Our 1990s Baseball All-Decade Team (The Best 18 Players)

The 1990s was a vibrant and transformative decade for baseball, filled with remarkable players who left indelible marks on the game. As we travel down memory lane, let’s recollect the stars who shone the brightest during this era, making baseball the beloved sport it is today.

the 1990s Baseball Era

The 1990s saw the emergence of new stars and the continuation of careers of those who had debuted in the late 1980s.

It was a decade marked by remarkable individual performances, record-breaking feats, and of course, the infamous 1994-95 MLB strike. Despite the strike-shortened season, the ’90s was a decade that brought joy and excitement to the hearts of baseball fans all over the nation.

The 1990s was significant for many reasons. Not only did it witness the rise of some of baseball’s most iconic players, but it also saw shifts in team dynamics with the introduction of Wild Card playoff spots, which made the postseason more accessible and the competition fiercer.

The decade was also marked by notable international events like the Toronto Blue Jays winning back-to-back World Series titles in 1992 and 1993, expanding the game’s popularity beyond US borders.

Criteria for Player Selection

Selecting the best player for each position from the 1990s is no small feat.

Our choices are based on a blend of statistics, consistency, impact on the game, and a touch of personal bias from lifelong baseball aficionados. We’ve dug through the archives, revisited the most memorable games, and analyzed players’ performances throughout the decade to bring you a well-rounded All-Decade Team.

In the following sections, we will unfold the list of distinguished players position by position and also shed light on the next nine best players who, regardless of their positions, made the 1990s a golden era of baseball.

As we venture into this nostalgic journey, let’s tip our caps to the legends of the ‘90s, whose exploits continue to inspire aspiring players and keep the spirit of baseball alive and vibrant.

Best Players by Position: The Starters

Unveiling the best players by position from the 1990s requires a blend of statistics, iconic moments, and the indelible memories they left in the hearts of fans. Here’s a line-up that showcases not just technical prowess, but also the essence of baseball during this era.

Catcher

Mike Piazza

Mike Piazza, with his powerful bat and solid performance behind the plate, easily lands the spot as the catcher of the decade. His remarkable offensive stats, including being a 12-time All-Star and 10-time Silver Slugger award winner, set him apart from his peers.

During the ’90s, Piazza was synonymous with home runs and a high batting average, making him a nightmare for pitchers and a hero for the Los Angeles Dodgers and later the New York Mets.

First Base

Frank Thomas

“The Big Hurt” Frank Thomas was a force to reckon with during the 1990s. His ability to change the game with one swing was legendary, earning him a spot as the first baseman of the decade.

Thomas bagged two consecutive MVP awards in 1993 and 1994, showcasing his consistency and tremendous impact on the game.

Second Base

Roberto Alomar

Roberto Alomar was a wizard with the glove and a significant threat at the plate, making him the standout second baseman of the ’90s.

Alomar’s defensive prowess earned him several Gold Glove awards during the decade, while his offensive skills made him a 12-time All-Star.

Third Base

Chipper Jones

Chipper Jones was not only an excellent third baseman but also a switch-hitting menace, making him a unique and valuable asset to the Atlanta Braves.

Jones’ consistency and ability to deliver in clutch moments were notable, marking him as one of the best third basemen of the decade.

Shortstop

Derek Jeter

Derek Jeter’s entry into MLB was a hallmark event of the ’90s, and his immediate impact as a shortstop was felt league-wide.

Jeter’s Rookie of the Year award in 1996 and his crucial role in the Yankees’ World Series victories demonstrated his exceptional talent and leadership on the field.

Left Field

Barry Bonds

Barry Bonds was arguably the most feared hitter of the ’90s, and his performances in left field were nothing short of spectacular.

Bonds’ multiple MVP awards during the decade and his Gold Glove awards are a testament to his all-around excellence in the game.

Center Field

Ken Griffey Jr.

