Who is the best MLB player from each state?
Arizona: Ian Kinsler
The state of Arizona is surprisingly light on top-flight MLB talent to date, but that may change with the continued influx of population to the city of Phoenix and 365 days a year of weather that is perfect for baseball. Arizona is one of the ten states that has not produced a Hall of Famer, but there are several current MLB All-Stars who hail from the state.
Ian Kinsler leads the pack of Arizona natives. Over 11 years in the big leagues, spent with the Texas Rangers and Detroit Tigers, the native of Tucson has racked up 1,696 hits and a .277/.344/.451 line. Kinsler has made four All-Star teams and won a Gold Glove in 2016. He has rare power for a second baseman, and has 212 home runs to go along with 211 stolen bases. At the age of 34, Kinsler has an outside shot at becoming the first native of Arizona to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
You need an Ian Kinsler patch in your life.
In addition to Kinsler, All-Star shortstop J.J. Hardy was born and resides in Arizona. Kole Calhoun of the Los Angeles Angels and Andre Ethier of the Los Angeles Dodgers were also born in Arizona. With more players beginning to make their offseason homes in the state, Spring Training facilities, job growth, and a few large universities with good college programs, Arizona is an untapped hotbed for young baseball talent, and will continue to grow in relevance on the national baseball scene.