The Top 10 greatest first basemen in the last 50 years

The top 10 players by position in the last 50 years.

I am embarking on a new baseball project in 2021. I will be ranking the greatest position players in  baseball over the last 50 years. Last year I focused on each team, this year, I will focus on each position. I will be ranking the top 10 players at each position in the last 50 years. Will have separate rankings of all 8 position players, right-handed starters, left-handed starters, relief pitchers and designated hitters will be ranked. Here’s the criteria.

·       Must have played at least 5 years since the 1971 season to be considered (only looking at his playing career since 1971. Previous year stats prior to 71 will not be considered).

·         Player cannot qualify for 2 positions. Will be considered based on position he played most in his career (example. Rod Carew played more games at first base then at second base. He would only make the list at first base). Using baseball reference to confirm amount of games at each position.

·         Same consideration takes place for Designated Hitter (Frank Thomas being an example. He played more games as a DH than at first base. He would only make the list at DH).

·         Rankings based on regular season stats, awards won (MVPS, titles, gold gloves, etc). Post season will add to consideration

First position ranking is first base. Here is my list of the top 10 greatest first basemen in the last 50 years.

1.  Albert Pujols

2. Miguel Cabrera

3. Rod Carew

4. Pete Rose

5. Jim Thome

6. Joey Votto

7. Jeff Bagwell

8. Mark McGwire

9. Rafael Palmeiro

10. Todd Helton

Comments. Pujols has dropped off considerably since his time in St Louis, but still deserves to be # 1. His 11 years with the Cardinals were remarkably consistent putting up Hall of Fame numbers year after year, while winning the MVP 3 times. Cabrera has played more games at first base than at third base. He is destined for the Hall of Fame as a 2-time MVP and 4-time batting champion. Carew played more games at first base than at second base. He is a 7-time batting champion and an MVP. Rose played more games at first base than the other 5 positions he played. He is a 3-time batting champion, MVP, and of course, the all-time hit leader. Thome may be ranked a little high for some peoples liking, but, with over 600 home runs, it is hard to argue. He hit over 30 home runs 12 times in his 22-year career, with 6 yrs over 40 home runs. Votto is an MVP who had 9 seasons of hitting over .300 in his 14-year career.  Bagwell won an MVP and hit over 30 home runs 9 times in his 15-year career. I had to include both McGwire and Palmeiro. Yes, the numbers were enhanced, but, both dominated and hit over 500 home runs each. And finally, Coors Field may have helped his stats, but Helton has a lifetime .316 batting average and hit over .300 in 12 of his 17 seasons and deserved to be included in the top 10.

Next up will be the top 10 second basemen in the last 50 years.