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 /

16 of 50

Apr 7, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; General view of Nationals Park before a game between the Washington Nationals and the Miami Marlins at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

Kansas: Walter Johnson

There is very little competition in Kansas to the great Walter Johnson, who was born on a rural farm near Humboldt in 1887. The Big Train (or Big Swede because sportswriters of the time believed him to be of Swedish descent for some reason) won 417 games in the big leagues over 21 years. He was among the first five players inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1936.

Johnson spent his entire career with the Washington Senators, and was the best power pitcher of his time. He was measured at 91 mph in 1917, which would have made him the fastest pitcher of his time. To make matters worse for hitters, Johnson threw from a dropped-down arm slot, also unheard of for power pitchers of his time. His record number of strikeouts, 3,508, stood until 1983. He is also second to only Cy Young in wins.

The Big Train had an ERA below 2.00 in 11 of his seasons, and won more than 20 games 12 times. In 1913, he won 36 games. Johnson also holds two streaks of more than 40 consecutive scoreless innings, the only pitcher with two such streaks. He holds the American League record with a string of 55.2 shutout innings in 1913. The Senators were not very good for much of Johnson’s career, but they did win the World Series in 1924, with the ace closing out Game 7.

Home/MLB