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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Sep 28, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; United States naval officer Randall Adams (center) presents Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Charlie Morton (left) and St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Steve Cishek (right) with their Bob Feller Act of Valor Award nominations before the game at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Iowa: Bob Feller

Iowa produced one of the biggest stars of pre-1900s baseball, Cap Anson. Anson was arguably the biggest superstar player of the 1890s. Statistics were kept loosely at times back then, but Anson is believed to have been the first to reach 3,000 hits, and finished his career with 3,435 career hits. He was, however, one of the staunchest supporters of baseball’s racial barrier.

Because of Anson’s questionable views on race, a better pick for Iowa is Bob Feller, one of the nicest players in the history of the game. Rapid Robert was also one of the youngest players ever when he made his debut at the age of 17. He got his first win in the big leagues on August 23, 1936, still just 17, by striking out 15 in a complete game. Feller would go on to lead the league in wins six times and strikeouts seven times.

The right-hander with the outstanding fastball won 266 games in his career. Serving in World War II cost him three years and a shot at 300 wins. He was the first professional athlete to volunteer to enlist after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Many competitors, including Ted Williams and Stan Musial viewed him as the best pitcher of his generation.

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