Baseball players have uttered some of the most iconic quotes in history. They compete against each other in up to four-game series every week. Since they play 162 games per year, they break up the games to avoid massive travel issues that would potentially knock out chunks of games. Baseball used to have strict guidelines about when teams in the American League and National League play each other. There was once a designated time frame when these teams played each other. Now, there are Inter-League games almost every day during the regular season.
Yogi Berra, Babe Ruth, and Tony Gwynn are some of the iconic players to have legendary quotes next to their names. Berra and Ruth played for the Yankees during a time when most of the media coverage was on the East Coast. That’s also why most professional teams are east of the Mississippi River. There was no social media, which made it hard for smaller market players to have their voices heard.
There are fewer crazy quotes in the modern era of sports. This is most likely due to the scrutiny players go through on a daily basis. Fans can now directly attack players using social media as well. Before, a player could say something funny without feeling like they were going to be judged. There are also a lot of inspirational quotes that came from back in the day. For more baseball coverage, click here to find out about the best MLB players from each state.
To gather this list of the most famous baseball quotes, 24/7 Tempo consulted sports centered websites. These include MLB.com, JustBats, and ESPN.com.
“Baseball is 90 percent mental. The other half is physical.”
- Who said this: Yogi Berra
- Most notable team: New York Yankees
Yogi Berra had some great one-liners, but none quite like this. He was being honored in St. Louis, his hometown. The play on words of needing to be smart to play baseball made him want to make a joke of the math behind the quote. Berra went on to have one of the greatest careers as a catcher, but is also known for his memorable quotes.
“Every strike brings me closer to the next home run.”
- Who said this: Babe Ruth
- Most notable team: New York Yankees
Nearly every baseball player wants to grow up and be like Babe Ruth. He’s hit the third most home runs of all time, which is why seeing this quote is so inspirational. He reminds people that when it feels like something is going wrong, your next big moment could be right around the corner.
“Remember these two things: Play hard and have fun.”
- Who said this: Tony Gwynn
- Most notable team: San Diego Padres
“This is like Deja vu all over again.”
- Who said this: Yogi Berra
- Most notable team: New York Yankees
Another Yogi Berra quote for the books is this one. He knew the meaning of déjà vu, but wanted to put a fun twist on this quote. This has been used in different movies and television shows ever since the first time it was said. For clarity, déjà vu is a mental state when you feel like you’re reliving a past moment.
“There is no room in baseball for discrimination. It is our national pastime and a game for all.”
- Who said this: Lou Gehrig
- Most notable team: New York Yankees
Lou Gehrig was ahead of his time. While he played in the 1930s, Gehrig still wanted everyone to experience playing baseball regardless of ethnicity. This was a controversial at the time, but it showed how open and accepting baseball players could be if they were like Gehrig. He didn’t live long enough to see Jackie Robinson play in the MLB, but he likely would’ve been proud to see the game he loved grow.
“Never allow the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.”
- Who said this: Babe Ruth
- Most notable team: New York Yankees
Another Babe Ruth quote that rings true to everyone is, “Never allow the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.” People let their fear overwhelm them, but it shouldn’t ever stop anyone from doing what they like. As long as you try, you’ll likely still feel accomplished.
“Fans don’t boo nobodies.”
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 12: Former New York Yankees player Reggie Jackson looks on prior to game one of the American League Championship Series between the Houston Astros and the New York Yankees at Minute Maid Park on October 12, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
- Who said this: Reggie Jackson
- Most notable team: New York Yankees
The idea of having haters has been around forever. Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson reminds people to ignore the haters and what they say. Fans won’t boo someone who won’t be around for long in their respective industry. People generally only care about those who are succeeding and will continue to do so in the future.
“Well, it took me 17 years to get 3,000 hits in baseball, and I did it in one afternoon on the golf course.”
- Who said this: Hank Aaron
- Most notable team: Atlanta Braves
During the off-season, one hobby many baseball players enjoy is playing golf. However, it’s difficult to make sure their swing doesn’t get messed up from golfing. A golf swing is downward, while a baseball swing should be parallel to the ground. Hank Aaron, who’s hit the second most all-time home runs, once joked about how difficult hitting a golf ball is. He might be an excellent baseball player, but not a golfer.
“It’s unbelievable how much you don’t know about the game you’ve been playing your whole life.”
