Top 10 Best First Basemen of All Time

Top 10 Best First Basemen of All Time

First base is one of the most vital positions in baseball, where both defensive prowess and offensive power are key. The best First Basemen in MLB history are often recognized for their ability to hit for power, their leadership, and their ability to influence the game.

List of the Best First Basemen of All Time

10. David Ortiz

Best First Basemen
David Ortiz

David Ortiz, known for his clutch hitting, is one of the most impactful best First Basemen in MLB history. His leadership and postseason heroics made him a legend for the Boston Red Sox.

StatValue
Batting Avg.286
On-Base %.380
Slugging %.552
OPS.931
Hits2,400
Home Runs525
RBIs1,713
Awards10-time All-Star, 3-time World Series Champion, 6-time Silver Slugger

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9. Frank Thomas

Best First Basemen
Frank Thomas

Frank Thomas is among the best First Basemen for his feared power and consistent offensive output. His two MVP awards and Silver Slugger honors underscore his dominance at the plate.

StatValue
Batting Avg.301
On-Base %.419
Slugging %.555
OPS.974
Hits2,468
Home Runs521
RBIs1,704
Awards2-time MVP, 5-time All-Star, 4-time Silver Slugger

8. Harmon Killebrew

Known for his tremendous power, Harmon Killebrew is one of the best First Basemen with 573 home runs. His 13 All-Star selections highlight his consistent excellence.

StatValue
Batting Avg.256
On-Base %.376
Slugging %.509
OPS.884
Hits2,086
Home Runs573
RBIs1,584
Awards13-time All-Star, 1969 MVP, Hall of Fame Inductee

7. Willie McCovey

Willie McCovey’s powerful swing made him one of the best First Basemen of his era. His ability to drive in runs made him a feared bat in the 1960s and 1970s.

StatValue
Batting Avg.270
On-Base %.374
Slugging %.515
OPS.889
Hits2,211
Home Runs521
RBIs1,555
Awards6-time All-Star, 1969 NL MVP, Rookie of the Year (1959)

6. Hank Greenberg

Hank Greenberg’s career was interrupted by World War II, but he still stands as one of the best First Basemen. His powerful bat and leadership are legendary.

StatValue
Batting Avg.313
On-Base %.412
Slugging %.605
OPS1.017
Hits1,628
Home Runs331
RBIs1,274
Awards2-time MVP, 5-time All-Star, 2-time Champion

5. Miguel Cabrera

Miguel Cabrera is considered one of the best First Basemen of the 21st century. His 2012 Triple Crown victory cemented his place in history as one of the game’s greatest.

StatValue
Batting Avg.320
On-Base %.398
Slugging %.560
OPS.958
Hits2,429
Home Runs426
RBIs1,498
Awards2-time MVP, 7-time All-Star, 2-time Silver Slugger

4. Jeff Bagwell

Known for his on-base skills and consistent power, Jeff Bagwell is one of the best First Basemen to ever play the game, making the Houston Astros a formidable team.

StatValue
Batting Avg.297
On-Base %.408
Slugging %.540
OPS.948
Hits2,314
Home Runs449
RBIs1,529
Awards1994 NL MVP, 4-time All-Star, 1-time Gold Glove

3. Jim Thome

Best First Basemen
Jim Thome

A power-hitting legend, Jim Thome stands as one of the best First Basemen with over 600 home runs. His remarkable consistency helped him maintain elite status in the league for years.

StatValue
Batting Avg.276
On-Base %.402
Slugging %.554
OPS.956
Hits2,328
Home Runs612
RBIs1,699
Awards5-time All-Star, 1-time Silver Slugger

2. Albert Pujols

Best First Basemen
Albert Pujols

Albert Pujols is widely regarded as one of the best First Basemen of his generation. With numerous accolades, including three MVP awards, he is one of the most accomplished players ever.

StatValue
Batting Avg.296
On-Base %.375
Slugging %.541
OPS.916
Hits3,384
Home Runs703
RBIs2,218
Awards3-time MVP, 10-time All-Star, 2-time Champion

1. Lou Gehrig

Best First Basemen
Lou Gehrig

Lou Gehrig, known as the “Iron Horse,” is the best First Basemen of all time. His consistency, leadership, and outstanding stats set him apart as one of the greatest players ever.

StatValue
Batting Avg.340
On-Base %.447
Slugging %.632
OPS1.079
Hits2,721
Home Runs493
RBIs1,995
Awards7-time AL MVP, 14-time All-Star, 6-time Champion

These players not only dominated at the plate but also became icons of the game, earning their place among the best First Basemen to ever play. Their legacy continues to inspire future generations of baseball fans.

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