“Sweet Swinging” Billy was the greatest Cubs left fielder in franchise history. The most durable player of the sixties, he left the game with the NL records of 1,117 consecutive games played, 9 consecutive seasons with at least 600 at bats, and the most games played as an outfielder for a season (164 in 1965). Batting .300 or more five times, the left-handed Williams also hammered out of the park 30 or more home runs five times and 426 for his career. He also rang up 2,711 hits and 1,475 runs batted in. A respected fielder, the soft-spoken and admired Williams led the NL 6 times in games and one time in fielding average.

Member of one division leader (1975). NL Rookie of the Year (1961). Three-time STATS, Inc. NL Outfielder (1965, 1970, 1972). Six-time All-Star (1962, 1964-65, 1968, 1972-73). NL leader for BA (1972), SLG (1972), OPS (1972), G (1965-66, 1968-70), R (1970), H (1970), TB (1968, 1970, 1972), OPS+ (1972), and XBH (1965, 1968, 1972). Retired with the Cubs franchise single-season record for G (164 in 1965), as well as the career records for R (modern record: 1,306), TOB (modern record: 3,462), Power/Speed Number (modern record: 141.1).

The best Negro League pitcher of his era, Williams was the standard for all other African-American hurlers at the time of his retirement. Possessing one of the outstanding fastballs in baseball history, “Cyclone Joe” was able to strike out many a batter while still avoiding many bases on balls. As his fastball lost some of its smoke as he aged, he was still cagey enough to get the job done, as when he struck out 24 batters in 12 innings in a 1930 one-hit shutout against the Monarchs. Williams also helped his cause on many occasions with fine hitting mixed with good power.

Member of one Western pennant winner (1910). Member of eight Eastern pennant winners (1911-13, 1915, 1917, 1919, 1922, 1928). Five-time George Stovey Award winner (1913, 1917-19, 1921). Five-time Holway Eastern All-Star (1913, 1917-1919, 1921). Eastern league leader for W (1912-13, 1916-19) and Total Run Avg. (1913, 1917-18).

The HoM’s eighth unanimous choice! The greatest hitter of his time, and many would argue of all time, “The Splendid Splinter” made hitting baseballs - what he called “the hardest single feat in sports” - look easy. The left-handed Williams created a huge impression throughout the record books. He retired with the ML single-season record for OBP (.553 in 1941), the ML career record for OBP (.482), and the AL single-season record for IBB (33 in 1957). The last man to hit .400 (.406 in 1941), “Teddy Ballgame” led his league in OBP a record 12 times and finished top 5 in MVP voting 9 times. Williams led his league in a major offensive statistic a stratospheric 87 times, and all this despite losing five seasons to military service. Defensively he led AL outfielders in games 3 times and double plays once.

Member of one pennant-winner (1946). Two-time AL MVP (1946, 1949). Two-time Triple Crown (1942, 1947). STATS, Inc. Rookie of the Year (1939). Sixteen-time STATS, Inc. AL Outfielder (1939-42, 1946-51, 1954-58, 1960). Seven-time Win Shares AL MVP (1941-42, 1946-49, 1951). Nine-time Win Shares AL Silver Slugger Award (1939-42, 1946-49, 1951). Seventeen-time All-Star (1940-42, 1946-51, 1953-60). AL leader for BA (1941-42, 1947-48, 1957-58), OBP (1940-42, 1946-49, 1951, 1954, 1956-58), SLG (1941-42, 1946-49, 1951, 1954, 1957), OPS (1941-42, 1946-49, 1951, 1954, 1957-58), G (1949), R (1940-42, 1946-47, 1949), TB (1939, 1942, 1946-47, 1949, 1951), HR (1941-42, 1947, 1949), RBI (1939, 1942, 1947, 1949), BB (1941-42, 1946-49, 1951, 1954), OPS+ (1941-42, 1946-49, 1951, 1954, 1957), XBH (1939, 1942, 1946-47, 1949), TOB (1940-1942, 1946-49, 1951), and IBB (1955-57). Retired with the Red Sox single-season records for SLG (.735 in 1941), OPS (1.287 in 1941), R (150 in 1949), BB (162 in 1947), OPS+ (235 in 1941), and TOB (358 in 1949), as well as the Red Sox career records for BA (.344), SLG (.634), OPS (1.116), G (2,292), AB (7,706), R (1,798), H (2,654), TB (4,884), 2B (525), HR (521), RBI (1,839), BB (2,021), 1B (1,537), OPS+ (190), XBH (1,117), TOB (4,714), and IBB (86).

