10 MLB Stars Who Could Have Become Legends if They Played Longer

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Baseball fans have watched several MLB stars earn legendary status through years of brilliance on the diamond. Their stellar performances were rewarded with Hall of Fame inductions after their retirements.

However, several MLB stars fell short of becoming legends because of shortened major league careers.

Here are 10 MLB players who could have attained legendary status if they had played longer.

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#1 Don Mattingly

New York Yankees legend Don Mattingly struggled early due to back issues - Source: Imagn — New York Yankees legend Don Mattingly struggled early due to back issues – Source: Imagn

Former New York Yankees infielder Don Mattingly established himself as one of the league’s best first basemen after winning the AL MVP title in 1985. However, Mattingly’s production started to decline after his sixth consecutive All-Star selection in 1989.

The nine-time Gold Glove winner struggled with back issues after 1989 and retired after the 1995 season with the Yankees. Although his playing career ended earlier than expected, Mattingly has built a successful managerial career after his retirement.

#2 Thurman Munson

Former New York Yankees catcher Thurman Munson (number 15) died in a fatal accident in 1979 - Source: Imagn — Former New York Yankees catcher Thurman Munson (number 15) died in a fatal accident in 1979 – Source: Imagn

Former New York Yankees slugger Thurman Munson was the backbone of the AL East franchise during the 1970s. The seven-time All-Star catcher also helped the Yankees win consecutive World Series titles in 1977 and 1978.

However, the former AL MVP’s MLB career ended abruptly during his 11th season with the Yankees, as he was involved in a fatal airplane accident in August 1979.

#3 Tony Conigliaro

Tony Conigliaro retired early due to an eye injury - (Image source - IMAGN) — Tony Conigliaro retired early due to an eye injury – (Image source – IMAGN)

Former Boston Red Sox outfielder Tony Conigliaro made a historic start to his MLB career by smashing a home run in his first at-bat during his 1964 home debut. Following a strong rookie year, Conigliaro smashed a league-leading 32 home runs in 1965.

The Red Sox outfielder also became the fastest player to 100 home runs in AL history. However, Conigliaro’s meteoric rise halted after he was hit by a pitch on his left cheekbone in 1967. He suffered severe damage to his retina that led to his retirement after just eight MLB seasons.

#4 J.R. Richard

J.R. Richard's MLB career ended after a major stroke (Image source - IMAGN) — J.R. Richard’s MLB career ended after a major stroke (Image source – IMAGN)

Former Houston Astros pitcher J.R. Richard established himself as the ace of the rotation after posting 20 wins in 1976. He followed his breakout year by posting an 18-12 record in 1977. He became a strikeout machine, leading the league in strikeouts in 1978 and 1979. Richard earned his first All-Star selection in 1980 and was at his peak.

The All-Star pitcher suffered a major stroke while playing catch at the Astrodome on July 30, 1980, as per MLB.com. He was diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome and never pitched in MLB again.

#5 Darryl Kile

Former St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Darryl Kile's death abruptly ended his MLB career. Source: Imagn — Former St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Darryl Kile’s death abruptly ended his MLB career. Source: Imagn

Former Houston Astros pitcher Darryl Kile was a reliable arm in the starting rotation during the 1990s. The three-time All-Star registered a career-high 20 wins during the 2000 season with the St. Louis Cardinals.

However, the All-Star pitcher’s career ended abruptly after he was found dead before a game in June 2002. As per ESPN, he died of a heart attack in his hotel room, ending his career after just 12 seasons.

#6 Mark Fidrych

Former Tigers pitcher Mark Fidrych retired early due to injury issues - Source: Imagn — Former Tigers pitcher Mark Fidrych retired early due to injury issues – Source: Imagn

Former Detroit Tigers pitcher Mark Fidrych rose to stardom after winning the AL Rookie of the Year award in 1976. He earned the All-Star selection for a second consecutive time in 1977.

However, a knee injury and a rotator cuff injury derailed his promising career after 1977, as per The Athletic. He never pitched in MLB after 1980, ending his major league career after just five seasons.

#7 Mark Prior

Former Chicago Cubs pitcher Mark Prior's career ended after 2006 - Source: Imagn — Former Chicago Cubs pitcher Mark Prior’s career ended after 2006 – Source: Imagn

Former Chicago Cubs pitcher Mark Prior caught MLB fans’ attention in his second season with the franchise. Prior posted an 18-6 record with a 2.43 ERA over 30 starts in 2003.

Prior, who earned his first All-Star selection in 2003, finished third in the NL Cy Young voting that year. However, Prior’s career ended after the 2006 season due to shoulder injuries, according to ESPN.

#8 Dave Nilsson

Former Milwaukee Brewers slugger Dave Nilsson never played in the MLB after 1999 - Source: Imagn — Former Milwaukee Brewers slugger Dave Nilsson never played in the MLB after 1999 – Source: Imagn

Former Milwaukee Brewers slugger Dave Nilsson established himself as one of the most reliable hitters on the roster after the 1995 season. Nilsson earned his first All-Star selection in 1999.

However, Nilsson rejected a contract offer from the Brewers after slashing .309/.400/.554 in 1999. The All-Star slugger never played in MLB after 1999.

#9 Bo Jackson

Former Kansas City Royals slugger Bo Jackson is widely considered one of the most gifted athletes to play in the major leagues. The former Royals star is the only athlete to earn All-Star selection in the MLB and NFL.

However, Jackson suffered a severe injury during an NFL game for the Los Angeles Raiders against the Cincinnati Bengals in January 1991. His NFL career ended after that injury, and his MLB journey also fizzled out in 1994.

#10 Mark Mulder

Former Athletics pitcher Mark Mulder's career ended early due to shoulder injuries - Source: Imagn — Former Athletics pitcher Mark Mulder’s career ended early due to shoulder injuries – Source: Imagn

Former Athletics pitcher Mark Mulder rose to prominence after leading the league with 21 wins in his second MLB season in 2001. He also led the league with four shutouts that season.

However, the two-time All-Star struggled with shoulder injuries after the 2005 season. He never played in the major leagues after the 2008 season.

Edited by Steffi

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