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20 MLB Stars Who Never Let the Fame Get to Their Head

Baseball has its fair share of egos, but every once in a while, a star emerges who stays grounded no matter how many home runs they hit or Cy Youngs they collect. These players let their game do the talking, kept their humility intact, and earned respect for being as down-to-earth as they were talented.

Whether they were clubhouse leaders, quiet workers, or guys who always made time for fans, this list is complete of players who proved you can be a superstar without acting like one. Here are 20 MLB stars who never let fame get to their head.

20. Sean Casey

Jul 18, 2008; Anaheim, CA, USA;  Boston Red Sox designated hitter Sean Casey (22) at bat against the Los Angels Angels at Angel Stadium. Mandatory
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

They didn’t call him “The Mayor” for nothing—Casey was one of the friendliest players in baseball. Even opponents loved him, and his approachable attitude never wavered, no matter how many All-Star Games he made.

19. Clayton Kershaw

May 23, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) pitches against the New York Mets during the first inning at Citi Field.
Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Despite being one of the greatest pitchers of his generation, Kershaw has always stayed low-key. He’s more about family, charity work, and crushing lineups than chasing headlines.

18. David Wright

Sep 29, 2018; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets third baseman David Wright (5) speaks to the crowd after a game against the Miami Marlins at Citi Field.
Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Wright was the face of the Mets for a year, but never carried himself like a superstar. He was always gracious and classy—a leader who led by example.

17. Joey Votto

Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto (19) chokes up on his bat during his at bat in the first inning during the National League baseball game between the New York Mets and the Cincinnati Reds, Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017, at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati
Kareem Elgazzar / USA TODAY NETWORK

Votto has a quirky sense of humor but is incredibly humble and self-aware. He spent his entire career with the Reds, staying loyal and grounded through every up and down.

16. Tony Gwynn

Apr 14, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies center fielder Tony Gwynn (19) waits on deck against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park. The Braves defeated the Phillies, 9-6.
Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Mr. Padre was a legend on the field and a gentleman off it. Gwynn never acted bigger than the game, even though he was.

15. Adam Wainwright

Oct 1, 2023; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals pinch hitter Adam Wainwright (50) tips his cap as he receives a standing ovation before his final at bat during the eighth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Busch Stadium.
Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

Waino could’ve coasted on his reputation late in his career, but he kept showing up and giving back. He always stayed humble, whether pitching or performing country music in the offseason.

14. Ichiro Suzuki

May 14, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Miami Marlins right fielder Ichiro Suzuki (51) bats against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park.
Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Ichiro’s work ethic was unmatched, but never flashy about it. He let his bat, glove, and legs do the talking, keeping his ego entirely off the field.

13. Mike Mussina

Mar 13, 2008; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Mike Mussina (35) throws a pitch against the Pittsburgh pirates during their spring training game at Legends Field.
Kim Klement-Imagn Images

Mussina had Hall of Fame numbers but never demanded the spotlight. He was the consummate professional, more focused on his next start than any praise.

12. Paul Konerko

Sep 28, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko (14) heads back to the dugout after the top of the fourth inning against the Kansas City Royals at U.S Cellular Field.
Jerry Lai-Imagn Images

Konerko quietly became a Chicago legend by simply showing up and doing the job. He didn’t chase fame or drama, wins, or respect.

11. Freddie Freeman

May 25, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) doubles during the first inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field.
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Freeman’s smile is as steady as his bat, and he’s always been known as a teammate-first guy. Even after MVP honors, he kept the same grounded vibe he had as a rookie.

10. Mark Buehrle

Oct 4, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Mark Buehrle (56) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning at Tropicana Field.
Kim Klement-Imagn Images

Buehrle threw a perfect game and multiple no-hitters, but you’d never hear him brag. He was the definition of a lunch-pail pitcher—reliable, respected, and humble.

9. Jose Altuve

May 24, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) hits a single during the third inning against the Seattle Mariners at Daikin Park.
Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Even as the heart of a controversial team, Altuve has consistently carried himself humbly. He’s more about playing the game the right way than playing it loud.

8. Cal Ripken Jr.

Jul 7, 1998; Denver, CO, USA; FILE PHOTO; American League third basement Cal Ripken Jr. (8) of the Baltimore Orioles at bat during the 1998 MLB All-Star Game at Coors Field.
V.J. Lovero-Imagn Images

Ripken was The Iron Man, but he never let the record chase change who he was. He just kept showing up, clocking in, and doing what needed to be done.

7. Christian Yelich

May 10, 2025; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich (22) before the game against the Tampa Bay Rays at George M. Steinbrenner Field.
Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Yelich rose to stardom fast but never changed up on anyone. He’s stayed grounded, approachable, and focused on being a team player.

6. Mariano Rivera

Jun 23, 2019; Bronx, NY, USA; Former New York Yankees pitcher Mariano Rivera (42) hits an inside the park home run at the 2019 Yankees Old Timers' Day Game at Yankee Stadium.
Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

You’d be hard-pressed to find a more humble superstar than Rivera. The greatest closer of all time always gave credit to his teammates.

5. Dustin Pedroia

Mar 26, 2019; Mesa, AZ, USA; Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia against the Chicago Cubs during a spring training game at Sloan Park.
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Pedroia played like his hair was on fire, but carried himself like a blue-collar grinder. He sometimes talked big games but backed it up without ever becoming arrogant.

4. Mookie Betts

May 19, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (50) throws to first for the out against Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Gabriel Moreno (14) during the seventh inning at Dodger Stadium.
Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Betts is one of the most talented players in baseball and still manages to make everyone feel like he’s just one of the guys. He’s always smiling, always respectful, and never about the drama.

3. Anthony Rizzo

Oct 26, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; New York Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo (48) walks in the second inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game two of the 2024 MLB World Series at Dodger Stadium.
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Rizzo has battled adversity and stayed a fan favorite thanks to his personality and perspective. He’s one of those guys who always makes time for fans and teammates.

2. Buster Posey

Oct 14, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey (28) hits a double against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning during game five of the 2021 NLDS at Oracle Park.
D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images

Posey was the steady force behind a dynasty and never once acted like a diva. He did his job, stayed composed, and became a beloved figure across the league.

Read More: Ranking the 15 Best Catchers in MLB History

1. Mike Trout

Apr 24, 2025; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels right fielder Mike Trout (27) runs around bases on a triple during the fourth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Angel Stadium.
Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Trout might be the best player of this generation, but he’s also the least interested in the spotlight. He wants to play baseball, go home, and maybe catch an Eagles game—no ego in sight.

Read More: 20 NFL Superstars Who Never Had a Diva Phase

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