Considered by many to be the greatest all-around third baseman, white or black, of his era, “Boojum” (derived from the sound his wicked line drives made as they smashed into the outfield wall) was one of the most hard-hitting offensive players at that position up to that time. Credited with the highest lifetime batting average for a Negro League player with at least 2,000 AB (.354), the intimidating left-handed hitter had very good power (.507 SLG) and was acknowledged as a great clutch hitter by his peers. Despite his large physique, he was still able to generate fine speed. In the three East-West games that he played in, he hit .455.

Member of seven Eastern winners (1931, 1940-45). Member of one East-West winner (1934). All-Star (1933, 1941). Playoff MVP (1934). Eastern leader for BA (1925-26), 2B (1927) and 3B (1943). Eight-time Holway All-Star (1923-25, 1927-30, 1932).

A gifted athlete who would have been a star in any sport, “Big Dave’s” six-foot, six-inch frame was almost as impressive as his achievements on the field. A member of the 3,000-hit club, finishing with 3,110, the right-handed slugger hit over .300 four times and scored more than 100 runs 3 times over his long career. Winfield’s power was just as impressive as he smacked 465 career round-trippers with 3 seasons of over 30, had a 130 career OPS+, and knocked in 1,833 runs with 8 seasons of 100 or more RBI. Stealing 223 bases during his career, his speed, in tandem with his powerful and accurate arm, was put to good use as a ball hawk. He led right fielders 3 times in fielding percentage, twice in assists and once each in games, putouts and double plays; he also led left fielders once in assists. One of only a few players never to have played minor league ball.

Member of three pennant-winners (1981 and the World Champions of 1992 (his two-out double in the 11th inning of Game Six won it all for the Blue Jays) and 1995). ML-WS MVP (1992). Five-time AL Silver Slugger-OF (1981-85). AL Silver Slugger-DH (1992). Two-time NL Gold Glove Award (1979-80). Five-time AL Gold Glove Award (1982-85, 1987). STATS, Inc. NL Outfielder (1979). STATS, Inc. AL Outfielder (1982-84). STATS, Inc. AL Designated Hitter (1992). Win Shares NL co-MVP (1979). Win Shares NL Silver Slugger Award (1979). Twelve-time All-Star (1977-88). NL leader for TB, RBI, OPS+ and IBB for 1979. Retired with the Padres franchise single-season records for G (162 in 1980), and TB (333), RBI (118) and XBH (71) all in 1979.

One of the finest all-around players in the game from 1871-76, Wright became a standout before any professional leagues were formed - many considered him the greatest player of his era even before he joined the NA. The premier defensive shortstop in the game during his prime with the best arm at his position, he led his leagues at short five times in putouts, fielding percentage and assists twice, and double plays four times. His offensive worth can be measured by finishing 2nd in the NA in OPS+ in 1871 and 1873. Batting .302 with 5 seasons over .300 (one of those at .412) and an impressive infielder OPS+ of 125, the right-handed Wright also placed 2nd or 3rd in his league in runs scored six times. His 1876 season, below his NA standard, was still an impressive 39 Win Shares.

Member of seven pennant winners (1872-75, 1877-79) during his career, he was also the Cincinnati juggernaut’s best player for the first professional team ever in 1869, swatting 49 dingers and batting .633 for that year. STATS, Inc. NL Shortstop (1879). Four-time Win Shares NL Gold Glove Award winner (1876-79). NA leader in AB (1873, 1875), AB/K (1872) and 3B (1874). NL leader in G (1876-77, 1879) and AB (1876-77).

An intimidating pitcher not afraid to move an opposing batter away from the plate, Wynn was the bulldog of the Indians’ famous quartet from the Fifties. At his peak, the righty was armed with an impressive fastball, as well as a curve, slider, knuckleball, and changeup. His excellent mechanics and durability helped him become a member of the 300-wins club (retiring at that number) and winning 20 games five times and shutting out opposing teams 49 times, he also had the most Ks of any pitcher during the ‘50s. Wynn was instrumental in leading the “Go-Go” Sox to the team’s first pennant in 40 years in 1959. A good hitter for a pitcher, he is among major league leaders among hurlers for career hits and was used as a pinch-hitter 90 times over his career.

