Wyoming: Tom Browning
Tom Browning enjoyed a 12-year career in the big leagues, spending the bulk of his career with the Cincinnati Reds. On September 16, 1988, Browning pitched a perfect game. Two years later, Browning went 15-9 and helped lead the Reds to a World Series victory. An All-Star in 1991, Browning is a member of the Reds’ Hall of Fame.
Image Source: Owen C. Shaw/Getty Images
Vermont: Carlton Fisk
Forever remembered for the moment captured in the image above, Carlton Fisk enjoyed a tremendous career. Fisk would parlay winning Rookie of the Year honors with the Red Sox into a 24-year career. Fisk was an 11-time All-Star, three-time Silver Slugger, and captured one Gold Glove. Fisk was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2000, his second year on the ballot.
Image Source: Bettmann/Getty Images
Alaska: Curt Schilling
Curt Schilling is the definition of a big-game pitcher. Schill’s ‘bloody sock’ game will go down as one of the most impressive feats in baseball history. The six-time All-Star won all throughout his career. Not only did he win 216 games as a starter in 20 seasons, but Schilling was also a member of three World Series champion teams. Schilling won the NLCS MVP in 1993, and took home World Series MVP honors in 2001 — sharing the award with Randy Johnson.
Image Source: Ronald C. Modra/Sports Imagery/Getty Images
North Dakota: Darin Erstad
Before taking over coaching duties at the University of Nebraska, Erstad enjoyed a successful career spanning 14 years. The bulk of Erstad’s success came in Anaheim. While with the Angels, Erstad was selected to two All-Star teams, won three Gold Gloves, and helped the Angels win the 2002 World Series.
Image Source: Otto Greule Jr./Getty Images
South Dakota: Keith Foulke
A native of Ellsworth Air Force Base, SD, Foulke made a name for himself as a closer. From 2000-04, Foulke converted 162 save opportunities. With the A’s in 2003, Foulke registered 43 saves en route to a 7th place finish for the Cy Young, and 15th for the AL MVP.
Image Source: Michael Zagaris/MLB Photos/Getty Images
Delaware: Delino DeShields
Before his son made it to the show, Delino “Bop” DeShields was drafted by the Montreal Expos in 1987. DeShields enjoyed a good rookie season, finishing second in the RoY vote. As a third year player DeShields received MVP consideration for the only time in his career, finishing 16th. The versatile fielder finished his career with 561 RBI and 463 SB.
Image Source: Andrew D. Bernstein/Getty Images
Montana: Dave McNally
Dave McNally made the town of Billings very proud over the course of his career. As a 19-year-old McNally made a dream-like debut —Â 9.0 IP, 2 H, 4 SO, 3 BB, 0 ER. The victory was the first of 184 career wins for the long-time Oriole pitcher. McNally was a three-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion with the franchise.
Image Source: Bettmann/Getty Images
Rhode Island: Paul Konerko
Rhode Island’s finest could soon find himself in the Hall of Fame. Konerko enjoyed a tremendous career with the Chicago White Sox. A six-time All-Star, Konerko led the Sox to the 2005 World Series title. A career .279 hitter, the first baseman slugged 439 HR and plated 1,412 runs.
Image Source: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
Maine: Bob Stanley
Although Boston fans may remember Bob Stanley for blowing a lead in Game 6 of the 1986 World Series, Stanley was an important player in Boston for over a decade. Stanley accumulated 115 wins, two All-Star nods, and finished as high as 7th in Cy Young voting.
Image Source: Focus on Sport/Getty Images
New Hampshire: Chris Carpenter
When healthy, Chris Carpenter was one of the best pitchers in baseball during the early 2000s. From 2004-06, Carpenter went 51-18 with a 3.10 ERA. During that span, he won the 2005 Cy Young, finished 2nd in voting in 2006, and went 3-1 in the ’06 playoffs en route to a World Series victory. The Cardinals’ ace would finish 2nd for the Cy in 2009, and win a second title in 2011.
Image Source: G. N. Lowrance/Getty Images
Hawaii: Shane Victorino
Nicknamed “The Flyin’ Hawaiian”, Shane Victorino became a fan favorite during his time in Philadelphia. In seven seasons with the Phillies, Victorino earned All-Star honors twice, took home three Gold Gloves, and was a key member of the 2008 World Series champion Phillies.
