Who are the greatest MLB first basemen of all time?

There have been many incredible talents to play first in MLB history. However, making a list of the greatest MLB first basemen of all time is tough, for several reasons. However, there are a few names that stand above the rest. Here are our picks for the five best first basemen in MLB history, starting with one of the game’s most feared hitters.

5. Willie McCovey

Willie McCovey of the San Francisco Giants — Image via Wikimedia Commons (Holly Hickman)

San Francisco Giants legend Willie McCovey did play the outfield but first base was his real home. “Mac” became an instant sensation in San Francisco, as he hit .354 with 13 home runs and 27 extra-base hits over 52 games in his rookie season to win the 1959 NL Rookie of the Year.

That year proved to be a sign of things to come, as McCovey turned into one of the game’s most feared hitters. Playing alongside Willie Mays, McCovey had seven 30+ home run campaigns between 1963 and 1970 and led the NL three times in that category. A member of the 500 home run club, McCovey finished his career in the top 15 in home runs (439) and RBI (1,305) at the position.

4. Eddie Murray

Eddie Murray of the Baltimore Orioles — Image via Wikimedia Commons (Maryland GovPics)

No player in MLB history has more games played at first base than Orioles icon Eddie Murray. Murray played 2,408 career games at first over his 21-year career, one that saw him be an excellent presence both at the dish and in the field.

Murray finished his career as an eight-time All-Star, three-time Gold Glove Award winner, and 1977 AL Rookie of the Year winner. He played a major role in the O’s runs to the Fall Classic in 1979 and 1983, the latter of which Baltimore won. Statistically, Murray had 16 seasons in which he hit 20+ home runs and is the all-time leader for most hits (2.631) at the position.

3. Jimmie Foxx

Jimmie Foxx of the Boston Red Sox — Image via Wikimedia Commons

It’s not easy to make a best first basemen of all time list, simply because so many of the best who played the position didn’t do so throughout their entire career. Ernie Banks was a distinguished first baseman and shortstop, while Jim Thome helped power the Indians in the 1990s at the hot corner. A’s and Red Sox legend Jimmie Foxx spent time behind the plate and at third but found a home at first base.

Foxx wreaked havoc on AL pitching in the late 1920s and early 1930s, as he led the AL in home runs in three of four years from 1932-1935, highlighted by a career-high 58 in 1932. Just four players in MLB history hit more homers (458) playing first than Foxx, who ended his career with three MVP awards and two World Series titles with the Athletics.

2. Lou Gehrig

Lou Gehrig of the New York Yankees — Image via Wikimedia Commons (Heritage Auctions)

It’s impossible to have a conversation about the greatest first basemen in MLB history without Lou Gehrig. Nicknamed “The Iron Horse,” Gehrig and Babe Ruth formed one of the game’s most iconic duos in MLB history. Ruth set the record books ablaze in the 1920s, but so did Gehrig.

The Yankees legend hit 493 career home runs, 478 of which came at first, and owned a career OPS of 1.080. Gehrig had five 40+ home run campaigns, won the AL MVP in 1927 and 1936, and won seven World Series titles with the Bronx Bombers.

1. Albert Pujols

Albert Pujols of the St. Louis Cardinals — Image via Wikimedia Commons

Cardinals legend Albert Pujols spent most of his first three seasons in the outfield. But once 2004 rolled around, the first base position was all his in St. Louis. The future Hall of Famer continued to crush opposing pitchers, and Pujols won three NL MVP awards and two World Series titles manning first for the Cardinals.

Pujols is one of four players in MLB history to hit 700 or more home runs. He’s also second on the all-time leaderboard for home runs (484) at first base, behind only his former teammate Mark McGwire (566).

Note: All stats and achievements are as of 1913 or later.