The Library of Congress deemed baseball “America’s Pastime” in 1856, a game that was once a symbol of American nationalism, and whose narrative seemed to align with American values – play fair, work hard, and you will persevere. It was a sport that dominated the country and was the nation’s top sport, long before the rise of football, basketball, and hockey.
Baseball first debuted in the U.S. in the early part of the 19th century, a game that evolved from two British games, rounders, and cricket. Even though it has always been associated with the U.S., the first game that resembles the game we all know and love took place in Canada, which upon reaching New York, evolved into the game we know. It was in 1845 that the New York Knickerbocker Baseball Club was formed, adding rules that formed the game of today.
Although baseball has been supplanted by football as the favorite sport, (the gridiron game gained in popularity in the early 1970s) America’s pastime has had a huge impact on American culture. For about 50 years, beginning in the early 20th century, baseball was considered to be in its golden age. Fans would flock to stadiums and huddle around black and white TVs to watch icons like Babe Ruth, Willie Mays, Lou Gehrig, and Mickey Mantle play ball.
Everyone may have their favorite team, which they insist is the best, but there is no denying that certain players stand out above all others. The American and National Leagues each grant its own Cy Young Award for the top pitcher and an MVP to the top player overall. However, in each season, only one player stood out as the very best in baseball. (Sports like European football have their greats as well, like Kylian Mbapp é and Cristiano Ronaldo, currently playing for France and Portugal, respectively, in the Euro 2024.)
To determine baseball’s greatest player the year you were born, 24/7 Tempo reviewed the players with the highest wins above replacement each season since the Integration Era began in 1947, using data from Baseball-Reference . Some of the players on this list are now hailed as some of the greatest in history. Others had promise but after one great season, didn’t hold up to the hype.
Several of these players had incredible careers that should have earned them a spot in the Baseball Hall of Fame, but inappropriate behavior ranging from gambling and cheating allegations to sports-enhancing substances have kept them out of Cooperstown. All positions except for catcher are represented on this list. (These are scandals that rocked the sports world .)
1947
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3MlY49_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=3MlY49_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Hulton Archive / Archive Photos via Getty Images
- Athlete: Ted Williams
- Team: Boston Red Sox
- Position: Left field
- Statistics: .343 batting avg., 114 RBIs, 32 home runs
1948
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=38IRzy_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=38IRzy_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Dilip Vishwanat / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images
- Athlete: Stan Musial
- Team: St. Louis Cardinals
- Position: Right field
- Statistics: .376 batting avg., 131 RBIs, 39 home runs
1949
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4QbhnQ_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=4QbhnQ_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Hulton Archive / Archive Photos via Getty Images
- Athlete: Jackie Robinson
- Team: Brooklyn Dodgers
- Position: Second base
- Statistics: .342 batting avg., 124 RBIs, 16 home runs
1950
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0d1W7R_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=0d1W7R_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Bowman Gum – http://www.vintagecardtraders.org/virtual/53bowman_color/53bowman_color.html / Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
- Athlete: Eddie Stanky
- Team: New York Giants
- Position: Second base
- Statistics: .300 batting avg., 51 RBIs, 8 home runs
1951
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2zCBsL_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=2zCBsL_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Hulton Archive / Hulton Archive via Getty Images
- Athlete: Jackie Robinson
- Team: Brooklyn Dodgers
- Position: Second base
- Statistics: .338 batting avg., 88 RBIs, 19 home runs
1952
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0NMyAd_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=0NMyAd_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Bowman Gum – http://www.vintagecardtraders.org/virtual/53bowman_color/53bowman_color.html / Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
- Athlete: Bobby Shantz
- Team: Philadelphia Athletics
- Position: Pitcher
- Statistics: 2.48 ERA, 24-7 record, 152 strikeouts
1953
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3sGRdO_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=3sGRdO_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Hulton Archive / Hulton Archive via Getty Images
- Athlete: Al Rosen
- Team: Cleveland Indians
- Position: Third base
- Statistics: .336 batting avg., 145 RBIs, 43 home runs
1954
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1nzn1A_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=1nzn1A_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Bettmann / Bettmann via Getty Images
- Athlete: Willie Mays
- Team: New York Giants
- Position: Center field
- Statistics: .345 batting avg., 110 RBIs, 41 home runs
1955
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2sT0GC_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=2sT0GC_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: New York Yankees – Heritage Auctions / Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
- Athlete: Mickey Mantle
- Team: New York Yankees
- Position: Center field
- Statistics: .306 batting avg., 99 RBIs, 37 home runs
1956
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1iKHuu_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=1iKHuu_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images
- Athlete: Mickey Mantle
- Team: New York Yankees
- Position: Center field
- Statistics: .353 batting avg., 130 RBIs, 52 home runs
