The Most Famous Person in the History of Every MLB Franchise

Every organization has that one person who comes to mind whenever the team is mentioned, be it a past or present player, manager, celebrity fan, or even mascot.

This does not always mean that this particular person was the best in the history of the organization, but simply that they were the most widely recognized and most talked about in the team's history. To put it simply, I was looking for one person from each franchise who a casual baseball fan outside of that city would not only recognize but be quick to associate with said team.

So here is a look at the most famous person in the history of each MLB team, as well as some others who received consideration but fell short of taking the top spot for their respective teams.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Randy Johnson, "Big Unit"

The Diamondbacks' history is thin, having only become a franchise in 1998, but there is little question that the most well-known and most successful Diamondback to date is Randy Johnson.

Johnson signed with the team as a free agent after the 1998 season, and from 1999-2004 he posted a record of 103-49 with a 2.65 ERA and 1,832 strikeouts as he won four straight NL Cy Young Awards and led the team to a World Series title in 2001.

In 2004, he became the oldest player to throw a perfect game, when he hurled one against the Atlanta Braves at the age of 40. While he spent 10 seasons with the Mariners, don't be surprised if Johnson enters the Hall of Fame as a Diamondback.

Others Receiving Consideration:

Luis Gonzalez, Outfielder

Atlanta Braves

Hank Aaron, Home Run King

Signed as an amateur free agent back in 1952 by the then-Boston Braves, Hank Aaron made his major league debut two years later at the age of 20.

By 21, he was an All-Star, and he went on to have a ridiculous 14 seasons in which he hit at least 30 home runs, as one of the most durable and consistent sluggers to ever play the game.

His career line is a thing of beauty, at .305 BA, 755 HR, 2,297 RBI, 2,174 R, and while Barry Bonds may have robbed him of the glory of being the career home-run leader, to many throughout baseball he is still the true Home Run King.

Others Receiving Consideration:

Bobby Cox, Manager
Greg Maddux, Pitcher
Ted Turner, Owner

Baltimore Orioles

Cal Ripken Jr., "Iron Man"

While he is best known for setting the record for most consecutive games played, the legacy of Cal Ripken Jr. stretches much further than just his impressive durability.

With 3,184 hits, 431 home runs, a pair of AL MVP Awards and 19 All-Star appearances, there is little doubt that Ripken was one of the best to ever play the game.

Thanks to a blue-collar work ethic and impressive offense at a defensive-minded position, Ripken not only endeared himself to fans but made himself the face of the Orioles franchise, and he still is toady.

Others Receiving Consideration:

Brooks Robinson, Third Baseman
Earl Weaver, Manager

Boston Red Sox

Ted Williams, "Splendid Splinter"

There have been many great baseball players through the years, and there will constantly be a debate over who the greatest of all time is, but most will agree that Ted Williams is at least in the argument.

He was the best pure hitter the game has ever seen, and the last player to hit over .400, but his impact on the game and on the Red Sox went far beyond the numbers.

Williams missed out on three years during the prime of his career while serving his country in World War II, and still managed a career line of .344 BA, 521 HR, 1,839 RBI, 1,798.

His numbers will always make him one of the most talked about players in baseball, and despite the recent successes of the Red Sox, Williams is still the most famous name in team history.

Others Receiving Consideration:

Bill Buckner, Goat
Pedro Martinez, Starting Pitcher
Babe Ruth, Pitcher/Outfielder/Regret

Chicago Cubs

Harry Caray, "Cub-Fan Bud-Man"

Few teams in all of sports have as long and unique a history as the Cubs, and there have been more than a few memorable characters on the North Side throughout the years.

However, as far as making a national impact, no one is better known than former Cubs announcer Harry Caray. From his legendary restaurant in downtown Chicago, to the Will Ferrel SNL skits, to celebrities coming from far and wide to sing the seventh inning stretch in his honor, no announcer has ever achieved the fame that Caray did.

He pronounced things wrong, he drank too much beer, he sang off key and often times he simply didn't make sense. And that is why Cubs fans and baseball fans around the country loved him.

Others Receiving Consideration:

Ernie Banks, Shortstop/First Baseman
Steve Bartman, Fan/Scapegoat
Ron Santo, Third Baseman/Announcer
Sammy Sosa, Outfielder

Chicago White Sox

Ozzie Guillen, Quiet Leader

In 16 seasons for the White Sox, Guillen hit .265 BA, 24 HR, 565 RBI, 693 R, 163 SB as he made three All-Star games and won a Gold Glove. Not a bad career, and worth mentioning as one of the better shortstops in team history.

