Last Updated: October 21st, 2026 by Matthew Brown
Mount Rushmore has not only been a national monument in the United States, but it's become a figurehead for every sports debater to use. It's already been hard to pick the top five, so four has made it almost impossible.
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We've got some options here for baseball's Mount Rushmore, and we want you to decide who you would choose.
12. Babe Ruth: The Sultan of Swat Who Changed Baseball Forever
This is as close to a no-brainer as any player in history. I would say that this is the most famous baseball player the world has ever known. His legacy has lasted for ages, and his name still reigns supreme among baseball mentions today.
I would be shocked if anyone left him out of their Mount Rushmore.
11. Willie Mays: The Say Hey Kid’s Unmatched Five-Tool Excellence
Willie Mays had such a flair to the way he played that it captured the imaginations of generations of fans. One of my heroes was the great broadcaster, Vin Scully. For all the players he announced and all the baseball he observed.
He always thought that Willie Mays was the greatest player he ever watched. I'd be hard-pressed to disagree with him.
10. Hank Aaron: Hammerin’ Hank’s Quest for History
I will always remember touring the Atlanta Falcons' football stadium with some guys who were from outside the United States. The tour guide pointed to a certain person on a huge mural of Atlanta icons and asked who it was.
As the only American, I easily answered Henry Aaron (I was trying to sound smart using the Henry name), and a man from the United Kingdom gave the same name at the same time. It caught me off guard, but maybe I shouldn't underestimate the far reach of this all-time great.
9. Ted Williams: The Greatest Hitter Who Ever Lived
.406. That's what every contact hitter has tried and failed to beat. Since 1941, no one has ever been able to maintain a .400 batting average for an entire season.
Ted Williams was the last to do it.
The fact that so many people know of that number shows how legendary that feat was. It's fitting that it was done by such a legendary player.
8. Barry Bonds: The Home Run King’s Controversial Reign
This will understandably cause a rift among the fans debating this topic. Barry Bonds has undoubtedly hit more MLB home runs than anyone in history. His name is basically synonymous with the words home run.
But his name is also synonymous with steroids. This one comes down to what matters more to you as a fan of this great game.
7. Lou Gehrig: The Iron Horse’s Legendary Streak
Sometimes, it takes something greater than baseball to be an icon that belongs on Mount Rushmore. Lou Gehrig not only played in 2,130 consecutive games, but he also made countless people aware of the devastating condition that is ALS.
The fight to find a cure lives on and is stronger than ever. We can thank the Iron Horse for kickstarting the fight back in the day.
6. Ty Cobb: The Georgia Peach’s Fierce Competitive Spirit
When we look at the early days of baseball, it's hard to look past the great Ty Cobb. No player played with more fire, more spirit than Cobb. He may have played a little too aggressively at times, but his passion to win can inspire every generation to compete to the fullest every single game.
He held the all-time hit record for many years before Pete Rose broke it.
5. Stan Musial: Stan The Man’s Perfect Symmetry
I think this one can be tough for some fans. I've heard many passionately say that Stan Musial was the absolute best they ever saw play. He captivated the baseball world during his career with his sweet left-handed swing and impressive play.
Though his career stats aren't as impressive as some of the others on this list, I can understand those who want to stick with The Man.
4. Mickey Mantle: The Commerce Comet’s Raw Power
The Yankees have been graced with greatness throughout their history. We have another Yankee on this list, and this one does have an argument that goes beyond baseball.
Mickey Mantle was an absolute celebrity in his prime, and he was treated like a movie star when he went out. That's where fame can come in as we consider whose face would look best on Mount Rushmore.
3. Mike Trout: The Modern Day Willie Mays
We've got to fit in a modern example, as Mike Trout has dazzled baseball fans throughout his illustrious career. For a long time, I heard people say that he's the greatest they've ever seen (without the help of steroids, of course).
His offensive and defensive production has been second to none, and his smile has radiated throughout Angel Stadium for many years.
2. Ken Griffey Jr.: The Kid’s Perfect Swing
Ken Griffey Jr. is another guy on this list who has some numbers that approach all-time levels, but may not actually be here for that. The Kid inspired generations upon generations of athletes to turn their caps backward and mash mammoth home runs with the smoothest swing we've ever seen.
His impact on culture has probably been bigger than his impact just on baseball.
1. Greg Maddux: The Professor’s Pitching Mastery
We had to include at least one pitcher on this list. Since we only have one spot and there are countless options, I'm just going with my personal favorite. Greg Maddux taught me about the strategy of the game just by the way he approached each pitch.
He never had the fastest fastball or the greatest breaking ball, but he had as great control and tactical ability as any pitcher ever did.
