This is a list of the greatest San Francisco Giants players ever, whether top Giants pitchers or top hitters. With 23 Hall of Famers and the most wins in Major League Baseball history, the San Francisco Giants can stake claim to being the most successful franchise in baseball this side of the New York Yankees. Known for many years as the New York Giants, the club has 7 World Series championships to its name. The first 5 came while the team was in New York, while the last two have come in the past few years (2010, 2012). Many of the biggest names and brightest stars have played for the Giants franchise through the years.
Willie Mays is one of the most popular players to ever play the game. The "Say Hey Kid" made one of the most famous plays in baseball history. In the 1954 World Series versus Cleveland, Mays made an improbable basket catch that saved the game and helped the Giants on the way to the championship.Mays won two MVP awards and holds the All-Star record of most All-Star Games played, a whopping 24, which ties him with Hank Aaron & Stan Musial. He considered the best player of the New York Giants era and one of the greatest baseball players of all time.
On the other end of the popularity spectrum is one of baseball's surliest and most controversial sluggers, Barry Bonds. Leaving Pittsburgh for San Francisco in 1993, Bonds won 7 MVP Awards, 5 with the Giants, and made the All Star game 14 times. Bonds is currently the all time leader in home runs with 762 and has the most in a single season with 73. While his career will be forever debated because of his alleged use of performance enhancing drugs, no one can doubt that Barry Bands is one of the greatest Giants ever.
This is a list of the Greatest San Francisco Giants of All Time. If you see someone who should be on this list, feel free to add him. Vote and rerank this list as you deem fit.
- 1
Arguably the most legendary Giants player in history, Willie Mays dazzled fans with his iconic over-the-shoulder catch, unmatched defensive instincts, and remarkable 660 career home runs. Often regarded as the prototypical five-tool player, Mays' combination of hitting, speed, and fielding prowess established him as one of the greatest all-around talents baseball has ever witnessed. A trailblazer both on and off the field, Mays' enduring legacy in San Francisco is etched in countless memories and immortalized by his statue outside Oracle Park.
- Position: Center fielder
- 2
The undisputed home run king, Barry Bonds left an indelible mark on baseball history with his awe-inspiring power and unmatched plate discipline. Despite the controversies that often surrounded his career, there's no denying Bonds' staggering dominance during his 15-season tenure with the Giants. His larger-than-life persona and undeniable impact on the game have secured his place as one of the most influential figures in San Francisco Giants history.
- Position: Left fielder
- 3
The embodiment of raw power and imposing presence, Willie McCovey struck fear into the hearts of opposing pitchers with his thunderous swing and prodigious home run totals. Known affectionately as "Stretch" for his lanky frame and penchant for scooping errant throws at first base, McCovey's unfaltering work ethic and unquenchable thirst for success cemented him as a cornerstone of the Giants franchise. With a legacy that stretches well beyond the confines of the ballpark, Willie McCovey remains a revered figure in San Francisco sports lore.
- Position: First baseman
- 4
A consummate leader and unrivaled talent behind the plate, Buster Posey has etched his name in Giants history as one of the most decorated catchers of all time. Known for his exceptional game-calling ability and clutch hitting, Posey played an instrumental role in guiding the team to three World Series championships within just five years. As a shining example of resilience and determination, Posey's remarkable career stands as an inspiration to aspiring ballplayers everywhere.
- Team: San Francisco Giants
- Position: Catcher, First baseman
- 5
A true testament to consistency and longevity, Mel Ott remains the youngest player in MLB history to reach 100 home runs, a testament to his prodigious power and keen eye for the strike zone. The Louisiana native spent his entire 22-year career with the Giants, leading the team to three National League pennants and the 1933 World Series championship. The Sultan of Swat's indomitable spirit and clutch performances left an indelible mark on the Giants organization and forever enshrined him as a member of baseball royalty.
- Position: Right fielder, Outfielder
- 6
Often hailed as the greatest pitcher of the dead-ball era, Christy Mathewson's mastery on the mound elevated him to near-mythical status among Giants fans. With an uncanny ability to read hitters and consistently deliver pinpoint accuracy, Mathewson dominated opposing lineups with a vast repertoire of pitches, including his legendary "fadeaway" curveball. Defined by grace, intelligence, and unwavering competitiveness, Christy Mathewson's influence on the game stands as an eternal testament to his worthiness as a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame.
- Position: Pitcher
