
MLB's 100 Greatest Everyday Players of the 1990s: Nos. 25-1
The '90s were an interesting time for baseball. We saw the first Canadian world champion and a strike that devastated the game.
We saw the reemergence of the Evil Empire and one of the classiest men in baseball break the consecutive games started streak, and we saw a home run chase that made baseball America's pastime once again.
This was all fueled by the players themselves. I made this list based on many factors including stats, accolades, impact on the game, and my own opinion, among other things.
25. Ivan Rodriguez
1 of 25
Texas Rangers: 1991-1999
- RUNS: 649
- HITS: 1333
- 2B: 261
- 3B: 20
- HR: 144
- RBI: 621
- SB: 60
- BB: 237
- AVG: .300
- OBP: .337
- SLG: .465
- OPS: .802
- 1999 AL MVP
- 8x Gold Glove
- 6x Silver Slugger
- 8x All Star
Pudge was the best defensive catcher of the decade and some could argue the best of all time. In 1996 he had more doubles than a catcher had ever had with 44. He was the first catcher ever to have two or more seasons of 40 or more doubles.
During the decade he finished in the top 10 in batting average three times, slugging percentage once, runs scored once, hits four times, and doubles once. He led the league in assists by a catcher 1995-1998 and was in the top five in all other years.
24. Cal Ripken
2 of 25
Baltimore Orioles: 1990-1999
- RUNS: 768
- HITS: 1589
- 2B: 305
- 3B: 20
- HR: 198
- RBI: 827
- SB: 17
- BB: 527
- AVG: .278
- OBP: .341
- SLG: .443
- OPS: .783
- 1991 AL MVP
- 1991 All Star Game MVP
- 2x Gold Glove
- 3x Silver Slugger
- 10x All Star
Ripken of course was best known in the 90s for breaking Lou Gehrig's consecutive game streak. This was such an amazing feat and many feel it's the greatest moment of the decade in baseball. Besides breaking the record Cal had a great decade and made every All-Star game.
In 1991 he led the league in total bases with 368. On defense he led the league in assists three different times.
During the decade he finished in the top 10 in batting average once, slugging percentage once, OPS once, hits twice, doubles three times, home runs once, runs batted in once, and walks once.
23. Paul O'Neill
3 of 25
Cincinnati Reds: 1990-1992
New York Yankees: 1993-1999
- RUNS: 753
- HITS: 1524
- 2B: 328
- 3B: 14
- HR: 204
- RBI: 923
- SB: 75
- BB: 690
- AVG: .296
- OBP: .376
- SLG: .483
- OPS: .860
- 4x World Champion
- 5x All Star
O'Neill was often overlooked because he played with flashier players, but he was as valuable to the Yankees as anyone.
In 1994 he led the league in batting average at .359. He also finished fifth in the MVP race that year.
In 1990 he lead the league in assists by a rightfielder with 13. He led the league in putouts by a rightfielder twice with 302 and 292.
During the decade he finished in the top 10 in batting average three times, on base percentage three times, slugging percentage once, OPS once, hits twice, doubles three times, home runs once, runs batted in twice, and walks three times.
22. Kenny Lofton
4 of 25
Houston Astros: 1991
Cleveland Indians: 1992-1996, 1998-1999
Atlanta Braves: 1997
- RUNS: 852
- HITS: 1356
- 2B: 212
- 3B: 60
- HR: 63
- RBI: 412
- SB: 433
- BB: 537
- AVG: .310
- OBP: .384
- SLG: .429
- OPS: .813
- 4x Gold Glove
- 6x All Star
Lofton was one arguably the fastest player of the decade. He was also one of the best leadoff men around. He led the league in stolen bases from 1992-1996 and was second in 1998.
During the 1994 season he finished fourth in the MVP race and led the league in hits with 160. In 1995 he led the league in triples with 13.
He had the most assists among centerfielders four times during the decade and finished in the top five, four other times.
During the decade he finished in the top 10 in batting average three times, on-base percentage three times, OPS once, runs scored three times, hits three times, doubles once, triples five times, and walks once.