1957
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0K0HpR_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=0K0HpR_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images
- Athlete: Mickey Mantle
- Team: New York Yankees
- Position: Center field
- Statistics: .365 batting avg., 94 RBIs, 34 home runs
1958
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2yKx2f_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=2yKx2f_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images
- Athlete: Willie Mays
- Team: San Francisco Giants
- Position: Center field
- Statistics: .347 batting avg., 96 RBIs, 29 home runs
1959
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3vdHjk_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=3vdHjk_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Hulton Archive / Archive Photos via Getty Images
- Athlete: Ernie Banks
- Team: Chicago Cubs
- Position: Shortstop
- Statistics: .304 batting avg., 143 RBIs, 45 home runs
1960
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4BBDNa_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=4BBDNa_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Michael Nagle / Getty Images
- Athlete: Willie Mays
- Team: San Francisco Giants
- Position: Center field
- Statistics: .319 batting avg., 103 RBIs, 29 home runs
1961
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3d1ExU_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=3d1ExU_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Unknown author – Jay Publishing via tradingcarddb.com / Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
- Athlete: Mickey Mantle
- Team: New York Yankees
- Position: Center field
- Statistics: .317 batting avg., 128 RBIs, 54 home runs
1962
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2Ytwog_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=2Ytwog_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Win McNamee / Getty Images News via Getty Images
- Athlete: Willie Mays
- Team: San Francisco Giants
- Position: Center field
- Statistics: .304 batting avg., 141 RBIs, 49 home runs
1963
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=38yBVs_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=38yBVs_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Tim Bradbury / Getty Images
- Athlete: Sandy Koufax
- Team: Los Angeles Dodgers
- Position: Pitcher
- Statistics: 1.88 ERA, 25-5 record, 306 strikeouts
1964
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2CCb40_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=2CCb40_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons
- Athlete: Willie Mays
- Team: San Francisco Giants
- Position: Center field
- Statistics: .296 batting avg., 111 RBIs, 47 home runs
1965
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3fdSe5_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=3fdSe5_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: William C. Greene New York World-Telegram and the Sun / Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
- Athlete: Willie Mays
- Team: San Francisco Giants
- Position: Center field
- Statistics: .317 batting avg., 112 RBIs, 52 home runs
1966
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2ISa3R_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=2ISa3R_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: N.Y. Public Library Picture Collection / Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
- Athlete: Sandy Koufax
- Team: Los Angeles Dodgers
- Position: Pitcher
- Statistics: 1.73 ERA, 27-9 record, 317 strikeouts
1967
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1DwuHM_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=1DwuHM_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Al Bello / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images
- Athlete: Carl Yastrzemski
- Team: Boston Red Sox
- Position: Left field
- Statistics: .326 batting avg., 121 RBIs, 44 home runs
1968
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4M8NWC_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=4M8NWC_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Baseball Digest / Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
- Athlete: Bob Gibson
- Team: St. Louis Cardinals
- Position: Pitcher
- Statistics: 1.12 ERA, 22-9 record, 268 strikeouts
1969
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0fevJz_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=0fevJz_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Monowi / Wikimedia Commons
- Athlete: Bob Gibson
- Team: St. Louis Cardinals
- Position: Pitcher
- Statistics: 2.18 ERA, 20-13 record, 269 strikeouts
1970
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1xOTmj_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=1xOTmj_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Kathryn Riley / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images
- Athlete: Carl Yastrzemski
- Team: Boston Red Sox
- Position: First base
- Statistics: .329 batting avg., 102 RBIs, 40 home runs
1971
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3ocZwO_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=3ocZwO_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: https://www.ebay.com/itm/1960s-Chicago-White-Sox-Pitcher-Wilbur-Wood-Type-1-photo-8×10/153999500302 / Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
- Athlete: Wilbur Wood
- Team: Chicago White Sox
- Position: Pitcher
- Statistics: 1.91 ERA, 22-13 record, 210 strikeouts
1972
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=41BPRT_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=41BPRT_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: KG Graphics /Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons
- Athlete: Steve Carlton
- Team: Philadelphia Phillies
- Position: Pitcher
- Statistics: 1.98 ERA, 27-10 record, 310 strikeouts
1973
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=10i9VR_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=10i9VR_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images
- Athlete: Tom Seaver
- Team: New York Mets
- Position: Pitcher
- Statistics: 2.08 ERA, 19-10 record, 251 strikeouts
1974
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1s08ub_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=1s08ub_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Jonathan Daniel / Allsport / Getty Images
