Our 1930s Baseball All-Decade Team (The Best 22 Players)

The 1930s was a golden era for baseball, coming right after the roaring ’20s. This period saw the rise of many legendary players who left an indelible mark on the sport. Our journey back to this iconic decade aims to appreciate and spotlight the crème de la crème of baseball stars.

We have painstakingly sifted through records and stats to handpick the best player for each position during the 1930s, and didn’t stop there. We went the extra mile to identify the next nine best players of the decade, regardless of their positions, to honor the legends who made baseball the beloved sport it is today.

Methodology

Selecting the best of the best isn’t a walk in the park. We rolled up our sleeves and dived into the numbers, the accolades, and the impact each player had during their time.

Criteria for Selection

1. Statistical Performance: We delved into the numbers, looking at batting averages, ERA, home runs, and other key stats that set these players apart.
2. Awards and Accolades: We considered the silverware and recognitions the players bagged. MVP awards, All-Star appearances, and other honors were all part of the equation.
3. Impact on the Team and the Sport: We looked beyond the numbers to appreciate the players’ contributions to their teams’ successes and their influence in shaping baseball during the 1930s.

Data and Historical Records

Our journey took us through a treasure trove of baseball archives, from old newspaper clippings to online databases filled with baseball stats. We consulted reputable baseball historians, dug into the annals of the Baseball Hall of Fame, and scoured through countless baseball books to ensure our selections were well-rounded and informed.

This methodical approach helped us in crafting a list that we believe truly represents the epitome of baseball excellence during the 1930s. The journey was as rewarding as it was enlightening, and we’re thrilled to share the findings with our readers.

Through the highs and lows of the Great Depression, these players brought joy and hope to millions, creating a legacy that continues to inspire to this day.

The Best Player for Each Position

The beauty of baseball lies in its variety. Each position demands a unique blend of skills, making the game a spectacle of athletic prowess. Let’s now reveal the stars of the 1930s who shone the brightest in their respective positions.

Pitcher: Lefty Grove

Lefty Grove is a name that resonates throughout baseball history. His control over the ball and ability to outwit batters made him a living legend during the 1930s. His key stats during this period are nothing short of awe-inspiring.

Catcher: Bill Dickey

Behind every great pitcher, there’s a great catcher. Bill Dickey was the backbone of the New York Yankees during this era. His ability to manage the game from behind the plate while also contributing significantly with the bat made him a standout player.

First Base: Lou Gehrig

The Iron Horse, Lou Gehrig, was a symbol of consistency and power. His hitting was a thing of beauty, and his durability was legendary. With a batting average that kept pitchers up at night, Gehrig was a cornerstone of the Yankees’ success.

Second Base: Charlie Gehringer

Charlie Gehringer, known as the Mechanical Man, was a powerhouse at second base. His fielding was as smooth as his batting was potent, making him a dual threat every time he stepped onto the field.

Third Base: Jimmy Foxx

Jimmy Foxx was a force to reckon with at third base. His power-hitting was iconic, and his ability to drive in runs made him a key player during the 1930s. His MVP awards during this period are a testimony to his greatness.

Shortstop: Joe Cronin

Joe Cronin was a master of the shortstop position, bringing a blend of offensive and defensive skills to the table. His leadership both on and off the field was instrumental in the successes of the teams he played for.

Left Field: Al Simmons

Al Simmons was a hit machine during the 1930s. His ability to find the gaps and drive in runs was unparalleled, making him a crucial asset in left field for his team.

Center Field: Joe DiMaggio

The Yankee Clipper, Joe DiMaggio, brought grace and power to center field. His hitting streaks and ability to cover ground in the outfield were legendary, earning him a spot in the hearts of baseball fans forever.

Right Field: Mel Ott

Mel Ott with his unique batting stance and power made right field his domain. His home runs were a spectacle, and his ability to perform in clutch situations made him a standout player of the 1930s.

Each of these players brought a unique flavor to the game, making the 1930s a decade of phenomenal baseball. Their contributions went beyond just their stats; they were the heroes of their time, providing fans with hope and entertainment during a period of great economic distress.

The Next Nine Best Players of the Decade

As we venture beyond the positional best, we encounter a realm of players whose excellence transcends their designated spots on the field. These nine maestros showcased a blend of skill, determination, and a love for the game that etched their names in baseball history.

Dizzy Dean

The charismatic Dizzy Dean lit up the mound with his flamboyant pitching and lively personality. His dazzling array of pitches kept batters guessing, making baseball not just a sport, but a spectacle.

Hank Greenberg

Hank Greenberg’s prowess at the plate was a sight to behold. His home run trots became a regular feature of the 1930s baseball landscape, making him a fan favorite and a legend of the game.

Carl Hubbell

The unassuming Carl Hubbell was a wizard with a baseball. His mastery of the screwball baffled batters and carved a niche for him among the pitching elites of the decade.

Arky Vaughan

Arky Vaughan’s finesse both at the plate and in the field made him a well-rounded player. His batting average was enviable, and his slick fielding was textbook material for aspiring shortstops.

Paul Waner

Paul Waner’s consistent hitting made him a linchpin in the lineup. His ability to get on base and create scoring opportunities was a hallmark of his illustrious career.

Mickey Cochrane

Mickey Cochrane was a leader in every sense. His prowess behind the plate and with a bat in hand made him a dual threat that opponents dreaded.

Luke Appling

Luke Appling’s longevity and consistent performance at shortstop made him a cornerstone for his team. His batting skills were top-notch, and his love for the game was palpable.

Bob Feller

Bob Feller’s fastball was legendary, earning him a reputation as one of the fieriest pitchers of his time. His strikeout records stood as a testament to his dominance on the mound.

Lefty Gomez

Lefty Gomez was a pitching marvel during the 1930s. Not just a powerhouse on the mound, Gomez was known for his humorous and lively demeanor both on and off the field. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations, especially in the World Series, underscored his value and etched his name among the stars of the 1930s baseball scene.

Other Impactful Players

While our All-Decade Team captures the crème de la crème, there were many other players whose contributions were instrumental in shaping the game during this pivotal decade.

Here, we tip our caps to a few other notable mentions who dazzled the fans and left a lasting legacy.

1. Earl Averill: A consistent hitter and a stellar center fielder, Averill was a key figure in the American League during the 1930s.
2. Chuck Klein: With a bat that spoke volumes, Klein was a feared slugger whose home runs often sailed over the fence in dramatic fashion.
3. Gabby Hartnett: A dependable catcher and a strong hitter, Hartnett was the definition of a player who could do it all.
4. Kiki Cuyler: Speedy and reliable, Cuyler’s ability to steal bases and cover ground in the outfield was nothing short of remarkable.

Comparing these notable mentions with our All-Decade Team illuminates the depth of talent present in the 1930s. The noteworthy performances of these players provided tough competition in making the selections for our All-Decade Team.

Their achievements, leadership, and contributions to their respective teams were often on par with those selected, showcasing the golden era of baseball in all its glory.

Conclusion

Our journey back to the 1930s has been nothing short of a nostalgic ride through a golden era of baseball. The names that made it to our 1930s Baseball All-Decade Team were not just outstanding players; they were the bearers of hope and joy during a time when the world was grappling with economic hardships.

Did we get it right? Did we get it wrong? We’d love to hear your comments on what changes you’d make to our 1930s All-Decade Team.