21. Mo Vaughn
5 of 25
Boston Red Sox: 1991-1998
Anaheim Angels: 1999
- RUNS: 691
- HITS: 1312
- 2B: 219
- 3B: 10
- HR: 263
- RBI: 860
- SB: 28
- BB: 573
- AVG: .301
- OBP: .390
- SLG: .538
- OPS: .928
- 1995 AL MVP
- 1x Silver Slugger
- 3x All Star
Mo Vaughn was a force to reckoned with in the 90s. He was a big man with a big bat and moved pretty good for a guy his size. During his 1995 MVP season he led the league in runs batted in with 126. He finished fifth in the MVP race the next year and fourth in 1998.
During the decade he finished in the top 10 in batting average three times, on-base percentage four times, slugging percentage six times, OPS six times, runs scored twice, hits twice, home runs five times, runs batted in twice, and walks twice.
20. Tony Gwynn
6 of 25
San Diego Padres: 1990-1999
- RUNS: 744
- HITS: 1713
- 2B: 330
- 3B: 33
- HR: 88
- RBI: 688
- SB: 97
- BB: 389
- AVG: .344
- OBP: .388
- SLG: .476
- OPS: .865
- 2x Gold Glove
- 3x Silver Slugger
- 10x All Star
Gwynn was probably the best pure hitter of the decade and was a beloved player for San Diego. He played in every single All-Star Game. During the strike season of 1994, Gwynn finished the season with a .394 batting average, and many believe he would have been able to hit the .400 mark if the season had finished. He led the league in average that year and for the next three years. He also led the league in on base percentage in 1994 at .454.
He led the league in hits three different times in 90s as well. During the decade he finished in the top 10 in batting average nine times, on-base percentage five times, slugging percentage twice, OPS three times, runs scored twice, hits six times, doubles four times, triples twice, and runs batted in once.
19. Bernie Williams
7 of 25
New York Yankees: 1991-1999
- RUNS: 754
- HITS: 1298
- 2B: 241
- 3B: 44
- HR: 151
- RBI: 681
- SB: 106
- BB: 595
- AVG: .304
- OBP: .389
- SLG: .487
- OPS: .876
- 3x World Champion
- 3x Gold Glove
- 3x All Star
Bernie was an all-around terrific player. He was vital to the Yankees becoming an elite team again and was the ALCS MVP in 1996, batting .474 with two home runs. In 1998 he became the first player to win the batting title, Gold Glove, and a World Series in the same year.
During the decade he finished in the top 10 in batting average three times, on-base percentage three times, slugging percentage twice, OPS three times, runs scored twice, hits twice, doubles once, triples three times, and walks once.
18. Dante Bichette
8 of 25
California Angels: 1990
Milwaukee Brewers: 1991-1992
Colorado Rockies: 1993-1999
- RUNS: 795
- HITS: 1584
- 2B: 330
- 3B: 24
- HR: 236
- RBI: 979
- SB: 142
- BB: 280
- AVG: .303
- OBP: .339
- SLG: .510
- OPS: .849
- 1x Silver Slugger
- 4x All Star
Bichette was part of a powerful Rockies lineup and was one of the team's first stars. His finest season came in 1995 when he placed second in MVP voting. He also came very close to winning the Triple Crown as he led the league in home runs, runs batted in, and placed third in batting average. In that same season he led the league in slugging percentage and total bases as well.
During the decade he finished in the top 10 in batting average twice, slugging percentage twice, OPS once, runs scored twice, hits four times, doubles five times, home runs twice, and runs batted in six times.
17. Sammy Sosa
9 of 25
Chicago White Sox: 1990-1991
Chicago Cubs: 1992-1999
- RUNS: 814
- HITS: 1366
- 2B: 198
- 3B: 35
- HR: 332
- RBI: 928
- SB: 217
- BB: 417
- AVG: .268
- OBP: .325
- SLG: .515
- OPS: .840
- 1998 NL MVP
- 3x Silver Slugger
- 3x All Star
Say what you will about Sosa, but there is no denying he is one of the most important players of the decade. He along with Mark McGwire captured a nation in their home run chase, and even though he didn't finish with the most home runs, he did end up winning the MVP that year as he led the league in runs scored, runs batted in, and total bases.
During the decade he finished in the top 10 in slugging percentage three times, OPS twice, runs scored twice, hits once, triples twice, homeruns seven times, runs batted in four times, and stolen bases twice.
