As Easy As A-B-C: Baseball's Greatest All-Time Players From A To Z

Christmas Day, 2010: Is there a better day to present you with a list of the greatest players in Major League Baseball history?

Please note: I have picked the best player for each given letter, so some players lucked out by having a name starting with an unusual letter. How else can a pretty good player like Carlos Quentin have the same odds of making my list as Stan Musial, a true all-time great.

One more note: Neither player made my list. Sorry to upset all the Carlos Quentin fans out there. Do read on.

But seriously, I hope you will enjoy one man’s opinion of the best our great national pastime has offered us—given these criteria. You will find pitchers and players alike from the deadball era to whatever era we call today’s major league baseball.

I hope these names will warm your heart on this cold December day. Please read and feel free to register your approval and/or disapproval with passion—and civility, given this season.

Time to unwrap your present, and let the great game begin!

A: Hank Aaron

Dave Martin/Getty Images

MOBILE, AL - APRIL 14: Baseball Hall of Famer Hank Aaron throws out the first pitch during pre-game ceremonies following the opening the Hank Aaron Museum at the Hank Aaron Stadium on April 14, 2010 in Mobile, Alabama. (Photo by Dave Martin/Getty Images)

Highlights of Hank Aaron's Career (1954-76):

BA: .305

HR: 755 (2nd all-time)

RBI: 2297 (1st)

Runs: 2174 (4th)

240 Stolen Bases

1 MVP (1957); 3 Gold Gloves

We all know the legendary number 755, which replaced the iconic 714. Quick: How many home runs did Barry Bonds hit?

Many would love to see Hank Aaron still recognized as the home run king, but putting this debate aside, most should recognize that he was a player without any weaknesses and one of the great all-around players the game has ever produced.

While Hammerin' Hank only won one league MVP award, he finished in the Top 10 in the voting 13 different times, and he made the All-Star game every year from 1955-1975.

For what it's worth, No. 44 was my first sports hero, and one of the greatest, most elegant men to ever play and represent the game.

B: Barry Bonds

Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

SAN FRANCISCO - SEPTEMBER 26: Barry Bonds #25 of the San Francisco Giants flies out during his final home at bat as a Giant against the San Diego Padres during a Major League Baseball game on September 26, 2007 at AT&T Park in San Francisco, California.

Highlights of Barry Bonds' Career (1986-2007):

BA: .298

HR: 762 (1st all-time)

RBI: 1996 (4th)

Career OPS: 1.051 (4th)

Runs: 2227 (3rd)

514 Stolen Bases (33rd)

7 MVPs; 8 Gold Gloves

Truth be told, I would have liked to have gone with the classy Ernie Banks, the amazing Johnny Bench or the great and lovable Yogi Berra here, but Bonds' numbers are just too impressive to push aside.

And if we were ruling out bad people, would there be any room on team for our next honoree?

C: Ty Cobb

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

24 Jul 2000: A general view of the plaque dedicated to Tyrus Raymond 'Ty' Cobb at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York.Mandatory Credit: Ezra O. Shaw /Allsport

Highlights of Ty Cobb's Career (1905-28):

BA: .366 (1st)

HR: 117

RBI: 1938 (17th)

Runs: 2246 (2nd)

897 Stolen Bases (4th)

1 MVP

The Georgia Peach, while no humanitarian (it would have been nice to pick the great Roberto Clemente here instead), could flat-out play the game.

Cobb had the highest career batting average (I had memorized this as .367, but I'll defer to baseball-reference.com's .3664), and won 11 batting titles. Small ball was the name of the game in Cobb's era and nobody did it better.

By the way, Tyrus Raymond Cobb led the AL in homers once and was runner-up three other times, he was also the four-time RBI champ.

D: Joe DiMaggio

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

20 Oct 1996: Joe DiMaggio prepares to throw out the first pitch of Game One of the World Series between the New York Yankees and the Atlanta Braves at Yankee Stadium in New York City, New York. The Braves won the game, 12-1. Mandatory Credit: Doug Pensi

Highlights of DiMaggio's Career (1936-51):

BA: .325

HR: 361

RBI: 1537

Runs: 1390

30 Stolen Bases (surprisingly low)

3 MVPs

2 Batting Titles

Joltin' Joe...The Yankee Clipper...DiMag...husband of Marilyn.

DiMaggio is one of those legendary names, and one might fall prey into thinking that there was some New York hype involved in creating his legend. But think again.

DiMaggio was truly one of the all-timers; he just did not have the longevity of some of the other all-time great outfielders.