However, when he took over as the White Sox manager for the 2004 season, Guillen went from solid former player to one of baseball's biggest celebrities practically overnight.

To put it bluntly, Guillen speaks his mind, and it has gotten him into trouble on more than one occasion. However, he is among the best interviews in sports, and he has a 658-595 record and World Series title to back it up.

Others Receiving Consideration:

Charles Comisky, Owner
"Shoeless" Joe Jackson, Outfielder/Black Sox Member
Michael Jordan, "Baseball Player"
Frank Thomas, First Baseman

Cincinnati Reds

Pete Rose, "Charlie Hustle"

How does a player go about collecting 4,256 career hits, including 10 seasons with at least 200 hits, and not find himself in the Hall of Fame? Gambling, that's how.

There is little question that Pete Rose is one of the finest hitters to ever play the game, and while his hit total is aided by the fact that he played 24 seasons, it is ridiculous nonetheless.

However, he is best known for being banned from baseball for betting on the very sport he was playing. To make matters worse, he lied about any wrong-doing before coming clean decades later. For better or worse, Rose is the most famous Reds player of all time.

Others Receiving Consideration:

Johnny Bench, Catcher
Joe Morgan, Second Baseman
Marge Schott, Owner/Racist

Cleveland Indians

Charlie Sheen: Ricky "Wild Thing" Vaughn

While it may not sit well with Indians fans that their most famous person was never associated with their team beyond a movie, the simple fact is that many of the characters from Major League are far more well-known than any former Indians players.

While Wesley Snipes as Willie Mays Hayes, Dennis Haysbert as Pedro Cerrano and Tom Berenger as Jake Taylor were all great, there is no question that "Wild Thing" is the most memorable character of the movie.

Charlie Sheen's recent admission to using steroids while filming the movie has only thrown his character in the spotlight even more than it already was.

Others Receiving Consideration:

Larry Doby, Outfielder/Integrated AL
Bob Feller, Pitcher

Colorado Rockies

Larry Walker, 1997 NL MVP

The Rockies have had a number of star players through the years, starting with the Blake Street Bombers in the early years of the franchise, and on into recent years with guys like Todd Helton and Troy Tulowitzki.

However, the most well-known figure in Rockies history is outfielder Larry Walker, who, among other things, won the 1997 NL MVP with a line of .366 BA, 49 HR, 130 RBI.

In 10 seasons with the team, Walker hit .334 BA, 258 HR, 848 RBI, making four All-Star teams and winning five Gold Gloves. It was his personality that put him a cut above the rest though, and him turning his helmet around to hit from the other side of the plate is one of the All-Star Game's most memorable moments.

Others Receiving Consideration:

Andres Galarraga, First Baseman
Todd Helton, First Baseman
Troy Tulowitzki, Shortstop

Detroit Tigers

Sparky Anderson, Player's Manager

While his Hall of Fame coaching career began in Cincinnati as the skipper of the Big Red Machine, Anderson is best known for his 17-year stay at the helm for the Detroit Tigers.

He was not able to the match the success of four pennants and two World Series that he had with the Reds, but he was able to bring a World Series title to Detroit in 1984. He also became the first manager to win 600 games in each league.

Always an outspoken manager who was quick to praise his players, Anderson retired following the 1995 season, and he goes down as one of the best managers ever.

Others Receiving Consideration:

Ty Cobb, Outfielder 
Cecil Fielder, First Baseman
Ernie Harwell, Announcer
Al Kaline, Outfielder

Florida Marlins

Jeff Conine, "Mr. Marlin"

The Marlins have enjoyed a tumultuous existence since their inception as a franchise for the 1993 season. They managed to build the team into a World Series winner by 1997, only to tear it apart the following season.

However, six years later in 2003, they were once again world champions thanks to a good mix of free agents and homegrown talent. One constant through all that, though, was Jeff Conine, as he was there for both championships.

Conine joined the Marlins in the Expansion Draft, playing with them from 1993-1997 as he made a pair of All-Star appearances and won All-Star Game MVP in 1995. He then rejoined the team at the deadline in 2003, playing a key role in the postseason that year. Throw in his work in the community off the field, and there is little wonder why Conine is so loved in Miami.

Others Receiving Consideration:

Gary Sheffield, Outfielder
Dontrelle Willis, Pitcher

Houston Astros

Craig Biggio, Filthy Helmet Wearer

When it comes to the Astros, the duo of Jeff Bagwell and Craig Biggio are certainly the first players who come to mind, and while they were never able to bring a title to Houston they were the core of team for over a decade.