Image Source: Chris McGrath/Getty Images
Idaho: Harmon Killebrew
Harmon Killebrew made the game of baseball look easy. A member of the Hall of Fame, Killebrew finished his career with 573 HR and 1,584 RBI. The slugger was a 13-time All-Star and the 1969 AL MVP. From 1961-71, Killebrew finished in the top-15 of MVP voting nine times.
Image Source: Focus On Sport/Getty Images
West Virginia: George Brett
Born in Glen Dale, WV, George Brett is one of the best athletes to ever come out of the state. Brett’s accomplishments are endless — Hall of Fame, 1980 MVP, 13-time All-Star, three-time AL batting champion, three-time Silver Slugger, and 1985 World Series champion. Brett’s fiery personality could only be matched by his tremendous ability.
Image Source: Owen C. Shaw/Getty Images
Nebraska: Bob Gibson
This Nebraska native became known as one of the most intimidating pitchers of all-time over the course of his 17-year career. Bob Gibson bullied and utterly dominated hitters. In 1968, Gibson sported a 1.12 ERA — winning both the NL Cy Young and MVP. Gibson, now in the Hall of Fame, finished his career with two Cy Young’s, World Series titles, WS MVPs and nine All-Star nods.
Image Source: Focus on Sport/Getty Images
New Mexico: Ralph Kiner
A Pittsburgh legend, Ralph Kiner was one of the most feared sluggers of all-time. From 1947-52, Kiner averaged 45 HR and 115 RBI per season. Although he only played 10 seasons, Kiner is a member of the Hall of Fame due in large part to his powerful swing. The Pirate great finished his career with 369 HR.
Image Source: Bettmann/Getty Images
Nevada: Bryce Harper
Bryce Harper is only eight years into his career, but it is safe to say he is the best Nevada has to offer. A household name at the age of 15, Harper has lived up to the hype. He is a six-time All-Star, Rookie of the Year, Silver Slugger and the 2015 NL MVP.
Image Source: Geoff Burke/USA TODAY Sports
Kansas: Walter Johnson
A state known for its basketball roots, Kansas was the birthplace of one of baseball’s all-time pitchers. Walter Johnson won an astonishing 417 games and posted a lifetime 2.17 ERA. Johnson struck out 3,509 batters on his way to three Triple Crown’s, five ERA titles, and two MVPs.
Image Source: Bettmann/Getty Images
Arkansas: Brooks Robinson
Before Cal Ripken manned the hot corner for the Orioles, the spot belonged to Brooks Robinson. The Hall of Famer was a defensive wizard — earning 16 Gold Gloves. Also an 18-time All-Star, Robinson took home AL MVP honors in 1964 and led the franchise to World Series titles in 1966 and 1970.
Image Source: Focus On Sport/Getty Images
Mississippi: Dave Parker
The pride of Grenada, MS, Dave Parker far surpassed expectations after being selected in the 14th round. The 1978 NL MVP, Parker was a member of two World Series teams, won two batting titles, and was a seven-time All-Star. Parker could do more than hit — as a rangy right fielder, Parker captured three Gold Gloves.
Image Source: Focus on Sport/Getty Images
Utah: Bruce Hurst
Utah has not produced many good baseball players. Bruce Hurst is the most accomplished one of the lot, tallying 145 victories in 15 years. Hurst made his lone All-Star appearance in 1987, and followed it up with an 18-6 record in 1988.
Image Source: Focus on Sport/Getty Images
Iowa: Bob Feller
“The Heater from Van Meter”. Born in Van Meter, IA, Bob Feller relied on his fastball to dominate opponents. An eight-time All-Star, Feller won 266 games and struck out more than 2,500 batters during his war-shortened career. Feller’s 279 complete games and 44 shutouts helped punch his ticket to Cooperstown.
Image Source: Hank Walker/The LIFE Images Collection/Getty Images
Connecticut: Jim O’Rourke
A career .310 hitter, O’Rourke enjoyed a splendid career with the Boston Red Stockings and New York Giants. O’Rourke won two World Series and one batting title (1884). For his time, O’Rourke was one of the most prolific players in the game. His 2,146 hits were the second most in baseball during his career.
