Our 1920s Baseball All-Decade Team (The 27 Best Players)

The 1920s wasn’t just a time of jazz, flappers, and prohibition; it was a golden era for baseball too. This decade saw the game of baseball morph into a spectacle that captivated the nation.

Many iconic players stepped onto the field, rivalries heated up, and historical moments were etched into the annals of baseball lore. As America roared, so did its pastime, filling stadiums and capturing headlines.

Game-Changing Moments

During this time, the game witnessed significant changes both on and off the field.

The adoption of new rules, the establishment of the first Commissioner of Baseball, and the scandalous 1919 Black Sox scandal that spilled into the early ’20s, all shaped the narrative of baseball. The National Pastime was finding its footing amidst the roaring crowds and the changing tides of American society.

Selecting the Crème de la Crème

Now, when it comes to picking out the best of the best from this remarkable decade, it’s no small feat. The 1920s was a stacked era, boasting players who were not just stars of their time, but legends who left an indelible mark on the sport.

Our All-Decade Team is a tribute to the crackerjack players who dazzled the crowds and helped write the story of baseball during this transformative decade. The selection is based on a mix of statistics, impact on the game, and of course, a dash of that indefinable magic that makes baseball the beloved sport it is.

In the upcoming sections, we’ll dive into our picks for the best player at each position on the diamond, followed by the next nine outstanding players, regardless of their position. So, let’s step back in time and relive the glory days of the 1920s, celebrating the players who made this decade a grand slam in baseball history!

Best Player by Position

Catcher: Mickey Cochrane

The catcher’s role is crucial, acting as the backbone of the team while orchestrating game strategy from behind the plate. In the 1920s, Mickey Cochrane stood out as an exceptional catcher with a batting average often soaring over .300 and a knack for game strategy that made him indispensable on the field.

First Base: Lou Gehrig

The powerhouse position of first base was dominated by Lou Gehrig during the 1920s. His remarkable consistency and run-driving ability were legendary, making him a cornerstone of the feared New York Yankees’ Murderers’ Row.

Gehrig was such a dominant force over his career that he also made our 1930s All-Decade Team.

Second Base: Rogers Hornsby

Second base saw a flurry of talent, but Rogers Hornsby with his astonishing batting averages and slick fielding was the standout performer. His dual-threat capability as a potent batter and a sharp fielder made him a pivotal figure in many game-winning moments.

Third Base: Pie Traynor

Guarding the hot corner, Pie Traynor emerged as a dependable player with a steady glove and a reliable bat. His swift reactions to line drives and accurate throws across the diamond set him apart as a revered figure at third base.

Shortstop: Joe Sewell

Joe Sewell made his mark as a fielding maestro during the 1920s. His impeccable timing, strong arm, and exceptional ability to cover ground ensured the infield was well-guarded, making him a linchpin in the defense.

Left Field: Al Simmons

Al Simmons was the showstopper in left field with his remarkable catches and powerful throws. His blend of power at the plate and grace in the field made him a fan favorite and a critical asset to his team.

Center Field: Tris Speaker

Center field demands a blend of speed, agility, and exceptional fielding skills. Tris Speaker, with his remarkable speed and ability to track down fly balls, made center field his domain, leaving fans in awe of his fielding prowess.

Right Field: Babe Ruth

The legend of Babe Ruth towered over right field, and indeed the entire baseball landscape of the 1920s. His towering home runs and larger-than-life persona made him not only the clear choice for right field but a legend of the game whose name is synonymous with baseball greatness.

Starting Pitcher: Walter Johnson

When it comes to pitching, the 1920s was graced by numerous talented arms, but Walter Johnson’s name echoes through history as one of the most dominating figures on the mound.

Known for his blistering fastball and stoic demeanor, Johnson was the epitome of a pitching maestro. His ability to command the game from the first pitch, striking fear into the hearts of batters, and contributing significantly to his team’s success, made him the premier starting pitcher of the decade.

Relief Pitcher: Firpo Marberry

In an era before the specialization of bullpen roles, Firpo Marberry emerged as one of the early practitioners of relief pitching, setting the stage for the modern closer.

