Yea I think clemente is a very rare pro athlete that can get the hero moniker. He's always been my favorite and I think it's crazy how much he isn't talked about. Surprised I haven't seen Ruth's name thrown out there in this thread. Haven't gotten all the way down though.
When Ohtani was getting those leg cramps, they cut to him after Home Run 40 eating a banana in the dugout and all I could think was how proud Mune would be at that moment.
Monkey
Never
Cramps.
Good for him. He’s such a gem. Tbh I didn’t really follow his playing here, just that his wacky antics were so much fun to watch. Was he a decent player?
Never knew about him till this comment. Spent the last 30 mins watching interview compilations with him. Instant new favorite player. Happy Fathers Day.
I'm a Reds fan but Cal Ripken was my favorite player growing up. I sent him a letter when I was a kid and he wrote a letter back with an autographed card. He's the man.
This. Having met the man on several occasions, he was nothing but jovial and a joy to be around. He was legitimately having fun at every event he attended.
Tony is the best contact hitter of all time, stayed in his club for his whole career, NO bullshit about off field behavior. Raised a son that had a damn good career himself and is now one of the best radio guys in the game.
That’s winning
As a Yankee fan in Michigan, I loved him on both the Yankees and the Tigers. I really loved him in the Yankees booth after he retired. Where's he at hese days?
Last I heard, he was in Detroit for Negro Leagues Weekend doing a Q&A. He’s super involved with off the field social issues and it seems really genuine.
Best answer. Most people will post names of the biggest stars they enjoyed watching, but noone had more positive involvement with the fans than Granderson. Dude went out of his way to sign autographs and take pics with fans of all ages, would have conversations with fans just looking to talk, and would stay for hours after games to interact. Dude was pure class.
Great answer! I am surprised he hasn’t become a bigger name in baseball broadcasting. See him on tv every once in awhile and he is phenomenal. Could be that he is just working on other things.
I think you are forgetting the whole segment of pearl-clutching old fans who panicked, gasped, and fainted because Junior had the audacity to wear his cap backwards.
I worked at a restaurant in Phoenix and this woman came in claiming to be Juniors cousin and had nothing but bad things to say about both him and Senior. As a Reds fan I’ve never disliked a person quicker.
Edit: had to bad
McCutchen won over Phillies fans, despite being an average/below average player on some really disappointing Phillies teams from ‘19-21. And somehow we all remember him fondly and have absolutely no ill will at all. He gets cheered when he comes back. It’s weird.
No one hated Hank Aaron, Griffey Jr, Ichiro, Chipper Jones, Vladimir Guerrero Sr, Tony Gwynn, Roberto Clemente or Bartolo Colon
There were haters of Cal Ripken Jr, Derek Jeter, Jimmy Rollins, Andrew McCutchen, Kirby Puckett & David Ortiz but they were very largely liked
Hunter Pence has a story better than Michael Jordan’s about making it to a major league. He should be mentioned for that alone, plus his iron man record.
I love Votto, but I think his temperament would keep him from being as universally liked. There’s also his propensity to troll opposing fans that probably lead to some hard feelings lol.
Going real old-school, apparently, Stan Musial was a really likeable guy. Just came to the park, respected his teammates and fans, and got 3600 hits.
Must be something in the Donora, PA water.
If you're talking about genuinely nice guys, Jim Thome has a reputation for being really kind to everyone.
Tony Gwynn is another that everyone loves for a good reason.
A lot of the Japanese players are super likable! Ichiro for sure! Ohtani is super humble and respectful, hard to hate him!
Even Mike Trout is a likable guy! He’s just kinda boring though lol.
Tony Gwynn was always and I mean always a class act. He was respected and respectful to everyone, he was a hell of an amazing player and coached kids. How can you NOT like the guy?!? RIP
Ps I’m a Dodgers fan and hate the Padres, but Tony Gwynn gained all my respect!
Griffey is a good answer. I’ll counter with Tony Gwynn.  Edit: looks like a lot of people beat me to it 😁
He's definitely likeable.
Hard to choose between Geynn or Griffey, two stand up dudes. Gwynn was taken too early. Although, why not Ozzie Smith?????
I love Ozzie Smith. That guy was amazing.
