15 MLB Stars Who Stayed Humble Despite the Hype

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

Zack Greinke
Wikimedia Commons

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

Aug 10, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Former San Francisco Giants outfielder Hunter Pence listens during a ceremony celebrating the tenth anniversary of the Giants' 2014 World Series championship at Oracle Park.
Robert Edwards-Imagn Images

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

Freddie Freeman
Wikimedia Commons

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

Kyle Schwarber
Pexels

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

Dallas Keuchel
Openverse

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

Whit Merrifield
Flickr

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

 Brandon Belt
Openverse

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

Mark Buehrle
Wikimedia Commons

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

Joe Mauer in Twins uniform stares
Wikimedia Commons

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

Dansby Swanson
Wikimedia Commons

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

Anthony Rizzo
Flickr

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

DJ LeMahieu
Pexels

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

Adam Wainwright
Openverse

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

Brett Gardner MLB
Wikipedia

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

Clayton Kershaw
Openverse

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

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