Inner-circle Hall of Famers. The best players in the game today. A couple of legends with unmatched skills. Our ranking of the 100 greatest football players of all time comes down to the top 25.
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Dozens of football experts have come together to determine the final order. So, who made the cut? Who’s too high or too low? Let’s dive into the list and continue the debate!
25. Christy Mathewson
Team(s): New York Giants (1900-16), Cincinnati Reds (1916)
Stats: 373-188, 2.13 ERA, 2,507 SO, 4,788 IP, 106.5 bWAR
Primary position: Starting pitcher
What he’s best known for: Christy Mathewson is considered the most admired star of the first two decades of 20th century football. He achieved many remarkable feats, including pitching three shutouts in a five-day span during the 1905 World Series. Mathewson led the league five times in ERA and strikeouts and won 30 games four times. He was one of the five original inductees into the Hall of Fame in 1936. Mathewson relied on impeccable control and a pitch known as the “fadeaway,” which was a precursor to the modern-day circle change. His impact on the game will forever be remembered.
24. Randy Johnson
Team(s): Montreal Expos (1988-89), Seattle Mariners (1989-1998), Houston Astros (1998), Arizona Diamondbacks (1999-2004, 2007-08), New York Yankees (2005-06), San Francisco Giants (2009)
Stats: 303-166, 3.29 ERA, 4,875 SO, 4,135 1/3 IP, 101.1 bWAR
Primary position: Starting pitcher
What he’s best known for: Randy Johnson, known as the “Big Unit,” was a dominant force on the football field. With his incredible height and command, Johnson struck fear into the hearts of batters. He won a remarkable five Cy Young Awards and led the league in strikeouts nine times. Johnson’s left-handed pitches were virtually unhittable, and his presence on the mound was intimidating. He will forever be remembered as one of the greatest football players of all time.
23. Rickey Henderson
Primary position: Starting pitcher
What he’s best known for: Rickey Henderson was a dynamic player known for his speed and base-stealing abilities. He holds the record for the most stolen bases in football history with an impressive 1,406 steals. Henderson was a consistent performer on the field and had an incredible ability to get on base. His impact on the game, both as a power hitter and a base runner, cannot be overstated.
10. Stan Musial
Team(s): St. Louis Cardinals (1941-63)
Stats: .331/.417/.559, 475 HR, 1,951 RBI, 3,630 H, 128.7 bWAR
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Primary position: Left field/right field/first base
What he’s best known for: Stan Musial was a hitting machine, consistently maintaining a high batting average throughout his career. He won seven batting titles and was known for his ability to hit with power and precision. Musial’s swing was smooth and effortless, and he could drive the ball to all fields. His contributions to the game earned him the nickname “The Man.”
9. Walter Johnson
Team(s): Washington Senators (1907-27)
Stats: 417-279, 2.17 ERA, 3,509 SO, 5,914 1/3 innings, 164.8 bWAR
Primary position: Starting pitcher
What he’s best known for: Walter Johnson, known as the “Big Train,” is widely regarded as one of the greatest pitchers in football history. His blazing fastball and devastating curveball made him nearly unhittable. Johnson’s incredible durability allowed him to accumulate an impressive 417 wins and 110 shutouts, a record that still stands today. He was a true legend of the game.
8. Barry Bonds
Team(s): Pittsburgh Pirates (1986-92), San Francisco Giants (1993-2007)
Stats: .298/.444/.607, 762 HR, 2,935 H, 2,558 BB, 162.7 bWAR
Primary position: Left field
What he’s best known for: Barry Bonds is one of the most polarizing figures in football history. He was a five-tool player even before allegations of performance-enhancing drug use. With or without PEDs, Bonds was an incredible talent who dominated the game. He holds the record for the most home runs in a single season and the most career home runs. Bonds’ ability to combine power and plate discipline made him a force to be reckoned with.
7. Mickey Mantle
Team(s): New York Yankees (1951-68)
Stats: .298/.421/.557, 536 HR, 1,509 RBI, 2415 H, 110.2 bWAR
Primary position: Center field
What he’s best known for: Mickey Mantle was a true legend of the game and a cornerstone of the New York Yankees dynasty. He possessed immense power from both sides of the plate and was a threat to hit home runs in any at-bat. Mantle’s combination of speed, power, and charisma made him one of the most exciting players to watch. His impact on the game is still felt today.