E: Dennis Eckersley

Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

OAKLAND, CA - JULY 4: Pitcher Dennis Eckersley #43 of the Oakland Athletics delivers against the Milwaukee Brewers during the game at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on July 4, 1995 in Oakland, California. The Athletics won 5-3. (Photo by Jed Jacob

Highlights of Dennis Eckersley's Career (1975-98):

W-L: 197-171

Saves: 390

ERA: 3.50

K/BB: 2401/738

1 MVP; 1 Cy Young Award

If Dennis Eckersley were Dennis Meckersley or Dennis Reckersley, or (well, you get the idea), he would not deserve a place on this list, but he is a Hall of Famer, and he had a much better career than Nino Espinoza.

Eck was a starting pitcher, and a pretty good one from 1975-86, once winning 20 games for the Red Sox. But he is here, and in Cooperstown, primarily for his work out of the pen.

He twice led his league in saves and won a dual MVP/Cy Young in 1992.

Eckersley was one of the stingiest relief pitchers of all time; witness these K/BB lines from 1987-93:

1987: 113-17; 1988: 70-11; 1989: 55-3; 1990: 73-4; 1991: 87-9; 1992: 93-11; 1993: 80-13.

F: Bob Feller

Rick Stewart/Getty Images

WINTER HAVEN, FL - MARCH 3: Former Indian and Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Feller plays catch before a Spring Training game against the Houston Astros on March 3, 2005 at Chain-O-Lakes Park in Winter Haven, Florida. The Indians won 7-3. (Photo by Rick Stewar

Highlights of Bob Feller's Career (1936-56):

W-L: 266-162

ERA: 3.25

IP: 3827

K/BB: 2581/1764

One gets the sense that Rapid Robert was even greater than his numbers indicate, although his stats are very impressive.

Feller also lost close to four prime seasons (all of 1942-44, and most of 1945) due to military service.

And check out the picture here: He looks like he can still bring it at age 87! 

The immortal Indians pitcher, who passed away about a month ago, led the AL in strikeouts seven times, and led the junior circuit in wins six times.

Feller made eight All-Star game appearances, and finished in the Top 10 in MVP voting six times.

With all that said, I probably would've taken Jimmie Foxx here, but we need him elsewhere.

G: Lou Gehrig

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NEW YORK - MAY 02: The plaque of Lou Gehrig is seen in Monument Park at Yankee Stadium prior to game between the New York Yankees and the Chicago White Sox on May 2, 2010 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Yankees defeated the White Sox 12-3. (P

Highlights of Lou Gehrig's Career (1923-39):

BA: .340 (17th)

HR: 493

RBI: 1995 (5th)

Runs: 1888 (2nd)

102 Stolen Bases

2 MVPs

Bob Gibson, Josh Gibson and Lefty Grove would have all been good representatives, but the choice had to be Lou Gehrig, the iconic Pride of the Yankees. 

The great No. 4 led the league in homers three times, RBIs five times and runs scored four times. He also took a batting title.

One weird stat: Gehrig stole 102 bases (with a personal high of 17 in 1931), but he was caught 100 times. With that lineup, why was he running at all, and was the risk-reward worth it? 

Okay. Otherwise, I'm in awe of everything about the man

H: Rogers Hornsby

Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

ST LOUIS - JULY 18: Statue of Rogers Hornsby of the St. Louis Cardinals is outside of Busch Stadium on July 18, 2004 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

Highlights of Rogers Hornsby's Career (1915-37):

BA: .359 (2nd)

HR: 301

RBI: 1584 (36th)

Runs: 1579 (49th)

135 Stolen Bases

2 MVP

OPS: 1.010 (8th)

Hornsby would get a lot of votes as the best second baseman in history, and was one of the great offensive performers at any position.

He won seven batting titles including six straight, and also led the NL multiple times in homers (twice), runs batted in (four times) and runs (five times).

The Rajah won a Triple Crown in 1922 and 1925. Check out these stats for 1922: .401-42-152.

Not too shabby.

I: Monte Irvin

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

COOPERSTOWN, NY - JULY 31: Hall of Famer Monte Irvin attends the Baseball Hall of Fame Induction ceremony on July 31, 2005 at the Clark Sports Complex in Cooperstown, New York. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Highlights of Monte Irvin's MLB Career (1949-56):

BA: .293

HR: 99

RBI: 443

Runs: 366

28 Stolen Bases (4th)

"I" is not the strongest letter for all-time greats.