Member of two pennant-winners (1954 and 1959). Cy Young Award (1959). Six-time STATS, Inc. AL Staff Pitcher (1950-51, 1954-56, 1959). Three-time Win Shares Pitcher of the Year (1951, 1954, 1956). Seven-time All-Star (1947, 1955-60). AL leader for ERA (1950), W (1954, 1959), WHIP (1950), H/9 (1950), K/9 (1950), IP (1951, 1954, 1959), K (1957-58), GS (1943, 1951, 1954, 1957, 1959), and SHO (1960).

Among the finest centerfielders during his career, “The Toy Cannon” shot baseballs out of many a park despite his surprisingly small build, 3 times smacking 30 or more homers. Extremely patient at the plate, the right-handed slugger walked over 100+ times 6 times, had two seasons of at least a .400 OBP, scored over 100 runs 4 times, and drove in 100 or more runs twice. Speedy, he stole 43 out of 47 attempts in 1965. On defense, he led NL center fielders 3 times in double plays, twice in putouts and assists, and once in games; he also led NL left fielders twice in double plays and once in assists, not to mention once in fielding percentage among NL right fielders. His greatest season with the bat was in 1969 with his 167 OPS+, 33 home runs, and 148 bases on balls.

Member of one pennant-winner (1974). Four-time STATS, Inc. NL Outfielder (1967, 1969, 1972, 1974). Win Shares NL Gold Glove Award (1974). Three-time All-Star (1967, 1974-75). NL leader for BB (1969, 1976) and Power/Speed Number (1965). Retired with the Astros franchise single-season records for OBP (.436 in 1969), R (117 in 1972), HR (37 in 1967), BB (148 in 1969), OPS+ (167 in 1969), XBH (69 in 1967), TOB (284 in 1969), and AB/HR (15.0 in 1969), as well as the career records for G (1,426), AB (5,063), R (829), H (1,291), TB (2,252), HR (223), RBI (719), BB (847), OPS+ (131), XBH (483), TOB (2,164), Sac. Flies (48), IBB (76), and AB/HR (22.7).

The greatest AL left fielder of the sixties, the extremely popular “Yaz” compiled 23 seasons of standout baseball in a record 3,308 AL games. The only AL player at retirement to achieve the feat of 400 home runs and 3,000 hits, the left-handed Yastrzemski had a lifetime 130 OPS+, walked 1,845 times, batted .300 6 times, had 3 seasons of 40+ homers, and 5 times with 100 or more RBI. An impressive, strong-armed fielder, he led all AL left fielders 7 times in assists, 5 times in games, 4 times in putouts and double plays, and once in fielding percentage; he also led AL center fielders once in assists.

Member of two pennant-winners (the “Impossible Dream” team of 1967 and 1975; his postseason batting line of .369/.447/.600 includes his .400/.500/.840 of the ’67 WS). AL MVP (1967). AL Triple Crown (1967). ML-AS MVP (1970). Seven-time AL Gold Glove Award winner (1963, 1965, 1967-69, 1971, 1977). Three-time STATS, Inc. AL Outfielder (1965, 1967-68). STATS, Inc. AL First Baseman (1970). Four-time Win Shares AL MVP (1963, 1967-68, 1970). Two-time Win Shares AL Silver Slugger Award (1967, 1970). Win Shares AL Gold Glove Award winner (1963). Eighteen-time All-Star (1963, 1965-79, 1982-83). AL leader for BA (1963, 1967-68), OBP (1963, 1965, 1967-68, 1970), SLG (1965, 1967, 1970), OPS (1965, 1967-68, 1970), G (1969), Runs (1967, 1970, 1974), H (1963, 1967), TB (1967, 1970), 2B (1963, 1965-66), HR (1967), RBI (1967), BB (1963, 1968), OPS+ (1965, 1967-68, 1970), XBH (1967), TOB (1963, 1967-68, 1970), and Sac. Flies (1972, 1977). Retired with the Red Sox single-season record for Power/Speed Number (29.2 in 1970), as well as the career records for AB (11,988), H (3,419), R (1,816), RBI (1,844), TB (5,539), 2B (646), 1B (2,262), XBH (1,157), TOB (5,304), IBB (190), Power/Speed Number (245), and Sac. Flies (105).

