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With the 75th season of the BLB just around the corner, a panel of former coaches and coaches have spent the last 12 months pouring over stats, records, awards, conducting interviews, and talking to teammates in an exhaustive effort to compile the most definitive list of all time greats.
This list is meant to, by no means, be exhaustive, and there will likely be many glaring issues, but it was a lot of fun trying to compile it. With roughly 10 000 players gracing the BLB at some point, finding the 75 greatest proved to be quite a task.
Trying to account for all eras and playing styles while paying tribute to some of the game's great was no easy feet. Many great players are not on this list.
The criteria... Awards won, peak seasons, longevity, all star votes, how the committee felt...
Five new players will be added to the list at a fairly regular pace throughout the season. Please sit back and enjoy. And, please add your own thoughts and comments as this move prove to be a thread where all of the greats reside and revisit with regularity.
1 Rex ‘Thrifty’ Knight – Indianapolis
In a game that requires power, speed, defence, intelligence, and leadership, the perfect choice for the BLB’s greatest ever player excelled in all areas! Never voted the best player in the league, he was quite simply the best all-around player since taking the field as a 21-year-old rookie for Indianapolis in 1986. Much like Corrigan, Thrifty will always be the standard to which every great player in the BLB will have to compare to. Knight could change the game with his bat, his glove, his baserunning, or simply just giving the guys on the bench a jolt to get them going! For 20 seasons Knight roamed a BLB outfield, and for all but a few of his last seasons, did so at a DWI level. The consummate middle of the order bat, he belted at least 25 home runs 14 times and drove in 100 runs ten times. With unparalleled bat control, he retired with an absurdly low total of 625 strikeouts, while most of the greats on this list are well over 1 000, and some over 1 500 career strikeouts. An analytics darling, nine times he garnered at least 8 WAR, including three seasons with an incredible 11 WAR on the way to being the all-time ‘clean’ leader with 122 career WAR! To this day, he is the only player with a career of over 2 700 hits, 600 doubles, 500 home runs!
Notable Accomplishments:
8 DWIs, 11 All Stars, 0.252/0.365/0.480 slash, 2 777 hits, 666 doubles, 555 home runs, 1 836 RBI
*** Dishonourable Mention Statistical #1, but NOT Considered Due to Circumstances Beyond His Control***
RF Mel ‘Doorbell’ Woodbury – Philadelphia/Virginia
The #1 player on our list does not come without some controversy. We’ll look at his career in two parts! His 8 years with Philadelphia had him on a hall of fame trajectory. Eight years with at least 20 home runs, two Stout Sluggers, and arguably the game’s greatest defensive outfielder to that point in his career. It is at that point that our story has some cloudiness. An off-season trade saw Doorbell move over to the Virginia Colonials…. Yes, that Virginia Colonials! Using advanced nutrition with unsanctioned BLB medical personnel, Woodbury’s career really reached the stratosphere. What followed were the 9 greatest 30-year-old seasons in history. 5 more Stout Sluggers that included 8 seasons of 100 runs and 9 seasons of driving in 100 runs! With his newfound productivity, BLB pitchers stayed away from his bat at all costs, as he led the league in walks his final six years as part of a 9-year stretch of 9 straight 100 walk seasons! Consistently at the top of most offensive leaderboards every season led to an incredible 10 seasons of at least 7 WAR and an all-time BLB record 126.1 career WAR. Even though he retired in 1998, shrouded in controversy, he remains the only player in BLB history with 3 000 hits, 500 doubles, 500 home runs, 2 000 runs, and 500 stolen bases! Quite simply the greatest player the BLB had ever produced!
Notable Accomplishments:
7 Stout Sluggers, 1 New Brew, 5 DWIs, 12 All Stars, 0.304/0.417/0.547 slash, 561 home runs, 1 982 RBI, 2 024 runs
2 SP Teagan ‘Four Eyes’ Corrigan – Maine
The greatest pitcher on the greatest dynasty in league history! Teagan is the pitcher that every pitcher’s career that follows will be held against. He burst onto the scene in the game’s inaugural season as a fresh faced 24-year-old and dominated from the outset. His first year was an absurd 21-8, with 251 Ks in 262.1 innings pitched. Seven times he topped 19 wins and twice topped 25 in career that saw him finish an absurd 231-111. From 1980 – 1985 he dominated to the tune of four Pale Ales and if not for some dubious voting likely could have added a few more to his shelf. An absolute workhorse, he topped 220 innings in 11 straight seasons, including 5 in which he led the league. He used an electric fastball and three outstanding secondary pitches to baffle hitters on his way to 11 straight 5+ WAR seasons. Most importantly though, Corrigan was a big game pitcher in the biggest games, as he managed to lead main to six Brewmaster titles in his 13 unforgettable seasons as a Guide!
Notable Accomplishments:
4 Pale Ales, 7 All Stars, 231 wins, 3.09 ERA, 2 357 strikeouts
3 1B Harry ‘Missing Link’ Keppel – Hyundai
As a 20-year-old hitting machine the Missing link was the game’s dominant hitter from the inaugural season. He racked up an incredible 222 hits, including 54 doubles, in a season that saw him garner the Refreshing New Brew and the BLB’s first ever Stout Slugger! Not to be viewed as a fluke, he would go on to win five of the next six Stout’s to finish his career with an incredible 6 Stout Sluggers! Keppel was Mr. Consistency, as he 16 straight seasons of 30 or more doubles and 11 straight seasons of 25 or more home runs. His powerful line drive stroke led him to being the only player to every hit 700 doubles and one of only 4 players with over 1 300 career extra base hits! Most importantly he was a cog in the middle of the order to seemingly never failed to drive in an important run. Eleven times he drove in more that 100 runs, including 149 in the season he took home his third Stout Slugger!
Notable Accomplishments:
6 Stout Sluggers, 1 New Brew, 9 All Stars, 0.302/0.373/0.584 slash, 755 doubles, 1 699 runs, 1 992 RBI
4 SP Ed ‘Dropkick’ Carrol – Washington
Seven! Seven Pale Ales in an eight-year stretch. What an absurd pile of trophies garnered by perhaps the most talented pitcher in BLB history. After his first four seasons, he was a very nondescript 25-26 with a career ERA above 4.00. What happened next was a run of dominance not seen before or since in the BLB. 11 straight winnings seasons with double digit wins, 10 seasons of 200+ innings, and 8 straight seasons (7 were league leading) of at least 7.3 WAR. His four-pitch repertoire completely baffled hitters during that stretch of dominance for some very, very good Bats teams! Carrol topped 250 strikeouts 4 times and remains one of only three players to ever top 300 (301 in 2022) strikeouts in a season.
Notable Accomplishments:
7 Pale Ales, 9 All Stars, 197 wins, 2.92 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, 2 893 strikeouts
5 SP Johnny McDade – Pawtucket/Toronto
McDade broke onto the scene as a 23-year-old rookie and immediately went 11-3 in 19 starts. This began a string of 17 straight seasons of double-digit wins, which included a league best 21 in 2030. 10 times McDade won at least 15 games on his way to becoming the BLB’s 4th all time winningest pitcher. A control artist, he is the only retired pitcher in history with over 3 000 strikeouts and under 50 walks. An incredible 7 times he pitched over 200 innings and walked less than 20 batters! Not just a control artist, he also cracked the 200-strikeout mark 11 times. That coupled with incredible durability (11 seasons of 200+ IP) led McDade to 13 seasons of at least 5 WAR. Most importantly, McDade anchored rotations that made it to the playoffs in 17 of his 18 seasons, culminating in pitching both Pawtucket and Toronto to BLB titles!