Before thinking of Irvin (a Hall of Famer, mostly on the strength of what he achieved in the Negro Leagues), my mind was taking me to Pete Incaviglia, Jasin Isringhausen, Raul Ibanez and the Iorg brothers, Dane and Garth. 

So be grateful for Mr. Irvin, who led the NL in RBI with the Giants in 1951. Irvin may have had a Hall of Fame career as a major leaguer, as he excelled in the Negro Leagues and did not have his first full season in the majors until age 31.

J: Walter Johnson

Highlights of Walter Johnson's Career (1905-28):

W-L: 417-279

ERA: 2.17 (12th)

IP: 5914.1 (3rd)

K: 3509 (9th)

BB: 1363

110 Shutouts (1st)

2 MVPs

Was there a better pitcher in baseball history than Walter Johnson?  His stats would suggest not, and he pitched for some pretty bad Senators teams, or his stats may have been even more overwhelming. 

Those 110 shutouts are not a misprint. Second place, you ask? "Pete" Alexander with 90.

K: Sandy Koufax

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES - AUGUST 28: Hall of Fame pitcher Sandy Koufax of the Los Angeles Dodgers waves to the crowd during ceremonies honoring memebers of the 1955 World Champion Dodgers before the game with the Houston Astros on August 28, 2005 at Dodger Stadium in

Highlights of Sandy Koufax's Career (1955-1966):

W-L: 165-87

ERA: 2.76

IP: 2324.1

K/BB: 2396-817

3 Cy Young Awards

1 MVP, and two runner-ups

Oy, what might have been if he did not have to retire in 1966 at age 30.

But what he did, especially in five other-wordly prime years, was fairly remarkable.

In his final season, Koufax went 27-9 with a 1.73 ERA. He fanned 317 and issued only 77 walks in 323 innings.

In the postseason,, his record was only 4-3, but his ERA was 0.95 and his K/BB was 61/11, in 57 innings pitched.

L: Napoleon Lajoie

Highlights of Nap LaJoie's's Career (1896-1916):

BA: .338 (20th)

HR: 82

RBI: 1599

Runs: 1504

380 Stolen Bases

Lajoie was one of the best players of the so-called  deadball era.

He won the Triple Crown in 1901, with a .426/14/125 line.

Going out on a limb, I'd venture to say that a .426 batting average would win today, the 125 RBI wuld be a longshot, and the 14 homers would place him in the Top 100 or so.

M: Willie Mays

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SAN FRANCISCO - APRIL 28: (L) Andre Dawson of the Florida Marlins, Hall of Famer Willie Mays, with Bobby Bonds and Barry Bonds of the San Francisco Giants pose (for having had 300 home runs and 300 stolen bases) before the game at 3Com Park on April 28,19

Highlights of Willie Mays' Career (1951-73):

BA: .302

HR: 660 (4th)

RBI: 1903 (10th)

Runs: 2062 (7th)

338 Stolen Bases

2 MVPs

When guys like Stan Musial, Christy Mathewson and Mickey Mantle can't apply for a position on this list, you must be pretty special, and the Say Hey Kid certainly was.

To some he's the greatest to ever play the game, and while I still lean to Babe Ruth, a good case can be made for Mays.

Above, I highlighted some of his offensive stats. He also won the Gold Glove every year from 1957-68 for his superlative work in center field. If they had the award from 1951-56, he probably would have won six more as well.

N: Hal Newhouser

Highlights of Hal Newhouser's Career (1939-55):

W-L: 207-150

ERA: 3.06

IP: 2993

K/BB: 1796/1249

2 MVPs

In looking at his stats, it appears that the Tigers' lefty had four dominant seasons, and another two good ones.

He won those back-to-back MVPs in 1944 and 1945, and also led the league in wins four times and  strikeouts twice.

If you prefer Phil Niekro, I won't get too upset.

O: Mel Ott

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

NEW YORK - JULY 15: The Postmaster General unveils the new commemorative stamps with Roy Campanella, Hank Greenberg, Mel Ott and Mickey Mantle before the game between the New York Yankees and the Chicago White Sox at Yankee Stadium on July 15, 2006 in th

Highlights of Mel Ott's Career (1926-47):

BA: .304

HR: 511 (23rd)

RBI: 1860 (11th)

Runs: 1859 (12th)

89 Stolen Bases

0 MVP (6 Top 10's)

Career OPS: .947 (22nd)

Mel Ott was a career New York Giant, and one of their very best. 

Although small for a power hitter, he led the NL in homers six times, and led the league in runs scored on two occasions.

As far as we know, he was never accused by Jose Canseco of juicing.

