Greatest Hitters in Baseball History)
Ted Williams
7
Birthdate: August 30, 1918
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: San Diego, California, United States
Died: July 5, 2002

Ted Williams was an American baseball player who spent his entire 19-year MLB career with the Boston Red Sox. A nineteen-time All-Star and two-time Triple Crown winner, Ted Williams is widely considered one of the greatest hitters in the history of baseball. In 1991, he was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

 12 
Barry Bonds
(One of the Greatest Baseball Players of All Time)
Barry Bonds
13
Birthdate: July 24, 1964
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Riverside, California, United States
Former baseball player Barry Bonds is known for his stints with the MLB teams Pittsburgh Pirates and San Francisco Giants. The seven-time NL MVP-winning and eight-time Gold Glove-winning player once faced trial for use of anabolic steroids. He is a 14-time All Star, he is also a cycling lover.
 13 
Yogi Berra
(One of the Greatest Catchers in Baseball History)
Yogi Berra
6
Birthdate: May 12, 1925
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: St. Louis, Missouri, United States
Died: September 22, 2015
Baseball catcher Yogi Berra is remembered for his long-running association with the MLB team New York Yankees. The 18-time All Star had won 10 World Series championships, too. He also won the American League MVP thrice. He was famous for his malapropisms such as “It ain't over 'til it's over.”
 14 
Ty Cobb
(One of the Greatest Players in Baseball History)
Ty Cobb
5
Birthdate: December 18, 1886
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Narrows, Georgia, United States
Died: July 17, 1961
During his 22-season career in Major League Baseball, Tyrus Cobb was known for setting numerous records with his aggressive approach on the field. The outfielder with a record career batting average featured in the list of all-time great players and the Baseball Hall of Fame. Associated with Detroit Tigers for more than two decades, he was also involved in philanthropy.
 15 
Willie Mays
(One of the Best All-Around Players in the History of Baseball)
Willie Mays
5
Birthdate: May 6, 1931
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Westfield, Alabama, United States

Willie Mays is considered one of the all-time greats of baseball. His breathtaking catch of Vic Wertz’s fly ball is etched as a great movement in the history of the sport. Associated with New York / San Francisco Giants for about two decades, the former center fielder with record Major League Football putouts, features in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

 16 
Randy Johnson
(Baseball Player)
Randy Johnson
6
Birthdate: September 10, 1963
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Walnut Creek, California, United States
 17 
Pete Rose
(Baseball Outfielder, Infielder, Manager)
Pete Rose
12
Birthdate: April 14, 1941
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
 18 
Sandy Koufax
(One of the Greatest Pitchers in Baseball History)
Sandy Koufax
7
Birthdate: December 30, 1935
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, United States

Baseball left-handed pitcher Sanford Koufax played for the MLB team Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers for 12 seasons. He was the youngest Baseball Hall of Fame inductee and the first three-time Cy Young Award winner. He skipped pitching for a 1965 World Series game because it fell on Jewish festival Yom Kippur.

 19 
Reggie Jackson
(Baseball player)
Reggie Jackson
9
Birthdate: May 18, 1946
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Abington Township, Pennsylvania, United States
 20 
Sammy Sosa
(Baseball player)
Sammy Sosa
8
Birthdate: November 12, 1968
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: San Pedro De Macoris, Dominican Republic
 21 
Tony Gwynn
(Baseball Player)
Tony Gwynn
4
Birthdate: May 9, 1960
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, USA
Died: June 16, 2014
 22 
Roger Clemens
(Baseball player)
Roger Clemens
8
Birthdate: August 4, 1962
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Dayton, Ohio, United States
 23 
Mariano Rivera
(Former Professional Baseball Pitcher and One of the Greatest Relievers of All Time)
Mariano Rivera
6
Birthdate: November 29, 1969
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Panama City, Panama

Mariano Rivera is a Panamanian-American former baseball player who played for the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball (MLB). A five-time World Series champion and thirteen-time All-Star, Rivera was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2019. He is also considered one of the most dominant relievers in the history of the major league.

 24 
Frank Thomas
(Baseball player)
Frank Thomas
3
Birthdate: May 27, 1968
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Columbus, Georgia, United States
 25 
Cal Ripken Jr.
(Baseball Shortstop)
Cal Ripken Jr.
4
Birthdate: August 24, 1960
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Havre de Grace, Maryland
 26 
Chipper Jones
(Baseball player)
Chipper Jones
5
Birthdate: April 24, 1972
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: DeLand, Florida, USA
 27 
Mike Piazza
(American Former Professional Baseball Catcher and and Current Manager of the 'Italy National Baseball Team')
Mike Piazza
4
Birthdate: September 4, 1968
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Norristown, Pennsylvania, United States

Currently the manager of the Italian national baseball team, Mike Pizza played in the Major League Baseball (MLB) for sixteen seasons, winning a total of ten Silver Slugger Awards. Beginning his career with Los Angeles Dodgers, he exploded on the national season in the very next year, eventually joining New York Mets, recording 427 home runs during his spectacular MLB career.