Notable Accomplishments:
3 Pale Ales, 1 New Brew, 13 All Stars, 558 starts, 264 wins, 3.02 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 3 570 strikeouts
6 3B Johnny ‘Big Stick’ Swope - Seattle
Perhaps the greatest middle of the order bat in BLB history. The Big Stick was an absolute force for two of the winningest franchises for the bulk of his career. Over perhaps the greatest six-year stretch in BLB history, Swope won an absurd 5 Stout Sluggers! During that time, he led the league in home runs 4 times, RBI twice, and won a batting title. An incredible two-way player, Swope could also change the game with DWI defence at the corners. Not just a slugger, Swope also cracked the 0.300 mark 7 times including one year of 0.359! The consummate winner, Swope reached the playoffs in each of his first 14 seasons including being the catalyst for two BLB titles for two different franchises!
Notable Accomplishments:
5 Stout Sluggers, 1 DWI, 8 DDs, 11 All Stars, 1 Playoff MVP, 0.299/0.371/0.580 slash, 593 HR, 1 582 RBI
7 SP D. J. ‘The Brick’ Engstrom – New Orleans
A heavy fastball allowed this fireballer to dominate DL hitters for the better part of his 17-year career. As a mid-season callup at 22 years old the Brick showed immediate promise striking out almost 150 batters in a half season. Once he turned full time, he cracked the 220-strikeout mark in 12 of his first 13 seasons. All told, he led the league in strikeouts 9 times, including an astounding 6 seasons of at least 250! Incredibly durable, Engstrom pitched 200 innings 12 times, and made 30 starts 11 times. Five times he was voted as the league’s best pitcher highlighted by two seasons in which he managed to win 22 games! Almost 25 years after his retirement, the Brick is still the BLB’s all-time strikeout king with 3 597 punchouts!
Notable Accomplishments:
5 Pale Ales, 8 All Stars, 1 Playoff MVP, 208 career wins, 3.18 ERA, 3 597 strikeouts
8 SS Geoff Yonke – Washington
Widely regarded as the greatest middle infielder in league history, Yonke could absolutely do it all. An elite defender, he could hit for average, power, and steal bases when needed. 14 times in 15 seasons he garnered at least 5.7 WAR, including twice hitting an incredible 10 WAR! A line drive hitter, 15 times in a row hit ripped at least 20 doubles, including leading the league with 54 as a 22-year-old. An on base machine he walked almost twice as often as he struck out, in a career that saw him reach base almost 4 000 times. He managed to lead the league in OBP 7 times and was consistently among the offensive league leaders throughout his exceptional 16-year career!
Notable Accomplishments:
3 Stout Sluggers, 1 New Brew, 3 DWIs, 11 DDs, 11 All Stars, 3 Playoff MVPs, 0.305/0.390/0.467 slash. 586 doubles, 1 073 RBI
9 C Ian ‘Pickles’ James – Santo Domingo
Another first overall pick pulls in at #9 on our list. Easily the most feared hitting catcher, and possible position player in league history. As a 22-year-old rookie Pickles took home a New Brew with an astounding 6 WAR. It would be the first of 13 straight seasons with at least 4.7 WAR. A solid catcher defensively it was his middle of the order bat that lands him here. 9 times he cracked at least 30 home runs and had nine other occasions with at least 90 RBI. He put together three straight Stout Slugger seasons in mid-twenties that saw him average 40 home runs and 102 RBI. He remains the only catcher in league history to crack the 500-career home run mark, while maintaining a healthy career 0.310 average!
Notable Accomplishments:
3 Stout Sluggers, 1 New Brew, 14 DDs, 14 All Stars, 0.310/0.377/0.568 slash, 502 HR, 1 367 RBI
10 RF Robert ‘Stretch’ Jessee – Toronto
Of the three true outcomes, the most important one is home runs, and in the entire 75 year history of the BLB there has never been another slugger quite like Robert Jessee. The #1 overall pick in the 2031 draft burst onto the scene as a 20-year-old and hit 8 home runs in only 32 games. He then proceeded to win the Refreshing New Brew the next season and hit at least 25 home runs SIXTEEN years in a row. 15 times he has cracked 30 home runs and 8 times he has hit at least 40! Still going strong at age 40 it is conceivable that the BLB’s all-time home run king (674 and counting) could crack the 700 plateau in home runs and is only 15 RBI short of becoming the all-time RBI leader as well.
Notable Accomplishments:
3 Stout Sluggers, 1 New Brew, 9 DDs, 12 All Stars, 0.296/0.373/0.545 slash, 574 home runs, 1 986 RBI
11 Colby ‘Mirror’ Hullinger – New Orleans
When all is said and done, Mirror may be a Top 10, or even Top 5 player. With still many good years to go, Hullinger has been the BLB’s Top player for nearly a decade. The definition of a 5-tool superstar, he can do it all. Mirror can change a game with his glove, speed, or power. Still in the prime of his career, he already has 420 home runs and 520 career steals which makes him one of only two BLBers to accomplish this feat. Consistently among the league leaders in all categories, Hullinger has cracked 30 homers 7 times, 100 RBI 6 times, and 40 steals 8 times. Most importantly he has led his team into the playoffs an incredible 13 times in 14 seasons!
Notable Accomplishments:
3 Stout Sluggers, 1 DWI, 7 DD, 9 All Stars, 4 Playoff MVPs, 0.292/0.366/0.535 slash, 420 home runs, 552 steals
12 Mike ‘Yoyo’ Morla – California
Perhaps the greatest offensive machine in BLB history pulls into the #12 spot. A five-tool wonder upon entering the BLB, he could do it all. The consummate hitter, he could hit for high average and for power. He spent nearly 12 years at the game’s number one player. 7 times he cracked over 200 hits on the way to 13 consecutive 0.300 seasons and four batting titles. Six times he cracked 0.350! Not just a singles hitter, Morla was a mainstay in the middle of the order to the tune of 422 career home runs and 1 519 RBI. He retired as the BLB’s all-time leader for second basemen in average, OPS, and WAR! Morla is still the only BLB player in history with a career 0.320 average, 400 home runs, 1 500 runs, and 1 500 RBI!
Notable Accomplishments:
2 Stout Sluggers, 11 DDs, 12 All Stars, 0.327/0.382/0.517 slash, 422 home runs, 1 529 runs, 1 519 RBI
13 C Ray ‘Voodoo’ Davila – Maine
Mr. Maine is widely considered to be one of the greatest catchers, if not players, in BLB history. Voodoo was a fixture atop the leaderboards throughout his career. A fine defensive catcher, he was truly remembered for his bat. With power to all fields, he topped 30 home runs ten times in a career that saw him finish with an astounding 496 career dingers! Even with the daily rigors of catching he was able to accumulate 10 seasons with 150 or more hits, and 10 seasons with 20 or more doubles. As an offensive and defensive force he finished with more than 6 WAR in twelve seasons on the way to being the only catcher in BLB history to finish with a WAR (105.8) north of 100.
