Revised List of 36: Best Players I’ve Seen Play In Person

OK. Before the season starts, it's time to take care of some housekeeping. I didn't update this list after the latest Hall of Fame class was announced.  

As I’ve said, I make this list based mostly on awards. After all, my grandkids are more likely to ask me if I’ve seen a former MVP than some player who played well for a while. I also assume a Hall of Fame probably automatically makes the list.

And, at this point, it's basically all Hall of Famers. Which is why I don't update it after the MVP awards are announced anymore.

Which of the 2025 class makes the cut? I'm glad you asked. Dick Allen and Dave parker were before my time, so they don't make it. Billy Wagner, I am amazed to say, I never saw play. Even thought he was with the Sox for a year, I guess he never pitched in a game I attended. CC Sabathia I saw play twice. I even recapped those games when I asked if he was any good. Ichiro I saw play live three times. I also recounted thos games in a previous post.

Thankfully, Ichiro was already on the list because of course he was. Sabathia, though, is a new addition. So, he has to bump someone off. Looking at the list, there are five slots held by people not in the HOF (now that Ichiro is in). Bonds, Clemens, Pujols, A-Rod, and Trout. I'll let Pujols and Trout keep their slots because they'll both make it back on the list eventually anyway. Bonds and Clemens probably won't make it, but they have too many awards to take off quite yet. A-Rod has fewer accomplishments and is, well, A-Rod. So, he gets the boot this time.

So, here’s the new list.

1. Roberto Alomar (HOF)

2. Adrian Beltre (HOF)

3. Wade Boggs (HOF)

4. Barry Bonds (MVP)

5. Roger Clemens (MVP, CYA)

6. Dennis Eckersley (HOF)

7. Tom Glavine (HOF)

8. Ken Griffey Jr (HOF, All-Century Team)

9. Vladimir Guerrero (HOF) 

10. Todd Helton (HOF)

11. Rickey Henderson (HOF)

12. Derek Jeter (HOF)

13. Randy Johnson (HOF)

14. Chipper Jones (HOF)

15. Greg Maddux (HOF)

16. Edgar Martinez (HOF)

17. Pedro Martinez (HOF)

18. Joe Mauer (HOF)

19. Fred McGriff (HOF)

20. Mike Mussina (HOF)

21. David Ortiz (HOF)

22. Mike Piazza (HOF)

23. Kirby Puckett (HOF)

24. Albert Pujols (MVP)

25. Jim Rice (HOF)

26. Cal Ripken (HOF)

27. Mariano Rivera (HOF)

28. Ivan Rodriguez (HOF)

29. Scott Rolen (ROY, HOF)

30. CC Sabathia (HOF)

31. John Smoltz (HOF)

32. Ichiro Suzuki (HOF)

33. Frank Thomas (HOF)

34. Jim Thome (HOF)

35. Mike Trout (MVP)

36. Larry Walker (HOF)

Who’s on your list?