- Athlete: Mike Schmidt
- Team: Philadelphia Phillies
- Position: Third base
- Statistics: .282 batting avg., 116 RBIs, 36 home runs
1975
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2j8j8G_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=2j8j8G_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Jim McIsaac / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images
- Athlete: Joe Morgan
- Team: Cincinnati Reds
- Position: Second base
- Statistics: .327 batting avg., 94 RBIs, 17 home runs
1976
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2wb3P1_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=2wb3P1_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Ezra Shaw / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images
- Athlete: Mark Fidrych
- Team: Detroit Tigers
- Position: Pitcher
- Statistics: 2.34 ERA, 19-9 record, 97 strikeouts
1977
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0MHLOH_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=0MHLOH_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Jayne Kamin-Oncea / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images
- Athlete: Rod Carew
- Team: Minnesota Twins
- Position: First base
- Statistics: .388 batting avg., 100 RBIs, 14 home runs
1978
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4ILoH6_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=4ILoH6_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Jim McIsaac / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images
- Athlete: Phil Niekro
- Team: Atlanta Braves
- Position: Pitcher
- Statistics: 2.88 ERA, 19-18 record, 248 strikeouts
1979
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1gs8Y7_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=1gs8Y7_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Hulton Archive / Getty Images
- Athlete: Fred Lynn
- Team: Boston Red Sox
- Position: Center field
- Statistics: .333 batting avg., 122 RBIs, 39 home runs
1980
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0yHRBF_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=0yHRBF_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Rich Schultz / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images
- Athlete: Steve Carlton
- Team: Philadelphia Phillies
- Position: Pitcher
- Statistics: 2.34 ERA, 24-9 record, 286 strikeouts
1981
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3Kp07g_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=3Kp07g_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Rick Diamond / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images
- Athlete: Mike Schmidt
- Team: Philadelphia Phillies
- Position: Third base
- Statistics: .316 batting avg., 91 RBIs, 31 home runs
1982
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=42lz31_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=42lz31_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Ron Vesely / Contributor / Getty Images North America
- Athlete: Robin Yount
- Team: Milwaukee Brewers
- Position: Shortstop
- Statistics: .331 batting avg., 114 RBIs, 29 home runs
1983
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3cYcw3_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=3cYcw3_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Elsa / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images
- Athlete: Cal Ripken Jr.
- Team: Baltimore Orioles
- Position: Shortstop
- Statistics: .318 batting avg., 102 RBIs, 27 home runs
1984
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3z9LPP_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=3z9LPP_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Patrick McDermott / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images
- Athlete: Cal Ripken Jr.
- Team: Baltimore Orioles
- Position: Shortstop
- Statistics: .304 batting avg., 86 RBIs, 27 home runs
1985
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=02FDbp_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=02FDbp_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Mike Powell / Getty Images
- Athlete: Dwight Gooden
- Team: New York Mets
- Position: Pitcher
- Statistics: 1.53 ERA, 24-4 record, 268 strikeouts
1986
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1G6o6p_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=1G6o6p_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images
- Athlete: Teddy Higuera
- Team: Milwaukee Brewers
- Position: Pitcher
- Statistics: 2.79 ERA, 20-11 record, 207 strikeouts
1987
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2hAHDc_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=2hAHDc_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Al Bello / Hulton Archive via Getty Images
- Athlete: Roger Clemens
- Team: Boston Red Sox
- Position: Pitcher
- Statistics: 2.97 ERA, 20-9 record, 256 strikeouts
1988
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1DWprm_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=1DWprm_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Maddie Meyer / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images
- Athlete: Wade Boggs
- Team: Boston Red Sox
- Position: Third base
- Statistics: .366 batting avg., 58 RBIs, 5 home runs
1989
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3k4VQm_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=3k4VQm_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Rick Stewart / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images
- Athlete: Bret Saberhagen
- Team: Kansas City Royals
- Position: Pitcher
- Statistics: 2.16 ERA, 23-6 record, 193 strikeouts
1990
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2lBnni_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=2lBnni_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Rick Stewart / Hulton Archive via Getty Images
- Athlete: Roger Clemens
- Team: Boston Red Sox
- Position: Pitcher
- Statistics: 1.93 ERA, 21-6 record, 209 strikeouts
1991
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0vTvZY_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=0vTvZY_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Rob Carr / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images
- Athlete: Cal Ripken Jr.
