Greatest First Basemen In MLB History

Lou Gehrig

Henry Louis Gehrig, nicknamed "The Iron Horse," was an American baseball first baseman who played his entire professional career in Major League Baseball for the New York Yankees, from 1923 until 1939. Gehrig was renowned for his prowess as a hitter and for his durability, which earned him his famous... read more

The Pride of the Yankees himself, here's that 1939 Hall of Fame Plaque, just to celebrate the legacy and greatness of Lou Gehrig: Holder of more than a score of Major and American League records, including that of playing 2130 consecutive games. When he retired in 1939, he had a life time average of .340.
The first man to hit 4 home runs in one game, and played on 7 World championship teams.
Its Joeysworld

Gehrig and Pujols are the top two based on stats, impact, and overall performance. I would put Foxx, Greenberg, and McCovey next. McCovey was excellent in the late 60's and early 70's. He got overshadowed a lot by the player I believe to be the best of all time--Willie Mays.

Albert Pujols

José Alberto Pujols Alcántara, born on January 16, 1980, is a Dominican American former professional baseball first baseman. He played most of his Major League Baseball career with the St. Louis Cardinals and also had a lengthy stint with the Los Angeles Angels. In 2025, he was named manager of the... read more

Jimmie Foxx

Miguel Cabrera

José Miguel Cabrera Torres, commonly known as Miguel Cabrera and nicknamed "Miggy," is a Venezuelan professional baseball first baseman and designated hitter. He plays for the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball. Cabrera is a two-time American League MVP and won the Triple Crown in 2012.

Rod Carew

One of baseball's great hit men. Here's his 1991 Hall of Fame Plaque: Batting wizard who lined, chopped and bunted his way to 3,053 hits. 7 batting titles surpassed only by Cobb and Wagner. Used variety of relaxed, crouched batting stances to hit over .300 15 consecutive seasons, achieving .328 lifetime, A.L. Rookie of year in 1967 and A.L. MVP in 10 years later when he batted .388 with 239 hits, named to 18 straight ALL-Star teams. National hero in Panama. His 3,000th hit happened on August 4, 1985 on the same day that Tom Seaver won his 300th game.
Its Joeysworld

Paul Goldschmidt

Paul Edward Goldschmidt, nicknamed "Goldy," is an American professional baseball first baseman who began his Major League Baseball career with the Arizona Diamondbacks. He made his MLB debut in 2011 and quickly became known for his hitting power and consistency. Goldschmidt is a six-time MLB All-Star... read more

Hank Greenberg

Eddie Murray

Willie McCovey

Stretch was his nickname and baseball was his game and playing 4 decades and making a name for himself made him a legends. Here's his 1986 Hall of Fame Plaque: Top left-handed home run hitter in N.L. history with 521, second only to Lou Gehrig with 18 career grand slams. Led N.L. in homers three times and RBIs twice. N.L. rookie of year 1959, MVP in 1969 and comeback player of the year in '77. Teamed with Willie Mays for awesome 1-2 punch in Giants' lineup.
Its Joeysworld

Todd Helton

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Bryce Harper

Bryce Aron Max Harper, born October 16, 1992, is an American professional baseball right fielder and first baseman for the Philadelphia Phillies of Major League Baseball. He is listed at 6 ft 1 in and 210 lb and is known for his powerful hitting and leadership.

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Stan Musial

Stanley Frank Musial (born Stanislaw Franciszek Musial. November 21, 1920 - January 19, 2013), known by the nickname "Stan the Man," was an American professional baseball player. He played 22 seasons as an outfielder and first baseman in Major League Baseball for the St. Louis Cardinals from 1941 to... read more

Willie Stargell

Jeff Bagwell

Why wasn't this guy on the list? Seriously, you put Goldy before him? Goldy hasn't even had a quarter of the career that Bagwell did yet.

Bagwell was better then some of the players ranked higher. He should be in the top ten

Bagwell was good enough for the HoF, but I bet Goldschmidt will have a better career by the time he retires.

Ernie Banks

Pete Rose

Peter Edward Rose Sr. (April 14, 1941 - September 30, 2024), nicknamed "Charlie Hustle," was an American professional baseball player and manager. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1963 to 1986, most notably with the Cincinnati Reds, who dominated the National League in the 1970s as "The... read more

Tim Jordan

Okay, I looked him up. First baseman, lefty, 1901-1910, mostly with Brooklyn. Awesome OPS+ numbers! Good WAR numbers. I didn't know about him, thanks.

Harmon Killebrew

Frank Thomas

Frank Edward Thomas Jr., nicknamed "the Big Hurt," is an American former professional baseball first baseman and designated hitter. He played most of his Major League Baseball career with the Chicago White Sox. Thomas was a two-time American League MVP and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame... read more

Jim Thome

Anthony Rizzo

Anthony Vincent Rizzo is an American former professional baseball first baseman. He played for the San Diego Padres, Chicago Cubs, and New York Yankees in Major League Baseball. Rizzo is a three-time All-Star and was a key player in the Cubs' 2016 World Series championship.

Cubs would be nothing without him!