The Top Nine in Baseball History to Never Play in a World Series

Who are the top nine players in baseball history by position to never play in a World Series? There are many who are in the hall of fame or will be who never got the experience of the fall classic. Here is a starting nine that might give anyone a run for their money.

Catcher: Joe Torre Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves, St. Louis Cardinals, New York Mets

Though known in baseball history as manager of four World Series champions with the New York Yankees, Torre was a very good player. He played the bulk of his first 10 seasons as a catcher, was a five time All-Star at the position and Gold Glove winner in 1965.

First Base: Don Mattingly New York Yankees

Mattingly had the misfortune of joining the Yankees the year after they made the Series in 1981 and retiring a year before they made it in 1996. He was a six-time All-Star, nine-time Gold Glover and American League MVP in 1985.

Second Base: Ryne Sandberg Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs

Sandberg played 16 seasons, was a 10-time All-Star, the 1984 National League MVP and goes down in baseball history as the best second basemen to never play in a World Series.

Shortstop: Ernie Banks Chicago Cubs

Mr. Cub was a nine-time All-Star at shortstop. He won back to back MVP awards in 1958 and ’59. He played 19 seasons without ever playing in the World Series.

Third Base: Ron Santo Chicago Cubs

When you go more than a century without appearing in a World Series you’re going to have players on a list like this. Santo was a nine-time All-Star and won five Gold Gloves. There are many who say he was the best to play the position.

Left Field: Ralph Kiner Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago Cubs, Cleveland Indians

Kiner played for some of the worst teams in baseball history. This did not stop him from becoming a six-time All-Star. Kiner won a major league record seven consecutive home run titles.

Center Field: Ken Griffey Jr. Seattle Mariners, Cincinnati Reds, Chicago White Sox

How in the world did ‘The Kid’ never play in a World Series? He played 22 seasons which is more than anyone else on this list. He was a 12-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove winner. He was American League MVP in 1992 and 1997. And he hit 630 home runs.

Right Field: Ichiro Suzuki, Seattle Mariners

The best Asian player in major league baseball history, Ichiro is a 10-time All-Star, twice AL MVP, 10-time Gold Glove winner and three-time Silver Slugger award winner. He is the only player on this list who is still active.

Pitcher: Ferguson Jenkins Phillies, Cubs, Texas Rangers, Boston Red Sox

Jenkins won 284 games and pitched 267 complete ones. He was a three-time All-Star and 1971 National League Cy Young Award winner. Fergie struck out 3,192 hitters.

All of these players must feel a tinge of regret every October.

These are nine of the greatest players in major league baseball history to never play in a World Series.