16. Barry Larkin
10 of 25
Cincinnati Reds: 1990-1999
- RUNS: 834
- HITS: 1447
- 2B: 269
- 3B: 51
- HR: 137
- RBI: 639
- SB: 266
- BB: 658
- AVG: .303
- OBP: .388
- SLG: .466
- OPS: .854
- 1990 World Champion
- 1995 NL MVP
- 3x Gold Glove
- 7x Silver Slugger
- 8x All Star
Larkin may very well have been the best all-around shortstop of the decade. He was excellent on both sides of the ball. In 1990 he led the league in assists by a shortstop with 469.
During the decade he finished in the top 10 in batting average three times, on-base percentage three times, slugging percentage twice, OPS twice, runs scored three times, hits twice, triples twice, walks three times, and stolen bases four times.
15. Mark McGwire
11 of 25
Oakland Athletics: 1990-1997
St. Louis Cardinals: 1997-1999
- RUNS: 791
- HITS: 1071
- 2B: 172
- 3B: 1
- HR: 405
- RBI: 956
- SB: 9
- BB: 951
- AVG: .268
- OBP: .411
- SLG: .615
- OPS: 1.025
- 1x Gold Glove
- 3x Silver Slugger
- 8x All Star
Big Mac was pure power. Even before the steroids speculation there is no doubt that the man could bash with the best of them. He along with Sosa brought fans back to the sport and his breaking of Maris' record was one of the most exciting moments in baseball history.
He finished fourth in MVP voting in 1992, second in 1997, and fifth in 1999. He led the league in many stats during the 90s including slugging percentage three times, on-base percentage twice, OPS twice, home-runs three times, runs batted in once, and walks twice.
During the decade he also finished in the top 10 in on-base percentage four times, slugging percentage six times, OPS six times, runs scored twice, home-runs seven times, runs batted in three times, and walks seven times.
14. Fred McGriff
12 of 25
Toronto Blue Jays: 1990
San Diego Padres: 1991-1993
Atlanta Braves: 1993-1997
Tampa Bay Devil Rays: 1998-1999
- RUNS: 837
- HITS: 1573
- 2B: 276
- 3B: 13
- HR: 300
- RBI: 975
- SB: 52
- BB: 787
- AVG: .291
- OBP: .381
- SLG: .514
- OPS: .895
- 1995 World Champion
- 1994 All Star MVP
- 2x Silver Slugger
- 4x All Star
Crime Dog was a a guy that many people forget about, but he was one of the top sluggers of the 90s. In 1993 he finished fourth in MVP voting even though he played for two different teams. In the 1995 World Series he hit two home runs, proving he could do it on the big stage as well.
In 1992 he led the league in home runs with 35. During the decade he finished in the top 10 in batting average once, on-base percentage three times, slugging percentage five times, OPS five times, runs scored three times, hits once, home runs five times, runs batted in five times, and walks three times.
13. Craig Biggio
13 of 25
Houston Astros: 1990-1999
- RUNS: 1042
- HITS: 1728
- 2B: 362
- 3B: 35
- HR: 136
- RBI: 641
- SB: 319
- BB: 730
- AVG: .297
- OBP: .386
- SLG: .441
- OPS: .827
- 4x Gold Glove
- 4x Silver Slugger
- 7x All Star
Biggio was one of the toughest players around and he could play anywhere, as is evidenced by his three different positions. He finished fourth and fifth in MVP voting in 1997 and 1998. In 1994 he led the league in doubles with 44 and stolen bases with 39. In 1995 and 1997 he led the league in runs with 123 and 146. And in 1998 and 1999 he led the league in doubles with 51 and 56.
During the decade he finished in the top 10 in batting average twice, on-base percentage four times, OPS once, runs scored seven times, hits six times, doubles four times, triples twice, and walks five times.
12. Edgar Martinez
14 of 25
Seattle Mariners: 1990-1999
- RUNS: 854
- HITS: 1492
- 2B: 358
- 3B: 12
- HR: 196
- RBI: 750
- SB: 38
- BB: 854
- AVG: .322
- OBP: .430
- SLG: .532
- OPS: .962
- 3x Silver Slugger
- 4x All Star
He may have been a DH, but he was a great player. In 1995 he finished third in MVP voting and became the only DH to ever win the batting title. He also led the league in on-base percentage, OPS, runs scored, and doubles that year. As a total in the 90s, he led the league in batting average twice, on-base percentage three times, OPS once, runs scored once, and doubles twice.