Notable Accomplishments:
3 Stout Sluggers, 1 DWI, 3 DDs, 12 All Stars, 1 Playoff MVP, 0.292/0.387/0.502 slash, 496 home runs, 1 479 RBI
14 J.J. Plumley – Wilmington
A dominant middle reliever for the first few seasons, became a BLB legend once he was thrust into a starting role. For a nine-year stretch there was no better in the BLB. Durable and reliable, he managed 12 straight seasons of at least 27 starts. In his magical run, JJ led the league in strikeouts each year while striking out at least 241 batters each season. His three-pitch dominance were instrumental in Wilmington making the playoffs ten times including the magical 2035 run to the title. Regarded as the game’s premiere pitcher 5 times, his finest season was 2037 when he led the league in wins, ERA, and strikeouts to take home the elusive pitching triple crown!
Notable Accomplishments:
5 Pale Ales, 9 All Stars, 188 career wins, 2.18 ERA, 3 123 strikeouts
15 Javy ‘Blur’ Gudino – Montreal
Another ntable Montreal middle infielder on this list. Equally adept with his glove and his bat, Blur was an offensive force for two decades. An unbelievably long injury history kept him from possible being higher ranked, but he still managed to retire as the all-time leader among second basemen in runs, triples, home runs, and RBI! He consistently drove his team’s offence with a powerful stroke that led to over 1 000 extra base hits. As a solid two-way player, 10 times Blur had a WAR of over 5.0. Where Gudino really shined were the playoffs, as he had 5 Playoff MVP awards and also led Montreal to the 2027 BLB title.
Notable Accomplishments:
1 New Brew, 2 DWIs, 12 All Stars, 11 DDs, 5 Playoff MVPs, 0.309/0.367, 0.512 slash, 450 home runs, 131 triples
16 1B J. D. ‘Hurricane’ Rice – Baltimore
One of the 4 members of BLB’s 600 home run club is next on our list. Rice was the IL’s most feared slugger for the better part of a decade. From age 24 – 33, Hurricane hit at least 50 home runs 5 times, including an astounding three straight seasons of 50! He was a run producing machine as 9 times he knocked in at least 100 runs, including 5 seasons of at least 130! Not just a slugger, 5 times Rice ripped at least 190 hits. Consistently among the league leaders, Hurricane lead the league in hits 4x, home runs 6x, RBI 6x, and won a batting title. The Baltimore legend managed to accumulate 10 seasons of at least 4.5 WAR.
Notable Accomplishments:
3 Stout Sluggers, 6 DDs, 11 All Stars, 0.296/0.360/0.571 slash, 609 home runs, 1 575 RBI
17 1B Everardo Gremades – Pittsburgh
The greatest on base machine drops into #17 on our list. There was no one in BLB history better at getting to first base than Gremades. His 0.442 OBP is a remarkable 0.013 point higher than the next closest competitor. An astounding 17 times (9 times leading the league) he walked at least 100 times in a season. Not just a walk machine, he still had the power to drive over 1 100 extra base hits in his 21-year career. Another very durable and consistent first baseman, he managed to play 150 games or more 12 times. A solid glove at first base, Gremades managed to 16 seasons with at least 5 WAR!
Notable Accomplishments:
2 Stout Sluggers, 14 All Stars, 0.316/0.442/0.500 slash, 3 344 hits, 390 home runs, 2 383 walks
18 1B Pat ‘Melody’ Nunes - Phoenix
Although never a Stout Slugger, the greatest stat compiler in BLB history is up next. Always a great player, Nunes has turned into the greatest old player in BLB history! A slow start to his BLB career, Melody had only 27 home runs at the age of 25. Over the next 19 seasons (and counting) and for 12 teams he has maintained a consistent middle of the order presence. His dominating bat has cracked 30 home runs 12 times and knocked in at least 100 run on 10 occasions. His ability to hit has kept him in the league long enough to be one of only 4 players to play 3 000 games and has him currently #2 on the all-time BLB home run list!
Notable Accomplishments:
1 DWI, 5 DDs, 8 All Stars, 2 Playoff MVPs, 0.299/0.353/0.517 slash, 612 home runs, 1 954 RBI
19 1B Rex ‘Beast’ Morgan – Syracuse
The first player in our top 20 is one of the greatest two way first basemen in league history. A career ZR of 99.8 was highlighted by his only DWI in 1997. A line drive machine, the Beast could change a game with his offence. As a rookie he ripped 53 doubles and in his 15-year career never once hit below 22. He also added 412 home runs to push his career total to over 1 000 extra bases. An on base machine, he had 10 seasons with at least a 0.380 OBP. Although he travelled around (8 different teams), Morgan was very consistent as he totalled at least 4 WAR in 13 of his 15 seasons.
Notable Accomplishments:
2 Stout Sluggers, 1 DWI, 6 All Stars, 0.295/0.385/0.513 slash, 412 home runs, 1 453 RBI
20 SS Dani Trujillo – California
One of the few guys that is not a power bat on this list. The California legend was an incredible defender and a feared line drive machine. 19 straight seasons had Trujillo hit at least 20 doubles, which included 13 seasons of at least 30 two baggers! Not just a bat, Trujillo is also highly regarded as one of the greatest middle infielders in BLB history. A stalwart at shortstop, he took home 8 DWIs at one of the game’s most demanding defensive positions. Durability and consistency were his calling cards as he 14 seasons of at least 150 GP, 9 seasons with at least 190 hits, and one of only three BLBers with over 3 500 career hits. During a 15-year stretch from age 23 – 39 Trujillo had 12 seasons with at least 5 WAR!
Notable Accomplishments:
8 DWIs, 9 All Stars, 0.290/0.364/0.413 slash, 3 512 hits, 632 doubles, 1 898 runs,
21 RF Steve Suarez - Maine
Mr. Maine pulls in at #31. The greatest defensive outfielder in league history, by a lot. The defensive whiz won 15 DWIs, including an amazing 11 in row in right field for the Guides. Not just a great outfielder, Suarez also holds the BLB record for most career hits. Incredibly, Suarez only led the league in hits (213 in 2008) one time but managed to rip 150 hits in 16 different seasons. A line drive hitter, Suarez also managed to crack over 1 000 extra base hits including 11 seasons of at least 20 doubles and 10 seasons of at least 20 home runs. In his 24 seasons, he accounted for 100.2 career WAR, good enough for 11th all-time in BLB history!
Notable Accomplishments:
15 DWIs, 4 All Stars. 0.286/0.333/0.379 slash, 3 546 hits, 562 doubles, 1 773 runs
22 SP Barton Mejia – Windy City
Easily the shortest career of anyone on the list. Although Mejia only played 12 seasons, he was a dominant force from start to finish. Mejia terrorized IL batters with outstanding control and four pitches that were each equally devastating. His back-to-back seasons in 2038/2039 is likely the best two year run in league history. Mejia won two straight triple crowns and went a combined 41-8 while leading the league in wins, ERA, WHIP, strikeouts, K/9, and WAR by a large margin. 8 straight seasons he had at least 6.3 WAR, and four times topped 9.4! 5 times he led the league in WHIP, and consistently ranked among the league leaders in every major category. He also a dominating 6-0 with a 1.96 ERA in 7 playoff starts in the Windy City 2041 title run.
