In my last post, I submitted a list of the top ten left-handed batters in baseball history. I actually included an additional 20 names under the list for a grand total of 30 players. For today’s installment, I plan on doing the same thing for right-handed batters. Once again, no switch-hitters need apply (they will have their own list). Also, no currently active players, or players who toiled primarily in the 19th century, will be included, either.
Jimmie Foxx, certainly one of the top five right-handed batters of all-time.
So, here’s the list:
1) Rogers Hornsby
2) Willie Mays
3) Jimmie Foxx
4) Hank Aaron
5) Honus Wagner
6) Joe DiMaggio
7) Frank Robinson
8) Mike Schmidt
9) Frank Thomas
10) Mike Piazza
Four of the ten players on this list were outfielders, and two played primarily first base. You also have one player each at second base, shortstop, catcher and third base. In general, while outfielders dominated the list of left-handed batters, the right-handed batters are spread more evenly between infielders and outfielders.
Among shortstops, after Wagner you have Cal Ripkin, Jr., Ernie Banks and Robin Yount.
The next best right-handed batting second basemen are Ryne Sandberg, Jackie Robinson and Craig Biggio.
Other great right-handed batting outfielders include Roberto Clemente, Al Kaline, Harry Heilmann, Al Simmons, Rickey Henderson and Kirby Puckett.
At first base, in addition to Jimmie Foxx and Frank Thomas (listed above), you also have Harmon Killebrew, Hank Greenberg and Jeff Bagwell.
After Mike Piazza, you have Johnny Bench, Pudge Rodriguez, Pudge Fisk, and Roy Campanella.
Though I’ve never been a fan of the D.H., I will gladly utilize this position for the sole purpose of getting Edgar Martinez onto this list. In fact, a case can be made that Edgar belongs among the top ten right-handed batters of all-time.
If you’ve had a chance to look over the left-handed batters and the right-handed batters, which group would you choose?
Next up, the top ten all-time best switch-hitters.
Bill's Top Ten Lists 