The phenomenon of the long ball has captivated baseball enthusiasts for as long as the sport has existed, but its effectiveness in producing runs largely depends on runners being on base. The mental aspect of bringing in these players at crucial moments is significant; a double hit with a runner on second is valued the same as a double with no one on base—it still counts as a double.
Typically, players who accumulate the most runs batted in (RBIs) are part of playoff teams, which gives them more opportunities due to more runners on base. So, who are the leaders in MLB history for the most RBIs?
FOX Sports Research has compiled a comprehensive list of the players who have driven the most runs since RBIs became an official statistic in 1920.
Top 10 Players with the Most RBIs in MLB History
10. Willie Mays: 1,909
Regarded as one of baseball’s greatest center fielders, Mays was a formidable run producer for the San Francisco Giants, where he mainly played from 1951 to 1972. A two-time MVP and 24-time All-Star, Mays famously led the National League in home runs four times and recorded over 100 RBIs in ten seasons.
9. Eddie Murray: 1,917
Murray made an instant impact as the 1977 American League Rookie of the Year with the Baltimore Orioles. A switch-hitter who excelled both in contact and power, he drove in over 100 runs in six seasons and won the World Series in 1983.
8. Jimmie Foxx: 1,922
Foxx, a powerful right-handed hitter, won two batting titles and hit 534 home runs during his career. He was recognized as an All-Star nine times and generated over 100 RBIs in 13 seasons, peaking with 150 in four seasons.
7. Stan Musial: 1,951
Musial was an outstanding hitter for the St. Louis Cardinals, leading the NL in numerous categories, including doubles and triples. A 24-time All-Star, he amassed 1,951 RBIs over a remarkable career.
6. Babe Ruth: 1,983
Ruth, one of the game’s legends, hit 714 home runs and drove in 1,983 runs while primarily playing with the Red Sox and the Yankees. Notably, Ruth also excelled as a pitcher during the early years of his career.
5. Lou Gehrig: 1,995
Gehrig was a consistent offensive threat, leading the AL in RBIs five times across his illustrious career with the Yankees. He achieved over 100 RBIs in 13 seasons, proving pivotal in securing six World Series championships.
4. Barry Bonds: 1,996
Bonds, known for his 762 home runs, ranks high on the RBI leaderboard with 1,996 RBIs. Over his career, he not only scored heavily but also drew a record number of walks, underscoring his powerful presence at the plate.
3. Alex Rodriguez: 2,086
Rodriguez electrified fans as a three-time AL MVP, hitting for incredible power with 696 home runs while driving in 2,086 runs throughout his career with the Mariners, Rangers, and Yankees.
2. Albert Pujols: 2,218
Pujols, a dominant figure in the 21st century, achieved significant milestones with both the Cardinals and Angels, accruing 703 home runs and 2,218 RBIs throughout his career.
1. Henry Aaron: 2,297
Aaron, a contact-hitting maestro, holds the MLB record for RBIs with 2,297. His 755 home runs rank him second all-time, and his contributions helped his team win the 1957 World Series.
Stay updated with more sports insights by joining our newsletter.