Image Source: Mark Rucker/Transcendental Graphics/Getty Images
Oklahoma: Mickey Mantle
This man needs no introduction. Mickey Mantle is one of the greatest players of all-time. A three-time MVP, seven-time World Series champion, and 20-time All-Star, Mantle could do it all. He hit for average, power, and made a habit of drawing walks. Mantle will always be remembered as one of the best.
Image Source: Stanley Weston/Getty Images
Oregon: Dale Murphy
One of the most versatile ballplayer’s in the big leagues throughout his career, Dale Murphy excelled in all facets of the game while playing for the Braves. Murphy won back-to-back MVPs (1982-83), four straight Silver Slugger’s (82-85) and five straight Gold Glove awards (82-86). The seven-time All-Star excelled as an outfielder, catcher and first baseman over the course of his 18-year career.
Image Source: Focus on Sport/Getty Images
Kentucky: Pee Wee Reese
A Louisville native, Reese will forever be revered for his support of his teammate Jackie Robinson. Reese was a great player in his own right. A 10-time All-Star and member of the Hall of Fame, Reese helped lead the Dodgers to seven National League championships. After falling short to the Yankees in the World Series five times, Reese helped the Dodgers get over the hump by hitting .296 in the 1955 World Series — capturing his lone title in a thrilling seven-game series.
Image Source: Bettmann/Getty Images
Louisiana: Mel Ott
Upon first glance, one would not assume Mel Ott to be a power hitter. Only 5-foot-9 and 170 pounds, Ott clubbed 511 HR and drove in 1,860 runs. A 12-time All-Star, Ott was an all-around hitter. The lefty finished his career just shy of 3,000 hits (2,876) and posted a lifetime .304 BA.
Image Source: Bettmann/Getty Images
Alabama: Hank Aaron
Between Willie Mays and Hank Aaron, Alabama is home to two of the greatest athletes to ever live. Both players are in a class of their own. However, let’s spotlight Aaron. A 25-time All-Star, Aaron is famous for hitting 755 HR. The former ‘Home Run King’ also accumulated 3,771 hits, batted .305 and has an MLB-record 2,297 RBI. Hammerin’ Hank was also a three-time Gold Glove recipient, two-time batting champion, World Series champion and the 1957 NL MVP.
Image Source: Focus on Sport/Getty Images
South Carolina: Jim Rice
A powerful right-handed hitter, Jim Rice enjoyed a sterling 16-year career with the Red Sox. The Hall of Famer from Anderson, SC, won the 1978 AL MVP, was selected to eight All-Star teams, and won two Silver Slugger’s throughout his time in Beantown.
Image Source: Focus on Sport/Getty Images
Colorado: Roy Halladay
One of the best pitchers from the 2000s, Halladay utilized a four-pitch repertoire for much of his career — relying heavily on a devastating two-seam fastball. Halladay captured two Cy Young Award’s (2003, 2010) and threw two no-hitter’s during the 2010 season — a perfect game on May 29 and another no-hitter in the postseason against the Cincinnati Reds.
Image Source: New York Daily News Archive/Getty Images
Minnesota: Dave Winfield
Dave Winfield played for six teams, including his hometown Twins, but is mainly remembered for his time with the Padres and Yankees. While with San Diego, Winfield was a four-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove winner. With the Yankees, captured eight All-Star nods and five additional Gold Glove Awards. Winfield’s 3,110 hits and 465 HR led to a spot in Cooperstown.
Image Source: Bettmann/Getty Images
Wisconsin: Kid Nichols
A 361-game winner, Kid Nichols became the youngest pitcher to reach the 300-win plateau at the age of 30. The majority of Nichols’ success came while playing for the Boston Beaneaters. In 1892, the Hall of Famer went 35-16 and held a 2.84 ERA.
Image Source: Mark Rucker/Transcendental Graphics/Getty Images
Maryland: Babe Ruth
Generally regarded as the greatest baseball player of all-time, Babe Ruth could do it all. As a pitcher, Ruth finished his career 94-46 with an impressive 2.28 ERA. The seven-time World Series champion was a lifetime .342 hitter. Famous for his prolific power, “The Sultan of Swat” hit 714 HR — the third most of all-time. The name Ruth will always be synonymous with baseball.
