Who is the best MLB player from each state?

Sep 19, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) smiles to the bench after hitting a triple and driving in a run during the sixth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

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Feb 29, 2016; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs outfielder Shane Victorino poses for a portrait during photo day at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Hawaii: Shane Victorino

A combination of plenty of mainland military families stationed on the islands and a love for athletics from the native Hawaiians has actually helped to make the Island State a consistent producer of major leaguers. All things considered, Hawaii’s 41 total MLB players is impressive given the low population of the state and the difficulty Hawaiians face in getting discovered, drafted, and signed.

Shane Victorino, the Flyin’ Hawaiian, is the best player from the state. Victorino got his big break as a Rule 5 pickup by the Philadelphia Phillies. He became a key contributor on their 2008 World Series team. With the Phillies, Victorino was one of the best two-hole hitters in the league and made two All-Star teams. After being traded and moving around the league a few times, Victorino was a key contributor for the 2013 Red Sox team that won the World Series. He spent the 2016 season in the Chicago Cubs organization, but did not play at the major-league level.

This Victorino bobblehead will look great in your fan cave.

When touching on the state of Hawaii, I would be remiss not to mention former first-round pick of the Yankees, Bronson Kiheimahanaomauiakeo Sardinha, who almost certainly has the longest full name of any player in MLB history. Sardinha played 10 games for the Yankees in 2007, going 3-for-9 with two RBIs. He did not return to the big leagues after that brief cup of coffee.

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