1 Babe Ruth
Known as "The Sultan of Swat," Babe Ruth transformed the game with his legendary power-hitting prowess. With a .342 career batting average, 714 home runs, and 2,213 RBIs, Ruth's astonishing numbers cemented his place as one of the greatest hitters of all time. Just think what the Babe could have done if he was healthy. He did this all while eating hot dogs, drinking beer, and smoking cigars.
2 Ted Williams
Ted Williams, "The Splendid Splinter," is revered for his exceptional skill at the plate. With a .344 career batting average and a .482 on-base percentage, Williams remains the last player to hit .400 in a season and is widely considered the greatest hitter in the history of the sport. He was the best pure hitter ever. Ruth was a better all-around ballplayer, but Ted was the best hitter ever. Imagine how good he would've been had he not missed four years to the war.
He is the best pure hitter. Last person to bat .400. (Even if he was a douchebag.)
Splendid! Simply, well... "Splendid!" Just saying.
3 Hank Aaron
Hank Aaron, "Hammerin' Hank," was a consistent and powerful hitter, setting numerous records throughout his illustrious career. Aaron finished with 755 home runs and a remarkable 2,297 RBIs, making him one of the most feared hitters in baseball history.
4 Ty Cobb
Ty Cobb, "The Georgia Peach," was a tenacious and aggressive hitter, finishing his career with a remarkable .366 batting average, the highest in MLB history. Cobb's unmatched consistency and ability to hit for both contact and power secure his place among the all-time greats.
5 Willie Mays
"The Say Hey Kid," Willie Mays, combined power and speed to become one of the most complete hitters in baseball history. With a .302 career batting average, 660 home runs, and 1,903 RBIs, Mays' all-around offensive abilities make him a true legend of the game. Great five-tool player! Great personality and team spirit! An exciting player who played with gusto and flair. Willie excelled in every facet of the game! Adored by millions despite playing in an era when some media were racially biased to downplay his greatness and elevate his counterparts.
Hitting includes slugging, but also other hits along with home runs. The best hitters have lots of singles, doubles, triples, and homers. Willie Mays has more total bases than anyone besides Hank Aaron and Stan Musial.
6 Pete Rose
Known as "Charlie Hustle," Pete Rose holds the record for most career hits with an astonishing 4,256. His relentless work ethic and exceptional contact hitting skills led to a .303 career batting average, solidifying his status as one of the best hitters ever. Pete Rose was a great hitter! Sure, he did some things off the field that were clearly forbidden, but nothing he did falsified the records or polluted the lists with fraudulent numbers. Pete Rose might never get into the Hall of Fame, but he belongs there more than the cheating PED abusers.
Pete Rose had a long, illustrious career before he became a gambling man, unlike others who got busted and suspended over and over during their prime. Pete Rose did so much for baseball! He can have his own Hall of Renegades!
7 Ken Griffey Jr.
With a smooth, powerful swing and exceptional plate discipline, Ken Griffey Jr. became one of the most iconic hitters in the game. Over his career, Griffey Jr. amassed 630 home runs, 1,836 RBIs, and a .284 batting average, earning him a spot among the greatest hitters of all time. If he could have stayed healthy his whole career, he would own the home run record.
8 Derek Jeter
Derek Jeter, "The Captain," was known for his clutch hitting and ability to perform under pressure. With a .310 career batting average and 3,465 hits, Jeter's remarkable consistency and leadership make him one of the best hitters to ever step on the field. Hit his 3000th hit with a home run at Yankee Stadium. Second best hitter ever.
9 Stan Musial
Stan "The Man" Musial was a consistent and versatile hitter, renowned for his smooth swing and remarkable plate coverage. With a .331 career batting average, 3,630 hits, and 1,951 RBIs, Musial's extraordinary offensive talents earn him a spot among the greatest hitters of all time.
10 Rogers Hornsby
Known as "The Rajah," Rogers Hornsby was a remarkable hitter who dominated the 1920s with his incredible bat control. With a .358 career batting average, 301 home runs, and 1,584 RBIs, Hornsby's impressive numbers place him among the best hitters in baseball history.