During the decade he finished in the top 10 in batting average seven times, on-base percentage eight times, slugging percentage four times, OPS six times, runs scored three times, hits three times, doubles four times, runs batted in once, and walks six times.
11. Rafael Palmeiro
15 of 25
Texas Rangers: 1990-1993, 1999
Baltimore Orioles: 1994-1998
- RUNS: 965
- HITS: 1747
- 2B: 343
- 3B: 23
- HR: 328
- RBI: 1068
- SB: 67
- BB: 707
- AVG: .299
- OBP: .375
- SLG: .534
- OPS: .908
- 3x Gold Glove
- 2x Silver Slugger
- 3x All Star
Before Palmeiro wagged his finger at Congress, he was an excellent player who consistently put up numbers during the 90s. Besides being a slugger he was a very good fielder as well. He led the league in assists by a first basemen five times. In 1999 he finished fifth in MVP voting. In 1990 he led the league in hits with 191. In 1991 he led the league in doubles with 49, and in 1993 he led the league in runs scored with 124.
During the decade he finished in the top 10 in batting average four times, on-base percentage once, slugging percentage five times, OPS five times, runs scored three times, hits four times, doubles four times, home runs seven times, runs batted in six times, and walks twice.
10. Mike Piazza
16 of 25
Los Angeles Dodgers: 1992-1998
Florida Marlins: 1998
New York Mets: 1998-1999
- RUNS: 611
- HITS: 1200
- 2B: 173
- 3B: 4
- HR: 240
- RBI: 768
- SB: 13
- BB: 381
- AVG: .328
- OBP: .391
- SLG: .575
- OPS: .966
- 1993 NL Rookie of the Year
- 1996 All Star MVP
- 7x Silver Slugger
- 7x All Star
Piazza was the best hitting catcher of the 90s and could be the best hitting catcher of all time. He came out of nowhere but ended up being one of the faces of baseball during the decade. In 1995 he finished fourth in MVP voting and was runnerup in both 1996 and 1997.
During the decade he finished in the top 10 in batting average five times, on-base percentage three times, slugging percentage six times, OPS five times, runs scored once, hits once, home runs six times, runs batted in five times, and walks once.
9. Gary Sheffield
17 of 25
Milwaukee Brewers: 1990-1991
San Diego Padres: 1992-1993
Florida Marlins: 1993-1998
Los Angeles Dodgers: 1998-1999
- RUNS: 733
- HITS: 1235
- 2B: 222
- 3B: 16
- HR: 227
- RBI: 763
- SB: 143
- BB: 723
- AVG: .294
- OBP: .401
- SLG: .517
- OPS: .918
- 1997 World Champion
- 2x Silver Slugger
- 5x All Star
Sheffield was as consistent as they came during the 90s, and it is a bit of a surprise that he played for so many teams considering how good he was. During the 1992 season he finished third in MVP voting and was in contention for the Triple Crown. He won the batting title with a .330 average that year. In 1996 he led the league in on-base percentage and OPS.
During the decade he finished in the top 10 in batting average twice, on-base percentage five times, slugging percentage three times, OPS three times, runs scored twice, hits once, home runs three times, runs batted in three times, and walks four times.
8. Juan Gonzalez
18 of 25
Texas Rangers: 1990-1999
- RUNS: 785
- HITS: 1412
- 2B: 279
- 3B: 19
- HR: 339
- RBI: 1068
- SB: 21
- BB: 338
- AVG: .296
- OBP: .345
- SLG: .576
- OPS: .920
- 2x AL MVP
- 5x Silver Slugger
- 2x All Star
"Juan Gone" was a dominant player for Texas and while he was often overshadowed by other names, he was recognized enough to win the MVP award twice. He also finished fourth in MVP voting in 1993. In 1992 and 1993 he led the league in home runs with 43 and 46. In '93 he also led the league in slugging percentage at .632. In 1998 he led the league in doubles with 50 and runs batted in with 157.