- Who said this: Mickey Mantle
- Most notable team: New York Yankees
People think that just because they’ve been doing something their whole life they’re an expert on it. Mickey Mantle cut right through this belief when he said, “It’s unbelievable how much you don’t know about the game you’ve been playing your whole life.” Particularly in baseball, there are so many unique ways to get on base and play the game. Mantle still learned the best ways to play during his time as a professional.
“I’d be willing to bet you, if I was a betting man, that I have never bet on baseball.”
CINCINNATI, OH - JUNE 25: Former Cincinnati Reds and Major League Baseball all-time hits leader Pete Rose speaks during his induction into the Reds Hall of Fame before a game against the San Diego Padres at Great American Ball Park on June 25, 2016 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
- Who said this: Pete Rose
- Most notable team: Cincinnati Reds
“When you start the game, they don’t say ‘Work Ball!’ They say, ‘Play ball!”
PITTSBURGH, PA - JULY 21: Members of the Pittsburgh Pirates organization and family members of former player Willie Stargell unveil a commemorative stamp issued by the United States Postal Service prior to the game against the Miami Marlins at PNC Park on July 21, 2012 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
- Who said this: Willie Stargell
- Most notable team: Pittsburgh Pirates
Willie Stargell knew how lucky he was to play baseball professionally. He referenced that his job literally proclaimed to the players to “play” ball not “work” before the first pitch of every game. Stargell’s mindset allowed him to enjoy his career and understand the big picture.
“Baseball is like a poker game. Nobody wants to quit when he’s losing; nobody wants you to quit when you’re ahead.”
- Who said this: Jackie Robinson
- Most notable team: Brooklyn Dodgers
“Close doesn’t count in baseball. Close only counts in horseshoes and grenades.”
- Who said this: Frank Robinson
- Most notable team: Baltimore Orioles
Another trailblazer in baseball was Frank Robinson. He was a manager and player known for his witty remarks. He made sure people knew that a play only matters if it’s official – regardless of close plays that always occur in baseball. Robinson is credited for helping African-Americans become managers in the sport.
“The greatest feeling in the world is to win a major league game. The second greatest feeling is to lose a major league game.”
MAY - 1985: Manager Chuck Tanner of the Pittsburgh Pirates smiles during practice in May of 1985. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
- Who said this: Chuck Tanner
- Most notable team: Pittsburgh Pirates
Some people take their everyday lives for granted. No matter what position you have in life, odds are there’s someone in the world who would switch with you in a heartbeat. Chuck Tanner, a former manager and player, knew how lucky he was to work in baseball. Win or lose, Tanner came to the park every day with a smile on his face.
“Never save a pitcher for tomorrow. Tomorrow it may rain.”
Circa 1955, Headshot of American baseball player and manager Leo Durocher, manager for the New York Giants, smiling in uniform, 1950s. (Photo by APA/Getty Images)
- Who said this: Leo Durocher
- Most notable team: New York Giants
Society lives with this idea that tomorrow is promised. Leo Durocher, a former player and manager, played the game like tomorrow wasn’t promised to him. Baseball teams and managers like to think ahead, but Derocher said he’d rather win in the moment and figure out tomorrow when it got there.
“Baseball is the only field of endeavor where a man can succeed three times out of ten and be considered a good performer.”
- Who said this: Ted Williams
- Most notable team: Boston Red Sox
“Baseball is like driving. It’s the one who gets home safely that counts.”
- Who said this: Tommy Lasorda
- Most notable team: Los Angeles Dodgers
“I never had a job. I just always played baseball.”
- Who said this: Satchel Paige
- Most notable team: Kansas City Monarchs
“A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.”
- Who said this: Jackie Robinson
- Most notable team: Brooklyn Dodgers
“They give you a round bat, and they throw you a round ball, and then they tell you to hit it square.”
- Who said this: Willie Stargell
- Most notable team: Pittsburgh Pirates
“If you’re going to play at all, you’re out to win. Baseball, board games, Jeopardy, I hate to lose.”
- Who said this: Derek Jeter
- Most notable team: New York Yankees
“There are three types of baseball players: those who make it happen, those who watch it happen, and those who wonder what happened.”
- Who said this: Tommy Lasorda
- Most notable team: Los Angeles Dodgers
This quote is applicable to all areas of life. Tommy Lasorda, who was the manager of the Dodgers, talked about how he noticed three different types of baseball players. You can either make it happen, watch it happen, or wonder how it happened. The goal should always be to show up as the person who makes it happen. If not, you’re going to regret not doing everything you could to succeed for the rest of your life. For more baseball coverage, click here to uncover the greatest baseball player the year you were born.