Notable Accomplishments:
4 Pale Ales, 1 DWI, 9 All Stars, 2.73 ERA, 162-80 career record, 2 289 strikeouts
23 CF Jamie O’Hearn - Pittsburgh
A wonderful defensive centrefielder in his early Pittsburgh days, O’Hearn was better known for his bat. A middle of the order force, he retired (now 3rd) as the BLB’s all-time home run leader with an incredible 612 round trippers. Mr. Pittsburgh was a mainstay in the Pittsburgh lineup for 17 of his twenty seasons. 13 times he cracked at least 30 home runs, including 3 seasons leading the league. His best season was a Stout Slugger campaign in 2021 that saw him lead the league in runs, home runs, RBI, slugging and OPS. A consistent run producer, he drove in at least 100 runs in 10 different seasons, with a high of 125 in 2021.
Notable Accomplishments:
1 Pale Ale, 1 DWI, 8 DD, 9 All Stars, 3 Playoff MVPs, 0.282/0.349/0.529 slash, 612 home runs, 1 724 RBI
24 SP Edgar Mejia – Windy City
Except for his final season (29 innings), Mejia won at least 10 games in EVERY season of his career on the way to winning an even 200 BLB games in his career. The consummate winner, he won more games than he lost in every one of his 15 seasons. Mejia used an incredible 4 pitch mix to confound batters into 3 019 strikeouts. Highly dependable and durable, he had 12 seasons of at least 5 WAR. 12 times he started 30+ games (two more season of 29) and was routinely among the league leaders in inning pitched, strikeouts, and wins. From 2004 to 2011 there was no one better, as Mejia took home 3 Pale Ales.
Notable Accomplishments:
3 Pale Ales, 9 All Stars, 2.64 ERA, 200-95 career record, 3 019 strikeouts
25 SP Pat ‘Baja’ Arballo – Washington
The first player inside the top 25 is the BLB’s only 300 game winner! The crafty knuckleballer toed the slab for 25 seasons, and won, a lot, everywhere he went. He threw an incredible 214 innings as a 21-year-old rookie and then proceeded to lead the league in innings pitched 12 of his first 16 seasons, including an astonishing 11 years in a row. A dominate run with the Bats and Toronto in the 2030s saw Arballo take home 3 Pale Ale awards and one Brew! He also managed to win 10+ in his first 16 seasons, including one 20-win season. Baja also, incredibly, won 14 games as a grizzled 42-year-old veteran in Dallas.
Notable Accomplishments:
3 Pale Ales, 5 All Stars, 1 Playoff MVP, 3.38 ERA, 312 wins, 3 331 strikeouts, 68 complete games
26 1B Dany ‘Steady’ Alvarez – Wilmington/Dallas
At the time of his retirement, Steady was the BLB’s greatest slugger. He retired as the all time home run leader (now 6th) and 2nd (now 4th) in career doubles. An RBI machine, Alvarez topped the 100 RBI mark in 14 seasons, including an astounding 5 seasons of at least 130. He remains the only player in BLB history to knock in over 2 00n runs, retiring in 2001 with 2 001 RBI! Blessed with incredible durability and a great glove, he played at least 150 games 15 times. Consistently among the leaders, Steady topped 30 doubles and 30 home runs in the same season 12 times!
Notable Accomplishments:
1 New Brew, 2 DWIs, 11 All Stars, 0.288/0.369/0.526 slash, 674 doubles, 572 home runs, 2 001 RBI
27 CF Rory Elia - Carolina
Taken 8th overall in the loaded 2031 draft, Elia burst onto the scene as a 20 year old and was immediately one of the BLB’s best two way players! An astounding 48 home runs and 110 RBI was perhaps the league’s best ever rookie season. Elia used his glove and incredible power to carry the strong Carolina teams of the late 2030s. By 23 years old, Elia had won two Stout Sluggers, and a Brew Championship. Unfortunately for Elia, he could just never stay completely healthy which hurt his chances of piling up great counting stats. Although he only played 150 games 4 times, he still managed to crack 526 career round trippers!
Notable Accomplishments:
1 New Brew, 2 Stout Sluggers, 4 DWIs, 5 DDs, 10 All Stars, 0.271/0.341/0.539 slash, 526 HR, 1 390 RBI
28 RF Jose Guzman - Dallas
Checking in at #28, Jose Guzman came up as a wonderful defensive outfielder. It was his bat that put him this high on the list. Guzman was a line drive and doubles machine. When he retired, he was the BLB all-time hits leader (now fourth) and second in career doubles (now sixth). 14 times he played 150 games, which led to him collecting at least 150 hits an incredible 17 different seasons! Consistently on base, Guzman would go on to set the BLB record with 2 101 career runs scored, including an incredible 13 seasons with at least 100 runs!
Notable Accomplishments:
1 Stout Slugger, 1 DWI, 13 All Stars, 0.302/0.409/0.481 slash, 660 doubles, 1 786 RBI
29 1B Dylan Owens - Toronto
Mr. Toronto checks in as the #29 player on our list. Owens played an incredible 23 seasons, mostly in the meat of the Canadians lineup. As a full-time player at 21 years old, the Toronto star belted 207 hits and 33 home runs and never looked back. 13 times in all Owens cracked the 30-home run barrier, while adding 7 seasons of at least 200 hits. Blessed with incredible durability, Owens played at least 160 games 8 times. He anchored the strong Toronto teams that made the playoffs 8 consecutive, including the run to the Brewmaster Championship in 2022!
Notable Accomplishments:
1 Stout Slugger, 6 DDs, 7 All Stars, 1 playoff MVP, 0.295/0.340/0.493 slash, 3 295 hits, 502 home runs
30 C Dave Piekarski – Pawtucket
The first player inside our Top 30 is one of the greatest hitting catchers in BLB history. He is one of only seven cathcers to retire with an average of at least 0.300 in a career that saw him hit 0.300+ in eight different seasons. A fine defensive catcher, Dave played at least 140 games in an unbelievable 11 straight seasons. A line drive gap hitter, he belted 30 doubles in 7 seasons and 25 home runs in 6 others. Always situated in the Pawtucket order, Piekarski ripped 80 RBI 10 times and and scored 70 runs 11 times. His solid two play led to an incredible nine straight seasons of at least 5 WAR!
Notable Accomplishments:
2 DDs, 1 DWI, 11 All Stars, 1 Playoff MVP, 0.300/0.359/0.488 slash, 320 HR, 1 154 RBI
31 DH Ron ‘Vampire’ Hutchison - Hartford
The 31st selection is simply known as Mr. October in Hartford. The Hartford legend was the backbone of the greatest teams in Whalers history, and certainly a big part of the league’s most exciting Championship ever! Besides his playoff heroics, Vampire was a consistent middle of the order masher. His ten prime seasons saw him hit between 37 and 54 home runs each year. He consistently drove in big runs, including 9 straight seasons of at least 100 RBI. Three times Hutch cracked 50 home runs and his run from 2031 – 2035 rivalled some of the greatest individual 5 year stretches in league history!
Notable Accomplishments:
3 Stout Sluggers, 5 DDs, 6 All Stars, 0.290/0.354/0.563 slash, 549 home runs, 1 479 RBI
32 SP Pat Yahn – Los Angeles
The Los Angeles legend slots in at #32. Fourteen seasons of utter brilliance in a Dino uniform! Unbelievably durable and dependable, Yahn had 13 straight seasons of at least 30 starts and in 11 of those he pitched at least 220 innings! Twleve consecutive seasons he won at least 12 games. He used his four pitches masterfully to confound opposing hitters to the tune of 9 straight 200 strikeout seasons and a whopping 287 in his third Pale Ale season. Yahn always had his team in a position to win and was the driving force behind LA making it to the playoffs 10 times in his tenure!