 28 
Greg Maddux
(Baseball Player)
Greg Maddux
3
Birthdate: April 14, 1966
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: San Angelo, Texas, USA
 29 
Pedro Martínez
(Baseball Player)
Pedro Martínez
5
Birthdate: October 25, 1971
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Manoguayabo, Dominican Republic
 30 
Carl Yastrzemski
(Baseball player)
Carl Yastrzemski
3
Birthdate: August 22, 1939
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Southampton, New York, United States
 31 
Johnny Bench
(Baseball player)
Johnny Bench
3
Birthdate: December 7, 1947
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
 32 
Wade Boggs
(Baseball Player)
Wade Boggs
5
Birthdate: June 15, 1958
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Omaha, Nebraska, USA
 33 
Rickey Henderson
(Baseball player)
Rickey Henderson
5
Birthdate: December 25, 1958
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, United States
 34 
Deion Sanders
(Former American Football Player, Coach and Only Athlete to Play in Both 'Super Bowl' and 'World Series')
Deion Sanders
3
Birthdate: August 9, 1967
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Fort Myers, Florida, United States

American football player Deion Sanders is considered one of the strongest pass defenders of the game. He was an electrifying athlete and played in the National Football League for 14 seasons. He played for teams like Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins and Baltimore Ravens. He is now a coach and a sports analyst. He’s also a rapper.

 

 35 
Bo Jackson
(Former Baseball & Football Player, the Only Professional Athlete in History to be Named an 'All-Star' in Both)
Bo Jackson
7
Birthdate: November 30, 1962
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Bessemer, Alabama, United States

Former professional baseball and football player Bo Jackson has the distinction of being the only professional athlete in history to be named an All-Star in both the sports. Considered one of the greatest athletes of all time, he pursued his other interests following his retirement from sports in the 1990s. He has acted in a few TV shows, playing minor characters.

 36 
Cy Young
(Baseball player)
Cy Young
3
Birthdate: March 29, 1867
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Gilmore, Ohio, United States
Died: November 4, 1955
 37 
Bob Gibson
(Baseball Player)
Bob Gibson
3
Birthdate: November 9, 1935
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Omaha, Nebraska, United States
 38 
Tom Seaver
(Baseball Pitcher)
Tom Seaver
3
Birthdate: November 17, 1944
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Fresno, California, United States
Died: August 31, 2020
 39 
David Ortiz
(One of the Greatest Designated Baseball Hitters of All Time)
David Ortiz
7
Birthdate: November 18, 1975
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

David Ortiz is a Dominican-American former baseball player who played primarily for the Boston Red Sox in Major League Baseball. Nicknamed Big Papi for his strength, Ortiz is considered one of the greatest clutch hitters ever. Also regarded as one of the greatest designated hitters for Boston Red Sox, Ortiz helped the team end its 86-year World Series championship drought.

 40 
John Smoltz
(Baseball Pitcher)
John Smoltz
3
Birthdate: May 15, 1967
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Warren, Michigan, United States
 41 
Chuck Connors
(Famous for His Portrayal of ‘Lucas McCain’ in the ABC series ‘The Rifleman’)
Chuck Connors
6
Birthdate: April 10, 1921
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, United States
Died: November 10, 1992

Chuck Connors was an American actor, professional baseball and basketball player. Connors is one of 13 athletes to have played in both National Basketball Association and the Major League Baseball. As an actor, he contributed to the success of the popular Western television program The Rifleman. Also known for his charity work, Connors helped found the Chuck Connors Charitable Foundation.

 42 
Jason Kidd
(Former Basketball player at point guard position)
Jason Kidd
7
Birthdate: March 23, 1973
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: San Francisco, California, United States
 43 
Alex Rodriguez
(One of the Greatest Baseball Players of All Time)
Alex Rodriguez
21
Birthdate: July 27, 1975
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Washington Heights, New York, United States

Former professional baseball player Alex Rodriguez is considered one of the best baseball players in American baseball history. In his 22 years career, he created numerous records and won both awards and appreciation; however he also attracted a lot of controversies. Primary amongst them were his use of performance enhancing drugs. 

 44 
Frank Robinson
(Baseball Outfielder, Manager)
Frank Robinson
3
Birthdate: August 31, 1935
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Beaumont, Texas, United States
Died: February 7, 2019
 45 
Honus Wagner
(Baseballer)
Honus Wagner
3
Birthdate: February 24, 1874
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Chartiers, Pennsylvania, USA
Died: December 6, 1955
 46 
George Brett
(Baseball Player)
George Brett
3
Birthdate: May 15, 1953
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Glen Dale, West Virginia, USA
 47 
Iván Rodríguez
(Former Puerto Rican Baseball Player Who Played as a Catcher)
Iván Rodríguez
4
Birthdate: November 27, 1971
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Manatí, Puerto Rico
 48 
Jim Thome
(Baseball player)
Jim Thome
3
Birthdate: August 27, 1970
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Peoria, Illinois, United States
 49 
Shoeless Joe Jackson
(American Professional Baseball Player Who Plays as an Outfielder)
Shoeless Joe Jackson
4
Birthdate: July 16, 1887
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Pickens County, South Carolina, United States
Died: December 5, 1951

MLB player Joseph Jefferson Jackson, or Shoeless Joe, was associated with the Philadelphia Athletics, the Cleveland Naps/Indians, and the Chicago White Sox. He was dragged into the Black Sox Scandal, through which the 1919 Chicago White Sox team members conspired to fix the World Series, leading him to be banned.

 50 
Stan Musial
(Baseball Player)
Stan Musial
3
Birthdate: November 21, 1920
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Donora, Pennsylvania, USA
Died: January 19, 2013