MLB's Greatest by Position Trivia Quiz

Denton True "Cy" Young (active 1890 to 1911) was one of baseball's earliest dominant pitchers, playing primarily for the Cleveland Spiders/Naps, St. Louis Cardinals, Boston Americans/Red Sox, and others. His nickname, "Cy," was short for "Cyclone," a reference to the sheer speed and force of his pitches, which were said to hit the catcher's glove like a whirlwind. Young's remarkable longevity and win total led to the creation of the Cy Young Award, given annually to the best pitchers in Major League Baseball.

Johnny Lee Bench (active 1967 to 1983) spent his entire career with the Cincinnati Reds as a catcher, serving as the cornerstone of the "Big Red Machine" dynasty. Known as the "Little General," Bench earned this nickname for his leadership behind the plate, directing pitchers and managing the game with authority despite being relatively young. Widely regarded as one of the greatest catchers ever, his defensive skill and powerful bat set new standards for the position.

Henry Louis "Lou" Gehrig (active 1923 to 1939) was a legendary first baseman for the New York Yankees, renowned for his durability and consistent excellence. His nickname, "The Iron Horse," reflected his incredible streak of 2,130 consecutive games played, a record that stood for decades. Gehrig's strength, reliability, and quiet humility made him one of the most respected figures in baseball history.

Jack Roosevelt "Jackie" Robinson (active 1947 to 1956) played primarily as a second baseman (though he filled multiple roles) for the Brooklyn Dodgers and broke Major League Baseball's colour barrier in 1947. While often simply called "Jackie," he was also known by the lesser-used nickname "The Dark Destroyer," a reference to his fierce competitiveness and ability to disrupt opposing teams with his aggressive baserunning and intensity.

His impact extended far beyond statistics, reshaping the social landscape of American sports.

Michael Jack "Mike" Schmidt (active 1972 to 1989) spent his entire career with the Philadelphia Phillies as a third baseman, widely considered the greatest at that position. Alongside the familiar "Schmitty," he was sometimes referred to as "Captain Cool," a nod to his composed demeanor in high-pressure situations and his leadership on the field. Known for his combination of power hitting and elite defense, Schmidt was a central figure in the Phillies' success during his era.

Calvin Edwin "Cal" Ripken Jr. (active 1981 to 2001) was a durable shortstop (and later third baseman) for the Baltimore Orioles. His nickname, "The Iron Man," came from breaking Gehrig's consecutive games record with 2,632 straight appearances, showcasing extraordinary endurance. Ripken's work ethic, consistency, and adaptability redefined expectations for middle infielders.

Theodore Samuel "Ted" Williams (active 1939 to 1960, with interruptions for military service) starred as a left fielder for the Boston Red Sox. Known as "The Splendid Splinter," Williams earned his nickname for his smooth, precise hitting style and lean physique. Also called "Teddy Ballgame," he remains one of the greatest pure hitters in baseball history, famously finishing his career with a .344 batting average.

Willie Howard Mays Jr. (active 1951 to 1973) played primarily as a center fielder for the New York and San Francisco Giants, with a brief stint on the New York Mets. Nicknamed "The Say Hey Kid," a phrase said to reflect his cheerful greeting style, Mays combined power, speed, and defensive brilliance.

His all-around excellence and iconic plays made him one of the most complete players the game has ever seen.

George Herman "Babe" Ruth (active 1914 to 1935) began as a pitcher before becoming a legendary outfielder (1,050 games in left field and 1,132 games in right field) for the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees. His many nicknames - "The Bambino," "The Sultan of Swat," "The Colossus of Clout," and "The King of Crash" - reflected his larger-than-life personality and unprecedented home run power. Ruth transformed baseball into a power-driven game and became its first true superstar.

David Américo Ortiz Arias (active 1997 to 2016) starred as a designated hitter (and occasional first baseman) for the Minnesota Twins and, most notably, the Boston Red Sox. Known affectionately as "Big Papi," Ortiz earned his nickname from his commanding presence and beloved role as a team leader. Famed for his clutch hitting, especially in postseason play, he was instrumental in ending Boston's long championship drought in 2004.