- Team: Baltimore Orioles
- Position: Shortstop
- Statistics: .323 batting avg., 114 RBIs, 34 home runs
1992
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=20r4jM_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=20r4jM_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Jed Jacobsohn / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images
- Athlete: Greg Maddux
- Team: Chicago Cubs
- Position: Pitcher
- Statistics: 2.18 ERA, 20-11 record, 199 strikeouts
1993
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0MYJkr_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=0MYJkr_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Lachlan Cunningham / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images
- Athlete: Barry Bonds
- Team: San Francisco Giants
- Position: Left field
- Statistics: .336 batting avg., 123 RBIs, 46 home runs
1994
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4NW7xU_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=4NW7xU_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Lisa Blumenfeld / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images
- Athlete: Greg Maddux
- Team: Atlanta Braves
- Position: Pitcher
- Statistics: 1.56 ERA, 16-6 record, 156 strikeouts
1995
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4WFIeQ_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=4WFIeQ_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Jim McIsaac / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images
- Athlete: Greg Maddux
- Team: Atlanta Braves
- Position: Pitcher
- Statistics: 1.63 ERA, 19-2 record, 181 strikeouts
1996
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1V33Oa_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=1V33Oa_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Otto Greule Jr / Getty Images
- Athlete: Ken Griffey Jr.
- Team: Seattle Mariners
- Position: Center field
- Statistics: .303 batting avg., 140 RBIs, 49 home runs
1997
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0WV6dZ_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=0WV6dZ_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: dennis / Flickr
- Athlete: Roger Clemens
- Team: Toronto Blue Jays
- Position: Pitcher
- Statistics: 2.05 ERA, 21-7 record, 292 strikeouts
1998
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0RXaIi_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=0RXaIi_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Tom Hauck / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images
- Athlete: Kevin Brown
- Team: San Diego Padres
- Position: Pitcher
- Statistics: 2.38 ERA, 18-7 record, 257 strikeouts
1999
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4fKHIG_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=4fKHIG_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Nick Laham / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images
- Athlete: Pedro Martinez
- Team: Boston Red Sox
- Position: Pitcher
- Statistics: 2.07 ERA, 23-4 record, 313 strikeouts
2000
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2epXAP_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=2epXAP_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Al Bello / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images
- Athlete: Pedro Martinez
- Team: Boston Red Sox
- Position: Pitcher
- Statistics: 1.74 ERA, 18-6 record, 284 strikeouts
2001
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=21lXmq_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=21lXmq_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Christian Petersen / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images
- Athlete: Barry Bonds
- Team: San Francisco Giants
- Position: Left field
- Statistics: .328 batting avg., 137 RBIs, 73 home runs
2002
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3P42YR_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=3P42YR_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Lachlan Cunningham / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images
- Athlete: Barry Bonds
- Team: San Francisco Giants
- Position: Left field
- Statistics: .370 batting avg., 110 RBIs, 46 home runs
2003
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3EShu4_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=3EShu4_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Lachlan Cunningham / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images
- Athlete: Barry Bonds
- Team: San Francisco Giants
- Position: Left field
- Statistics: .341 batting avg., 90 RBIs, 45 home runs
2004
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0DFwBY_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=0DFwBY_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: ilovemypit / Flickr
- Athlete: Barry Bonds
- Team: San Francisco Giants
- Position: Left field
- Statistics: .362 batting avg., 101 RBIs, 45 home runs
2005
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1dxFgl_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=1dxFgl_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: marianne_oleary / Flickr
- Athlete: Alex Rodriguez
- Team: New York Yankees
- Position: Third base
- Statistics: .321 batting avg., 130 RBIs, 48 home runs
2006
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2bvaHy_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=2bvaHy_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Greg Fiume / Getty Images
- Athlete: Albert Pujols
- Team: St. Louis Cardinals
- Position: First base
- Statistics: .331 batting avg., 137 RBIs, 49 home runs
2007
