The 24 best players in San Francisco Giants history
The San Francisco Giants, one of the most storied franchises in Major League Baseball, have been home to myriad star players. Let’s take a stroll down memory lane and look at 24 of the best players in the Giants’ history, ranked for their contributions, legacies, and impact on the team.
1.Willie Mays – The “Say Hey Kid,” is not just a Giants legend but a baseball icon, known for his over-the-shoulder catch and prodigious power.
2.Barry Bonds – Despite the controversies, Bonds’ all-time home run record and seven MVP awards make him one of the game’s greats.
3.Christy Mathewson – His pitching prowess at the turn of the 20th century set standards that few could match.
4.Willie McCovey – Known for his powerful swing, McCovey was a menacing presence at the plate.
5.Juan Marichal – With his high-kick delivery, Marichal dominated batters in the 1960s.
6.Buster Posey – A modern icon in San Francisco, Posey led the team to three World Series titles.
7.Mel Ott – The first National Leaguer to surpass 500 home runs, Ott was a consistent offensive force.
8.Madison Bumgarner – His legendary postseason performances cemented his place in Giants lore.
9.Orlando Cepeda – A key member of the 1960s Giants, Cepeda was an imposing batter with a great eye for hitting.
10.Tim Lincecum – “The Freak” captivated fans with two Cy Young awards and his unique windup and delivery.
11.Gaylord Perry – Renowned for both his spitball and his excellence on the mound.
12.Monte Irvin – An influential player who successfully transitioned from Negro Leagues stardom to Major League success.
13.Carl Hubbell – Known for his devastating screwball, Hubbell shined during the interwar period.
14.Jeff Kent – Provided significant offensive support during his time with Bonds and won an MVP award himself.
15.Robby Thompson – A keystone second baseman whose defensive skills were matched by solid batting throughout the ’80s and early ’90s.
16.Jack Clark – His power-hitting ability made him a feared batter during his tenure with the Giants.
17.John McGraw (Player/Manager) – While remembered better as a manager, McGraw was also an excellent player in his own right during baseball’s nascent years.
18.Matt Cain – Threw the first perfect game in Giants history and was a three-time All-Star pitcher
19.Will Clark – “The Thrill” excited fans with his sweet swing and fiery competitiveness at first base.
20.Jim Davenport – Spent his entire career with San Francisco and was known for his excellent defense at third base.
21.Kevin Mitchell – The 1989 NL MVP had an impressive two-year run with overwhelming power at the plate for San Francisco.
22.Mike Tiernan – An underrated star from baseball’s early days who spent his entire career with New York Giants (pre-San Francisco).
23.Dave Dravecky – While more known for battling cancer than on-field performance, he remains an inspirational figure for fans and Giants history alike.
24.J.T Snow – Six-time Gold Glove first baseman who provided consistent play both defensively and offensively.
These legends span over a century of baseball history and embody what it means to be part of the fabric of one of baseball’s most cherished organizations – through excellence on the field and indelible memories that connect generations of fans in San Francisco and beyond.