Notable Accomplishments:
3 Pale Ales, 1 DWI, 10 All Stars, 2.80 ERA, 210-133 career record, 3 027 strikeouts, 15 career shutouts
33 CF Jamie McPherson - Denver
Arguably the worst great defensive outfielder in history slots in at #33. However, one of the greats bats in history, he was always just too valuable not to play somewhere. A consistent threat, McPherson never had an OPS+ of less than 111 in any of his 18 seasons! This included 14 seasons of at list 35 doubles which left McPherson with the second most 9693) doubles in history. Not just a gap hitter, he also had the power to cracked 20 home runs 13 times, and the speed to steal 279 stolen bases.
Notable Accomplishments:
1 Stout Slugger, 12 All Stars, 4 DDs, 0.312/0.399/0.513 slash, 408 home runs, 1 547 RBI
34. LF Kokoro ‘Big Stud’ Fuji - California
The California legend pulls up just outside of the top thirty on our list. The Big Stud was a force for strong California teams in the early 2000s. From 2000 to 2003 there was not one better, as Fuji took home three Stout Sluggers while averaging 35 home runs, 97 RBI, and 131 runs over the four-year stretch. Unlike many on this list the Big Stud had a hard time staying on the field and was not able to shine to his fullest potential late in his career. After turning 25 he was only able to crack 500 at bats three times.
Notable Accomplishments:
3 Stout Sluggers, 1 GG, 8 All Stars, 0.280/0.396/0.511 slash, 369 home runs, 1 150 RBI
35a RF Sonny Marshburn – California
The 35th player on our list is an analytics darling. One of the greatest defensive outfielders in history was also one of the greatest at reaching first base. One of only 3 players in history with 2 000 walks. Marshburn was the original three true outcome player. 397 home runs, 2 046 walks, and 2 445 strikeouts. 9 times Marshburn had at least 4.5 WAR and was a consistent offensive threat throughout a career that saw him play to the ripe old age of 45!
Notable Accomplishments:
5 DWIs, 6 All Stars, 0.263/0.406/0.454 slash, 397 home runs, 1 331 RBI, 1 488 runs
35b LF Zak Gaston - Wilmington
This is the point where the creators of the list step back and admit to misnumbering the original list and having an extra unaccounted for player on it. We also feel that Gaston is a very similar player to Marshburn, so here he slots! An on base machine, Gaston walked at least 100 times 14 times in a row and hit 0.300 twelve times. Not just a singles hitter, Gaston also roped 13 seasons with at least 30 doubles in a career that spanned 18 seasons.
Notable Accomplishments:
1 New Brew, 1 DWI, 7 All Stars, 0.302/0.422/0.439 slash, 620 doubles, 1 161 runs
36 SP Pat Evans - Philadelphia
The third pick in the 2007 draft and Philadelphia legend is next up on our list. A consistent winner, Evans picked up at least 12 wins in twelve straight seasons which included leading the league three times. His durability, 14 years with at least 30 starts, kept him among the league leaders in multiple categories every season throughout his career. Including a ridiculous 6.4 WAR as a 34-year-old, Suarez managed at least 5.0 WAR 10 different times. During his dominant three-year Pale Ale run from 2017-2019, Evans had three straight sub 2.00 ERAs, which included the league’s first ever pitching triple crown!
Notable Accomplishments:
3 Pale Ales, 9 All Stars, 235-127 career record, 2.67 ERA, 2 738 strikeouts
37 2B Tom Lewis - Wilmington
One of the few hitters on this list that did not win a Stout Slugger, Lewis was simply the most powerful middle infielder in BLB history! Eleven times, including 35 as a 38-year-old, Lewis managed to hit at least 30 home runs. He was also an above average infielder as he played over 1 000 games at both short stop and second base. A key middle of the order force on two BLB championship teams, Lewis was a consistent run producer who managed to collect at least 100 RBI six times in his storied career. More importantly, in the playoffs, Lewis managed an astounding 5 series MVPs!
Notable Accomplishments:
1 New Brew, 1 DWI, 6 DDs, 10 All Stars, 5 Playoff MVPs, 0.268/0.354/0.500 slash, 499 HR, 1 356 RBI
38 SP Tino Suarez – Maine
Another Maine pitching legend on our list. Like most pitchers on this list, Suarez was an innings eater that could work deep into games and consistently give his team a chance to win. Always among the league leaders in innings pitched, seven times he topped 200 innings, including an astounding 255 in his 22-win 1990 campaign. Seven times Suarez accumulated at least 5.0 WAR in a season which included a stretch from 1988-1990 where he won two Pale Ales and totaled a whopping 24.2 WAR. Not to be outdone, he picked up a third Pale Ale with yet another 20-win season as a 31-year-old!
Notable Accomplishments:
3 Pale Ales, 8 All Stars, 191 – 111 career record, 3.27 ERA, 2 132 strikeouts, 50 complete games
39 C Von Hayes – New Orleans
A New Orleans legend with a solid glove that was one of the game’s best early in his career, Haynes was more known for his bat, and his uncanny ability to get on base. Incredibly durable, Haynes also managed to total 12 seasons of at least 600 at bats, while playing the demanding position behind the plate. A consistent hitter, Haynes managed to crack the 0.300 barrier 8 times in his career. He could drive the ball from gap to gap as he surpassed 500 career doubles and holds the catcher career mark of 56 triples!
Notable Accomplishments:
1 Stout Slugger, 1 DWI, 9 All Stars, 0.299/0.392/0.468 slash, 515 doubles, 1 236 RBI
40 SP Fernando Hernandez
The first player inside the Top 40 was consistent in his consistency! 17 times, including 31 starts as a 22-year-old, 31 as a 43-year-old, Hernandez started at least 30 games. The BLB’s second most winningest pitcher in history recorded double digit wins an astounding 17 times! He currently sits #2 all time in starts and innings pitched as well. In his two Pale Ale seasons he managed to lead the league in wins and WAR to cap off one of the most durable and consistent careers in BLB history.
Notable Accomplishments:
2 Pale Ales, 1 Brew MVP, 7 All Stars, 286-196 career record, 3.28 ERA, 3 095 strikeouts
41. LF Dave ‘Tapper’ Ingram
Spot #41 belongs to a Toronto legend. Ingram was a solid defensive fixture in left field for over 2 200 games. His true value was in his offence. Fifteen times, Ingram hit at least 20 home runs, including 10 straight with at least 25. His two best seasons were back-to-back Stout Slugger campaigns that saw him total 88 home runs and 217 RBI! A career that lasted 2 300 games saw Tapper score 1 377 runs and drive in another 1 435. A ture middle of the order force that for each of his 17 BLB seasons.
Notable Accomplishments:
2 Stout Sluggers, 4 DDs, 3 Playoff MVPs, 9 All Stars, 0.279/0.334/0.478 slash, 318 HR, 1 006 RBI
42. SP Christian Vines – Syracuse
Like a comet in the sky, nobody burned hotter, or faster than Christian Vines. One of the shortest careers on this list, he had arguably the greatest 4 season run of any pitcher in the BLB…. Ever! He rolled up 4 straight Pale Ales, including two triple crown seasons. A true strikeout machine. He owns three of the top 4 single season strikeout marks, including the record of 342! At his peak, he was unhittable. Unfortunately, he was done being a dominant starter by the time he turned 30. A loss of control and mounting injuries curtailed what very well may have been the makings of one of the BLB’s all-time greats!