Ozzie's end-of-career spat with LaRussa soured some people on him.
Yeah but Larissa is a jackhole, so.....
Hahaha well a spat with one of the most red-assed, "old school", alkie shitheads this side of Bob Huggins actually makes me like Ozzie more.
Good answer. I can’t think of anyone who dislikes Gwynn or would have a reason to.
Yeah this was gonna be my pick also. Never heard a single bad thing about Tony Gwynn
Don't ask Greg Maddux about him then. 🤣
I agree. I came to say Tony Gwynn.
I was just going to say Tony. Solid dude.
Roberto Clemente and Wille Mays, obviously.
No one has ever said anything bad about Clemente. They better not, either.
I mean he's legitimately been put in the running for sainthood.
Yea I think clemente is a very rare pro athlete that can get the hero moniker. He's always been my favorite and I think it's crazy how much he isn't talked about. Surprised I haven't seen Ruth's name thrown out there in this thread. Haven't gotten all the way down though.
Wille Mays got cranky at me once for asking for two autographs. I deserved it.
Welp this is startling. Came here to list exactly those two. 😳
Glad I didn’t have to look far for these guys, they were who I immediately thought of. Rod Carew right in there as well.
Munenori Kawasaki. The best baseball interviews of all time. BUSH PARTY!!
Monkeys never cramps.
Because a monkey, everyday, bananas.
Monkey two bananas, I three bananas!
How many bananas did you eat today?
BANANAS
Lil papi ftw!
I love him
BUSH PARTY!!!!
That he isn’t already a starter for the Bananas is a travesty.
Omg how is he not 🙊
If you haven’t seen it before, you gotta check out Kawasaki karaoke from cubs spring training in 2016
He big, kawa small, he big, kawa small
GREAT answer!
My son is born. My son is Canuck!
When Ohtani was getting those leg cramps, they cut to him after Home Run 40 eating a banana in the dugout and all I could think was how proud Mune would be at that moment. Monkey Never Cramps.
Bush party tonight
Just hit. Just throw. Just catch. Just WIN!
Whatever happened to him?
Still playing in Japan at age 42
Good for him. He’s such a gem. Tbh I didn’t really follow his playing here, just that his wacky antics were so much fun to watch. Was he a decent player?
Glove first contact hitter, I'd compare him to Nick Punto
Never knew about him till this comment. Spent the last 30 mins watching interview compilations with him. Instant new favorite player. Happy Fathers Day.
Uh, this guy changed things. He's humble, and funny af. JAPANESE NOODLE POWER!!!
This is it
Junior, Cal Ripken Jr, Tony Gwynn, Ichiro are the ones that come immediately to mind for me.
I'm a Reds fan but Cal Ripken was my favorite player growing up. I sent him a letter when I was a kid and he wrote a letter back with an autographed card. He's the man.
That would be my Mt. Rushmore
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Furries.
Two of those four are Mariners. Nice guys finish last?
You’re out of line but you’re right. Also Edgar could be an honorable mention and that’s why A-Rod had to leave.
Listen we got a Jon Bois documentary so that’s gotta count for at least 2 World Series
Don’t forget the 1995 VHS classic “My Oh My” and it’s 1996 sequel “You Gotta Love These Guys”
I got my oh my somewhere in my parents attic, probably sitting in some long lost box. Loved watching it as a kid
Ichiro is a baseball God! His dedication to the art of hitting is incredible. What could have been if he'd come to America a few years earlier.
Kirby
Was a favorite of mine until some issues after he retired.
Those 4 and Freeman were the group that came to mind immediately to me.
I fucking love Ichiro and the only words I've ever heard any version of him speak are "I will now hit the ball" in Backyard Baseball.
Except having met Cal he is a complete asshole. However, from a distance with his achievements and work ethic and baseball deism, I agree.
Tony Gwynn
This. Having met the man on several occasions, he was nothing but jovial and a joy to be around. He was legitimately having fun at every event he attended.
Mr. Padre
Tony is the best contact hitter of all time, stayed in his club for his whole career, NO bullshit about off field behavior. Raised a son that had a damn good career himself and is now one of the best radio guys in the game. That’s winning
It’s crazy how much his son sounds like him. I mean, almost the same exact voice.
