When discussing the best first basemen of all time, the conversation inevitably includes legends who have not only redefined the position but also made a lasting impact on the game of baseball.
These players were more than just offensive powerhouses; they were leaders, icons, and record-setters. Below, we rank the top 10 first basemen in MLB history, taking into account their career achievements, statistics, and influence on the game.
10. Frank Thomas
Hall of Famer Frank Thomas, affectionately known as “The Big Hurt,” was one of the most feared hitters in the 1990s and early 2000s. Over a 19-year career, Thomas compiled 521 home runs, 1,704 RBIs, and a .301 batting average.
His power, on-base skills, and ability to drive in runs made him a dominant force, and he earned two American League MVP awards (1993, 1994). Despite never winning a World Series, Thomas’ offensive production was consistently elite, establishing him as one of the best first basemen of all time and a Hall of Famer.
9. Jeff Bagwell
Jeff Bagwell’s career with the Houston Astros marked him as one of the best to ever play the game. Over 15 seasons, Bagwell hit 449 home runs, drove in 1,529 RBIs, and posted a career .297 batting average. A key figure in the Astros’ offense, Bagwell was a four-time All-Star and won the 1994 National League MVP.
Known for his combination of power, plate discipline, and ability to get on base, Bagwell’s consistent production and overall excellence put him firmly in the conversation for the best first basemen of all time.
8. David Ortiz
David Ortiz, or “Big Papi,” is widely regarded as one of the greatest designated hitters in baseball history, but his influence as a first baseman deserves recognition as well. In a career that spanned 20 seasons, Ortiz hit 541 home runs, drove in 1,768 RBIs, and was instrumental in leading the Boston Red Sox to three World Series titles.
His clutch performances, particularly in the postseason, helped cement his legacy, earning him the 2013 World Series MVP. Ortiz’s unmatched power and leadership make him one of the best first basemen of all time and one of the most beloved figures in Boston sports history.
7. Johnny Mize
Johnny Mize’s career may not be as widely remembered as some of his peers, but he was one of the premier power hitters of his era. A 10-time All-Star and four-time World Series champion, Mize belted 359 home runs and accumulated 1,337 RBIs.
Playing for the St. Louis Cardinals, New York Giants, and New York Yankees from 1936 to 1953, Mize’s ability to hit for both power and average made him one of the top players in the league. His offensive production and contributions to multiple championship teams solidify his place among the best first basemen of all time.
6. Hank Greenberg
Hank Greenberg is a legend who belongs among the greatest first basemen in MLB history. The two-time American League MVP (1935, 1940) and five-time All-Star amassed 331 home runs and 1,276 RBIs over a career that was partially interrupted by his service in World War II.
Greenberg played the majority of his career with the Detroit Tigers and helped lead them to two World Series titles. Known for his raw power, Greenberg’s impact on the Tigers’ success, particularly in the 1930s and 1940s, cements his status as one of the best first basemen of all time.
5. Willie McCovey
Willie McCovey was an imposing force at the plate and one of the most feared power hitters in baseball during the 1960s and 1970s. A six-time All-Star and the 1969 National League MVP, McCovey hit 521 home runs and drove in 1,555 RBIs during his career.
His 45 home runs in 1969 helped propel the San Francisco Giants to the top of the standings, and he remains one of the most productive offensive players in the history of the franchise. McCovey’s towering presence at first base, coupled with his offensive excellence, make him one of the best first basemen of all time.
4. Jimmie Foxx
Jimmie Foxx, known for his extraordinary power, was one of the most dangerous hitters in the 1930s and 1940s. With 534 career home runs and 1,922 RBIs, Foxx ranks among the best in baseball history in both categories.
A three-time MVP (1932, 1933, and 1938), Foxx was a key contributor to the Philadelphia Athletics back-to-back World Championships. His ability to hit for power and drive in runs made him one of the most complete offensive players of his era, earning him a spot among the best first basemen of all time.
3. Albert Pujols
Albert Pujols is one of the greatest hitters in the history of Major League Baseball. Over his illustrious career, Pujols has hit 703 home runs, driven in 2,218 RBIs, and maintained a .296 career batting average. A three-time MVP (2005, 2008, 2009), Pujols was the centerpiece of the St. Louis Cardinals’ offense for more than a decade and helped lead the team to two World Series titles (2006 and 2011).
His combination of consistent offensive production and postseason heroics make him a clear choice among the best first basemen of all time, with his legacy forever etched in baseball history.
2. Stan Musial
Stan “The Man” Musial is a baseball icon, and his career achievements make him one of the top players in history. With 475 home runs, 1,951 RBIs, and a .331 batting average, Musial was a consistent and versatile performer who could hit for both average and power.
A 24-time All-Star and three-time National League MVP, Musial was the backbone of the St. Louis Cardinals for more than two decades. His ability to maintain excellence throughout his career, his leadership, and his role in leading the Cardinals to three World Series titles solidify his place among the best first basemen of all time.
1. Lou Gehrig
Lou Gehrig, known as the “Iron Horse,” stands at the pinnacle of best first basemen of all time. Gehrig’s remarkable career with the New York Yankees is highlighted by his incredible durability, power, and consistency. Over 17 seasons, Gehrig hit 493 home runs, drove in 1,995 RBIs, and posted a .340 career batting average.
He won two MVP awards (1927, 1936), was a seven-time All-Star, and helped lead the Yankees to six World Series titles. His iconic streak of 2,130 consecutive games played stood as a testament to his resilience and determination. Gehrig’s combination of offensive production, leadership, and historical significance makes him the greatest first baseman in the history of Major League Baseball.
Conclusion
The best first basemen of all time represent the gold standard of baseball excellence. From Lou Gehrig’s record-breaking consistency to Albert Pujols’ unmatched power and Albert Pujols’ ability to deliver in the clutch, these players have left an indelible mark on the game.
Their achievements and impact on the sport have set them apart as legends of the diamond, and they will continue to be remembered and celebrated for generations to come.
