Baseball has always been a game of swagger, but some made it an art form. While confidence is key to success, these MLB stars took their self-belief to stratospheric levels and ensured the world knew it.
Whether they were barking at umpires, preening for the cameras, or acting like the world revolved around their batting average, these players didn’t exactly shy away from the spotlight. From dugout divas to mound monarchs, here are 20 MLB stars whose self-importance belonged in Cooperstown.
20. Alex Rodriguez
A-Rod never met a mirror he didn’t like, and he rarely let a camera pass him by. His ego was almost as big as his contract between the on-field antics and off-field drama.
19. Trevor Bauer
Bauer always believed he was the smartest guy in the room, ensuring everyone else knew it. Whether feuds, vlogs, or just being extra, subtlety was never in his playbook.
18. Bryce Harper
Harper came into the league with more hype than a summer blockbuster and carried himself like a walking billboard. His confidence was sky-high before he proved anything, and he played like the main character from day one.
17. Curt Schilling
Schilling loved the sound of his voice almost as much as his splitter. He pitched like an ace, but acted like the world needed a daily press conference about his greatness.
16. Rickey Henderson
Rickey didn’t just think he was the best—he told everyone, often in third person. His speed was unmatched, but so was his belief in his legend.
15. José Canseco
Canseco always believed he was baseball’s gift to the world—even when the world begged to differ. He never lacked self-assurance, from his on-field antics to post-career Twitter takes.
14. Manny Ramirez
Manny being Manny wasn’t just a phrase—it was a lifestyle. He marched to his beat, which often included a hefty dose of ego.
13. Reggie Jackson
Mr. October didn’t just thrive in the spotlight; he demanded it. Reggie once said he was “the straw that stirs the drink,” and he wasn’t talking about humility.
12. Josh Donaldson
Donaldson played with a chip on his shoulder the size of a Louisville Slugger. He carried himself like the game owed him something and ensured everyone got the memo.
11. Yasiel Puig
Puig had the energy of a rock star and the subtlety of a fireworks display. Every at-bat felt like a performance, and he was always the headliner.
10. Dennis Eckersley
Eckersley didn’t just close games—he styled on hitters while doing it. With the mustache, swagger, and one-liners, he treated the mound like his personal runway.
9. Carlos Gómez
Gómez brought flair, fire, and a whole lot of self-confidence to every plate appearance. He celebrated singles like walk-offs and flipped bats like it was his job.
8. Johnny Cueto
Cueto’s windups were part pitch, part performance art. He knew he was entertaining and leaned into the theatrics.
7. Barry Zito
Zito’s curveball was legendary, and he carried himself like a Zen master with a Hollywood agent. His vibes were cool, calm, and entirely convinced of his brilliance.
6. Brian Wilson
Wilson didn’t just close games—he closed them in character. The beard, bravado, and borderline performance art were all peak self-importance.
5. Javy Báez
El Mago played like the game was built around his highlight reel. Every tag, flip, and stare-down screamed, “You’re welcome for the show.”
4. Roger Clemens
Clemens pitched like a warrior and strutted like a king. He believed in his dominance so much that he often acted like the rules didn’t apply to him.
3. Pete Rose
Rose hustled like no one else, but humility was never his strong suit. Whether as a player or manager, he carried himself like baseball’s chosen one.
Read More: 20 MLB Stars Who Never Shied Away from the Spotlight
2. Barry Bonds
Bonds didn’t just believe he was the best—he acted like it was an undeniable fact of life. His glare alone could shrink a pitcher, and he made sure the spotlight stayed firmly on him.
Read More: Ranking the 20 Most Charismatic MLB Stars Ever
1. Rickey Henderson
Yes, Rickey’s back. Because when you’re that confident, you deserve two spots. He once framed a million-dollar check and never cashed it—because he wanted to look at it. Enough said.
Read More: Ranking the 19 Most Self-Obsessed MLB Stars of All Time