The Hall of Merit’s first unanimous selection! Nobody performed for as long with as much sustained excellence as “The Cyclone” did, including a ML record 15 seasons with at least 20 wins. Owning one of the all-time great fastballs, he also had impeccable control, leading his league in BB/9 an all-time record 14 times, and leading his league in K/BB another all-time record 11 times. Why not mention the all-time record for leading his league in shutouts 7 times? With a career record of 511-316 Young also owns the all-time mark for wins, as he does for games started, complete games, innings pitched, and batters faced as well.

Ace of the Temple Cup winner Cleveland Spiders of ‘95 and the very first World Series winner - the Boston Pilgrims of 1903. Six-time STATS, Inc. Pitcher of the Year (1892-93, 1895, 1901-03). Win Shares NL MVP (1896). Two-time Win Shares AL MVP (1902-03). Win Shares NL Pitcher of the Year (1896). Three-time Win Shares AL Pitcher of the Year (1901-03). AL Pitching Triple Crown winner (1901). NL leader in ERA (1892), W (1892, 1895), W-L% (1892), WHIP (1892, 1895, 1899), BB/9 (1890, 1893-1900), S (1896), K (1896), CG (1899), SHO (1892, 1895-96, 1900), K/BB (1893-94, 1896, 1898-1900), and ERA+ (1892). AL leader in ERA (1901), W (1901-03), W-L% (1903), WHIP (1901, 1904-05, 1907), H/9 (1901), BB/9 (1901, 1903-06), G (1902), S (1903), IP (1902-03), K (1901), GS (1902), CG (1902-03), SHO (1901, 1903-04), K/BB (1901, 1903-06), and ERA+ (1901). Young retired with the 4th best career ERA+ (138), as well as major league career records for G (906), IP (7354.7), K (2,803), GS (815), CG (749), SHO (76), and assists (2,014). No-hit games (1897, 1904-perfect game, and 1908).

The Brewers’ career leader in a dizzying number of offensive categories, “Rockin’ Robin” was only the third player in MLB history to win the MVP award at two different positions. Smacking line-drives to all parts of the diamond, the right-handed Yount batted over .300 6 times, scored over 100 runs 5 times, slugged at least .500 4 times and drove in 100 or more runs 3 times. A very good base stealer (271 career SB at a 72% success rate), he was also steady with the leather whether playing the infield or the outfield. He led AL shortstops once each in games, putouts, assists, double plays and fielding percentage, while as a center fielder, he twice led the league both in games and fielding percentage and once each in putouts, assists and double plays.

Member of one division champ (1981) and one pennant-winner (1982); during the ’82 World Series, he had a marvelous batting line of .414/.452/.621 and is the only player ever to have had two 4-hit games in the Fall Classic. Two-time AL MVP (1982, 1989). Two-time AL Silver Slugger Award-SS (1980, 1982). AL Silver Slugger Award-OF (1989). AL Gold Glove Award winner (1982). Three-time STATS, Inc. AL Shortstop (1980-82). STATS, Inc. AL Outfielder (1989). Two-time Win Shares AL MVP (1982, 1989). Win Shares AL Silver Slugger Award (1982). Win Shares AL Gold Glove Award winner (1988). Three-time All-Star (1980, 1982-83). AL leader for SLG (1982), OPS (1982), G (1976, 1988), H (1982), TB (1982), 2B (1980, 1982), 3B (1983, 1988), OPS+ (1982), XBH (1980, 1982) and Power/Speed Number (1980). Retired with the Brewers franchise single-season records for SLG (.578 in 1982), G (162 in 1988), TB (367 in 1982), 2B (49 in 1980), OPS+ (166 in 1982) and XBH (87 in 1982), as well as the career records for G (2,856), AB (11,008), PA (12,249), R (1,632), H (3,142), 1B (2,182), 2B (583), 3B (126), HR (251), RBI (1,406), BB (966), TB (4,730), XBH (960), TOB (4,156), Sac. Flies (123), IBB (95) and Power/Speed Number (260.6).