Baseball’s Greatest Father-Son Duos
Learn about the families that improved baseball across generations
Introduction
Let’s take a journey together through time and explore the stories of five fathers and their sons. We'll delve into their careers, their impact on the sport, and the legacy they've left behind on the diamond.
So, grab your glove, step up to the plate, and join us as we celebrate the greatest father-son duos in baseball history.
Greatest Father-Son(s) Duo #5: The Boone Family
The Boone family is a three-generation baseball dynasty, with each member leaving their own significant mark on the sport.
Ray Boone
Let’s start with Ray Boone, the patriarch. Ray was a two-time All-Star who spent most of his career with the Cleveland Indians and Detroit Tigers. He was known for his power, topping the 20-home run mark four times and leading the American League in RBI in 1955 with 116.
Bob Boone
Bob Boone, Ray's son, was one of the best defensive catchers in baseball history. Over his 19-year career, he won seven Gold Glove awards and was part of the Philadelphia Phillies' World Series-winning team in 1980. He also earned MVP consideration in 1978 and 1982.
Bret Boone
Bret was Bob's son, and his career is remembered as one of the best offensively for a second baseman. He didn’t really blossom into an elite player til the second half of his 14-year career.
He finished third in AL MVP voting in 2001, posting a .950 OPS with 37 home runs and an AL-high 141 RBI. He ranks in the top 15 all-time among second basemen in home runs (252, seventh) and RBI (1,021, 14th).
Aaron Boone
This list wouldn’t be complete without Aaron Boone, Bret's brother. Aaron was a solid contributor to the Cincinnati Reds lineup in his prime and was known for his mix of power and speed.
He had back-to-back 20-20 seasons in 2002 and 2003, (26 HR, 32 SB) and 2003 (24 HR, 23 SB). He made on career All-Star appearance in 2003.
However, I will always remember him as the guy who made a grown man weep in front of his friends while at college when he slammed that walk-off home run for the New York Yankees in Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS against the Boston Red Sox. (I dislike you, Aaron Bleeping Boone.)
Overall, the Boone family each contributed to their respective teams in big ways. They also set a precedent for multi-generational success in baseball. It’s a feat when one child makes it to the big leagues. But when one can trace their MLB lineage back to their grandfather? That’s pretty neat.
Greatest Father-Son Duo #4: Cecil and Prince Fielder
Cecil Fielder and his son Prince Fielder are one of the most iconic father-son duos in baseball history. Both players were known for their larger-than-life physical appearance and their slugging prowess. Both these guys probably ordered the turf and turf and turf every time they went out to dinner (Parks and Recreation reference, anyone?)
Cecil Fielder
Cecil Fielder was born on September 21, 1963, is a former professional baseball player who played in the MLB for several teams including the Toronto Blue Jays, Detroit Tigers, New York Yankees, Anaheim Angels, and Cleveland Indians. He was primarily a first baseman, but also played at designated hitter.
Cecil Fielder's career was marked by his power-hitting. He was the first MLB player to hit 50 home runs in a season since George Foster in 1977, achieving this feat in 1990 with the Detroit Tigers.
Over his 13-year career, Fielder had a batting average of .255, hit 319 home runs, and drove in 1008 runs. He was a three-time All-Star and won two Silver Slugger Awards. He also led the American League in RBIs in two seasons.
Prince Fielder
Prince Fielder, born on May 9, 1984, followed in his father's footsteps and also became a professional baseball player. The Milwaukee Brewers drafted him in the 1st round (7th) of the 2002 MLB June Amateur Draft. Like his father, Prince was a power hitter and first baseman.
Over his 12-year career, Prince Fielder played for the Milwaukee Brewers, Detroit Tigers, and Texas Rangers. He had a career batting average of .283, hit 319 home runs, and drove in 1028 runs.
He was a six-time All-Star, won three Silver Slugger Awards, and was named the MVP of the All-Star Game once.
The Fielders’ Legacy
Cecil and Prince Fielder are one of only two father-son duos to hit 50 home runs in a season. Their power-hitting and ability to drive in runs made them feared opponents and fan favorites.
Greatest Father-Son Duo #3: Vladimir & Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Vladimir Guerrero Sr.
Vladimir Guerrero Sr. is a Dominican former professional baseball player who spent 16 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a right fielder and designated hitter. He played for the Montreal Expos, Anaheim Angels/Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Texas Rangers, and Baltimore Orioles. He was widely recognized for his impressive offensive production, regularly hitting for power and average, as well as his defensive range and strong throwing arm.
Vladimir Sr. was a nine-time All-Star. In 2004 he was voted the American League’s Most Valuable Player (MVP). Guerrero was voted one of the most feared hitters in baseball in a 2008 poll of all 30 MLB managers.
