56. Mel Ott
One of the most beloved players in his day, Mel Ott was considered one of the nicest men in baseball, and one of the more dangerous hitters in the game.
The youngest player to reach the 100 home run, 200 home run and 1000 RBI, Ott was a true power threat. He led the league in home runs and walks six times, and had the highest on base percentage in the league four times. A twelve time All-Star, Ott finished in the top ten in the MVP vote six times.
Over his career, Ott produced a .304/.414/.533 batting line with 511 home runs and 1860 RBI. He ranks 24th all time in home runs and twelfth in RBI. His 1708 walks are the ninth highest total in MLB history, helping Ott to have the 27th best on base percentage ever. Ott’s 107.8 WAR is the 22nd highest mark in history.
Defensively, Ott was a solid right fielder. He led the league in assists in right twice, and his 235 assists in right are fourth all time. He ranks second with 61 double plays, and was one of the best glovemen in right during his time.
Mel Ott was an all around force on the diamond, and one of the greatest power hitters in his era. Had he not slowed down in his early 30’s, Ott could have been one of the truly elite players to play the game.
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