Some players are just built to travel. No matter the team, the jersey, or the ballpark, these guys had a way of winning over fans and teammates wherever they went.
Whether it was their hustle, personality, or just being great clubhouse guys, these 25 MLB players left a trail of love behind them. Even if they weren’t stars, they were always fan favorites—and that’s something you can’t teach.
25. Eric Hinske
He played for seven teams and somehow felt like a perfect fit in every clubhouse. Coaches loved his versatility, and fans appreciated his gritty, no-nonsense vibe.
24. Curtis Granderson
Grandy was a walking PR dream. Always smiling, always giving back, and always bringing good energy to every city he played in.
23. Howie Kendrick
Kendrick quietly carved out an awesome career and made every team better. His clutch gene and chill demeanor earned him love from coast to coast.
22. Cliff Floyd
Floyd had pop in his bat and warmth in his presence. Teammates always spoke highly of him, and he left every city with fans wishing he could’ve stayed longer.
21. Nick Swisher
Swisher’s energy was straight-up infectious. His “every day is the best day ever” attitude made him beloved in dugouts across the league.
20. Edwin Encarnación
You knew you were getting home runs and a parrot walk with Edwin. But you were also getting a respected veteran who knew how to keep the vibes right.
19. Gio González
Gio’s smile lit up every dugout he walked into. He pitched with passion and treated everyone—fans, media, teammates—with kindness.
18. Mark DeRosa
DeRosa did it all—on the field and in the clubhouse. He was the kind of guy who made good teams better and bad teams more bearable.
17. Martín Prado
If you needed a steady hand and a respected leader, Prado was your guy. His professionalism and hustle earned him universal admiration.
16. Torii Hunter
Torii was one of the most likable guys of his era. His defense was electric, but it was his leadership and personality that fans truly loved.
15. J.D. Martinez
J.D. brought his bat everywhere, and people noticed. He became a quick fan favorite in multiple cities thanks to his work ethic and slugging power.
14. Michael Brantley
Quiet, consistent, and classy—Brantley earned respect everywhere. He was the guy every team was lucky to have, and every fanbase wanted to keep.
13. Nelson Cruz
Boomstick brought the thunder at the plate and joy to the locker room. No matter the team, he instantly became one of the most respected players in the room.
12. Shane Victorino
The Flyin’ Hawaiian brought speed, spirit, and good vibes wherever he went. Fans gravitated to his energy, and teammates fed off it.
11. Jonny Gomes
Gomes might not have been a superstar, but he was a glue guy in every clubhouse. His grit, leadership, and beard were welcome additions everywhere.
10. David Ross
Before he became a manager, Ross was the veteran catcher everyone wanted around. Pitchers trusted him, teammates loved him, and fans adored him.
9. Ichiro Suzuki
Even when he barely spoke English, Ichiro’s presence said everything. Every fanbase he passed through appreciated the grace, hustle, and mystique he brought.
8. Mookie Betts
Mookie is elite on the field and even better off it. He’s impossible not to like—he blends swagger with humility in a way fans across the country embrace.
7. Joey Votto
Votto’s dry humor and deep baseball brain made him a legend in more than just Cincinnati. Even fans of rival teams respected his unique charm and authenticity.
6. Johnny Damon
Damon rocked both sides of the Red Sox-Yankees rivalry and lived to tell the tale. His effort and personality won over every crowd, regardless of uniform.
5. Sean Casey
The “Mayor” nickname wasn’t just cute—it was true. Casey was one of the most universally liked guys in baseball, no matter where he played.
4. Max Scherzer
Mad Max could scare hitters and still win over entire fanbases. His fire, intensity, and postgame honesty earned him love across multiple franchises.
3. Freddie Freeman
Freeman’s smile and smooth swing are fan favorites everywhere. He played over a decade in Atlanta and was somehow immediately embraced in L.A. too.
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2. Miguel Cabrera
Miggy was joy personified. Whether crushing bombs or cracking jokes, he lit up every stadium and earned universal love around the league.
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1. Albert Pujols
From St. Louis to Anaheim to a farewell tour that felt like a love letter from the entire sport, Pujols was beloved everywhere. His greatness was obvious, but his humility sealed the deal.
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