Here’s the ultimate baseball team composed entirely of players who were once selected to the Topps All-Star Rookies Team. These players excelled as rookies and went on to achieve legendary careers in MLB. Each position features a standout athlete who represents the best from this prestigious honor.
Catcher: Johnny Bench (1968)
Bench was a 14-time All-Star, a two-time National League MVP, and one of the greatest defensive catchers of all time.
First Base: Albert Pujols (2001)
Pujols, a three-time MVP and two-time World Series champion, boasts over 700 career home runs and is considered one of the best hitters in history.
Second Base: Joe Morgan (1965)
Morgan earned two MVP awards and played a pivotal role in the Cincinnati Reds’ Big Red Machine.
Shortstop: Cal Ripken Jr. (1982)
Ripken, the “Iron Man” of baseball, won two MVP awards and holds the record for consecutive games played.
Third Base: Mike Schmidt (1973)
Schmidt, a three-time MVP, is widely regarded as one of the greatest power-hitting third basemen in history.
Outfield:
- Ken Griffey Jr. (1989)
“The Kid” was a 13-time All-Star, a 10-time Gold Glove winner, and a Hall of Famer. - Ichiro Suzuki (2001)
Ichiro set the single-season hits record (262) and was the AL MVP and Rookie of the Year in 2001. - Ronald Acuña Jr. (2018)
Acuña recently won the 2023 NL MVP and became the first player to record 40 home runs and 70 stolen bases in a season.
Designated Hitter: Shohei Ohtani (2018)
Ohtani, the two-way sensation, has already won multiple MVP awards in both leagues.
Pitchers
Starting Pitcher: Tom Seaver (1967)
Seaver, known as “Tom Terrific,” won three Cy Young Awards and is one of the greatest pitchers in MLB history.
Closer: Craig Kimbrel (2011)
Kimbrel, a former Rookie of the Year, has amassed over 400 career saves.
These selections emphasize sustained excellence, major career achievements, and historical significance.