The 10 best Texan baseball players
From dusty Little League diamonds in small towns to packed high school stadiums in major cities, the Lone Star State has produced some of the most iconic and skilled players the sport has ever seen. It’s no coincidence that the deep-rooted love of baseball here pairs naturally with the state’s growing interest in sports betting.
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Nolan Ryan
No conversation about Texan baseball greats can begin without Nolan Ryan. Born in Refugio and raised in Alvin, Ryan is the undisputed titan of Texas pitchers. He racked up a staggering 5,714 career strikeouts and threw seven no-hitters, both Major League records that still stand. His 27-year MLB career saw him suit up for the Mets, Angels, Astros, and Rangers. But it’s in Texas, particularly with the Houston Astros and later the Texas Rangers, that Ryan truly became a folk hero. In an era where modern pitchers are lucky to go seven innings, Ryan’s complete games and 100 mph heaters remain the stuff of legend.
Roger Clemens
Roger Clemens, known as “The Rocket,” was born in Dayton, Ohio, but raised in Houston and claims Texas as home. He dominated from the mound with power and precision, earning seven Cy Young Awards, which is more than any other pitcher in history. Clemens’ career included stints with the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, Yankees, and Astros. His time with Houston from 2004 to 2006 helped re-energize baseball in the city, earning him an All-Star nod and a Cy Young at the age of 42. That kind of longevity and dominance made Clemens one of the fiercest competitors the game has seen.
Clayton Kershaw
Born in Dallas, Clayton Kershaw is the modern ace that every team dreams about. Since his debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2008, Kershaw has collected accolades like baseball cards: three Cy Young Awards, an MVP, a Triple Crown, and a World Series ring in 2020. His career ERA hovers near the magical 2.50 mark, and his curveball is practically a religious experience for baseball purists. Despite injuries in recent years, Kershaw remains one of the most respected and feared pitchers of his generation.
Josh Beckett
Josh Beckett, from Spring, Texas, may not have the career longevity of some others on this list, but he had a knack for showing up when it mattered most. He helped the Florida Marlins win the 2003 World Series, famously shutting out the Yankees in Game 6. Later, he played a critical role in the Boston Red Sox’s 2007 title run. Beckett was a two-time All-Star and threw a no-hitter for the Dodgers in 2014. When the stakes were highest, Beckett was at his best, and Texas fans love a player with ice in his veins.
Andy Pettitte
Hailing from Deer Park, Andy Pettitte made his name as a reliable, clutch postseason pitcher. He spent the bulk of his career with the New York Yankees but also had a few strong seasons with the Houston Astros. Pettitte helped the Yankees win five World Series titles and holds the all-time MLB record for postseason wins at 19. He was never flashy, but his consistency and calm demeanor on the mound made him a coach’s dream and a fan favorite.
Kelly Gruber
Often overlooked in conversations about greats, Kelly Gruber was born in Houston and played a key role in the rise of the Toronto Blue Jays in the late 1980s and early ’90s. As a third baseman, Gruber was an All-Star, Gold Glove winner, and even hit for the cycle in 1989. Injuries curtailed his career, but when he was healthy, Gruber provided power, defense, and leadership.
John Lackey
Born in Abilene and raised in Arlington, John Lackey was a workhorse pitcher who found postseason success with three different teams. He won World Series rings with the Angels in 2002 (as a rookie), the Red Sox in 2013, and the Cubs in 2016. That last one made him one of the few players in MLB history to win championships in both leagues with multiple teams. Known for his no-nonsense attitude, Lackey embodied that classic Texas toughness.
Homer Bailey
Hailing from La Grange, Homer Bailey’s career never quite reached the stardom some predicted, but he showed flashes of brilliance. He threw not one, but two no-hitters for the Cincinnati Reds in 2012 and 2013. Injuries slowed him down, but his early performances, especially under pressure, reminded fans of the unpredictable and often fleeting nature of baseball greatness. Texans still remember Bailey’s dominance with pride, even if the national spotlight moved on.
Corey Knebel
Born in Denton, Corey Knebel emerged as one of the game’s most electric closers in the mid-2010s. After coming up with the Tigers and finding his stride with the Brewers, Knebel posted 39 saves in 2017 and was named an All-Star. Injuries have been a recurring issue, but his peak years show just how dominant a Texas-born arm can be out of the bullpen. His power pitching and competitive spirit reflect the Texan baseball mold–ferocious, focused, and fired up.
Brandon Belt
Nicknamed “Baby Giraffe” for his lanky frame and awkward running style, Brandon Belt quietly became one of the most dependable bats for the San Francisco Giants. Born in Nacogdoches and raised in Hudson, Belt helped power the Giants to two World Series championships in 2012 and 2014. His patient approach at the plate and knack for clutch hits made him a fan favorite. Belt might not have the flash of some of his peers, but his impact on winning teams is undeniable.
Texas is a baseball state
While football might be the first sport that springs to mind when you think of Texas, baseball is very much woven into the state’s fabric. From high-velocity pitchers like Nolan Ryan and Roger Clemens to postseason legends like Andy Pettitte and Josh Beckett, Texas has produced talent as big as the state itself. These players didn’t just participate in the sport but helped shape its history.