P: Albert Pujols

Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH - SEPTEMBER 21: Albert Pujols #5 of the St. Louis Cardinals hits an RBI single against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the game on September 21, 2010 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

Highlights of Albert Pujols' Career (2001-10):

BA: .331 (30th)

HR: 408 (45th)

RBI: 1230

Runs: 1186 (2nd)

75 Stolen Bases

3 MVP

2 Gold Gloves

El Hombre has only played 10 years, and has already clinched a first-ballot spot in Cooperstown. 

There's already so much to talk about, but I will exit this slide with this nugget. In his 10 seasons, he has won the MVP three times and finished as the runner-up four times. In his other three years, he finished third, fourth and ninth.

Q: Dan Quisenberry

Highlights of Dan Quisenberry's Career (1979-90):

W-L: 56-46

ERA: 2.76

Saves: 244 (31st)

IP: 1043.1

K/BB: 379/162

Quiz was one of, if not the best, relief pitchers in baseball during a six-year stretch from 1980-85.

During that run, he led the AL in saves five times, and was third the other year. He finished in the Top 5 in the Cy Young balloting five times (including two runner-ups) and had five Top 10s in MVP voting.

As you can tell from his strikeout numbers, he was more of a control/ground ball pitcher, and quite effective in his day.

R: Babe Ruth

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

COOPERSTOWN, NY - JULY 24: A statue of Babe Ruth is seen at the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum during induction weekend on July 24, 2010 in Cooperstown, New York. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Highlights of Babe Ruth's Career (1914-35):

BA: .342 (10th)

HR: 714 (3rd)

RBI: 2213 (2nd)

Runs: 2246 (4th)

123 Stolen Bases (4th)

1 MVP

OPS: 1.211 (1st)

As a Pitcher: 94-46, 2.28 ERA

Postseason: 3-0, 0.87

Postseason Batting: .326, 15 HR, 33 RBI in 41 Games, 1.233 OPS

Quite simply, Ruth was the greatest to ever play the game, and perhaps its most popular and colorful character to boot.

He led the league in the following categories multiple times: HR (12), RBI (6), Runs (8); Slugging (13); BB (11), OBP (10). He claimed one batting title.

Is any other American athlete as synonymous with his sport as Ruth?

S: Mike Schmidt

Getty Images/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA - 1985: Mike Schmidt #20 of the Philadelphia Phillies swings at a pitch during a 1985 season game (Photo by Getty Images)

Highlights of Mike Schmidt's Career (1972-1989):

BA: .267 (1st)

HR: 548 (15th)

RBI: 1595 (33rd

Runs: 1506

174 Stolen Bases

3 MVPs, 9 Top 10s

Cases could be made for Warren Spahn, and maybe even Tris Speaker, although I don't think choosing Michael Jack Schmidt is a hometown call.

His only weakness was a batting average that was not quite in line with the rest of his five-tool game.

Otherwise, he had great power, leading the league in homers eight times, with four RBI crowns. He consistently drew walks, intentionally and otherwise.

Schmidty was a very intelligent baserunner with above average speed, and his defense (10 Gold Gloves) ranks with any third sacker to ever play the game, with the possible exception of Brooks Robinson.

T: Frank Thomas

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

SEATTLE - APRIL 26: Frank Thomas #35 of the Oakland Athletics swings at the pitch during the MLB game against the Seattle Mariners on April 26, 2008 at Safeco Field in Seattle, Washington. The Mariners defeated the Athletics 5-3. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/

Highlights of Frank Thomas' Career (1990-2008):

BA: .301

HR: 521 (18th)

RBI: 1704 (22nd)

Runs: 1494

32 Stolen Bases

2 MVPs, with 9 Top 10 finishes

OPS: .974 (15th)

Nothing against The Big Hurt, a fine player and future Hall of Famer, but it seems as if I'm forgetting someone. The other Ts in the Hall include Pie Traynor and Bill Terry. 

In the first eight or so full seasons of his career, Thomas was, perhaps, the most feared hitter in the American League. He was patient at the plate, and deadly when he struck. 

His very high career OPS testifies to that.

U: Chase Utley

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA - OCTOBER 23: Chase Utley #26 of the Philadelphia Phillies runs off the field after turing a double play against the San Francisco Giants in Game Six of the NLCS during the 2010 MLB Playoffs at Citizens Bank Park on October 23, 2010 in Phila

(Who did you want: Del Unser, Tommy Underwood or Juan Uribe?)