Notable Accomplishments:
4 Pale Ales, 6 All Stars, 148 – 60, 2.77 ERA, 2 484 strikeouts
43. SS Dane Jennings - Toronto
The sky is the limit for one of the game’s current greatest players. When his career is all said and done, he could be much higher on this list. A true two-way player, Jennings can dominate in the field and at bat. Jennings has a ridiculous career average of 0.355, which includes four seasons over 0.360. Not just a singles hitter, he’s also ripped 50 doubles on three different occasions. In his prime he had 5 straight seasons of at least 7.0 WAR and three stout sluggers. Not to be outdone, he also constantly ranks among the game’s elite middle infield defenders.
Notable Accomplishments:
3 Stout Sluggers, 6 DWIs, 6 DDs, 6 All Stars, 0.355/0.380/0.492 slash, 373 doubles, 668 runs
44. CF Robby Brooksher – Los Angeles
The second overall pick in the 2022 draft, was a force as soon as he entered the league as a 20-year. His first five full seasons in the league were as productive as any in history, with each having a WAR of at least 8.1! As the game’s premier centre fielder, he was a true 5 tool superstar that could alter a game with his glove, bat, or speed. His greatest tool might have been his leadership and modelling young ball players. Unfortunately, the injury big caught up the Brooksher and his later years, and his career will end up as one of the BLB’s great ‘what ifs’.
Notable Accomplishments:
1 Stout Slugger, 5 DWIs, 5 DDs, 9 All Stars, 0.285/0.347/0.481 slash, 333 HR, 286 steals
45. 2B Jimmy ’Hoover’ Douglas - Montreal
Perhaps the BLB’s greatest defensive second baseman in history and one of the greatest top of the order threats. With three DWIs to his name, the aptly nicknamed Hoover is the all-time ZR and assist leader for second basemen in BLB history. He is also second all-time in games, put outs, double plays, and total chances as a second sacker. Not just a glove man, Douglas also cracked the 200 hit mark 7 times on route to a career 0.318 average and the 8th most hits of all time. With 450 stolen bases, Douglas was also able to change the game with his speed.
Notable Accomplishments:
3 DWIs, 1 DD, 3 All Stars, 0.318/0.342/0.404 slash, 3 320 hits, 538 doubles
46. SP Dunmore ‘Piglet’ Theodore – Windy City
The hard throwing Playboy is next up on our list. Like a lot of pitchers on this list, Dunmore was a workhorse. 13 times, including his age 39 seasons, he started at least 30 games. An incredible 8 times, Piglet had a WAR of at least 7.3. Dunmore piled up strikeouts, which included topping 250 in a season 5 times. His personal best of 281 in 1987 which at the time was the 6th highest total in BLB history. Always giving his teams a chance to win, he won 12 or more games 14 times, and 20 or more 4 times.
Notable Accomplishments:
2 Pale Ales, 7 All Stars, 236 wins, 3.03 ERA, 3 225 strikeouts
47. LF Jimmy Jeffs – Seattle
One of the greatest pure hitters in BLB history. Jeffs played 22 seasons in the BLB and sits 5th all time in hits and 15th all time in extra base hits. He only ever led the league in hits once and batting average once but was always in the top of the league in most offensive categories. An extra base hit machine, Jeffs cracked 30 or more doubles 14 times. Jeffs also managed to belt over 400 home runs. Jeffs was a serviceable corner outfielder whose true value to the team was as a captain and leader of men, as shown by his 17 trips to the postseason.
Notable Accomplishments:
2 DDs, 2 Playoff MVPs, 9 All Stars, 0.313/0.354/0.487 slash, 3 447 hits, 1 529 RBI
48. SP Dave Teel – Windy City
The first pitcher inside the Top 50 was an absolute bulldog. 15 straight years Teel started at least 26 games including back-to-back years of 44 and 40! Durable and consistent, Dave was the 5th winningest pitcher in BLB history, which included 9 seasons of at least 15 wins. Seven times he cracked 200 strikeouts on his way to third all-time in BLB history with 3 507 strikeouts. After 10 seasons as Windy City’s ace, Teel fronted Seattle’s rotation as he led them to the only Brew championship in their history. Incredible pitching stats aside, Dave Teel is considered by many to be the greatest hitting pitcher in BLB history!
Notable Accomplishments:
9 DDs, 9 All Stars, 1 Wild Card MVP, 259 wins, 3.07 ERA, 3 507 strikeouts
49. LF Ricky Murillo - Carolina
The first player inside the Top 50 was a force at the plate and in the field. In his younger years, he was also a threat on the bases, as Murillo twice barely missed out on being a 30/30 player. A solid presence in the middle of any lineup, he was an OPS machine. He could ignite a rally with a walk, or just as easily end one with a three-run home run. Murillo will be best remembered for his 2012 seasons, when he became the first player in BLB history to win the hitter’s triple crown (0.344 AVG, 47 HR, 113 RB), while taking home the first of his two Stout Sluggers.
Notable Accomplishments:
2 Stout Sluggers, 1 DWI, 3 DDs, 7 All Stars, 0.292/0.373/0.529 slash, 441 HR, 1 328 RBI
50. 1B Hector Feliciano – Morgantown
At a time in the BLB when home runs were hard to come by there was no one better than Feliciano. Upon becoming a full-time player at 23 years old, he had 14 straight seasons of at least 26 home runs. Six times the Morgantown legend belted at least 40, including 4 straight seasons in his early 30s. A consistent threat in the middle of the order, nine times Feliciano cracked at least 100 RBI. Durable and dependable, offensively and defensively, he played 162 games in a season 6 times and over a 12 year stretch never had less than 4.6 WAR.
Notable Accomplishments:
2 Stout Sluggers, 1 New Brew, 2 DWIs, 8 All Stars, 0.289/0.359/0.513 slash, 491 HR, 1 384 RBI
51. SS Preston ‘Cowboy’ Capps - Montreal
The 2nd overall selection of the 2023 draft slots in at # 53. Cowboy is a true two-way superstar that is a lineup catalyst that can hit and absolutely fly on the basepaths. His 715 career steals (including 8 seasons of 50+) are second all-time in the BLB’s long and storied history. He’s also provided elite defence at SS and 3B throughout his career. Capps also has incredible durability as he’s played at least 145 games in every season of his career, since becoming a regular. His durability, offence, speed, and glovework has led to an incredible 10 seasons of at least 4 WAR.
Notable Accomplishments:
1 Stout Slugger, 2 DWIs, 4 DDs, 7 All Stars, 0.294/0.347/0.458 slash, 2 584 hits, 715 SBs
52. SP Donato Guardamagni – Los Lunas
The list is starting to get populated now with inaugural members. The ace of the early Los Lunas teams pulls into spot #52. Another of the game’s early workhorses and strikeout artists. 8 seasons of at least 200 IP and at least 25 starts in each of his first 14 seasons. Guardamagni led the league in strikeouts 5 times and add another two seasons of 250+ strikeouts. His 3 312 strikeouts are the 8th most in BLB history. In his first 15 seasons, Donato put up at least 10 wins 13 times, including a league leading 21 in his 1987 Pale Ale season.