During the decade he finished in the top ten in batting average twice, slugging percentage six times, OPS four times, runs scored once, hits once, doubles once, home runs six times, and runs batted in eight times.
7. Albert Belle
19 of 25
Cleveland Indians: 1990-1996
Chicago White Sox: 1997-1998
Baltimore Orioles: 1999
- RUNS: 881
- HITS: 1520
- 2B: 344
- 3B: 16
- HR: 351
- RBI: 1099
- SB: 86
- BB: 619
- AVG: .299
- OBP: .376
- SLG: .581
- OPS: .957
- 5x Silver Slugger
- 5x All Star
Belle may have been the most intimidating player during the 90s. His power was unreal and while he had a temper, he was able to turn it into production on the field. In 1994-1996 he finished third, second, and third in MVP voting. Many believe that he should have won the MVP in 1995, but he may not have because of his demeanor.
During that season he became the only player to ever hit 50 or more home runs and 50 or more doubles in one season. He of course led the league in both of those categories that year along with slugging percentage, runs scored, and runs batted in. He also led the league in runs batted in during the 1993 and 1996 seasons. In 1998 he led the league in slugging percentage and OPS.
During the decade he finished in the top 10 in batting average three times, on-base percentage twice, slugging percentage six times, OPS five times, runs scored four times, hits four times, doubles four times, home runs eight times, runs batted in eight times, and walks twice.
6. Larry Walker
20 of 25
Montreal Exops: 1990-1994
Colorado Rockies: 1995-1999
- RUNS: 882
- HITS: 1423
- 2B: 314
- 3B: 36
- HR: 262
- RBI: 851
- SB: 189
- BB: 527
- AVG: .313
- OBP: .390
- SLG: .571
- OPS: .961
- 1997 NL MVP
- 5x Gold Glove
- 3x Silver Slugger
- 4x All Star
Many skeptics say that Walker was only good because of the field he played at, but he was a tremendous player regardless of where he played. Besides winning the MVP in '97 he also finished fifth in votes in '92. During his MVP season he led the league in on-base percentage, slugging percentage, OPS, and home runs. In 1994 he led the league in doubles with 44. In 1998 and 1999 he led the league in batting average, also in '99 he led the league in on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and OPS.
During the decade he finished in the top 10 in batting average four times, on-base percentage three times, slugging percentage six times, OPS six times, runs scored three times, hits once, double three times, home runs four times, runs batted in five times, walks once, and stolen bases once.
5. Roberto Alomar
21 of 25
San Diego Padres: 1990
Toronto Blue Jays: 1991-1995
Baltimore Orioles: 1996-1998
Cleveland Indians: 1999
- RUNS: 951
- HITS: 1678
- 2B: 321
- 3B: 51
- HR: 135
- RBI: 732
- SB: 311
- BB: 658
- AVG: .308
- OBP: .382
- SLG: .460
- OPS: .842
- 2x World Champion
- 1998 All Star MVP
- 8x Gold Glove
- 3x Silver Slugger
- 10x All Star
Robby Alomar was an outstanding all-around second baseman and is undoubtedly the best at that position during the 90s. In 1992 he helped the Blue Jays get to and win the World Series. He was named MVP of the ALCS that year. In 1999 he finished third in MVP voting. In that year he led the league in runs scored with 138.
During the decade he finished in the top 10 in batting average three times, on-base percentage four times, runs scored four times, hits four times, doubles three times, triples four times, runs batted in once, walks once, and stolen bases five times.
4. Jeff Bagwell
22 of 25
Houston Astros: 1991-1999
- RUNS: 921
- HITS: 1447
- 2B: 314
- 3B: 21
- HR: 263
- RBI: 961
- SB: 158
- BB: 885
- AVG: .304
- OBP: .416
- SLG: .545
- OPS: .961
- 1991 NL Rookie of the Year
- 1994 NL MVP
- 1x Gold Glove
- 3x Silver Slugger
- 4x All Star
Bagwell went out and performed as hard as he could every night. He had one of the most unique batting stances, but it worked wonders for him. Not only could he hit the ball, he was a very good fielder as well. He led the league in assists by first basemen 1994-1997.
