MLB: Top 5 strangest players in history
MLB is historically known as a classy game. However, that doesn’t mean it hasn’t seen its fair share of obscure personalities. So, who is the strangest of the strange?
The classic image of an MLB player is someone strong, stoic, and elegant. However, the nature of the game itself is inherently strange. One wrong bounce can change the trajectory of a game, and a few can change someone’s entire career (Take poor Bill Buckner for example).
Thus, naturally, baseball has attracted a crop of obscure players. These guys have defied the typical orthodox way of playing the game, whether it be through their on-the-field style, off the field antics, or superstitious tendencies.
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We have unorthodox players like Hunter Pence, who throws like he doesn’t have an elbow. Then, we have a plethora of pros with memorable batting stances like Kevin Youkilis, Gary Sheffield, and Craig Counsell. They all proved that bad mechanics have a place in the MLB
Next, we have eccentric personalities. Adrián Beltré proved that you can be an elite player while having fun every time you take the field, while “Manny being Manny” was must-see TV. And how can we forget the Japanese national treasure Munenori Kawasaki?
Strange people belong in the strange game of baseball. However, some players throughout history took the word “strange” to the next level. Whether or not they excelled on the field during their careers, these men have become baseball legends due to their outlandish personalities. Some were well-known in the public spotlight, while others are shrouded in mystery. Regardless, the stories that define them are nothing short of absurd, and will continuously be passed down to future generations of baseball fans.
No matter the case, each one of these weirdos have made baseball a more fun and interesting game to watch and play. They have inspired the youth to be themselves while playing the game they love. So without further ado, here are the top 5 strangest players in MLB history.