10 of the Most Iconic Baseball Characters Ever

From Babe Ruth to Yogi Berra these are some of the most well-known and loved baseball characters in history.

Babe Ruth

No baseball list would be complete without Babe Ruth one of the most iconic baseball characters ever. Ruth was a larger-than-life figure, both on and off the field. He was a prolific home run hitter and an excellent pitcher, and his larger-than-life personality made him a popular figure with fans. He was also known for his charitable work, and he remains an iconic figure in Baseball Today

Ty Cobb

One of the first five players inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936, Ty Cobb is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in baseball history During his 24-year career with the Detroit Tigers Cobb compiled a .366 batting average 4,189 hits, 1,944 runs scored and 896 stolen bases He won a record 12 American League batting titles and his .367 career batting average is still the highest in Major League history. He was also an outstanding fielder, winning nine Gold Glove Awards

Lou Gehrig

When thinking about the most iconic baseball characters of all time, one name that comes to mind is Lou Gehrig Gehrig was a first baseman for the New York Yankees and is considered one of the best players in baseball history He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1939 and his number, 4, was retired by the Yankees. Gehrig is best known for his consecutive games played streak, which ended when he retired from baseball due to illness in 1939.

Jackie Robinson

Jackie Robinson was the first African-American player in Major League Baseball (MLB). He broke the baseball color line when the Brooklyn Dodgers started him at first base on April 15, 1947. As the first black man to play in the Major Leagues Robinson faced considerable racism from both opponents and teammates. Nevertheless, he went on to have an exceptional 10-year career, winning the National League Rookie of the Year Award in 1947 and being named an All-Star for six consecutive seasons from 1949 to 1954. In 1997, Major League Baseball honored Robinson by retiring his uniform number, 42, throughout all of MLB.

Hank Aaron

One of the most popular players in baseball history Hank Aaron was best known for his time with the Milwaukee Braves where he played from 1954 to 1965. A perennial All-Star, he was also a two-time National League MVP and won the World Series in 1957. He is considered one of the best hitters in baseball history and his 755 career home runs still stand as the all-time record.

Roberto Clemente

Roberto Clemente was a world-renowned baseball player who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1955 until his untimely death in 1972. He was an extraordinary player who was beloved by both his team mates and fans.

Clemente was born in Puerto Rico and grew up in poverty. Despite the obstacles he faced, Clemente excelled at baseball from a young age. He was signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1954 and made his Major League debut the following year.

Clemente quickly became one of the best players in baseball and he helped lead the Pirates to victory in the World Series in 1960. He won four National League batting titles and was named MVP of the league in 1966.

Clemente was more than just a great baseball player – he was also a humanitarian. He worked tirelessly to help others, both during his playing career and after his retirement from baseball. In 1972, he perished while attempting to deliver supplies to victims of an earthquake in Nicaragua.

Roberto Clemente is remembered as one of the greatest players in baseball history and he remains an inspiration to people all over the world.

Sandy Koufax

Sandy Koufax is without a doubt one of the most iconic baseball characters ever. The left-handed pitcher was a dominant force in the game for a decade, winning three Cy Young Awards and becoming a first-ballot Hall of Famer. He also pitched a perfect game and won two World Series titles with the Los Angeles Dodgers

Nolan Ryan

No player in Baseball History has struck out more batters than Nolan Ryan who racked up an incredible total of 5,714 whiffs during his 27-year career. The “Ryan Express” hurled seven no-hitters, his first coming as a member of the California Angels in 1973. He also threw 12 one-hitters and pitched for a record five different teams: the New York Mets California Angels, Houston Astros Texas Rangers and Chicago Cubs

Cal Ripken Jr.

He was nicknamed “The Iron Man” for his durability, playing in a record 2,632 consecutive games over his 21-year career. He also won two Gold Glove Awards and was named American League MVP in 1983 and 1991. After his retirement from playing in 2001, Ripken became a best-selling author and television commentator.

Ichiro Suzuki

Ichiro Suzuki is a Japanese former professional baseball outfielder who played 28 seasons combined in top-level professional leagues. He spent the majority of his career with two teams, the Seattle Mariners and the New York Yankees but also played for the Miami Marlins and the Tampa Bay Rays Ichiro played professionally in Japan for nine seasons before he signed with the Mariners in 2001.

Ichiro is a ten-time MLB All-Star, was the American League Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Rookie of the Year in 2001, and won both the AL batting title and stolen base crown in 2001. He has led the AL in hits seven times and recorded ten 200-hit seasons. At 10 NPB + MLB seasons, he is the only player born outside North America to reach that mark. Ichiro collected his 3,000th Major League hit on June 13, 2016, became one of only 29 players to reach that milestone. In total, he has amassed 4,367 hits (1st among active players as well as 31st all-time) over his 27 years in MLB and NPB combined.