Image Source: New York Times Co./Getty Images
Missouri: Yogi Berra
One of sports all-time winners, Yogi Berra put together quite the career in pinstripes. The trusty backstop won an incredible 10 World Series’ with the Yankees. A player who hit for average (.285) and power (358), Berra totaled 2,150 career hits. In addition to his 10 championships, Berra won three AL MVPs and was selected to 18 All-Star teams.
Image Source: Bettmann/Getty Images
Tennessee: Todd Helton
Before coming a Colorado Rockies’ legend, Todd Helton was the starting quarterback for his hometown Tennessee Volunteers — ahead of some guy named Peyton Manning. Helton ended his illustrious career with a .316 BA, 2,519 hits, 369 HR and 1,406 RBI. In addition to being an above-average hitter, Helton was also a plus-defender. All told, Helton ended his career a five-time All-Star, four-time Silver Slugger and three-time Gold Glove winner.
Image Source: Doug Pensinger/Getty Images
Indiana: Mordecai Brown
Mordecai “Three Finger” Brown prospered in the big leagues despite losing parts of two fingers while growing up in Indiana. Brown put together a Hall of Fame career with the Cubs, earning an ERA title in 1906 by posting a minuscule 1.04 ERA. Brown finished his career with a record of 239-130 and two World Series’ triumphs.
Image Source: FPG/Getty Images
Massachusetts: Tom Glavine
A lefty from Concord, MA, Tom Glavine made a career out of making people look silly. A legendary figure for the Braves, Glavine earned MVP honors for his effort in the 1995 World Series. Glavine also picked up two NL Cy Young’s and was a 10-time All-Star. Glavine could also hold his own at the plate and as a result,took home four Silver Slugger Award’s.
Image Source: Ron Vesely/MLB Photos via Getty Images
Arizona: Ian Kinsler
The state of Arizona is relatively thin on top-end talent. Ian Kinsler has had a respectable career thus far. Originally drafted by the Diamondbacks in 2000 and 2001, Kinsler eventually made a name for himself with the Rangers after the team took him in the 2003 MLB Draft. Kinsler earned three All-Star nods while in Texas and a fourth with the Tigers.
Image Source: Paul Rutherford/USA TODAY Sports
Washington: Ron Santo
A beloved member of the Chicago Cubs for 14 seasons, Santo endeared himself to the fans with his slick fielding and timely hitting. Santo captured five Gold Glove Awards and was a member of nine All-Star teams. Santo was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2012 and named to the Cubs’ All-Century Team in 1999.
Image Source: Bettmann/Getty Images
Virginia: Justin Verlander
A product of Goochland HS in Virginia, Justin Verlander has enjoyed an incredible career thus far. Blessed with a powerful fastball and a devastating curve, Verlander has accomplished more than most — Rookie of the Year (2006), ERA Title (2011), AL MVP and Cy Young (’11, ’19), Triple Crown (’11), ALCS MVP (’17) and World Series champion (’17). Verlander will be in Cooperstown one day.
Image Source: Eric Bronson/USA TODAY Sports
New Jersey: Derek Jeter
Although Derek Jeter is the king of New York, he hails from across the George Washington Bridge —Â Pequannock, NJ. When Mike Trout completes his career he may surpass Jeter, but for now the honor belongs to No. 2. A 14-time All-Star, Jeter helped usher in the latest Yankee dynasty. An all-time clutch player, Jeter won five World Series, five Gold Glove Awards and five Silver Slugger Awards.
Image Source: Sporting News/Getty Images
Michigan: John Smoltz
Originally drafted by his hometown Tigers in 1985, Smoltz never appeared in a Detroit uniform. Instead, he became a Hall of Fame pitcher for the Atlanta Braves. Dominant as both a starter and a closer, Smoltz finished his career with 213 wins and 154 saves. Following a World Series victory in 1995, Smoltz captured the 1996 NL Cy Young. In 2002, Smoltz won the NL Rolaids Relief Man Award.
Image Source: Al Bello/Getty Images
North Carolina: Gaylord Perry
Famous for his spitball, Gaylord Perry put together an unbelievable résumé. Over a career spanning 22 seasons, Perry became the first pitcher to win the Cy Young in each league. Perry earned his way to Cooperstown on the strength of 314 wins, 3,534 strikeouts and a 3.11 ERA.