However, the top spot here has to go to Biggio as the most famous player in team history. From his membership in the 3,000 Hit Club, to his pine-tar stained helmet, to his ability to play three different positions, he was certainly an impressive player.

Others Receiving Consideration:

Jeff Bagwell, First Baseman
Roy Oswalt, Pitcher
Nolan Ryan, Pitcher

Kansas City Royals

George Brett, Pine-Tar Enthusiast

Short of Mike Schmidt, there may be no better third baseman to ever set foot on the diamond than George Brett, and he is the runaway choice here for the Royals.

Brett played 21 seasons in parts of three decades for the Royals, tallying 3,154 hits and a .305 BA, 317 HR, 1,596 RBI, 201 SB line.

His two most memorable moments were his run at a .400 batting average during the 1980 season (he finished at .390) and the infamous Pine Tar Incident. From his skills to his likeable personality, to his loyalty to the Royals, Brett is the face of the Royals by a landslide.

Others Receiving Consideration:

None

Los Angeles Angels

Tim Salmon, Best Player To Never Be An All-Star

Throughout their history as a franchise, the Angels have had a number of great players like Nolan Ryan, Reggie Jackson, Bobby Grich and Vladimir Guerrero. However, each of those players can lay claim to another franchise as "their" team.

The first and only true Angels star to this point is former outfielder Tim Salmon, as he spent his entire 14-year career with the team.

He came out of the gates strong, winning AL Rookie of the Year in 1993, and he went on to post a stellar .282 BA, 299 HR, 1,016 RBI line. It is still baffling that he never made an All-Star team.

Others Receiving Consideration:

Gene Autry, Former Owner
Vladimir Guerrero, Outfielder
Nolan Ryan, Pitcher

Los Angeles Dodgers

Jackie Robinson, Hero

The choice would be Tommy Lasorda if we were sticking strictly to the Los Angeles Dodgers, but because it is for the entire history of the franchise, the clear choice is Jackie Robinson.

He will forever be the man who changed the game when he broke the color barrier in the major leagues in 1947, paving the way for an entire generation of great African-American players.

His career did not begin until the age of 28, and he played just 10 seasons, but the impact he made both with his offensive production and with his resilience make him a legend in the sporting world.

Others Receiving Consideration:

Sandy Koufax, Pitcher
Tommy Lasorda, Manager
Vin Scully, Announcer

Milwaukee Brewers

Bob Uecker, "Mr. Baseball"

Anointed "Mr. Baseball" by Johnny Carson, Uecker is a former big-league catcher who is significantly better known for his time in the announcer's booth.

I was hesitant to name him as the most famous Brewer, as many know him as Harry Doyle (the Indians announcer in Major League), but he has no doubt done enough to be more than just that role.

He was the Ford C. Frick Award winner in 2003, and his combination of baseball knowledge and humor make him one of the sport's most well-known and well-liked announcers. 

Others Receiving Consideration:

Bernie Brewer, Mascot
Prince Fielder, First Baseman
Paul Molitor, Designated Hitter
Robin Yount, Shortstop/Center Fielder

Minnesota Twins

Kirby Puckett, Consummate Professional

To put things into prospective of just how good Puckett was right off the bat, he was the first player of the 20th century to tally 1,000 hits in his first five seasons and 2,000 hits in his first 10 seasons, as he was the definition of consistency.

While he didn't look it, he was a tremendous athlete, displaying Gold Glove defense in center field while stealing bases regularly, despite a 5'8", 180-pound frame.

He hit the biggest home run in Twins history to send them to Game 6 in the 1991 World Series, and he owns the Twins record books. While his career, and life, ended too soon, there is little doubt he is the first man who comes to mind when you think of the Twins.

Others Receiving Consideration:

Rod Carew, Second Baseman
Harmon Killebrew, First Baseman

New York Mets

Tom Seaver, "Terrific" Pitcher

This is one of the cases where the most well known and famous player in team history is also far and away the best player in team history, as Seaver is head and shoulders above anyone who has played for the Mets both in statistics and in name recognition.

His trade to the Cincinnati Reds in 1977 remains one of the most frowned-upon trades of all time, as Seaver still had plenty left at the age of 32.

As it was, he played 12 seasons for the Mets, compiling a line of 198-194 with a 2.57 ERA and three NL Cy Young Awards. With four 20-win seasons and 178 total wins, he is arguably the best pitcher of the 1970s.

