Last Updated: April 16th, 2024 by Jake Cain
Frank Chance: 1900’s
Frank Chance was a dominant force at first base for the Chicago Cubs in the 1900s.
Known for his performance as the Cubs’ player-manager, he led them to four National League pennants and two World Series titles in this decade.
Nicknamed “The Peerless Leader,” Chance was a strategic mind and a skilled first baseman, becoming a key component of the “Tinker-to-Evers-to-Chance” double play combination.
Endowed with both managerial prowess and athletic ability, Chance had a career batting average of .296 and on-base percentage of .394.
His aggressive style and smart base running paved the way for the offensive strategies of the era.
Chance was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1946.
Ed Konetchy: 1910’s
In the 1910’s, Ed Konetchy was a standout at first base, renowned for his consistency and defensive prowess.
He consistently led his league’s first basemen in fielding, securing the position eight times throughout his career.
At the plate, Konetchy had a solid .281 batting average across 2,085 games, amassing 2,150 hits, which included an impressive 344 doubles and 182 triples.
Known affectionately as “Koney” among fans, his skills extended beyond fielding and hitting; his speed on the bases was notable for a first baseman, making him a well-rounded player of his time.
Moreover, his ability to hit for both average and extra bases placed him among the elite of the era, earning him a reputable status that has endured in baseball history.
Lou Gehrig 1920’s
In the 1920s, Lou Gehrig emerged as one of the greatest hitters with the New York Yankees.
He began his streak of 2,130 consecutive games played, a testament to his reliability, which later earned him the nickname “The Iron Horse.”
In 1927, Gehrig had a banner year, complementing his teammate Babe Ruth by batting in 175 runs, and he racked up an impressive .373 batting average – winning the MVP in the process.
With impressive stats, including three seasons with over 140 RBIs, his impact on the game was immense and his legacy in the 1920s unmatched. More about Gehrig’s hitting and durability can be read on Wikipedia.
Jimmie Foxx: 1930’s
Jimmie Foxx dominated the 1930s with a bat that seemed almost too powerful for the time.
In the unforgettable 1932 season, he crushed 58 home runs and marked a staggering 169 RBI.
Foxx followed up in 1933 by winning the Triple Crown, leading the league with 48 home runs, 163 RBI, and a .356 batting average.
He wasn’t just a slugger; Foxx grabbed three MVP awards during the decade, proving himself as the era’s premier first baseman.
Johnny Mize: 1940’s
In the 1940s, Johnny Mize set himself apart as one of the elite first basemen of his time.
Despite missing three seasons to military service during World War II, his impact on the field was undeniable.
He was a key player for the St. Louis Cardinals and later, the New York Giants, earning ten All-Star appearances.
Mize’s stats from the decade include leading the National League in home runs and RBIs multiple times, and in 1947 he led with a .302 average, setting an impressive precedent for post-war baseball excellence.
Fans and sports historians alike remember him for his smooth swing and power at the plate, particularly in the 1947 season.
His 1948 season was equally remarkable, with Mize hitting 40 homers, further cementing his status as a top slugger of the ’40s.
His election to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1981 was a testament to his exceptional abilities as a first baseman, and his performances in the 1940s remain a highlight of his illustrious career.
The respect for Mize’s baseball mind and his powerful hitting is still strong among baseball enthusiasts, exemplifying what it meant to dominate at first base in that era.
Stan Musial: 1950’s
During the 1950s, Stan Musial solidified his status as one of baseball’s all-time greats, playing predominantly for the St. Louis Cardinals.
Musial’s hitting prowess was unmatched; he batted over .300 in each of the ten years, peaking with a .351 average in 1953.
His consistency earned him seven All-Star appearances throughout the decade and three National League MVP awards.
While Musial was primarily known for his incredible hitting, he also showed versatility, spending time in the outfield as well as first base.
He led the NL in hits twice and in doubles three years in a row from 1953 to 1955.
This exceptional performance at the plate and his defensive flexibility make it clear why he is often remembered as the best first baseman of the 1950s.
