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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Illinois: Rickey Henderson

Illinois, with its urban sprawl in Chicago and far-reaching industrial roots, has been a great producer of baseball talent over the years. Over 1,000 big leaguers were born in the state, including Hall of Famers Robin Yount, Kirby Puckett, Robin Roberts, and Red Ruffing. Illinois will soon add another Hall of Famer when Jim Thome, a member of the 600 home run club, is inducted.

The best of the Illini is Rickey Henderson, the best leadoff hitter in baseball history. He is the all-time leader in stolen bases and runs. Henderson also holds the single-season record in steals with 130. That is likely a record that will never be broken as the stolen base is shunned by analytics.

You need to have this gold baseball signed by Rickey.

Henderson showed that a leadoff man could be a terror on the bases while also hitting for power. He hit 297 home runs for his career, including 81 to start a game. Overall, Henderson reached base more than 5,000 times in his 25-year career. To top it all off, he did it as one of the most colorful personalities in baseball, frequently referring to himself in the third person.

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