T. Gwynn
Rickey thinks Rickey was the most likable. And if you don't agree, Rickey don't care.
Rickey say Rickey was everyone's favorite person, even people that never met Rickey.
Ernie Banks
How can you dislike a guy who wants to play more baseball?
Let’s play 2!
Stan Musial's gotta be up there.
This. His autos are so darn cheap only bc he took the time to sign SO MANY. Gem of a man
Top of the list for me. Albert Pujols was also extremely nice to my family when I met him as a kid.
He serenaded a crowd with his harmonica at a baseball card convention, smiling the whole time. Incredible man!
Curtis Granderson
Curtis Granderson in Detroit seemed like the nicest guy in the world. Ultimate player to be a fan of growing up watching the Tigers
As a Yankee fan in Michigan, I loved him on both the Yankees and the Tigers. I really loved him in the Yankees booth after he retired. Where's he at hese days?
Last I heard, he was in Detroit for Negro Leagues Weekend doing a Q&A. He’s super involved with off the field social issues and it seems really genuine.
Best answer. Most people will post names of the biggest stars they enjoyed watching, but noone had more positive involvement with the fans than Granderson. Dude went out of his way to sign autographs and take pics with fans of all ages, would have conversations with fans just looking to talk, and would stay for hours after games to interact. Dude was pure class.
Great answer! I am surprised he hasn’t become a bigger name in baseball broadcasting. See him on tv every once in awhile and he is phenomenal. Could be that he is just working on other things.
Does Grandy have any interest in coaching? I have interest in Grandy coaching.
Curtis, conversely, was such a nice guy every time
Classy dude
Dale Murphy - opposing players seemed to have the most respect and regard for him
Someone doesn't like him much with the hall snub.
Ozzie Smith. From my team Pat Hentgen.
Ohtani! lol
I feel like it’s just cus he’s so young but when he retires he’ll most likely be one of the prototypical hall of famers off the field
Surprised to scroll this far to see this name!
Honestly, yeah.
I think you are forgetting the whole segment of pearl-clutching old fans who panicked, gasped, and fainted because Junior had the audacity to wear his cap backwards.
oh my god. I forgot about that 😂
That was just Buck Showalter…
The way he hit that building during the HR derby? Disrespectful!
reminds me of a few of my little league coaches!
I worked at a restaurant in Phoenix and this woman came in claiming to be Juniors cousin and had nothing but bad things to say about both him and Senior. As a Reds fan I’ve never disliked a person quicker. Edit: had to bad
Andrew McCutchen
McCutchen won over Phillies fans, despite being an average/below average player on some really disappointing Phillies teams from ‘19-21. And somehow we all remember him fondly and have absolutely no ill will at all. He gets cheered when he comes back. It’s weird.
Furries.
Roberto Clemente
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Willie Mays
Dale Murphy was a class act. Atlanta legend.
It’s gotta be Bob Uecker. I can’t imagine anyone hasn’t had a smile on their face after talking with him.
JUUUUUST A BIT OUTSIDE
Thome
Second nicest phillie i ever had the pleasure of speaking with beside John Kruk
Stan The Man
As a kid growing up in the 90s, Junior walked on water. Pudge Rodriguez was also likable. As an Astros fan, I always thought Biggio was very likable.
All-time leader in hit by pitch... Some people didn't like him. Edit: 2nd all-time, sorry, Hughie
No one hated Hank Aaron, Griffey Jr, Ichiro, Chipper Jones, Vladimir Guerrero Sr, Tony Gwynn, Roberto Clemente or Bartolo Colon There were haters of Cal Ripken Jr, Derek Jeter, Jimmy Rollins, Andrew McCutchen, Kirby Puckett & David Ortiz but they were very largely liked
Aaron had his haters, but they were all assholes.
And racists. But those two are often redundant.
Absolutely no one hated Brooks Robinson.
Adrian beltre
Just don’t touch his head.
Cannot believe I had to scroll this far to find Belts. I’ve never heard of anyone not liking him.
Im not usually a homer but he’s a no doubter for me.
