Baseball lends itself colorful personalities. How else are you supposed to pass the time in between starts, or keep yourself sane in late August during game eight of a twelve game road trip?
Some of baseball's greatest players are also its greatest personalities and we love them even more for it. Here are our picks for the 20 most colofrul personalities in MLB history.
1
Babe Ruth
The original baseball partier, Ruth loved his food, drinking, smoking, and more.
2
Lou Piniella
The king of the argument, Piniella always let umpires know what was on his mind.
3
Yogi Berra
One of baseball’s greatest philosophers, Berra owns most of the game’s greatest quotes.
4
Ricky Henderson
“Ricky” spoke about himself in the third person, exuding confidence. Instead of cashing his first big baseball check, he framed it on his wall.
5
Casey Stengel
Nicknamed the “old man,” Stengel was a well of wisdom and witty remarks.
6
Wade Boggs
Known for allegedly drinking 73 beers on a cross-country flight, Boggs also held many exact habits and superstitions.
7
Earl Weaver
An embodiment of his era, Weaver always gave his all and let umpires know what he thought.
8
David Ortiz
“Big Papi” brought an intense but fun energy everywhere he went. That personality is helping him crush his new role as a TV presenter.
9
Manny Ramirez
When "Manny being Manny" is a known phrase, you know you’re one of a kind.
10
Kevin Millar
Millar turned a decent playing career into a fantastic TV career, thanks to his infectious energy and humor.
11
George Brett
Brett was known for his fiery outbursts, headlined by the “Pine Tar Incident.”
12
Tommy Lasorda
A one of one baseball personality, Lasorda was known for his colorful arguing and impeccable physique.
13
Pete Rose
“Charlie Hustle” gave his all every game, as well as off the field. He was eventually blacklisted from the Hall of Fame for gambling.
14
Mark Fidrych
Nicknamed “The Bird,” Fidrych had a unique mound presence, often talking to the ball and himself in an animated way.
15
Bill Lee
Nicknamed “Spaceman,” Lee was known among his teammates for saying odd things and holding strange beliefs.
16
Sammy Sosa
With an unmistakable home run pose, Sosa played with charisma and energy.
17
Lenny Dykstra
Known as “Nails,” Lenny refused to let anything get in his way. Unfortunately, his off the field issues led to financial troubles.
18
Dock Ellis
Ellis infamously threw a no-hitter while taking LSD.
19
Ozzie Smith
Nicknamed "The Wizard of Oz," Ozzie Smith is arguably the greatest defensive shortstop to ever play. He became known for backflipping onto the field before games.
20
Albert Belle
One of the most intimidating figures of his era, Belle once refused to take first after a hit-by-pitch.