Others Receiving Consideration:

Dwight Gooden, Pitcher
Keith Hernandez, First Baseman
Mr. Met, Mascot
Darryl Strawberry, Outfielder

New York Yankees

Babe Ruth, Above-Average Baseball Player

This was one of the hardest choices and, as crazy as it sounds, Babe Ruth is the face of baseball as a whole by a longshot, but may very well not be the face of the Yankees.

In the end I chose Ruth, but former owner George Steinbrenner and outfielder Mickey Mantle could very well be the first names that pop into someone's head when mention of the Yankees is made.

In the end, there is really no wrong choice here, so why not go with the man who changed the game forever, hitting home runs before it was the cool thing to do.

Others Receiving Consideration:

Yogi Berra, Catcher/Character
Joe DiMaggio, Outfielder
Lou Gehrig, First Baseman
Reggie Jackson, Outfielder
Derek Jeter, Shortstop
Mickey Mantle, Outfielder
Billy Martin, Manager
George Steinbrenner, Owner
Joe Torre, Manager

Oakland Athletics

Charlie O. Finley, Creative Thinker

When businessman Charlie O. Finley bought the Athletics and moved them from Philadelphia to Kansas City, he inherited a rather plain minor-league stadium to play in. However, it wouldn't be plain for long, as he made the following "innovative" modifications to it.

-A device that came out of the ground named "Harvey" that was a rabbit holding a basket of balls for the umpire when a new ball was needed.

-A compressed air device named "Little Blowhard" that blew dirt off of home plate so the umpire didn't need to dust it off.

-A petting zoo with goats, sheep, monkeys, bats and birds among other things down the left-field line.

-A flock of sheep wearing Athletics blankets, complete with shepherd, down the right-field line.

-He attempted to move the right-field wall in to 296 feet, putting some bleachers in right field with a makeshift fence around them. The league shot that idea down, however.

Others Receiving Consideration:

Billy Beane, Owner/Moneyball subject 
Jose Canseco, Outfielder
Connie Mack, Manager

Philadelphia Phillies

Phillie Phanatic, Legendary Mascot

A fat, furry, green monster with a hilarious snout and unrolling tongue, the Phanatic is the king of mascots and is the perfect representation of what may well be the rowdiest fanbase in all of professional baseball.

The Phanatic was a charter member of the Mascot Hall of Fame in 2005, and was voted as the best mascot of all time by Sports Illustrated and Forbes Magazine. The original costume is on display at the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

Others Receiving Consideration:

Steve Carlton, Pitcher
Harry Kalas, Announcer
Mike Schmidt, Third Baseman

Pittsburgh Pirates

Roberto Clemente, Humanitarian Ballplayer

This was a tough choice, as Willie Stargell was the face of the "We Are Family" Pirates that won it all in 1979, but Clemente is as much a legendary figure as he is a great former player.

With exactly 3,000 career hits, four batting titles, 12 All-Star appearances and an NL MVP, there is little doubt Clemente was one of the best outfielders to ever play the game.

However, when he lost his life in a plane crash on his way to bring supplies to hurricane victims in Nicaragua, he not only cut short a tremendous career but also became a mythical figure of sorts. His legacy makes him the choice over Stargell, and the face of the Pirates.

Others Receiving Consideration:

Bill Mazeroski, Second Baseman
Willie Stargell, First Baseman
Honus Wagner, Shortstop

San Diego Padres

Tony Gwynn, Big League Hitter

Much like the Mets with Tom Seaver, the Padres' best player and most recognizable by a landslide is former right fielder Tony Gwynn, as he was one of the best pure hitters to ever play the game.

With a .338 career average, 3,141 hits, eight NL batting titles and 15 All-Star appearances, his resume speaks for itself. While guys like Dave Winfield and Steve Garvey have their place in Padres history, they are better known for contributions to other teams.

Others Receiving Consideration:

San Diego Chicken, Mascot

San Francisco Giants

Barry Bonds, *

It is choices like this where it is important to remember that this is the most famous person in each team's history, not the best player in each team's history, else that honor would go to Willie Mays.

However, as far as pure headline-grabbing fame, there may be no baseball player more famous than Bonds, although it is for all the wrong reasons.

Everyone knows his numbers, and everyone knows his PED use, and the fact of the matter is he is still loved in San Francisco.

Others Receiving Consideration:

Will Clark, First Baseman
Willie Mays, Outfielder
Willie McCovey, First Baseman

Seattle Mariners

Ken Griffey Jr., "The Kid"

While he is not a kid anymore, and is in fact currently enjoying retirement, Ken Griffey Jr. was face of the Seattle Mariners and of Major League Baseball throughout the 1990s.

Injuries held him back from reaching the prolific heights many thought he would reach when he became a star at the age of 20, but he finished his career with a line of .284 BA, 630 HR, 1,836 RBI. Not too shabby.

More importantly, he played during the peak of the Steroid Era but he played the right way. The enjoyment he got out of playing the game was what made him so well liked above everything else, and all things considered he is still one of the greatest of all time.

Others Receiving Consideration:

Jay Buhner, Outfielder 
Edgar Martinez, Designated Hitter
Ichiro Suzuki, Outfielder

St. Louis Cardinals

Stan Musial, "The Man"

How a player considered by most to be among the 10 greatest hitters of all time can be underrated is puzzling, but Musial has managed to achieve that rare feat.

His numbers speak for themselves, as he had 3,630 hits, a .331 BA, 475 HR, 1951 RBI line, seven batting titles, 20 All-Star appearances and three NL MVP Awards.

If that is not convincing enough that he is the most famous Cardinals player, consider the fact that Albert Pujols pushed back his deadline for a contract extension by a day this past spring so that it would not take headlines away from Musial receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Sort of makes petty contract squabbles seem insignificant, doesn't it?

Others Receiving Consideration:

Bob Gibson, Pitcher
Mark McGwire, First Baseman
Albert Pujols, First Baseman

Tampa Bay Rays

Evan Longoria, Significantly Less Attractive Than Eva Longoria

The Rays have had a brief 14-year existence that was marked mostly by losses, losses and more losses. However, they have put things together in recent years and have one of the most talented young teams in baseball.

They have never had a true superstar, with Carl Crawford probably the closest to it, but Evan Longoria should make the jump to superstar before all is said and done.

Not only is he the team's best player, and someone who can really do it all, but he is incredibly marketable with national TV spots for Gillette, New Era, ESPN Sunday Night Baseball and the MLB2K video game franchise.

Others Receiving Consideration:

Carl Crawford, Outfielder
Lou Pinella, Manager

Texas Rangers

Nolan Ryan, True Texan

While he played just five seasons with the Rangers, going a modest 51-39 with a 3.43 ERA, the Rangers are the team that most remember Nolan Ryan from during his playing days.

Everyone roots for the 40-something to succeed against players half his age, and Ryan did just that in throwing two no-hitters and closing out his magnificent career as a member of the Rangers.

His fight with Robin Ventura is legendary, and the image of him bloody-faced on the mound after taking a Bo Jackson line-drive off the mouth and refusing to leave the game (pictured) shows just how tough he was.

Now he has taken over as team president and helped lead the team to its first World Series appearance. So, while he is far from the best player in Rangers history, he is hands down the most famous.

Others Receiving Consideration:

Josh Hamilton, Outfielder
Ivan Rodriguez, Catcher

Toronto Blue Jays

Joe Carter, Never Hit A Bigger Home Run In His Life

Acquired from the Padres along with Roberto Alomar in the deal that sent Fred McGriff out of Toronto, Carter played as big a part as anyone in the Blue Jays' back-to-back World Series titles.

Aside from consistently impactful power numbers, Carter hit one of the most memorable home runs in baseball history when he took Mitch Williams deep in Game 6 of the 1993 World Series to give the Blue Jays a walk-off series win.

Blue Jays announcer Tom Cheek put it perfectly when he said "Touch 'em all Joe, you'll never hit a bigger home run in your life!"

For the sake of this list he didn't need to, as that one was enough to earn him the top spot for the Jays.

Others Receiving Consideration:

George Bell, Outfielder
Carlos Delgado, First Baseman

Washington Nationals

Bryce Harper, The "Chosen One"

Never before had a prospect been as hyped up as Stephen Strasburg was when the Nationals took him first overall in 2009. His place as most-hyped prospect lasted all of a year, until the Nationals took 17-year-old Bryce Harper with the first pick the following year.

He has reached Double-A in his first pro season, and with a line of .294 BA, 17 HR, 58 RBI combined in the minors this year, he has performed well.

Still, the uber-hype that has surrounded him since he was in high school, his arrogant attitude and his undeniable skill should keep him front and center in the headlines for years to come.

Others Receiving Consideration:

Andre Dawson, Outfielder
Gary Carter, Catcher
Stephen Strasburg, Pitcher