Musial’s commitment to excellence was further demonstrated by his 1958 season.
Despite being 37 years old, he mustered a .337 batting average.
His unmatched statistics and collection of awards from the decade demonstrate how amazing Stan the Man was.
Willie McCovey: 1960’s
In the 1960s, Willie McCovey emerged as one of baseball’s most fearsome power hitters.
Nicknamed “Stretch” for his impressive 6’4″ frame and extensive reach, McCovey dominated the decade with his bat.
He made a massive impact in 1969, racking up 45 home runs and 126 RBIs, which helped him seize the National League MVP Award.
During the entire decade, his prowess at first base and his ability to change the game with one swing made him a perpetual threat.
His consistent performance included a .291 batting average in the ’60s, coupled with an on-base percentage above .380, demonstrating his knack for both power and precision at the plate.
It wasn’t just the raw numbers; McCovey’s presence in the San Francisco Giants lineup was a cornerstone of their offensive strategy, making him, undeniably, one of the greatest first basemen of the 1960s.
Tony Perez: 1970’s
Tony Perez was a powerhouse for the Cincinnati Reds throughout the ’70s, anchoring the lineup of the famed Big Red Machine.
He brought consistent hitting and clutch power to the plate, belting out 379 home runs during his career, with a respectable .279 batting average.
In the ’70s, Perez’s reliability as a first baseman made him a seven-time All-Star and helped the Reds clinch World Series titles in 1975 and 1976.
His knack for driving in crucial runs was reflected in his impressive RBI totals, underscoring his reputation as one of the best first basemen of his era.
Eddie Murray: 1980’s
Eddie Murray emerged as an offensive powerhouse for the Baltimore Orioles throughout the 1980’s, solidifying his reputation as a switch-hitting legend.
He racked up over 2,080 hits during the decade, highlighted by consistently high performance and a knack for clutch hitting.
In 1983, Murray’s contributions were pivotal in leading the Orioles to a World Series Championship, and his efforts were recognized with three Gold Glove Awards and three Silver Slugger Awards.
Jeff Bagwell: 1990’s
In the 1990s, Jeff Bagwell emerged as one of baseball’s premier first basemen, combining power hitting with disciplined plate discipline. He kicked off the decade by earning the National League Rookie of the Year award in 1991 and firmly established himself throughout the ’90s with a batting average that frequently hovered around .300.
His 1994 MVP season was particularly stellar, where despite the strike-shortened season, he put up 39 home runs and led the league with 116 RBIs and a .750 slugging percentage.
His consistent offensive production placed him high amongst his peers, with nine seasons of 30+ home runs and more than 100 RBIs within the decade. Bagwell’s superior on-base skills were evident, maintaining an on-base percentage (OBP) regularly above .400, which was remarkable for a power hitter.
Albert Pujols: 2000’s
Albert Pujols burst onto the baseball scene in the early 2000s, quickly establishing himself as one of the game’s most feared hitters. During the decade, he was a perennial MVP candidate, snagging three National League MVP Awards (2005, 2008, and 2009).
With a batting average well over .300, Pujols was not just about raw power; he was an RBI machine, consistently driving in over 100 runs each season.
His defensive prowess at first base was impressive too, reflected in his two Gold Glove awards in 2006 and 2010, solidifying his reputation as a complete player.
Joey Votto: 2010’s
During the 2010s, Joey Votto established himself as one of MLB’s premier first basemen.
His knack for getting on base was second to none, as evidenced by his .428 on-base percentage (OBP) throughout the decade.
He won the National League MVP in 2010 with a stellar .324 batting average, indicative of his excellent hitting throughout the decade.
His on-base skills were unmatched; he led the NL in on-base percentage (OBP) seven times between 2010 and 2019, a testament to his keen eye and plate discipline.
Votto was not just an offensive powerhouse; he also earned a Gold Glove in 2011, showing his all-around game.
His consistent performance helped him accumulate a high Wins Above Replacement (WAR), showcasing his value compared to others at first base during the decade.