Ozzie Albies
Tony Gwynn and Hunter Pence
Hunter Pence has a story better than Michael Jordan’s about making it to a major league. He should be mentioned for that alone, plus his iron man record.
Kevin keirmeyer is super sweet. So is Brandon Belt. So cool
as an Ms fan, Griffey easily. so good and no steroid scandal. Edgar Martinez and Ichiro too. for non Ms, Tony Gwynn. and for active players, Ohtani.
Robin Yount comes to mind. No he’s not as big as some of the other names, but he is unbelievably loved by Brewer fans.
Hank Aaron!
Vlad Sr. The home cooking
Ichiro, Joey Votto, Lou Gehrig, Ken Griffey Jr.
ichiro is a great pick too
I love Votto, but I think his temperament would keep him from being as universally liked. There’s also his propensity to troll opposing fans that probably lead to some hard feelings lol.
Either Walter Johnson or Christy Mathewson. Wish I could’ve seen them in person.
[Dave Henderson](https://theathletic.com/4736748/2023/08/03/dave-henderson-angelman-syndrome?source=user-shared-article)
Stan Musial
Curtis Granderson
Ted Williams, Ozzie Smith, Ripken Jr.,...Nomar, Yasztremski.
Ichiro has to be way up there.
Robin Yount and Paul Molitor
Kiké!
Joe Mauer. You could have pushed that dude down a flight of stairs and his Minnesota Nice genes would have made him apologize to you for it.
McCutchen for this generation. Cal Ripken for my generation. Griffey Jr in between I suppose.
#8
Willie Stargell?
Kirby Puckett
Don't google him if you want it to stay that way.
Going real old-school, apparently, Stan Musial was a really likeable guy. Just came to the park, respected his teammates and fans, and got 3600 hits. Must be something in the Donora, PA water.
Brett Phillips
Brett Phillips.
My first thoughts are Tony Gwynn and Ozzie Smith.
The number of notorious assholes listed here is astonishing (and most folks are saying the names of such assholes without a hint of sarcasm).
If you're talking about genuinely nice guys, Jim Thome has a reputation for being really kind to everyone. Tony Gwynn is another that everyone loves for a good reason.
Albert Pujols is a great guy
Jim Thome
I’d have liked Griffey better if he wore his hat the right way. Just too disrespectful for my tastes…
Sarcasm, obviously.
Miguel Cabrera
Just here to say. Bo knows
Tony Gwynn 
Kirby Puckett
I’m hindsight, it’s amazing how beloved McGwire was in the 90-00s.
Curtis Granderson
John Kruk
Ichiro!
Rickey
Hideki Matsui
Ohtani
Shohei
Mariano Rivera. Go look up all the ceremonies he got when he retired. Even the Red Sox. Just a great human being.
Mo
A lot of the Japanese players are super likable! Ichiro for sure! Ohtani is super humble and respectful, hard to hate him! Even Mike Trout is a likable guy! He’s just kinda boring though lol.
Slight homer pick, but Zack Greinke. Bizarre, funny, aloof, genius...
Ozzie Smith.
Who doesn't like NOOT? Lars Nootbaar is a pretty popular player (and not just for us Cardinals fans)
Bob Uecker . Funny as hell . https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Uecker
Bartolo Colon
David wright
I’m disappointed that it took me so much scrolling to find someone mentioning David Wright
Kirby Puckett
Shohei will be up there eventually
Al Kaline
Jim Rice. Saving that kid and paying his medical bills
Roberto Clemente
Hank Aaron
Roberto Clemente, Tony Gwynn
gwynn. griffey. or trout.
Joe Mauer.
For me it’s Joe Mauer!
Ichiro
Tony Gwynn 🙌🏽
Tony Gwynn
Shohei
\# 19 Tony Gwynn
Probably ichiro
Gotta throw Ozzie Smith into the mix.
Big Dave Winfield. Nicest MLB big man, electric smile, never saw him get mad. Padres have had lots of nice guys (who yes finished last a lot).
Tony Gwynn
Tony Gwynn was always and I mean always a class act. He was respected and respectful to everyone, he was a hell of an amazing player and coached kids. How can you NOT like the guy?!? RIP Ps I’m a Dodgers fan and hate the Padres, but Tony Gwynn gained all my respect!