“The Kid” Ken Griffey Jr. was not only a phenomenal center fielder but also one of the most beloved players of the ’90s.

Griffey’s numerous Gold Glove awards and his majestic swing that sent baseballs soaring across stadiums made him a legend in his time.

Right Field

Tony Gwynn

Tony Gwynn was the epitome of consistency at the plate, and his right field position was his kingdom where he reigned supreme.

Gwynn’s exceptional batting average throughout the decade and his multiple batting titles distinguish him as one of the best right fielders of the ’90s.

Gwynn is one of the only players (along with Ripken and Clemens) to also make our 1980s All-Decade team.

Pitcher

Greg Maddux

Greg Maddux, with his surgical precision on the mound, was a maestro whose performances were a baseball clinic in themselves.

Maddux’s collection of Cy Young awards during the ’90s and his pivotal role in Atlanta Braves’ dominant run showcased his elite status in the league.

The players listed here not only dominated the ’90s with their exceptional skills but also left a lasting legacy that continues to be a benchmark for the current generation of baseball players.

The Next Nine: Our Bench

Beyond the stellar lineup we’ve assembled position by position, the 1990s paraded a cavalcade of talent that lit up the diamond in every conceivable way. These next nine players, regardless of their positions, dazzled fans with their extraordinary skills and unforgettable moments.

Randy Johnson

The “Big Unit” was a towering presence on the mound, his fastballs were the dread of batters across the league.

Randy Johnson’s multiple Cy Young awards during the ’90s cemented his place as one of the most dominant pitchers of the era.

Cal Ripken Jr.

Cal Ripken Jr. was the Iron Man of baseball, a pillar of consistency and an epitome of endurance.

His record-breaking streak of consecutive games played is a testament to his dedication and love for the game.

Roger Clemens

The “Rocket” was known for his blazing fastballs and his intense competitive spirit which made him a key figure during the ’90s.

Clemens bagged several Cy Young awards during the decade, showcasing his prowess on the mound.

Tom Glavine

Tom Glavine was one-third of the Atlanta Braves’ legendary pitching trio, his craftiness on the mound was a sight to behold.

Glavine’s multiple Cy Young awards and his crucial role in the Braves’ 1995 World Series victory showcased his elite status.

Jeff Bagwell

Jeff Bagwell was a cornerstone for the Houston Astros, with a bat that sent shivers down the spines of opposing pitchers.

Bagwell’s MVP award in 1994 and his all-around offensive and defensive prowess made him a standout player of the ’90s.

Craig Biggio

Craig Biggio was the other half of Houston’s dynamic duo, his versatility and hustle were unmatched.

Biggio’s multiple All-Star appearances and Gold Glove awards were a testament to his well-rounded game.

Pedro Martinez

Pedro Martinez was a magician on the mound, his pitches were often unplayable, making him one of the most feared pitchers of the ’90s.

Martinez’s emergence as a dominant pitcher was capped with a Cy Young award, marking his ascension among the elite.

Sammy Sosa

Sammy Sosa’s home run battles with Mark McGwire were the stuff of legend, making the summer of 1998 unforgettable.

Sosa’s MVP award in 1998 and his numerous All-Star appearances showcased his remarkable offensive skills.

Mark McGwire

Mark McGwire, with his towering home runs, brought an aura of excitement every time he stepped to the plate.

McGwire’s race to break the single-season home run record in 1998 was a historic moment that captured the nation’s imagination.

Conclusion

The players we’ve celebrated in this list were not merely statistics-generating machines; they were the beating heart of baseball during the ’90s. They brought stadiums to life with their remarkable skills, heart, and dedication.

Whether it was the home run race of ’98, the unmatched consistency of Tony Gwynn at the plate, or the pitching mastery of Greg Maddux, each player contributed to a narrative that made the ’90s an exhilarating chapter in baseball history.

What did we get right? What did we get wrong? Let us know in the comments!