The Contenders
11 Jimmie Foxx
Jimmie Foxx, "Double X," was a powerful slugger known for his raw strength and exceptional plate discipline. Foxx amassed 534 home runs, a .325 career batting average, and 1,922 RBIs, making him one of the most dominant hitters in baseball history.
12 Roberto Clemente
Roberto Clemente, "The Great One," was known for his exceptional hitting ability and strong arm from right field. With 3,000 career hits, a .317 batting average, and 1,305 RBIs, Clemente's offensive prowess and humanitarian legacy make him one of the greatest hitters of all time.
13 Cal Ripken Jr.
Cal Ripken Jr., "The Iron Man," was not only known for his record-breaking consecutive games played streak, but also for his consistent hitting ability. Ripken Jr. finished his career with 3,184 hits, 431 home runs, and a .276 batting average, making him one of the all-time great hitters.
14 Frank Thomas
Frank Thomas, "The Big Hurt," was a feared power hitter who combined raw strength with exceptional plate discipline. Thomas boasted a .301 career batting average, 521 home runs, and 1,704 RBIs, making him one of the most dominant hitters in the history of the sport.
15 Tony Gwynn
Tony Gwynn, "Mr. Padre," was an exceptional contact hitter with incredible plate discipline. Gwynn amassed 3,141 hits and finished with a .338 career batting average, earning eight batting titles and solidifying his place among the best hitters to ever play the game.
16 Ichiro Suzuki
Ichiro Suzuki, simply known as "Ichiro," brought his unique hitting style from Japan to MLB and quickly became one of the best contact hitters in the game. With over 3,000 MLB hits and a .311 career batting average, Ichiro's exceptional consistency makes him a standout among the best hitters. He has the most hits in professional baseball history.
17 Shoeless Joe Jackson
Despite his controversial career, Shoeless Joe Jackson was an exceptional hitter with a natural talent for hitting. Jackson finished his career with a .356 batting average, 1,772 hits, and 792 RBIs, making him one of the most talented hitters of his era.
18 Honus Wagner
Honus Wagner, "The Flying Dutchman," was an exceptional contact hitter and a versatile player. Wagner finished his career with a .328 batting average, 3,430 hits, and 1,732 RBIs, placing him among the greatest hitters to ever grace the diamond.
19 Joe DiMaggio
Joe DiMaggio, "The Yankee Clipper," was known for his 56-game hitting streak and exceptional hitting ability. DiMaggio finished his career with a .325 batting average, 361 home runs, and 1,537 RBIs, making him one of the most iconic hitters in the history of the sport.
20 Tris Speaker
Tris Speaker, "The Grey Eagle," was known for his exceptional plate discipline and ability to hit for average. With a .345 career batting average, 3,514 hits, and 1,529 RBIs, Speaker's hitting prowess places him among the all-time greats.
21 Lou Gehrig
Lou Gehrig, "The Iron Horse," was a powerful hitter and a symbol of strength and durability. Gehrig's career achievements include a .340 batting average, 493 home runs, and 1,995 RBIs, making him one of the most revered hitters in the history of the game. It's hard to go against The Babe, but it's completely ridiculous that Gehrig isn't on this list yet, so he gets my vote.
22 Mickey Mantle
Mickey Mantle, "The Mick," was a switch-hitting power hitter and an icon of the New York Yankees. With 536 career home runs, 1,509 RBIs, and a .298 batting average, Mantle's extraordinary hitting ability and all-around talent make him one of the best hitters of all time.
23 Carl Yastrzemski
Carl Yastrzemski, affectionately known as "Yaz," was a consistent and versatile hitter. Over his 23-year career, Yastrzemski compiled a .285 batting average, 3,419 hits, and 452 home runs, establishing himself as one of the best hitters of his generation.
24 Albert Pujols
Albert Pujols, "The Machine," has consistently been a dominant force at the plate throughout his career. With over 3,300 hits, 703 home runs, and a .296 batting average, Pujols has proven himself as one of the best hitters of his generation. Goodness. How soon people forget. At least top ten, best player in baseball for seven years straight. Power, average, defense... El Hombre is the greatest.
25 Miguel Cabrera
Miguel Cabrera, "Miggy," is a prodigious hitter with a keen eye for the ball. Cabrera has achieved a .311 batting average, over 2,900 hits, and 502 home runs, making him one of the most feared hitters in the modern era.