Can We Guess Your Favorite MLB Icon?

By: Raj Chander
Estimated Completion Time
6 min
Can We Guess Your Favorite MLB Icon?
Image: Wiki Commons by Keith Allison

About This Quiz

In every era of Major League Baseball, superstars have looked a bit different. 

The game's early heroes in the first half of the 20th century were patriotic, larger-than-life figures like Ted Williams and Babe Ruth. While each one had their own style, on the field they were known for their tough demeanors and hard-nosed style.

As the game matured a bit and America exited war mode in the '50s and '60s, stars became a bit more personable. The diversification of the league thanks in large part to Jackie Robinson helped to open the door for African-American stars like Willie Mays and Roberto Clemente.

But to many people, few stars had as much personality as those in the modern era. Just think of guys like Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire, engaging in a friendly-yet-competitive contest to see who could hit the most home runs in a single season. Later, the emergence of interesting personalities like Tim Lincecum and Manny Ramirez added a new dimension to the game, a perfect development for the social media era.

With so many different kinds of players leading the way for the MLB, how do you choose the one that you root for most? Besides the obvious choice--their team--we believe you should align with the star who embodies your beliefs about baseball on and off the field. Step up to the plate and hit these 30 questions out of the park and we'll match you to an MLB legend!

How important is it for an MLB star to act with dignity and professionalism off the field?
It matters, but it's not the most critical thing.
It's not important at all.
Extremely important, that's what makes someone an icon.
It's a small factor – on-field ability matters more.

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What makes baseball a better sport than basketball or football?
The tradition and history of the game
It's more accessible to the average person.
There is no one-on-one battle in sports as intense as batter vs. pitcher.
There's nothing like a monstrous home run.

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What position does your favorite MLB hero play?
Center field
First base
Pitcher
Shortstop

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How much do numbers and statistics matter in baseball?
They matter, but they don't tell the whole story.
Historic and career numbers matter the most.
They matter a lot
They are important, but not as important as accolades and awards.

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Is it important for an MLB player to represent the diversity of the league?
Yes, but not that important
Absolutely, baseball owes a lot to many different countries.
No, diversity is important but other factors matter more.
No

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Does it matter if a star plays for one team their entire career?
Yes, that's the best way to go.
They should try to, but it's sometimes out of their control.
Ideally, but it's OK to entertain other options
No, it doesn't matter.

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How important is it for your favorite MLB icon to be good at defense?
Hitting is much more important.
It matters, but can be compensated for by hitting and leadership.
Important – the top stars are skilled at both offense and defense.
It's not that important

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Does sportsmanship factor into your choice of MLB superstar?
Yes, it's one of many factors.
Somewhat, but not that much.
Yes, professionalism is hugely important in being a star.
Not really

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Does it matter if your MLB legend is a leader of the team?
Yes, stars should be leaders on and off the field.
Somewhat, but they still have to play.
Yes, they should improve chemistry and be likable.
Not really, as long as they perform

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How much extra value do you place on base running ability?
It matters, but not as much as hitting or leadership.
It's not that important.
It's not necessary to be great.
A good amount

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Is it important that your favorite baseball player has been selected to many All-Star games?
Yes, and they should be in a leadership position on those teams.
It matters, but they aren't everything.
Yes, All-Star selections help build the resume.
Yes, as long as they are also putting up good individual numbers

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What era would your favorite MLB icon come from?
2000s
The current era
Early 20th century
1990s

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What is a good off-the-field hobby for a baseball player to have?
Philanthropy
Meteorology
Hanging out and having fun with fans
Entrepreneurship

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What's the best way for an MLB icon to interact with the fans?
Respectfully, by showing as much appreciation as possible
Having fun and being playful
Giving back to the place they are from
Representing them well on the field

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Should an MLB legend always get along with their team's manager?
Yes, they should always try to be a team player.
It's OK to speak up if they feel they are being mistreated.
Yes, they should always be respectful even when they disagree.
No, sometimes tempers will flare up – it's a sign of passion.

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Should your MLB legend be able to play more than one position?
No, it doesn't matter.
Yes, they should have all-around skill.
It can help boost their resume, but ultimately it's not a negative.
No, as long as they can hit

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How do you feel about a baseball player serving as a designated hitter?
It's more impressive for a good hitter to also play the field.
It takes away from their "icon" status to only be able to hit.
It's part of the modern game.
It's OK if they can really smash the ball.

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What is your favorite food to eat while watching baseball?
Rice and beans
Hot dogs and beer
Fish
Grilled chicken salad

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Do you care at all about a player's romantic life?
No, that stuff should stay off the field.
They should have an interesting life.
It's best if they are normal in that department.
It doesn't matter what they do, as long as they can hit.

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Besides hitting, what is the most valuable skill a baseball player can bring to the team?
A good work ethic
Charisma and charm
Star power
Leadership

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What kind of music do you like to listen to?
EDM
Pop
Salsa
Classic rock

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What kind of products do you want your baseball hero to endorse?
Beer
Sports drinks
Restaurants
Cars

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Do you factor longevity into the equation when determining which MLB star is your favorite?
Yes, the longer someone can play, the more accolades they deserve.
It helps add to the legacy but it's not the most important thing.
Somewhat, but skill matters more
Yes, a long career is essential to be a true icon.

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How should an MLB star dress when they aren't playing baseball?
Casual sportswear
A nice suit with a sharp fedora
Jeans and a T-shirt
Khakis and a lounge shirt

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What do you think an MLB star should do after they retire?
Try to own a team
Become a public speaker
Work as a manager
Get involved in the church

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Do you think it is important for an MLB superstar to be somewhat eccentric?
It helps them stand out, but it's not 100% necessary.
Yes, quirkiness makes them more charming.
No, as long as they perform on the field
Not really, they can be normal.

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How much does philanthropic activity matter to you?
A star has to do good work off the field.
It doesn't matter that much.
It's more important that they are a nice person.
It definitely matters, but on-the-field activity comes first.

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Do you care if your favorite MLB player is big into partying?
True MLB icons aren't on TMZ!
No, let them have fun.
It's probably not the best idea, but it doesn't impact my view of them.
It's OK for them to party a bit as long as they don't overdo it.

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What team does your favorite MLB legend play for?
St. Louis Cardinals
Boston Red Sox
Los Angeles Angels
New York Yankees

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Do you prefer your MLB icon to be well-rounded, or mostly just a great hitter?
Well-rounded, definitely
Hitting and pitching are the two most important.
Just hitting is enough, as long as they are great at all aspects of it.
I like my stars to have a lot of bat power!

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You Got: