The First MLB Player to _____: Can You Identify These Historical MLB Players?

By: Gavin Thagard
Estimated Completion Time
5 min
The First MLB Player to _____: Can You Identify These Historical MLB Players?
Image: Douglas Sacha/Moment/Getty Images

About This Quiz

There's something about human nature that makes us all want to be the first at something, and when it comes to a professional athlete, that competitive drive to be first is much more prevalent. They spend their entire career competing, after all, and it's hard to drive out a player's competitive nature when it has been ingrained for so many years. 

From certain home run marks to steals to the most All-Star Game appearances, there is always a goal out there that players can compete for aside from just team wins. Besides, as one player sets a record, the players behind them are ready to be the first to surpass the record holder by setting a new standard to be met, and although individual accolades should be put after the team, there's something special about watching a player be the first at something. 

How well do you know the MLB players who were the first to accomplish a goal in the league? That doesn't mean they are always the record holder, but it does mean they set the bar for future players to meet. 

If you think you know all the first from MLB history, here's a quiz where you can find out. Get started and see if you can be the first person to ace this quiz! 

Ty Cobb
Wiki Commons By National Photo Company
He was part of the inaugural class for the Baseball Hall of Fame. Who is he?
Joe DiMaggio
Mark McGwire
Hank Aaron
Ty Cobb
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Five MLB players were included in the inaugural class for the 1936 Baseball Hall of Fame. At 98.2 percent, Ty Cobb received the most votes of any of those players​ from the initial class.

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Babe Ruth
Wiki Commons By Underwood & Underwood
The first player to hit over 50 home runs in a season, can you identify this slugger?
Babe Ruth
Hack Wilson
Hank Aaron
Lou Gehrig
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Babe Ruth helped MLB transition from the dead-ball era to the live-ball era during the 1920s. The transition saw a significant increase in home runs, as Ruth hit over 50 home runs four different times throughout the decade.

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Cy Young
Wiki Commons By Paul Thompson
Do you know the name of this player, who was the first pitcher to throw a perfect game in the modern era of baseball?
Don Larsen
Cy Young
Sandy Koufax
Mike Witt
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Playing baseball from 1890 until 1911, Cy Young was one of the earliest stars of the game. After his death, Major League Baseball created an award, the Cy Young Award, in his honor, which is given annually to the best pitcher in each league.

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Lou Gehrig
Wiki Commons By Pacific & Atlantic Photos, Inc
Selected as the first baseman for the American League in the first All-Star Game, who is this?
Todd Helton
Will Clark
Lou Gehrig
Fred McGriff
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Nicknamed "The Iron Horse," Lou Gehrig barely missed a game during the prime of his MLB career. Sadly, his consistency ended when he was diagnosed with ALS, forcing Gehrig to leave the game at the age of 36.

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Johnny Podres
Wiki Commons
Can you identify this player who won the first World Series MVP in 1955?
Ralph Terry
Johnny Podres
Bob Gibson
Frank Robinson
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The 1955 World Series pitted the Brooklyn Dodgers against the New York Yankees. The Dodgers won the series in seven games, giving the franchise their first-ever championship.

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Honus Wagner
Wiki Commons By Charles M. Conlon
The first player in the modern era to record 3,000 hits, what's the name of this former star?
Rickey Henderson
Derek Jeter
Honus Wagner
Stan Musial
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A crafty offensive player, Honus Wagner won eight NL batting titles during his time in the majors. He was also quite sneaky when he got on base, leading the league in stolen bases five times.

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Hank Aaron
Wiki Commons By Arturo Pardavila III
He was the first player to break Babe Ruth's career home run record. Do you recognize him?
Mark McGwire
Barry Bonds
Willie Mays
Hank Aaron
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Hank Aaron had a stellar season in 1957, winning the NL MVP and leading the Braves to a World Series. In the 1957 World Series, the Braves defeated the Yankees in seven games.

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Ichiro Suzuki
Wiki Commons By Andy Witchger
Do you know this player who was the first in the modern era to record over 200 singles in a season?
Ichiro Suzuki
Pete Rose
Derek Jeter
Eddie Collins
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Ichiro Suzuki holds the MLB single-season record for hits at 262, which he accomplished in 2004 with the Seattle Mariners. The legendary batter also has 10 consecutive 200-hit seasons.

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Lefty Grove
Wiki Commons
The winner of the first MVP award for the American League, who is this?
Lefty Grove
Jimmie Foxx
Joe DiMaggio
Ted Williams
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

One of the greatest pitchers to ever take the mound, Lefty Grove achieved a Triple Crown twice in his career, including his 1931 MVP season. The Triple Crown is earned when a pitcher leads the league in wins, strikeouts, and ERA.

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Bobby Richardson
Wiki Commons By MLB / New York Yankees
This player was the first to win the World Series MVP on the losing team. Do you know who he is?
Sandy Koufax
Ralph Terry
Bobby Richardson
Brooks Robinson
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Yankees lost the 1960 World Series to the Pittsburgh Pirates, but the loss​ had little to do with the play of Bobby Richardson. In the series, Richardson had 12 runs batted in, including a grand slam in Game 3.

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Barry Bonds
Wiki Commons By Onetwo1
What's the name this player who was the first to be walked 2,500 times?
Ted Williams
Barry Bonds
Mark McGwire
Sammy Sosa
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Barry Bonds holds the career home run record in MLB. However, his 762 home runs will forever have an asterisk beside them because of Bonds' association with the steroid era in baseball.

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George Burns
Wiki Commons By Bain News Service
The first batter with over 60 doubles in a season, can you identify this player?
Yogi Berra
Stan Musial
George Burns
Bob Elliot
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

George Burns played two different stints with the Cleveland Indians during his lengthy MLB career. In 1920, he helped the franchise win its first of two World Series when they defeated the Robins in seven games.

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Cal Ripken Jr
Wiki Commons By Rdikeman
The only player to start over 2,500 consecutive games, do you recognize who he is?
Everett​ Scott
Cal Ripken Jr.
Billy Williams
Eddie Yost
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Cal Ripken Jr. was lucky enough to spend his entire 21-year career with the Baltimore Orioles. First selected in 1983, Ripken went to 19 straight All-Star Games with the team.

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Rickey Henderson
Wiki Commons By SD Dirk
What's the name of this player who was the first to record over 1,000 steals in a career?
Eddie Collins
Billy Hamilton
Lou Brock
Rickey Henderson
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Finishing his career with 1,406 steals, Rickey Henderson is the only player to ever record over 1,000 stolen bases in a career. The next closest player is Lou Brock with 938.

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Frank Robinson
Wiki Commons
He was the first outfielder to win the World Series MVP. Do you know who he is?
Frank Robinson
Roberto Clemente
Reggie Jackson
Manny Ramirez
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

With two World Series championships and various awards, few players are as decorated as Frank Robinson. His Hall of Fame career also resulted in three teams retiring his number 20.

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Frankie Frisch
National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
Can you identify this player who won the first MVP award for the National League?
Carl Hubbell
Stan Musial
Frankie Frisch
Bob Elliot
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Frankie Frisch was one of the first few star players to serve as both a manager and a player at the same time. Frisch played for and managed the Cardinals from 1933 until 1937 when he retired as a player.

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Roberto Clemente
Wiki Commons
The first Latin American player to win an NL MVP award, who is this?
Roberto Clemente
Albert Pujols
Miguel Cabrera
Alex Rodriquez
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Roberto Clemente was well-known for his charity work throughout Latin America. However, his charitable nature eventually led to his death when his plane crashed while he was trying to deliver relief aid to Nicaragua, where an earthquake had recently hit.

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Reggie Jackson
Wiki Commons By Googie man
He was the first batter with over 2,500 strikeouts. What's his name?
Jim Thome
Sammy Sosa
Tony Perez
Reggie Jackson
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Despite racking up the most strikeouts of any batter, Reggie Jackson still had a Hall of Fame career. He was a 14-time All-Star and won five World Series, including two World Series MVPs.

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Don Larsen
Wiki Commons By Terryballard
Do you know the name of this player who was the first pitcher to throw a perfect game in the postseason?
Jim Bunning
Len Barker
Don Larsen
Mike Witt
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Don Larsen threw the only perfect game in postseason history in Game 5 of the 1956 World Series. Helping the Yankees secure a championship, Larsen was named the MVP of the series.

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Nolan Ryan
Wiki Commons By Chuck Andersen
The only pitcher to record over 5,000 strikeouts, do you recognize this player?
Randy Johnson
Nolan Ryan
Roger Clemens
Tom Seaver
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Over the course of four decades, Nolan Ryan played 27 seasons in the majors. He was part of four different teams during his incredible run to 5,714 strikeouts.

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Stan Musial
Wiki Commons By Bowman Gum
Can you identify this player who was the first to 6,000 total bases?
Ted Williams
Willie Mays
Stan Musial
Pete Rose
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Stan Musial was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama in 2011. The award is the highest that a civilian can receive​ from the U.S. government.

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Johnny Vander Meer
Wiki Commons
He was the first player to throw two consecutive no-hitters. Do you know his name?
Randy Johnson
Johnny Vander Meer
Gaylord Perry
Jim Palmer
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A left-handed pitcher, Johnny Vader Meer posted a 119-121 win-loss record during his time in the majors. He finished his career with a total of 1,294 strikeouts.

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Don Newcombe
Wiki Commons
Do you recognize this player who was the first to win the Cy Young Award?
Don Newcombe
Jack Morris
Roy Halladay
Justin Verlander
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Playing for the Brooklyn Dodgers, Don Newcombe competed in the 1956 World Series against the New York Yankees. Newcombe pitched the deciding Game 7, but he gave up five home runs on his way to a loss.

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Brooks Robinson
Wiki Commons
The first MLB third baseman to win the World Series MVP, who is this?
Pete Rose
Mike Schmidt
Ron Cey
Brooks Robinson
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The winner of 16 Golden Glove Awards, Brooks Robinson was a stellar defensive player at the third base position. His defensive play also earned him 18 All-Star appearances.

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Jackie Robinson
Wiki Commons By Bob Sandberg
Do you know the name of this player who was the first African American in MLB?
Jackie Robinson
Willie Mays
Willard Brown
Dan Bankhead
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Brooklyn Dodgers signed Jackie Robinson leading into the 1947 season. Robinson came into the majors ready to play, leading the NL in stolen bases his first season on his way to being named the MLB Rookie of the Year.

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Roy Halladay
Wiki Commons By Keith Allison
This is the first pitcher to throw a no-hitter in the regular season and postseason. Who is he?
Bob Gibson
Jack Morris
Roy Halladay
Randy Johnson
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Roy Halladay spent part of his leisure time as a pilot when he wasn't playing baseball. However, his joy of flying led to his death when his plane crashed into the Gulf of Mexico in 2013.

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Mariano Rivera
Wiki Commons By Keith Allison
Can you identify this player who was the first unanimously elected Hall of Famer?
Derek Jeter
Roger Clemens
Pedro Martinez
Mariano Rivera
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Mariano Rivera was a relief pitcher who spent his entire MLB career with the New York Yankees. Known for his control of the ball, Rivera recorded 652 career saves.

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Gaylord Perry
Wiki Commons By twm1340
The first pitcher to win the Cy Young Award in each league, who is this?
Bob Gibson
Gaylord Perry
Tom Seaver
Jack Morris
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Gaylord Perry didn't win his first Cy Young Award until 1972 when he was 34 years old. He won his second award six years later at the age of 40.

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Jimmie Foxx
Wiki Commons By Charles M. Conlon
He was the first player to win back-to-back AL MVPs. Do you know his name?
Joe DiMaggio
Hank Greenberg
Hal Newhouser
Jimmie Foxx
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Jimmie Foxx was the AL home run leader four times in his MLB career. This slugger's power hitting made him only the second player in MLB history to record over 500 home runs in a career.

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Greg Maddux
Wiki Common By ScottRAnselmo
This pitcher was the first to win the Cy Young Award four straight years. Who is he?
Randy Johnson
Greg Maddux
Roger Clemens
Pedro Martinez
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Eighth on the all-time wins list, Greg Maddux won more games throughout the '90s than any other pitcher in baseball. He finished his career with a 355-227 record.

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Joe Dimaggio
Wiki Commons By Producer: Warner Pathe News
What's the name of this player who was the first to record a 50-game hitting streak?
Joe DiMaggio
Willie Keeler
Pete Rose
Bill Dahlen
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Joe DiMaggio had an on-and-off relationship with movie star Marilyn Monroe. The couple married and divorced before getting back together right before her early death in 1962.

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Nap Lajoie
Wiki Commons By Harris & Ewing
The first player in the modern era to bat over .400, can you identify him?
Joe Jackson
Bill Terry
Nap Lajoie
Rogers Hornsby
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Nap Lajoie served as a player-manager for the Cleveland Naps from 1905 until 1909. Lajoie was well-accomplished throughout his MLB career, but he never won a championship.

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Joe Cronin
Wiki Commons By Harris & Ewing
Do you recognize this player who was the first shortstop to make an All-Star Game for the American League?
Al Simmons
Rick Ferrell
Joe Cronin
Bill Terry
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Joe Cronin played 20 seasons in Major League Baseball at the shortstop position. He spent most of that career with the Boston Red Sox, who retired his number 4 and added him to the Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame.

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Grover Cleveland Alexander
Wiki Commons By Charles M. Conlon
He was the first pitcher in the modern era to record 15 or more shutouts in a season. What's his name?
Bob Gibson
Dean Chance
Bob Feller
Grover Cleveland Alexander
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Nicknamed "Old Pete," Grover Cleveland Alexander posted an overall winning record as a pitcher at 373-208. In fact, he was such a dominant pitcher that he led the National League in wins six different seasons.

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Ron Cey
Wiki Commons By Spanneraol
Can you identify this player who was the first World Series MVP to share the award?
Ron Cey
Allan Trammell
Dave Stewart
Jack Morris
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Ron Cey helped the Los Angeles Dodgers defeat the New York Yankees in the 1981 World Series. After a spectacular series, he shared the MVP award with teammates Pedro Guerrero and Steve Yeager.

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Lefty Gomez
Wiki Commons By Goudey Gum
The first pitcher to start three straight All-Star games, who is this?
Bill Walker
Dizzy Dean
Lefty Gomez
Mel Harder
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Receiving his first selection in 1933, Lefty Gomez made the first seven All-Star Games in MLB. Every All-Star selection he received was with the New York Yankees, who he also won five World Series with.

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Don Mattingly
Wiki Commons By Keith Allison
Do you know the name of this player who was the first MLB slugger to hit six grand slams in a season?
Albert Pujols
Don Mattingly
Ray Boone
Jason Giambi
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Don Mattingly might have been the most unlucky Yankees' player of all time, as he was part of the worst championship drought in Yankees' history. Adding to his lack of luck, the Yankees won a championship both the year before he joined the team as a rookie and the year after he retired.

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Ernie Banks
Wiki Commons
This was the first Cubs' player to have his uniform number retired. Do you recognize him?
Ernie Banks
Billy Williams
Greg Maddux
Ron Santo
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Ernie Banks is widely regarded as the greatest Cubs' player of all time, even earning the nickname "Mr. Cub." He spent his entire MLB career with the team, which lasted from 1953 until 1971.

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Alex Rodriguez
Wiki Commons By Keith Allison
The first slugger to hit 25 grand slams in a career, can you identify this player?
Robin Ventura
Eddie Murray
Alex Rodriguez
Manny Ramirez
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In 2013, MLB determined that Alex Rodriguez was involved in a performance-enhancing drugs scandal that ripped through baseball. Rodriguez was suspended for 162 games, causing him to miss the entire 2014 season.

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Dale Long
Wiki Commons
He was the first player to hit a home run in eight consecutive games. Who is he?
Ryan Howard
Dave Kingman
Ken Griffey Jr.
Dale Long
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Dale Long had a relatively uneventful stint in the majors, making only one All-Star Game during his career. However, despite only having 132 home runs over the course of his career, Long cemented a place in baseball history by hitting eight home runs in eight straight games.

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