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=43nk80_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=43nk80_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: gbrunett on Flickr (Original version) UCinternational (Crop) / Wikimedia Commons
- Athlete: Alex Rodriguez
- Team: New York Yankees
- Position: Third base
- Statistics: .314 batting avg., 156 RBIs, 54 home runs
2008
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3NO6tE_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=3NO6tE_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Ezra Shaw / Getty Images
- Athlete: Albert Pujols
- Team: St. Louis Cardinals
- Position: First base
- Statistics: .357 batting avg., 116 RBIs, 37 home runs
2009
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1leuP8_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=1leuP8_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Sarah Stier / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images
- Athlete: Zack Greinke
- Team: Kansas City Royals
- Position: Pitcher
- Statistics: 2.16 ERA, 16-8 record, 242 strikeouts
2010
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2M8S7w_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=2M8S7w_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Al Bello / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images
- Athlete: Josh Hamilton
- Team: Texas Rangers
- Position: Left field
- Statistics: .359 batting avg., 100 RBIs, 32 home runs
2011
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=246HBb_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=246HBb_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Rob Carr / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images
- Athlete: Roy Halladay
- Team: Philadelphia Phillies
- Position: Pitcher
- Statistics: 2.35 ERA, 19-6 record, 220 strikeouts
2012
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3FrSdj_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=3FrSdj_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Stephen Dunn / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images
- Athlete: Mike Trout
- Team: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
- Position: Center field
- Statistics: .326 batting avg., 83 RBIs, 30 home runs
2013
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0B0M9J_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=0B0M9J_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Rob Carr / Getty Images
- Athlete: Mike Trout
- Team: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
- Position: Center field
- Statistics: .323 batting avg., 97 RBIs, 27 home runs
2014
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0jGjZ2_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=0jGjZ2_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Ezra Shaw / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images
- Athlete: Corey Kluber
- Team: Cleveland Indians
- Position: Pitcher
- Statistics: 2.44 ERA, 18-9 record, 269 strikeouts
2015
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2Vu2cF_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=2Vu2cF_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Mike Ehrmann / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images
- Athlete: Bryce Harper
- Team: Washington Nationals
- Position: Right field
- Statistics: .330 batting avg., 99 RBIs, 42 home runs
2016
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0hyyHb_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=0hyyHb_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Rob Tringali / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images
- Athlete: Mike Trout
- Team: Los Angeles Angels
- Position: Center field
- Statistics: .315 batting avg., 100 RBIs, 29 home runs
2017
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=23Dk6I_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=23Dk6I_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Joe Robbins / Getty Images
- Athlete: Joey Votto
- Team: Cincinnati Reds
- Position: First base
- Statistics: .320 batting avg., 100 RBIs, 36 home runs
2018
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2i7oD5_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=2i7oD5_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Norm Hall / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images
- Athlete: Mookie Betts
- Team: Boston Red Sox
- Position: Right field
- Statistics: .346 batting avg., 80 RBIs, 32 home runs
2019
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0HQDgT_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=0HQDgT_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Jennifer Stewart / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images
- Athlete: Alex Bregman
- Team: Houston Astros
- Position: Third base
- Statistics: .296 batting avg., 112 RBIs, 41 home runs
2020
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1fUn5O_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=1fUn5O_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Tom Pennington / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images
- Athlete: Mookie Betts
- Team: Los Angeles Dodgers
- Position: Right field
- Statistics: .292 batting avg., 39 RBIs, 16 home runs
2021
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2jeotv_0uQwV0Fx00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=2jeotv_0uQwV0Fx00)
Source: Rich Schultz / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images
- Athlete: Zack Wheeler
- Team: Philadelphia Phillies
- Position: Pitcher
- Statistics: 2.78 ERA, 14-10 record, 247 strikeouts
The post Baseball’s Greatest Player Every Year Since 1947 appeared first on 24/7 Tempo .
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