His ability to step onto the mound and deliver in high-pressure situations was groundbreaking at the time. Marberry’s knack for sealing victories and keeping his cool when the game hung in the balance showcased the evolving role of relief pitchers, making him a pioneering figure in the bullpen during the 1920s.

Each position on the field was graced by these players who brought a unique blend of skill, charisma, and a touch of magic to the game. They were not merely stars; they were the beating heart of baseball during a captivating era that continues to enthrall fans across generations.

The Next Nine: Our 1920s Bench

The 1920s was a treasure trove of baseball talent, and our next nine picks are a tribute to the players who, through their astonishing performances, made the 1920s a golden era of baseball.

1. George Sisler: A master at the plate and on the field, Sisler’s remarkable batting averages and stellar first base play make him a legend of the game.
2. Eddie Collins: With a mix of speed, a keen eye at the plate, and smooth fielding at second base, Collins was a complete player who dazzled the baseball world.
3. Harry Heilmann: Known for his sweet swing and impressive batting averages, Heilmann was a force to be reckoned with every time he stepped to the plate.
4. Zack Wheat: A consistent hitter and a stalwart in the outfield, Wheat’s name is often echoed in discussions of the greats from the 1920s.
5. Frankie Frisch: His blend of speed, batting skill, and adept fielding at second base made Frisch a pivotal player of his time.
6. Grover Cleveland Alexander: A pitching legend whose control and resilience on the mound were nothing short of awe-inspiring.
7. Lefty Grove: With a fastball that left batters bewildered and a competitive spirit that was unmatched, Grove was a dominant force on the mound.
8. Dazzy Vance: Known for his overpowering fastball and charismatic presence, Vance was a fan favorite and a terror to opposing batters.
9. Hack Wilson: A slugger who sent baseballs soaring out of the park with his powerful swings, making him one of the premier power hitters of the decade.

Honorable Mentions: the Near Misses

The 1920s was a decade brimming with baseball talent, and while our All-Decade Team showcased the crème de la crème, there were other players whose contributions were nothing short of remarkable.

They too left a lasting legacy on the game and were just too good not to mention.

1. Stan Coveleski: A master of the spitball, Coveleski’s pitching finesse was a sight to behold, making him a key figure on the mound during the early 1920s.
2. Edd Roush: His prowess in the outfield and consistent performance at the plate made Roush a standout player of his time.
3. Urban Shocker: With a name as unique as his pitching style, Shocker was a dominant pitcher whose control and variety of pitches kept batters guessing.
4. Heinie Manush: A batting title to his name and a knack for clutch hits, Manush’s contributions to the game were significant and noteworthy.
5. Ross Youngs: Though his career was tragically short, Youngs’s exceptional skills in the outfield and at the plate left a lasting impression.
6. Sam Rice: A model of consistency, Rice’s ability to get on base and cover the outfield with grace made him a valuable asset to his team.
7. Joe Dugan: A reliable presence at third base, Dugan’s fielding and timely hitting were crucial for his teams.
8. Waite Hoyt: A clutch performer on the mound, Hoyt’s ability to deliver in high-pressure situations was emblematic of his career.
9. Rube Marquard: A seasoned veteran by the 1920s, Marquard’s experience and pitching savvy contributed to his teams’ successes.

While they may not have made the main roster in our All-Decade Team, their contributions to the sport were significant and continue to be celebrated by baseball aficionados.

Conclusion

As we tip our cap to the 1920s and the baseball legends who graced the field, we’re reminded of the timeless allure of baseball. The stories of triumph, heartbreak, and sheer athletic prowess from this golden era continue to be a source of inspiration, reminding us of the remarkable journey of a sport that has grown side by side with the nation.

The 1920s was a seminal decade that helped solidify baseball’s position in the heart of America, and the players we celebrated are the enduring symbols of that remarkable period.

So, as we step out of the time machine and back into the present, we carry with us the stories, the legends, and the love for a game that is as much a part of America’s fabric as the stars and stripes themselves. The 1920s Baseball All-Decade Team is more than just a list; it’s a tribute to the men who played the game with grit, grace, and an undying love for baseball.