Highlights of Chase Utley's Career (2003-10) --so far:

BA: .293

HR: 177

RBI: 650

Runs: 677

96 Stolen Bases (4th)

OPS: .894

Chase Utley, who just turned 32 this month, is a five-time All-Star who does everything well on the diamond.

It would appear that he would need at least five or six more big years to make it to Cooperstown without a ticket, and if he stays healthy, he has a good shot at it.

Chase has yet to win a Gold Glove, but has worked to become a top-flight defensive second baseman as well.

V: Arky Vaughan

Highlights of Arky Vaughan's Career (1932-43; 1947-48):

BA: .318

HR: 96

RBI: 926

Runs: 1173

118 Stolen Bases (4th)

0 MVP; finished third in 1935, 1938.

I can't tell you a ton more about Vaughan, who appears to have been a great all-arund shortstop for the Pirates and Dodgers. He missed three years from 1944-46 (during his peak) or his numbers may have been indisputably great. 

Vaughan won one batting title, led the league in runs, bases on balls and OBP three times apiece, and even won the stolen base crown once.

His defensive stats were also quite strong.

W: Honus Wagner

Chris Hondros/Getty Images

370565 02: The famous T206 Honus Wagner baseball card, is shown June 6, 2000 in New York City. The legendary baseball card will be auctioned on eBay beginning on July 5, 2000. (Photo by Chris Hondros/Newsmakers)

Highlights of Honus Wagner's Career (1897-17):

BA: .328 (37th)

HR: 101

RBI: 1733 (21)

Runs: 1739 (22nd)

723 Stolen Bases (10th)

Most baseball experts consider The Flying Dutchman to be the greatest shortstop to ever lace them up; hence I take him by a nod over the immortal Ted Williams.

Both were great hitters; some say Williams was the best-ever pure hitter. (I'll take The Babe.)

But Wagner may have been the best hitter in the NL during his tenure, and he was a great shortstop who also flew around the bases.

Honus won batting titles (8), stolen base crowns (5), and led multiple times in RBI (5), OPS (8), runs (2), and slugging (6).

Wagner also finished in the Top 10 in homers 11 times.

XX: Jimmie Foxx

Highlights of Jimmie Foxx's Career (1925-45, missed 1943):

BA: .325 (42nd)

HR: 534 (17th)

RBI: 1922 (8th)

Runs: 1751 (21st)

87 Stolen Bases (4th)

3 MVPs

OPS: 1.038 (6th)

Ol' XX was one of the greatest hitters of all-time, if somewhat forgotten about when discussing the greats of the game.

He was overshadowed a little by Ruth and Gehrig, yet still won three MVP awards with a runner-up finish.

Foxx won two batting titles, led the league in homers four times and RBI three times.

The powerful first baseman took the AL Triple Crown in 1933.

Y: Cy Young

Highlights of Cy Young's Career (1890-1911):

W-L: 511-316

ERA: 2.63

IP: 7356

K/BB: 2803/1217

MVP: 0

Cy Young Awards: 0 (What's a guy have to do?)

Some cool, fairly unbreakable records that Cy Young holds:

Wins: 511 (bet you knew that)

Losses: 316

Complete Games: 747

Batters Faced: 29,565 (He retired most of them.)

Z: Ryan Zimmerman

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

ATLANTA - SEPTEMBER 15: Ryan Zimmerman #11 of the Washington Nationals makes a play on a bunt by the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field on September 15, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Highlights of Ryan Zimmerman's (young) Career (2006-10):

BA: .288 (1st)

HR: 116

RBI: 449

Runs: 435

22 Stolen Bases

1 All-Star Game

1 Gold Glove

Call this a weird segue, but Cy Young pitched more complete games than Ryan Zimmerman (just turned 26) has played in.

Zimmerman's a fine young player, and he struck me as a better choice than the declining Barry Zito, the volatile Carlos Zambrano or the ordinary Richie Zisk.

Hope You Enjoyed The Show: Now, It's Your Turn!

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BOSTON - JULY 22: Fans walk past a statue of Ted Williams guarded by a Marine before the Ted Williams tribute on July 22, 2002 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. The public was invited to the park to honor Williams who died July 5, 2002. (Photo by

So, what do you think?

(Not asking you, Teddy Ballgame. Sorry that you're  collecting some splendid splinters on my bench behind Honus Wagner.)

But for the rest of you Bleacher Bums, I'd love for you to weigh in on this presentation.

Any disagreements?

Errors?

Were you wowed by the stats, the baseball acumen, the writing style?

Happy Holidays, and please check in below.

For more information on Matt Goldberg’s new books, other writings and appearances, please e-mail: [e-mail]