Baseball is a team sport, but some players can’t help but think the entire league revolves around them. Whether they were flaunting their greatness, demanding the spotlight, or turning every interview into a personal awards show, these MLB stars had egos that often felt bigger than the stadiums they played in.
From the cockiest bat flips to the loudest contract complaints, the self-obsession came in many forms. Some were legends who backed up the talk, while others just talked and talked and talked. Here are MLB stars who always ensured you knew precisely how much they loved themselves.
19. Carlos Gómez
Every time Carlos Gómez hit a home run, it looked like he’d just conquered the world. His celebrations were electric, but more for himself than anyone else.
18. Yasiel Puig
Puig brought energy to the game but also drama at every stop. If a camera were around, you could count on Puig to be front and center.
17. Manny Ramirez
Manny being Manny meant never really worrying about anyone else. He was in his world, and it revolved entirely around him.
16. Rickey Henderson
Rickey spoke in the third person so often that it was like he was narrating his documentary. Confidence is one thing, but Rickey turned it into a performance art.
15. José Canseco
Canseco didn’t just love attention—he chased it like a fly ball. He made sure no one forgot his name, from tell-all books to wild Twitter rants
14. Reggie Jackson
Mr. October had a bat and an ego to match. Reggie once famously said he didn’t need to think he was the best—he knew it.
13. A.J. Pierzynski
If a spotlight weren’t available, A.J. would manufacture one through controversy. His reputation as one of baseball’s most disliked players wasn’t by accident.
12. Alex Rodriguez
A-Rod’s obsession with image often overshadowed his incredible stats. From mirror-kissing magazine shoots to constant PR makeovers, he always seemed to be managing the Alex brand.
11. David Wells
Boomer made everything about him—his partying, opinions, and “me vs. the world” attitude. He thrived on chaos, especially when he was the center of it.
10. Trevor Bauer
Bauer turned self-promotion into a full-time gig, not always in a good way. Between YouTube channels, callouts, and conspiracy theories, he never missed a chance to boost his narrative.
9. Barry Zito
Zito’s obsession wasn’t just with pitching—it was with being the most interesting man in baseball. Surfing, guitars, meditation, his vibe often screamed, “look at how unique I am.”
8. Brian Wilson
Wilson’s beard became a personality, and he leaned into the character like a Hollywood audition. His antics were more about branding than baseball.
7. Jonathan Papelbon
Papelbon brought serious closer energy—and a severe case of mental character syndrome. Whether staring down hitters or fighting teammates, the drama usually centered on him.
6. José Bautista
That bat flip was iconic, but Bautista made sure you remembered who flipped it. His swagger never dialed down, no matter the stakes or the situation.
5. Pete Rose
Even in retirement, Pete Rose has done everything he can to stay in the spotlight. It’s been decades since he played, but the story somehow circles back to Pete.
4. Curt Schilling
Curt Schilling loved talking about Curt Schilling. Whether on the mound or behind a microphone, his favorite subject was always himself.
3. Bryce Harper
Bryce matured recently, but early in his career, so the “look at me” factor was always on display. Between the hair flips and magazine covers, he never shied away from the spotlight.
2. Roger Clemens
Clemens didn’t believe he was the best—he expected everyone else to treat him like royalty. From HGH accusations to diva behavior, his ego aged like a fine steroid.
Read More: 10 Most Dramatic MLB Players of the 2000s
1. Barry Bonds
Bonds didn’t care about being liked, just about being legendary and recognized. His talent was unmatched, but so was his ability to make everything about Barry.
