Greatest baseball players of all time, according to science

Published in Science and Technology on Friday, July 25th 2025 at 11:23 GMT by Newsweek
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Roger Clemens and Willie Mays have ranked among the best baseball players in a study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

The Greatest Baseball Players of All Time: Insights from a Groundbreaking New Study

In the ever-evolving world of baseball analytics, where traditional statistics meet modern metrics, a new study has sparked fresh debate about who truly deserves the title of the greatest players in the sport's history. Published recently, this comprehensive analysis employs advanced statistical models to evaluate players across eras, accounting for factors like offensive output, defensive contributions, positional value, and even the varying contexts of different ballparks and leagues. By normalizing data from over a century of Major League Baseball (MLB), the study aims to provide an objective ranking that transcends subjective opinions and nostalgia. At its core, the research utilizes a sophisticated metric similar to Wins Above Replacement (WAR), but refined with additional layers of adjustment for era-specific conditions, such as the dead-ball era versus the steroid era. This approach allows for fair comparisons between legends like those from the early 20th century and contemporary stars. The result is a top-tier list that honors timeless excellence while acknowledging the complexities of baseball's evolution.

Leading the pack, unsurprisingly to many purists, is Babe Ruth, the Sultan of Swat himself. Ruth's dominance is quantified not just by his legendary home run totals—714 in his career—but by his unparalleled ability to revolutionize the game. The study highlights how Ruth transitioned from a star pitcher to the archetypal power hitter, amassing a staggering offensive value that outpaces his peers by a wide margin. His career WAR equivalent in this model exceeds 180, a figure that dwarfs most others due to his dual-threat capabilities early on. Ruth's impact extended beyond numbers; he single-handedly shifted baseball from a small-ball strategy to the long-ball era, drawing massive crowds and elevating the sport's popularity during the 1920s. The analysis adjusts for the lively ball introduction in 1920, yet Ruth's stats remain otherworldly, with seasons like 1927 where he hit 60 home runs as part of the Yankees' Murderers' Row. Defensively, while not elite in the outfield, his arm and instincts added value, making him a complete player in an era when such versatility was rare.

Close behind Ruth, often in heated contention for the top spot, is Willie Mays, the Say Hey Kid, whose all-around brilliance earns him a perennial place among the elite. Mays' ranking is bolstered by his extraordinary defensive prowess, particularly in center field, where his over-the-shoulder catches became the stuff of legend—none more famous than "The Catch" in the 1954 World Series. The study credits Mays with elite baserunning, power hitting, and consistency across 22 seasons, primarily with the New York and San Francisco Giants. His career totals include 660 home runs, 3,283 hits, and 338 stolen bases, but the metric emphasizes his peak years in the 1950s and 1960s, where he led the league in numerous categories. Adjusting for the pitcher-friendly parks like Candlestick Park, Mays' value soars, as the model reveals how he thrived in challenging conditions. What sets Mays apart is his longevity and adaptability; he played through integration, the expansion era, and changing game styles, all while maintaining a joyful charisma that endeared him to fans. The study notes that without the time lost to military service during the Korean War, Mays might have challenged Ruth's throne even more closely.

No ranking of baseball greats would be complete without Barry Bonds, whose inclusion often ignites controversy due to his association with performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). Nevertheless, the study's data-driven approach places Bonds high on the list, emphasizing his raw statistical dominance. Bonds' seven MVP awards, 762 home runs (the all-time record), and 514 stolen bases paint a picture of a player who combined power, speed, and plate discipline like few others. The analysis delves into his on-base percentage, which frequently topped .500 in his prime with the San Francisco Giants, showcasing an ability to draw walks and control at-bats that modern analytics revere. Defensively, Bonds was a Gold Glove outfielder early in his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates, adding to his overall value. The study acknowledges the steroid era's inflation of numbers but adjusts by comparing relative performance within that context, arguing that Bonds' skills were evident even before any alleged enhancements. This ranking challenges traditionalists who prioritize "clean" records, but it underscores the study's commitment to empirical evidence over moral judgments.

Ty Cobb, the Georgia Peach, represents the gritty, pre-modern era of baseball, securing a spot in the upper echelon through sheer offensive wizardry and competitive fire. Known for his .366 career batting average—the highest in MLB history—Cobb's ranking benefits from the model's normalization of the dead-ball era, where home runs were scarce, and contact hitting reigned supreme. Over 24 seasons, mostly with the Detroit Tigers, Cobb amassed 4,189 hits, 892 stolen bases, and a relentless style that included sharp spikes and psychological warfare against opponents. The study quantifies his baserunning as elite, estimating he created runs through speed and aggression that modern players rarely match. While his defensive metrics in center field are solid, it's Cobb's consistency—leading the league in batting average 12 times—that elevates him. However, the analysis doesn't shy away from his controversial personality, noting how his on-field antics and off-field racism reflect the era's flaws, yet his statistical legacy endures.

Hank Aaron, the Hammer, embodies quiet excellence and perseverance, with his 755 home runs (pre-Bonds) standing as a testament to sustained power without the flash. The study's metrics highlight Aaron's remarkable consistency over 23 seasons, primarily with the Milwaukee and Atlanta Braves, where he hit 40 or more homers in eight seasons while maintaining a high batting average. Adjusting for the integration era and the move from Milwaukee to Atlanta's hitter-friendly park, Aaron's value includes strong defensive play in right field and baserunning savvy. His pursuit of Ruth's home run record in 1974, amid racist threats, adds a layer of historical significance that the numbers can't fully capture, but the model credits his all-around game, including 2,297 RBIs, the all-time record.

Ted Williams, the Splendid Splinter, is celebrated for his scientific approach to hitting, boasting a .344 career average and 521 home runs despite missing nearly five seasons to military service in World War II and the Korean War. The Boston Red Sox legend's ranking emphasizes his on-base skills, with a .482 OBP, and power, including two Triple Crowns. The study adjusts for Fenway Park's dimensions, revealing Williams as perhaps the purest hitter ever.

Walter Johnson, the Big Train, stands out as a pitcher in a hitter-heavy list, with his 417 wins and 3,509 strikeouts dominating the early 20th century. The model's inclusion of pitchers like Johnson, Cy Young, and modern aces like Roger Clemens underscores the study's holistic view, valuing mound mastery alongside plate prowess.

Active players like Mike Trout make appearances lower on extended lists, with Trout's early-career WAR projecting him toward greatness if health permits. The study also nods to Shohei Ohtani's unique two-way talent, suggesting he could climb ranks rapidly.

In conclusion, this study reshapes the conversation around baseball immortality, blending data with narrative to honor the sport's rich tapestry. While debates will rage—should PED users be included? How do we weigh eras?—the analysis provides a fresh lens, reminding us that greatness is multifaceted, enduring across generations. As baseball continues to evolve with analytics, such rankings ensure the legends of yesteryear remain in dialogue with today's stars, preserving the game's timeless allure. (Word count: 1,128)

Read the Full Newsweek Article at:
[ https://www.newsweek.com/greatest-baseball-players-all-time-new-study-statistics-2103997 ]

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Greatest baseball players of all time, according to science

The Greatest Baseball Players of All Time: Insights from a Groundbreaking New Study