Image Source: Focus on Sport/Getty Images
Georgia: Ty Cobb
One of baseball’s all-time greats, Ty Cobb set a stunning mark of 90 MLB records during his career. Cobb won 12 AL batting titles, led the league in RBI on four occasions and led the league in steals six times. Cobb left the game with a .366 BA and 4,189 hits. His 151.1 WAR ranks sixth all-time behind five legends of the game — Babe Ruth, Cy Young, Walter Johnson, Barry Bonds, Willie Mays.
Image Source: Focus on Sport/Getty Images
Ohio: Pete Rose
The only man to have more hits than Ty Cobb, Pete Rose is one of the greatest to ever put on a pair of spikes. Known for his short fuse and dogged determination, Rose enjoyed a successful career. The 1973 NL MVP was named to 17 All-Star teams while manning an unprecedented five positions throughout his career. Predominately an infielder, Rose won both of his Gold Gloves as an outfielder. Rose retired with 4,256 hits and three World Series victories.
Image Source: Ron Vesely/MLB Photos via Getty Images
Pennsylvania: Stan Musial
When looking at Pennsylvania’s best you have two players that stand above the rest — Ken Griffey Jr. and Stan Musial. Both are amongst the all-time greats. In the case of Musial, the Cardinals’ legend was an absolute terror at the plate. A three-time MVP, Musial won seven NL batting titles on his way to 3,630 career hits. A lifetime .331 hitter, Musial slugged 475 HR, and nearly scored as many runs (1,949) as he drove in (1,951). To top it off, Musial won the World Series three times.
Image Source: Bettmann/Getty Images
Illinois: Rickey Henderson
Most recognized for being a speed demon, Rickey Henderson was much more than just a base stealer. Henderson stole an MLB-record 1,406 bases, but he also hit for power and average. Henderson ended his Hall of Fame career with a .279 BA, 3,055 hits, 297 HR and three Silver Slugger Awards. The “Man of Steal” won two World Series, the 1990 AL MVP and earned 10 All-Star nods.
Image Source: Focus on Sport/Getty Images
New York: Alex Rodriguez
With apologies to Sandy Koufax and Lou Gehrig, Alex Rodriguez is the best baseball player ever born in New York. One of the greatest hitters of all-time and a plus-defender in his prime, A-Rod could do it all. The controversial star is 4th all-time in HR (696), 3rd in RBI (2,086), 16th in WAR (117.8) and 21st in hits (3,115). A-Rod claimed three AL MVPs, 14 All-Star nods, 10 Silver Slugger Awards, two Gold Gloves and won the 2009 World Series with the Yankees.
Image Source: Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
Florida: Chipper Jones
One of the greatest players to ever man the hot-corner, Larry “Chipper” Jones etched his name into the history books while spending his entire 19-year career in Atlanta. Chipper finished his career with a .303 BA and 468 HR — the only switch hitter in MLB history to reach a .300 BA and 400 HR. The 1999 NL MVP also won the batting title in 2008. An eight-time All-Star and 1995 World Series champion, Chipper entered the Hall of Fame in 2018.
Image Source: Scott Cunningham/Getty Images
Texas: Clayton Kershaw
Texas is home of two of the best pitchers of all-time — Clayton Kershaw and Greg Maddux. Maddux is an all-time great (4 Cy Young’s, 4 ERA titles, 18 Gold Gloves), but Kershaw is well on his way to becoming one of, if not the, best pitchers to ever play. Through 12 seasons, Kershaw has been dominant. He is a three-time Cy Young winner, NL MVP, Triple Crown winner, five-time ERA champion and has a lifetime 2.44 ERA. It will be hard for Kershaw to pass Maddux in wins (355), but the lefty has plenty of years left to make a push.
Image Source: Jayne Kamin-Oncea/USA TODAY Sports
California: Barry Bonds
The talent coming out of California is endless — Randy Johnson, Ted Williams and Joe DiMaggio to name a few — but topping the list is Barry Bonds, arguably the greatest baseball player of all-time. Bonds’ numbers are ridiculous — .298 BA, 762 HR, 1,996 RBI, 2,935 H, 2,558 BB (688 of which were intentional). What people tend to forget, however, is that Bonds was not one-dimensional. He stole 514 bases and won eight Gold Gloves in addition to leading the league in hitting twice, winning 12 Silver Sluggers, and seven NL MVPs.
Image Source: John G. Mabanglo/Stringer/GETTY Images