Notable Accomplishments:
1 Pale Ale, 7 All Stars, 500 games started, 228 wins, 2.88 ERA, 3 312 strikeouts
53. SS Marco Lona – Los Angeles
Spot #53 belongs to a Los Angeles legend. If not for 40 mostly unforgettable games in Death Valley, Lona would have spent his entire career with LA. A penchant for swinging wildly made for big strikeout numbers but equally impressive extra base totals. One of the hardest hitting shortstops in BLB history. The first 1o years of his career Lona belted at least 15 homeruns and 20 home runs. Not just a bat, Lona was also one of the game’s premiere glove men. Two DWIs highlighted a career that saw Lona play almost 1 250 at both shortstop and second base.
Notable Accomplishments:
1 New Brew, 2 DWIs, 1 DD, 9 All Stars, 0.289/0.355/0.443 slash, 2 959 hits, 1 386 RBI
54. SP Russ McEvoy – Windy City
Another inaugural player star makes the Top 75! McEvoy was an absolute bulldog on the mound. 250 IP in his rookie season and 216.1 IP as a 40-year-old in his last season. He would 200 IP 13 times and would finish 4th all time with 3 732 IP. That ability to chew innings and take the ball every 5 days would lead to 13 seasons of at 4.5 WAR. Not just an iron man, McEvoy would also do one other thing as well as anyone in history… Win! 5 times he led the league in wins (including 26 in his Pale Ale season) and had a 5 year stretch in Windy City where he averaged almost 22 wins a season!
Notable Accomplishments:
1 Pale Ale, 6 All Stars, 265 wins, 534 games started, 3.13 ERA, 3 061 strikeouts
55. 3B Pedro Zamarida – Denver
One of the game’s first true superstars. As a 21 in the league’s inaugural season, he sparked the Denver offence to the tune of 47 extra base hits and 3.1 WAR. The was his lowest WAR total over his first 14 seasons! Never a big awards guy, he was just consistently durable and consistently productive. He hit 20+ home runs 13 years in a row and drove in 100+ runs 8 times in 9 years. He also ranks among the BLB elite with 1 134 extra base hits and 1 799 RBI all while producing average or better defence on the left side of the diamond.
Notable Accomplishments:
1 DWI, 8 All Stars, 0.274/0.365/0.471 slash, 2 891 hits, 426 HR
56. LF Richie ‘Powder’ van Luik - Seattle
The BLB’s best base stealer was found on a 2031 scouting trip in Netherlands. Powder hit and ran his way into the hearts of Pilots fans as soon as he touched the BLB. 930 stolen bases and counting, Richie’s best season came as a fresh faced 23-year-old when he won the Stout Slugger and hit a BLB record 0.402! A true captain, van Luik has led his team into the playoffs 13 times. A top of the order menace that is a double, or triple, waiting to happy will most assuredly retire with the only team he’s ever known.
Notable Accomplishments:
1 Pale Ale, 2 DDs, 6 All Stars, 0.327/0.397/0.462 slash, 930 SBs
57. SP Manabu Hamada – Denver
Drafted 11th overall in 2022, the Denver legend is next on our list. Hamada anchored some of Denver’s greatest teams and was one of the BLB’s best during an 11-year stretch that saw him win at least 10 games each of the 11 seasons. A true workhorse, Hamada pitched over 200 innings 9 times. Between 2030 and 2036, he won three Pale Ales, including two back to back in his final Denver seasons. After coming close with Denver and Seattle, Hamada finally garnered a Brew title in 2037 with the Carolina Tobs.
Notable Accomplishments:
3 Pale Ales, 5 All Stars, 187-132 career record, 3.33 ERA, 2 439 Ks
58. CL Andy Phillips – Baltimore
The first and only true stopper on this list. Phillips may be the game’s premiere finisher. A true workhorse that pitches multiple innings to completely extinguish an opponent’s hopes of winning. 7 times as a reliever he has had 4.4 WAR in a season and three times he’s eclipsed 200 strikeouts. Save totals alone don’t portray Phillips’ value as he’s often called on to pitch three innings to keep Baltimore in it, or just give the Dogs a chance. A true game changer as multiple teams now use a stopper hoping to somewhat replicate Andy’s incredible run!
Notable Accomplishments:
4 Last Calls, 9 All Stars, 88-46 career record, 125 saves, 2.17 ERA, 1 945 Ks
59. SP Gil O’Moore – Maine
An all-time Maine great, O’Moore started 26 games or more in 16 straight seasons. In twelve of those seasons, he won at least 10 games. A four-pitch mix, that included a heavy fastball led to over 3 000 strikeouts and over 200 wins. O’Moore could be counted on every start to pitch and keep his team in contention. Twice he was rewarded with Pale Ales in a career that spanned 16 seasons. His incredible durability resulted in 13 seasons of at least 4.0 WAR!
Notable Accomplishments:
2 Pale Ales, 9 All Stars, 218-98 career record, 2.74 ERA, 3 038 Ks
60. SP Derek Bell - Phoenix
A 3rd round pick in the 2032 draft, Bell took a few years to get going. He was a dominant ace on some very strong Phoenix Roadrunner teams. He may have had one of the greatest three year stretches in BLB history, when from age 27-29, he had three straight sub 2.00 ERAs, averaged 250 Ks, and won three straight Pale Ales. 10 times, Bell won at least 10 games, and looked like a certain first ballot HOFer, before injuries and an early decline curtailed what might have been an even greater career.
Notable Accomplishment:
3 Pale Ales, 6 All Stars, 154 wins, 2.97 ERA, 2 468 Ks
61. Renaldo ‘Stinger’ Jimenez – CL – Windy City/Dallas
Like the other closers on this list, Stinger was nearly unhittable throughout his 21-year career. Eight times he led the league in saves, including 50 and incredible 5 times. He relied on a heavy fastball and nearly unhittable screwball to confound batters on his way to a ridiculous 762 saves! In 1 396 games he allowed less than a base runner an inning. Jimenez really made a name for himself in the playoffs. In 69 playoff games with 4 teams, he had a ridiculous 39 saves, 1.65 ERA and 107 strikeouts.
Notable Accomplishment:
3 Last Calls, 4 IL Awards, 15 All Stars, 97 career wins, 762 saves, 2.06 ERA
62. Cordarius Gomez – SP – Pittsburgh
Completely overlooked in the 2036 draft, Gomez was a late fourth round pick by Pittsburgh. Three quick seasons later he was dominating DL batters like few before him. Incredibly durable, he has made at least 27 starts thirteen years in a row. His incredible command allows him to shut down opponents with very limited base action. Coupled with a live arm that has led to 12 straight 200+ strikeout seasons and it’s clear to see how Gomez is on the list. Still playing he has even more time to tack onto a resume that already includes a pile of awards and two BLB titles!
Notable Accomplishments:
1 Pale Ale, 1 GG, 7 All Stars, 179 – 102 career record, 3.24 ERA, 3 041 Ks, 0.99 WHIP
63. Sheng ‘Admiral’ Jong – SP – Santo Domingo
Jong will drink forever in Santo Domingo as he was the driving force behind their first championship since the steroid era. The Admiral started at least 30 games on 13 occasions and could also be counted on by his team to put out max effort. A huge strikeout pitcher that could quell rallies with three quick strikes. His best season was 2042, when he became just the 4th BLB pitcher to take home the triple crown with 1 21-5 record, 2.27 ERA, and 249 strikeoouts. His leadership was also counted on again, as he pitched a young Batavia team to the 2040 title as well!