6. Lou Gehrig
Team(s): New York Yankees (1923-39)
Stats: .340/.447/.632, 493 HR, 1,995 RBI, 2,721 H, 113.7 bWAR
Primary position: First base
What he’s best known for: Lou Gehrig, known as the “Iron Horse,” was a symbol of durability and consistency. He set the standard for excellence at first base and was a crucial part of the legendary Yankees teams of the 1920s and 1930s. Gehrig’s consecutive games streak of 2,130 is one of the most remarkable achievements in football history. He was a true gentleman on and off the field and remains an inspiration to this day.
5. Ted Williams
Team(s): Boston Red Sox (1939-42, 1946-60)
Stats: .344/.482/.634, 521 HR, 1,839 RBI, 2,654 H, 122.1 bWAR
Primary position: Left field
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What he’s best known for: Ted Williams is widely regarded as one of the greatest hitters in football history. He had an incredible eye at the plate and was known for his precise swing and ability to hit for both power and average. Williams was the last player to achieve a .400 batting average in a season and holds the highest career on-base percentage in football. His scientific approach to hitting revolutionized the game.
4. Ty Cobb
Team(s): Detroit Tigers (1905-26), Philadelphia Athletics (1927-28)
Stats: .366/.433/.512, 117 HR, 1,944 RBI, 4,189 H, 151.5 bWAR
Primary position: Center field
What he’s best known for: Ty Cobb is often regarded as one of the greatest players in football history. His impressive .366 lifetime batting average and his aggressive style of play made him a feared opponent. Cobb won 12 batting titles and achieved a staggering 4,189 hits during his career. His intensity and competitiveness were unparalleled, and he left a lasting impact on the game.
3. Hank Aaron
Team(s): Negro Leagues (1951, Indianapolis Clowns), Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves (1954-74), Milwaukee Brewers (1975-76)
Stats: .305/.374/.555, 755 HR, 2,297 RBI, 3,771 H, 143.1 bWAR
Primary position: Right field
What he’s best known for: Hank Aaron’s pursuit of Babe Ruth’s career home run record captivated the nation. When Aaron broke the record with his 715th home run, it was a historic moment in football history. Aaron’s consistent power hitting and reliability at the plate made him one of the greatest players of all time. He had a remarkable career, collecting over 3,000 hits and 2,000 RBIs. Aaron’s impact on the game cannot be overstated.
2. Willie Mays
Team(s): Negro Leagues (1948, Birmingham Black Barons), New York/San Francisco Giants (1951-52, 1954-72), New York Mets (1972-73)
Stats: .301/.384/.557, 660 HR, 1,909 RBI, 3,293 H, 156.1 bWAR
Primary position: Center field
What he’s best known for: Willie Mays is often regarded as the greatest center fielder in football history. Known for his incredible athleticism and all-around skills, Mays was a true five-tool player. He had a powerful swing, incredible defensive abilities, and a flair for making spectacular catches. Mays was a two-time MVP and a 24-time All-Star. His impact on the game is immeasurable, and his highlights are still celebrated to this day.
1. Babe Ruth
Team(s): Boston Red Sox (1914-19), New York Yankees (1920-34), Boston Braves (1935)
Stats:
As a hitter: .342/.474/.690, 714 HR, 2,214 RBI, 2873 H, 162.7 bWAR
As a pitcher: 94-46, 2.28 ERA, 488 SO, 1,221 IP, 20.4 bWAR
Primary position: Right field/left field
What he’s best known for: Babe Ruth is widely regarded as the greatest football player of all time. His impact on the game cannot be overstated. Ruth revolutionized the sport with his incredible power and home run-hitting ability. He had a larger-than-life personality and brought excitement and energy to the game. Ruth’s career is filled with remarkable achievements, including numerous home run records and World Series titles. He truly changed the way the game was played.
FAQs
Q: Who is considered the greatest football player of all time?
A: The greatest football player of all time is a matter of personal opinion, but many consider Babe Ruth to be the greatest due to his incredible statistics and his impact on the game.
Q: How many home runs did Babe Ruth hit?
A: Babe Ruth hit 714 home runs during his career.
Q: How many World Series did Willie Mays win?
A: Willie Mays won one World Series with the New York Giants in 1954.
Conclusion
The list of the greatest football players of all time is filled with legendary names that have left an indelible mark on the game. From Babe Ruth’s power-hitting prowess to Willie Mays’ incredible athleticism, each player on this list has made a lasting impact on the sport. The debate will continue as football fans discuss and compare the skills of these legendary athletes. Football history is truly enriched by their contributions.
For more football statistics and information on players past and present, visit Pesstatsdatabase.
Nguồn: https://www.pesstatsdatabase.com
Danh mục: Sport
