The Top 10 greatest players at each position in the last 50 years- Designated Hitter

Continuing my list of 10 greatest players at each position in the last 50 years, today I am looking at the Designated Hitters. Since this is based on the last 50 years, the player must have played in MLB for at least 5 years since the 1973 season. For the DH, this is notable since that was the first season in use. Note players who began their career prior to 73 can be considered. However only their performance and accomplishments since the 1973 season will be counted for (and in this case, only his performance as DH).

Here is my list of the top 10 Designated Hitters in the last 50 years.

10. Travis Hafner (2002-2013)-.4 straight seasons 1000 or more RBI.

9. Edwin Encarnacion (2005-2020)-7 straight seasons 98 or more RBI.

8. Chili Davis (1981-1999)- 3X World Series champion.

7. Hal McRae (1973-1987)- 2X doubles leader.

6. Don Baylor (1970-1988)- MVP.

5. Harold Baines (1980-2001)- HOF, 1628 career RBI.

4. Paul Molitor (1978-1998) -HOF, .400 WS Batting Avg. WS MVP

3. Frank Thomas (1990-2008) HOF, 2X MVP, Batting champion.

2. Edgar Martinez (1987-2004)- HOF, 2X Batting champion.

1. David Ortiz (1997-2016)- HOF, HR champion, ALCS MVP, WS MVP,

Notes. This list was tough to put together as the players had to be a DH more than any other position in their career. Lots of all-time greats finished their careers as DH but did not qualify for the list due to playing more games at other positions. I picked Hafner at #10. He had a short career, but, put up some impressive numbers. He only had 5 seasons where he played over 100 games, and in 4 of those he had over 100 RBI. Encarnacian was very consistent. He had 8 straight seasons over 30 HRs. Davis was a key player on 3 championship teams (1991 Twins, and later in his career, the 1998 and 1999 Yankees). McRae was one of the first full time DHs and was a key member of the Royals teams of the 70s and 80s, winning a championship in 85. Baylor was the first full time DH to win an MVP. Baines made the HOF on his longevity and consistency (I guess?). Hall of Famer Molitor had over 3,000 hits and was a terrific post season player. Hall of Famer Thomas finished in the top 5 MVP voting (4) times besides winning it twice. Hall of Famer Martinez hit over 500 doubles in his career, with 2 seasons of 52. Finally, Hall of Famer Ortiz did something that was unthinkable 20 years ago. He led the Red Sox to 3 World Series championships.

Next up is the 10 greatest right-handed starting pitchers in the last 50 years.