Before starting with the list of the top 10 Baseball Sports Players of the 21st century, Let’s first go through the brief history of this popular sport.
Baseball Sports History
Baseball Sports has a rich history that dates back to the mid-18th century. The origins of the game can be traced back to a variety of British and European folk games, such as rounders and cricket. The modern version of baseball as we know it today, however, is credited to Alexander Cartwright, who in 1845, established the first set of rules for the game and formed the Knickerbocker Club in New York City.
In the following years, baseball quickly gained popularity in the United States and by the late 19th century, it had become a national pastime. The first professional baseball league, the National Association of Baseball Players, was established in 1871 and was later replaced by the National League in 1876. The American League was established in 1901, and the two leagues have been the foundation of professional baseball in the United States ever since.
Over the years, baseball has undergone several changes and improvements, including the introduction of new rules, the integration of African American players, and the expansion of the league. Some of the most famous baseball players in history include Babe Ruth, who set the record for most home runs in a career and is considered one of the greatest players of all time, and Jackie Robinson, who became the first African American player to play in the major leagues in 1947.
Today, baseball is played at a variety of levels, from youth leagues to amateur and professional levels. It continues to be a beloved sport with a strong following and has a special place in the history and culture of the United States.
Top 10 Baseball Sports Players Of the 21st Century
Baseball is a widely popular sport with a huge fan following worldwide and especially in the United States. So, without any further delay let’s start with the list of the top 10 baseball sports players of the 21st century:
1. Barry Bonds:
Known for his incredible power and ability to get on base, Bonds is considered one of the greatest hitters of all time. He won seven National League MVP awards and set several records, including the most home runs in a single season.
- Most home runs in a single season: Bonds set the record for most home runs in a single season with 73 in 2001, breaking the previous record of Mark McGwire’s 70 in 1998.
- Most home runs in a career: Bonds set the record for most home runs in a career with 762, surpassing the previous record held by Babe Ruth (714) and Hank Aaron (755).
- Most MVP awards: Bonds won seven National League MVP awards, the most by any player in the National League.
2. Alex Rodriguez:
A-Rod is one of the most talented and productive players of the century, with over 600 home runs and 3,000 hits. He won three American League MVP awards and was a 14-time All-Star.
- Most home runs by a shortstop (345)
- Most home runs by a third baseman (695)
- Most home runs hit by a player before the age of 30 (447)
- Most home runs hit in a player’s first 10 seasons (398)
3. Derek Jeter:
Jeter is a true legend of the game, known for his leadership, clutch performance, and sportsmanship. He won five Gold Gloves, and five Silver Sluggers, and was a 14-time All-Star. During his career, Jeter set several records including:
- Most hits by a shortstop (3,465)
- Most games played as a shortstop (2,747)
- Most at-bats by a shortstop (11,195)
- Most doubles by a shortstop (544)
4. Mike Trout:
Trout is considered one of the best players of his generation. He has won three MVP awards and eight Silver Sluggers and is a nine-time All-Star.
During his career, Trout has set several records and achieved many accolades, including:
- Two-time American League MVP (2014, 2016)
- Eight-time All-Star
- Seven-time Silver Slugger
- Three-time AL Rookie of the Year (2012)
- Two-time MLB stolen base leader (2012, 2013)
5. Clayton Kershaw:
Kershaw is one of the best pitchers of the century, with three Cy Young awards and an MVP award. He has been an eight-time All-Star and has led the league in ERA several times.
During his career, Kershaw has set several records and achieved many accolades, including:
- Three-time National League Cy Young Award winner (2011, 2013, 2014)
- Eight-time All-Star
- Two-time National League MVP (2011, 2014)
- MLB ERA leader (2011, 2012, 2014, 2015)
- MLB strikeout leader (2011, 2015)
6. Roy Halladay:
Halladay is one of the most dominant and consistent pitchers of the century. He won two Cy Young awards and was an eight-time All-Star.
During his career, Halladay set several records and achieved many accolades, including:
- Two-time Cy Young Award winner (2003, 2010)
- Eight-time All-Star
- MLB perfect game (2010)
- MLB playoff no-hitter (2010)
- MLB innings pitched leader (2003)
7. Albert Pujols:
Pujols is one of the best all-around players of the century. He won three MVP awards and was a 10-time All-Star.
During his career, Pujols set several records and achieved many accolades, including:
- Three-time National League MVP (2005, 2008, 2009)
- 10-time Gold Glove winner
- Nine-time Silver Slugger
- Six-time National League home run champion (2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013)
8. Ichiro Suzuki:
Ichiro is one of the most successful and talented players of the century, known for his speed and contact hitting. He won the American League MVP and was a 10-time All-Star.
During his career, Ichiro set several records and achieved many accolades, including:
- 10-time All-Star
- 10-time Gold Glove winner
- 3-time MLB stolen base leader
- American League MVP (2001)
- American League Rookie of the Year (2001)
- American League batting champion (2001, 2004)
9. Mariano Rivera:
Rivera is considered the best closer of all time and was a 13-time All-Star and a five-time World Series champion.
During his career, Rivera set several records and achieved many accolades, including:
- 13-time All-Star
- 5-time World Series champion (1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2009)
- American League Rolaids Relief Man Award (1999, 2001, 2004, 2005, 2008)
- American League saves leader (1999, 2001, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2011)
- MLB record for most saves in a career (652)
10. Chipper Jones:
Jones is one of the best third basemen of the century, known for his power and defensive skills. He won an MVP award and was an eight-time All-Star.
During his career, Jones set several records and achieved many accolades, including:
- 8-time All-Star
- World Series champion (1995)
- National League MVP (1999)
- National League batting champion (2008)
- National League on-base percentage leader (2008)
This was our list of the top 10 baseball players of the 21st century hope you enjoyed reading it. Make sure to leave your thoughts in the comment section below. Thank You.
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