Babe Ruth (The GOAT of Baseball)

Early Life and Career

Babe Ruth, born George Herman Ruth Jr. on February 6, 1895, in Baltimore, Maryland, is widely regarded as one of the greatest baseball players in history. His career, which spanned from 1914 to 1935, transformed the sport and left an enduring legacy.​ Ruth’s early years were marked by hardship; he was sent to St. Mary’s Industrial School for Boys, where he learned baseball under the guidance of Brother Matthias. He began his professional career in 1914 with the Boston Red Sox as a left-handed pitcher, quickly establishing himself as one of the premier pitchers in the game.

Transition to Hitting and
Rise to Stardom

Babe Ruth started his career as a successful pitcher with the Boston Red Sox, but his powerful swing soon drew attention. By 1919, he hit a then-record 29 home runs, signaling a shift in his role from pitcher to everyday hitter.

In 1920, after being sold to the New York Yankees, Ruth fully embraced hitting and exploded with 54 home runs that season. His dominance at the plate helped usher in the live-ball era, transforming baseball into a power-driven game and making home runs the sport’s main attraction.

Ruth’s popularity soared, turning him into a national icon and helping to elevate the Yankees into a baseball dynasty. His rise forever changed the way the game was played and perceived.

Career Achievements

Home Runs: 714 career home runs,
a record that stood for 39 years.

Batting Average: .342 lifetime batting average.

Runs Batted In (RBIs): 2,213 RBIs.

World Series Titles: 7 championships
(3 with the Red Sox, 4 with the Yankees).

American League MVP: 1923

Munenori Kawasaki

Early Life and Career

Munenori Kawasaki was born on June 3, 1981, in Aira, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. From a young age, he was passionate about baseball and admired players like Ichiro Suzuki, who became one of his biggest inspirations.

He attended Kagoshima Jitsugyo High School, where he stood out for his speed and defensive skills, though he didn’t make it to Japan’s national high school tournament. In 2000, he was drafted by the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks and made his professional debut in 2001.

Kawasaki quickly gained a reputation as a reliable infielder with great range and a strong work ethic. He wasn’t a power hitter but excelled at contact hitting, base running, and energizing his teammates. Over time, he became a regular starter, a multiple-time NPB All-Star, and a key player in the Hawks’ championship runs.

His success in Japan eventually led him to pursue a career in Major League Baseball, where he aimed to test himself on a global stage.

NPB/MLB Career


NPB Scores

  • Batting Average .292
  • Hits: 1,376
  • Home runs: 27
  • RBIs: 373
  • Stolen bases: 267

Notable accomplishments in NPB:

  • 3× Japan Series champion
  • 8× NPB All-Star
  • 2× Best Nine Award winner
  • 2× Golden Glove Award winner

MLB Scores

Batting average: .237

Hits: 150

Home runs: 1

RBIs: 51

Games played: 276


Cultural Impact and Legacy

Munenori Kawasaki was more than just a baseball player — he was a joyful presence who brought energy and humor wherever he went. In Japan, he was admired for his dedication, teamwork, and spirit, becoming a fan favorite and respected veteran.

When he moved to Major League Baseball, especially with the Toronto Blue Jays, he won over fans with his fun-loving attitude, comedic interviews, and infectious enthusiasm. Though not a star by numbers, he became a clubhouse favorite and cultural ambassador, helping bridge Japanese and North American baseball communities.

Kawasaki’s legacy lies in his passion for the game and his ability to bring people together. He reminded fans that baseball is not just about winning, but about joy, effort, and connection.

Fernando Gabriel Tatis Medina Jr. (El Niño)

Early Life and Career

Fernando Tatis Jr. was born on January 2, 1999, in San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic. His father, Fernando Tatis Sr., played in Major League Baseball, and Tatis Jr. grew up surrounded by the game, often practicing with professional players from a young age.

Recognized early for his athletic talent and baseball instincts, Tatis Jr. signed with the Chicago White Sox as an international free agent in 2015. Shortly after, he was traded to the San Diego Padres, where he quickly rose through the minor leagues thanks to his powerful bat, speed, and defensive skills.

In 2019, at just 20 years old, Tatis Jr. made the Padres‘ Opening Day roster and debuted in the major leagues. His energetic style and immediate impact made him one of the most exciting young players in baseball.

MLB Career and Achievements

Tatis Jr. immediately became one of baseball’s brightest stars, known for his powerful bat, speed, and electric fielding. Some of his major achievements include:

  • 2× All-Star (2021, 2024)
  • 2× Silver Slugger Award (2020, 2021)
  • Gold Glove Award (2023)
  • Platinum Glove Award (2023)
  • National League home run leader (2021)
  • All-MLB First Team (2020, 2021)

In 2021, he signed a 14-year, 340 million dollar contract with the Padres, one of the largest deals in baseball history at the time.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

Tatis Jr. represents a shift in baseball culture toward a more vibrant and youthful image.
He embraces flair and emotion on the field, challenging the older traditions that discouraged players from showing personality during games. His bat flips, dancing, and joyful attitude have helped make the sport more appealing to younger fans, especially through social media where highlights of his plays are shared widely.

He has also been an important figure for Latin American representation in baseball. Proud of his Dominican heritage, Tatis Jr. has spoken about the pride he feels in representing his country and inspiring young players from similar backgrounds. His success and popularity have strengthened the growing influence of Latin American players in the major leagues.

Tatis Jr.’s influence goes beyond statistics;
he has become a symbol of the new era of baseball—fast, exciting, and unafraid to show emotion. Through his actions on and off the field, he has helped modernize the image of baseball and connect the sport to a new generation of fans worldwide.

Honorable Mentions

Jackie Robinson was an American baseball player who made history in 1947 by becoming the first African American to play in Major League Baseball in the modern era. He was born on January 31, 1919, in Cairo, Georgia, and grew up in California, excelling in multiple sports. Robinson joined the Brooklyn Dodgers and faced significant racism and hostility, but he responded with strength, discipline, and exceptional play on the field.

During his career, he was a six-time All-Star, the 1947 Rookie of the Year, the 1949 National League MVP, and helped the Dodgers win the World Series in 1955. Beyond his athletic achievements, Robinson’s courage and success helped open doors for future generations of Black athletes and played an important role in the American civil rights movement. His jersey number, 42, was retired across all of Major League Baseball in his honor, and he remains a symbol of equality, perseverance, and change.

Manny Machado

Manny Machado is a Dominican-American professional baseball player known for his power hitting and elite defensive skills. Born on July 6, 1992, in Miami, Florida, Machado made his MLB debut with the Baltimore Orioles in 2012 at just 19 years old. He quickly established himself as one of the league’s best third basemen, earning multiple All-Star selections and Gold Glove awards.

In 2018, he was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers before signing a ten-year, 300 million dollar contract with the San Diego Padres, one of the richest contracts in sports history. Machado is known for his strong bat, leadership, and smooth fielding, helping to transform the Padres into a championship contender. He remains one of the most respected and talented players in Major League Baseball today.