Being a Major League Baseball star comes with pressure, fame, and enough media attention to make anyone walk around like royalty. But not every All-Star lets the spotlight change who they are—some guys just keep being themselves, no matter how big their contracts or how loud the crowds.
Whether it’s their unbothered attitude, self-deprecating humor, or just a complete lack of interest in being flashy, these MLB players managed to stay down-to-earth even at the top of the game. Here are 15 stars who felt less like celebrities and more like dudes you’d tailgate with before a Tuesday night game.
15. Zack Greinke
Greinke is one of the quirkiest pitchers in recent memory, and he never pretended to be anything else. From awkward interviews to dry one-liners, he stayed true to himself the whole way through.
14. Hunter Pence
He played like his hair was on fire, but talked like a guy who worked at your local comic book store. Pence’s offbeat personality and unfiltered energy made him weirdly relatable.
13. Freddie Freeman
Freeman always seemed more interested in being a great teammate than a media star. Whether joking in the dugout or just being a dad, he never tried to be anything other than a solid guy.
12. Kyle Schwarber
He mashes baseballs like a superhero but carries himself like your big cousin who still shops at the same sporting goods store from high school. Schwarber keeps things simple, and fans love him for it.
11. Dallas Keuchel
During his peak, Keuchel won a Cy Young and looked like a lumberjack doing it. But off the mound, he gave off calm, regular dude energy—more interested in grilling than glamour.
10. Whit Merrifield
Never the flashiest name, but always one of the hardest workers. Merrifield has the attitude of someone who still can’t believe he made it—and that’s why people respect him.
9. Brandon Belt
Even when he was hitting bombs in San Francisco, Belt always seemed like a guy who’d rather be joking in the dugout than giving interviews. His dry humor and laid-back vibe never changed.
8. Mark Buehrle
This guy once pitched a perfect game and then quietly went back to mowing his lawn. Buehrle was always the ultimate “just doing my job” type of star.
7. Joe Mauer
Hometown kid, MVP, and still as understated as they come. Mauer never chased headlines—he just wanted to play ball and go home.
6. Dansby Swanson
Yes, he’s got the flow and the big league résumé, but he still gives off humble Southern guy energy. Even with the spotlight on him, he always carried himself like someone just enjoying the ride.
5. Anthony Rizzo
He was a key piece in ending the Cubs’ curse, but he never acted like a baseball god. Rizzo’s charm came from how normal and grounded he always seemed, even in the biggest moments.
4. DJ LeMahieu
LeMahieu is as no-nonsense as it gets. He quietly puts up numbers every year and somehow avoids all the hype, like he’s allergic to attention.
3. Adam Wainwright
Even with a long career and plenty of accolades, Waino just feels like the guy who’d stay late to help clean up after team dinner. His leadership always came with a massive dose of humility.
Read More: 20 MLB Pitchers Who Never Lacked Confidence
2. Brett Gardner
He played with grit, intensity, and absolutely no ego. Gardner never tried to be cool—he just ran hard, played harder, and acted like a guy happy to still be in the clubhouse.
Read More: 15 MLB Pitchers Who Threw More Tantrums Than Strikes
1. Clayton Kershaw
Despite being one of the greatest pitchers of his generation, Kershaw talks and acts like a guy who still drives the same truck from college. Fame never changed him—he’s just a superstar who still feels like a regular guy.
Read More: 15 MLB Stars Who Were the Opposite of Divas