Besides winning the MVP in 1994 he finished third and second in 1997 and 1999. During his MVP season he led the league in slugging percentage, OPS, runs scored and runs batted in. In 1996 he led the league in doubles with 48. In 1999 he led the league in runs scored and walks.
During the decade he finished in the top 10 in batting average three times, on-base percentage seven times, slugging percentage five times, OPS six times, runs scored five times, hits once, double four times, home runs four times, runs batted in five times, and walks eight times.
3. Frank Thomas
23 of 25
Chicago White Sox: 1990-1999
- RUNS: 968
- HITS: 1564
- 2B: 317
- 3B: 10
- HR: 301
- RBI: 1040
- SB: 28
- BB: 1076
- AVG: .320
- OBP: .440
- SLG: .574
- OPS: 1.013
- 2x AL MVP
- 3x Silver Slugger
- 5x All Star
"Big Hurt" was a monster at the plate and was a pain to every pitcher who faced him. Besides winning the MVP award in back-to-back seasons in '93 and '94, he also finished third in '91 and '97. In 1991 he led the league in on-base percentage, OPS and walks. The next year he led the league in all of those categories plus doubles as well.
In 1994 he again led the league in on-base percentage, OPS, and walks, and this time he added runs scored. In 1995 he once again led the league in walks. In 1997 he led the league in batting average, on-base percentage, and OPS.
During the decade he finished in the top 10 in batting average six times, on-base percentage seven times, slugging percentage seven times, OPS seven times, runs scored six times, hits four times, doubles two times, home runs six times, runs batted in seven times, and walks eight times.
2. Barry Bonds
24 of 25
Pittsburgh Pirates: 1990-1992
San Francisco Giants: 1993-1999
- RUNS: 1091
- HITS: 1478
- 2B: 299
- 3B: 42
- HR: 361
- RBI: 1076
- SB: 343
- BB: 1146
- AVG: .302
- OBP: .434
- SLG: .602
- OPS: 1.036
- 3x NL MVP
- 8x Gold Glove
- 7x Silver Slugger
Barry Bonds may be the most controversial player in baseball history, but love him or hate him you can deny that he was one of the best to play the game. He was outstanding at the plate or in the field. He won the MVP in '90, '92, and '93, but also finished second in '91, fourth in '94, and fifth in '96 and '97. He led the league in on-base percentage '91-'93 and '95.
Led the league in slugging percentage in '90, '92, and '93. Was the leader in OPS '90-'93 and '95. Had the most runs scored in '92. He led the league in home runs and runs batted in during the '93 season. He also led the league in walks in 1992 and 1994-1997.
During the decade he finished in the top 10 in batting average twice, on-base percentage nine times, slugging percentage nine times, OPS nine times, runs scored nine times, hits once, doubles four times, triples twice, home runs eight times, runs batted in eight times, walks nine times, and stolen bases seven times.
1. Ken Griffey Jr.
25 of 25
Seattle Mariners: 1990-1999
- RUNS: 1002
- HITS: 1622
- 2B: 297
- 3B: 30
- HR: 382
- RBI: 1091
- SB: 151
- BB: 703
- AVG: .302
- OBP: .384
- SLG: .581
- OPS: .965
- 1997 AL MVP
- 1992 All Star MVP
- 10x Gold Glove
- 7x Silver Slugger
- 10x All Star
"The Kid" was a sight to see. He came into the league and set it on fire. His athleticism and grace was unmatched. He was a true five tool player and one of the best all-around players to ever hit the field. Many believe him to have the best swing in baseball history and that's hard to argue; many also feel he could be the best defensive center-fielder of all time and his 10 Gold Gloves during the decade help support it.
Besides winning the MVP in '97, he also finished fifth in '93, second in '94, fourth in '96, and fourth in '98. He led the league in slugging in '97 at .646. He also had the most runs scored with 125. He led the league in home runs in 1994 and 1997-1999 with 40, 56, 56, and 48. In '97 he led the league in runs batted in with 147.
During the decade he finished in the top 10 in batting average four times, on-base percentage twice, slugging percentage nine times, OPS eight times, runs scored seven times, hits four times, doubles three times, triples once, home runs seven times, runs batted in seven times, and walks once.




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