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The Immortal First Basemen: A Complete List Of Every 1B In The Baseball Hall Of Fame (Updated 2025)

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The first base position in Major League Baseball (MLB) has always been synonymous with power, consistency, and defensive reliability. Often the anchor of the infield, the "cornerstone" is typically reserved for the league’s most prodigious hitters, making the list of First Basemen in the National Baseball Hall of Fame a veritable who’s who of offensive legends. As of December 2025, the pantheon of baseball immortals continues to grow, with the position recently welcoming a long-overdue star, confirming its legacy as one of the most offensively dominant spots on the diamond.

This comprehensive guide dives deep into the history, statistics, and impact of every player who earned their bronze plaque primarily as a first baseman. We look at the titans of the game, the modern sluggers, and the controversial figures whose careers continue to spark debate among voters and fans alike.

The Complete Roster: First Basemen Inducted into the Hall of Fame

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York, honors the greatest players in the sport's history. For first basemen, the criteria often weigh heavily on offensive statistics—home runs, RBI, and batting average—though defensive prowess is increasingly recognized. The list below highlights the most prominent names, including the latest additions, who primarily played the 1B position.

The Golden Age and The Iron Horse

The early history of the position is dominated by players whose careers set the statistical benchmarks for all future generations. These legends established the first baseman as a primary offensive threat.

  • Lou Gehrig (Inducted: 1939): Known as "The Iron Horse," Gehrig’s career was tragically cut short, but his 493 home runs, .340 career batting average, and record of 2,130 consecutive games played cemented his status. He was a unanimous selection by special election.
  • Jimmie Foxx (Inducted: 1951): "Double X" was one of the most feared sluggers of the 1930s, finishing his career with 534 home runs and a .325 batting average.
  • Hank Greenberg (Inducted: 1956): A two-time MVP whose career was interrupted by military service in World War II, Greenberg’s powerful bat produced 331 home runs and a .313 average.
  • George Sisler (Inducted: 1939): A pre-war star and exceptional hitter who finished with a career .340 batting average and once held the single-season hits record (257).

The Post-War and Power-Hitting Era

The mid-to-late 20th century saw the rise of massive power hitters who redefined the role of the first baseman, often moving them from other positions to capitalize on their bats.

  • Willie McCovey (Inducted: 1986): "Mac" was a dominant force for the Giants, hitting 521 career home runs and winning the 1969 NL MVP.
  • Harmon Killebrew (Inducted: 1984): Though he played third base and left field, Killebrew is often cited as a first baseman/DH, finishing with 573 home runs and an MVP award.
  • Eddie Murray (Inducted: 2003): "Steady Eddie" is one of only seven players to achieve both 3,000 hits and 500 home runs, a testament to his incredible longevity and consistency.
  • Orlando Cepeda (Inducted: 1999): "The Baby Bull" was a Rookie of the Year and MVP winner, eventually elected by the Veterans Committee.

The Modern Era of Dominance (1990s - 2010s)

The late 20th and early 21st centuries saw a group of dominant first basemen whose offensive statistics rivaled the greatest hitters in history. These players were the last wave of inductees voted in by the Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA).

  • Frank Thomas (Inducted: 2014): "The Big Hurt" was one of the most consistent hitters of his generation, winning back-to-back MVP awards and finishing with 521 home runs. He was a first-ballot inductee.
  • Jeff Bagwell (Inducted: 2017): Known for his unique stance and powerful swing, Bagwell was an MVP winner who compiled over 449 home runs and a career OPS of .948, a key metric for modern first basemen.
  • Jim Thome (Inducted: 2018): A beloved power hitter, Thome's 612 career home runs rank among the top ten all-time, making him a clear-cut first-ballot selection.

The Most Recent Inductee and Future Prospects

The Hall of Fame process is continuous, with new classes announced annually. The most recent additions often come through the BBWAA vote or the various Era Committees, which re-evaluate players overlooked by previous ballots.

Dick Allen: A Long-Awaited 2025 Enshrinement

The most recent player to be enshrined, primarily playing first base and third base, is the late Dick Allen. Allen, a seven-time All-Star and the 1972 American League MVP, was officially inducted as part of the 2025 class via the Contemporary Baseball Era Committee. His induction was a major point of discussion for decades, as his powerful bat (.292 career average, 351 home runs) and immense impact on the game were often overshadowed by off-field controversies and conflicts with the media. His long-overdue enshrinement finally corrects what many considered a major historical oversight, adding a unique and controversial figure to the list of Hall of Fame first basemen.

Looking Ahead: First Basemen on the 2026 Ballot

The 2026 BBWAA ballot will introduce several new candidates, including players who split time between first base and designated hitter. A key name debuting on the ballot is Edwin Encarnación, a three-time All-Star who finished his career with 424 home runs. While known primarily as a designated hitter in his later years, his power numbers and time at first base will make him a compelling candidate. Other players who spent time at the position, such as Ryan Braun, will also be up for consideration, though their paths will be complicated by their own unique circumstances and controversies.

The Controversial Snubs: Greatest First Basemen Not Yet in Cooperstown

No discussion of the Hall of Fame is complete without mentioning the players whose careers seem to warrant induction but who remain on the outside. The first base position has several highly debated snubs, often due to the extremely high standards set by the current inductees or external factors.

The Steroid Era Shadows

The most prominent and controversial exclusion is Rafael Palmeiro. Palmeiro is one of only four players in MLB history to achieve both 3,000 hits and 500 home runs, statistics that would typically guarantee a first-ballot entry. However, his career was irrevocably tainted by a positive test for performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) late in his career, leading to his removal from the BBWAA ballot after failing to receive 5% of the vote.

The Defensive and Consistency Arguments

Other players are often championed for their unique combination of offense and defense, yet have fallen short of the 75% threshold:

  • Keith Hernandez: A two-time World Series champion and 1979 co-MVP, Hernandez is widely considered one of the greatest defensive first basemen in history, winning 11 consecutive Gold Glove Awards. His offensive numbers, while excellent, did not reach the power-hitting totals of his HOF peers, causing him to be overlooked by the BBWAA.
  • Don Mattingly: "Donnie Baseball" had a magnificent, though short, peak, winning the 1985 AL MVP and nine Gold Gloves. Chronic back injuries derailed his career, leaving his counting statistics (222 HR, 2,153 hits) below the typical HOF standard for a first baseman, though his impact on the game is undeniable.
  • Carlos Delgado: A powerful slugger for the Blue Jays, Delgado finished with 473 home runs and 1,512 RBIs, but he failed to gain traction on the BBWAA ballot, often overshadowed by the sheer volume of power hitters from his era.

The ongoing debate over these players, particularly those from the steroid era, highlights the ever-evolving nature of the Hall of Fame voting process. Whether through the Era Committees or a shift in voting philosophy, the door remains open for these exceptional first basemen to eventually join the ranks of Lou Gehrig, Frank Thomas, and the other immortal first basemen in Cooperstown.

The Immortal First Basemen: A Complete List of Every 1B in the Baseball Hall of Fame (Updated 2025)
first baseman in the hall of fame
first baseman in the hall of fame

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