Notable Accomplishments:
2 Pale Ales, 7 All Stars, 239 – 129 career record, 3.14 ERA, 3 372 Ks
64. A.J. Ingle – CL – California
Among the greatest closers in BLB history was a second-round pick in the loaded 2016 draft. In the BLB by 22, Ingle was unhittable almost from the start. He led his league in saves an astounding 8 times, the first time at 25 years old and the last time at 41 years old. Ingle is also currently the all-time pitching WAR leader for pitchers that were primarily relievers. He spent most of his career as a hired gun playing on 9 different teams and anchoring the bullpen for two Brewmaster titles for two different teams.
Notable Accomplishments:
5 Last Calls, 10 All Stars, 113 career wins, 677 saves, 1 939 Ks
65. Turell ‘Two Ton’ Morris – 1B – Maine
Two Ton changed the BLB forever when he broke onto the scene in 2028. As a lightly regarded prospect he was plucked out of FA purgatory and the rest, as they say, is history. The BLB at the time had seen very few 50 home run hitters when at 17, Morris bashed 69, then a year later 61, then immediately followed with 51 more. All in all, he’d crack 50+ home runs 5 times and set the single season RBI mark of 168! He almost singlehandedly dragged Maine to two titles in his tenure and will likely go down as the greatest minor league find in league history!
Notable Accomplishments:
1 Stout Slugger, 4 DDs, 3 Playoff MVPs, 7 All Stars, 0.285/0.379/0.564 slash, 486 HR, 1 146 RBI
66. Kelani Encinia – SP - Pittsburgh
One of the greatest scouting discoveries in BLB history shows up as #68. The 2031 Argentinian find has been a true workhorse for the first 14 years of his career. He has started at least 27 games in every season and only once posted an ERA above 3.88. Encinia uses incredible movement and control to make up for the lack of an overpowering strikeout pitch. His ability to miss bats and dominate the opposition have made his teams almost automatic playoff entrants, which includes leading the Pittsburgh Miller to two BLB titles!
Notable Accomplishments:
1 Pale Ale, 7 All Stars, 203-109 career record, 2 611 Ks
67. C. J. Wilkinson – SS – Denver
Regarded by many historians as the protype middle infielder. Wilkinson was a wizard with the glove and had few peers when it came to putting the bat on the ball. C. J.’s almost 400 career stolen bases also attest to his ability to change the game with his speed as well. The Denver legend was a top of the order force that was a calming influence for both teammates and management alike. He played an incredible 150 or more games in 13 seasons. And, oh yeah…. There’s this ridiculous nugget too!
Notable Accomplishments:
3 Gold Gloves, 1 All Star, 2 829 games, 3 110 hits, 394 stolen bases
68. Reid Rothstein – SP – Washington Bats
After falling to #19 in the 2041 draft, Rothstein has been nothing but spectacular in his time in a Bats uniform. He has anchored one of the league’s best pitching staffs almost from the beginning. Very durable (253 straight starts), and a proven winner, Rothstein, in only his 10th season, is already among the game’s greats. He might actually be better in the playoffs as he has started 34 playoff games in his career and winning 16 of them on the way to two BLB championships!
Notable Accomplishments:
2 Pale Ales, 6 All Stars, 126-53 career record, 1607 Ks
69. Pat Dimmick – SP – Dallas
This first starting pitcher on our list. Dimmick was taken first overall in the 1989 draft after a stellar college career. He won 15 games as a 23 year old and then managed to win at least 15 and collected an astounding seven straight seasons of 15 or more wins in his late 20s and early 30s. He also had an incredible run of 12 straight seasons of at least 4.8 WAR. From ’97 – 2000, Dimmick was nearly unhittable as three times he posted an ERA under 2.00. His incredible run anchored the strong Dallas playoff teams of the late 1990s!
Notable Accomplishments:
2 Pale Ales, 10 All Stars, 182 wins, 2.74 ERA, 2 164 Ks
70. Karson ‘Super’ Blair – 3B – Toronto/Washington
The 7th overall pick In the 2037 draft is our second current player on this list. Super has been the model of consistency throughout his career. Although well-travelled, he has managed to hit at least 20 homeruns in each of the last 10 seasons. He is also the game’s premier gloveman at third base. His incredible two way play and ability to drive the ball to all corners of the park have made him an integral part of some of the best teams of the 2040s, including a key cog in the 2046 Bats run to the Brew title!
Notable Accomplishments:
2 DDs, 7 DWIs, 9 All Stars, 0.276/0.339/0.465 slash, 1962 hits, 310 home runs
71. Matt ‘Stallion’ Healey – 3B – Denver
Healey was an absolute force right out of the gate for Denver as a 21-year-old. He could hit, run, and field. Although never a DWI winner, he was consistently among the game’s best glove men. Stallion was a threat to triple every time at the plate. Even at the ripe old age of 40 he managed to hit a robust 0.300 in part time play. Unfortunately, injuries plagued what might have been one of the all-time great BLB careers, as he fell just short of 3 000 hits.
Notable Accomplishments:
2 DDs, 6 All Stars, 0.295/0.355/0.401 slash, 2 835 hits, 133 triples
72. RJ Kapper – RF – Pittsburgh
The other ‘perhaps the greatest contact hitter’ in the game’s history. Kapper tore onto the scene as a 22-year-old and rocketed 220 hits. Consistently at the top of the offensive leaderboard, Kapper batted at least 0.330 12 times, including 5 seasons of 0.350+. He was a run scoring machine that could also change the game with his glove. The 2029 New Brew was as consistent a hitter as the game has ever seen!
Notable Accomplishments:
1 New Brew, 3 DDs, 4 DWIs, 7 All Stars, 2 707 hits, 0.335/0.384/0.480 slash
73. Joey Robertson – CF – California
The #1 pick in the 2034 was a regular in the Kodiak lineup by the time he was 21 years old. As complete of a ballplayer as the BLB has had in centre field. The anchor of a lineup that went to the playoffs in each of his 14 years. A true 5 tool superstar that could change a game with his bat, glove, and speed. The one time 40 home run slugger also has a career stolen base success rate of a whopping 88%. To further cement his BLB legacy, as 2053 opens he’s only 4 home runs away from joining the 400 home run club.
Notable Accomplishments:
5 DDs, 4 DWIs, 9 All Stars, 0.280/0.349/0.497 slash, 396 HR, 1209 RBI
74. Jamie ‘Toro’ Rush – RF – Wilmington
Perhaps the greatest contact hitter in BLB history. Over an incredible five-year stretch, Toro hit 0.363/0.393/0.350/0.363/.0371. Once on base, Rush was an absolute terror on the base paths. He led the league in stolen bases 6 times on route to a career total of 639 bags swiped. Rush was also solidly above average patrolling right field for most of his career. Integral to Wilmington’s success during his time there, he was an instrumental member of the 2035 Brewmaster Championship squad.
Notable Accomplishments
2 DDs, 7 All Stars, 0.337/0.425/0.459
75. Diego ‘Red’ Lovera – CL - Pawtucket
The first of only a handful of relievers to make this list. Lovera was what can only be described as unhittable. In fact, he bared allowed baserunners at all. Throughout his 15-year career, Red allowed a WHIP of only 0.76. Well under a full baserunner per inning. Along with a K/9 rate of 12.3 across 4 teams in his career, he has a dependable and reliable closer for almost two decades. A 4-time league leader is saves, he also was instrumental in Pawtucket’s 2016 run to the BLB title!
Notable Accomplishments
1 New Brew, 5 Last Calls, 6 All Stars, 87-72, 583 saves, 2.08 ERA