His outstanding play helped lead the Angels to five American League West championships between 2004 and 2009.
He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2018, posting a career batting average of .318 with 2,590 hits, 449 home runs, and 1,496 runs batted in.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Vladimir Jr. is (you guessed it) the son of Guerrero Sr. He was born in Canada while his dad played for the Expos. He is the first person on our list who is still an active player in Major League Baseball (as of this recording.)
He has spent his entire career with the Toronto Blue Jays playing first baseman and designated hitter for the Toronto Blue Jays. He made his major league debut not long ago, in April of 2019. He is already widely regarded as one of MLB's best hitters.
In 2021, he led the major leagues in home runs (48, tied), runs scored (123), and total bases (363). He was voted to the AL All-Star roster in 2021 and was voted the game’s MVP. He is the youngest to do so in All-Star Game history. He also finished second in the overall season’s voting for the AL MVP votes.
As of June 2023, Guerrero Jr. has a career batting average of .284 with 113 home runs and 347 runs batted in. His career highlights and awards so far include 2 All-Star appearances (2021, 2022), an All-MLB First Team induction (2021), a Gold Glove Award (2022), a Silver Slugger Award (2021), and the Hank Aaron Award (2021)
The Guerrero’s Legacy
The legacy of the Guerrero family in baseball is significant. Vladimir Guerrero Sr.'s remarkable career and induction into the Hall of Fame set a high bar for his son.
However, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has already shown that he is capable of living up to his father's legacy, with his own impressive achievements at a young age. They (could) become the second father-son duo to both get their names on a Cooperstown ballot.
Greatest Father-Son Duo #2: Bobby and Barry Bonds
The two Bonds’ (Bondses? Bondsi? I don’t know) are the only two players in history to combine for at least 300 career home runs with at least 400 steals and the only two to go 20-20 in 10 different seasons.
This father-son duo has left an indelible mark on the sport, setting numerous records and redefining what was possible for a baseball player.
Bobby Bonds
Bobby Bonds was born on March 15, 1946. His career spanned 14 seasons, during which he played for several teams, including the San Francisco Giants, New York Yankees, California Angels, Chicago White Sox, Texas Rangers, Cleveland Indians, St. Louis Cardinals, and the Chicago Cubs.
Bobby started his career with the San Francisco Giants (foreshadowing?) in 1968, where he quickly established himself as a formidable player. His unique power and speed made him a threat at the plate and on the base paths. He was traded to the New York Yankees eight seasons later in 1975, where he earned an All-Star selection in his first season with the team.
Overall, Bobby was a three-time All-Star and won three Gold Glove Awards. He was the first player in MLB history to have five 30-30 seasons (30 home runs and 30 stolen bases), a record that still stands today. He also had over 300 home runs and 400 stolen bases, making him one of only eight players to achieve this feat.
Despite his success on the field, Bobby's career was not without controversy (again, foreshadowing. He struggled with alcohol and substance abuse, which were well-documented by the media of the time period and cast a shadow over his otherwise impressive career. Bobby Bonds passed away in 2003 at the age of 57.
Barry Bonds
Barry Bonds was born on July 24, 1964. He played 22 seasons as a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1986 to 1992 and the San Francisco Giants from 1993 to 2007.
Bonds is considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time and one of the top all-around athletes. He won seven National League Most Valuable Player Awards and 12 Silver Slugger Awards, and 14 All-Star selections.
He holds many MLB hitting records, including the most career home runs (762), most home runs in a single season (73, set in 2001), and most career walks. He also led the MLB in on-base plus slugging six times and placed within the top five hitters in 12 of his 17 qualifying seasons.
He also had 514 stolen bases, becoming the first and only MLB player to date with at least 500 home runs and 500 stolen bases
His defensive play in the outfield is often overlooked, but he was an excellent fielder. He won eight Gold Glove Awards over his career.
Despite all these accolades, just like Dad, Barry led a controversial career. He was notably a central figure in baseball's steroids scandal and was indicted in 2007 on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice for allegedly lying to a grand jury during the federal government's investigation of BALCO, a manufacturer of an undetectable steroid.
After the perjury charges were dropped, Bonds was convicted of obstruction of justice in 2011, but the conviction was overturned in 2015.
During his 10 years of eligibility, he received less than 75% of the vote needed to be elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Some voters of the Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA) stated they did not vote for Bonds because he used performance-enhancing drugs.
The Bonds’ Legacy
Both Bobby and Barry faced controversy during their careers. Bobby struggled with substance abuse, while Barry was a central figure in baseball's steroids scandal. Despite these issues, their impact on the sport is undeniable. They brought a unique combination of power and speed to the game, setting numerous records and redefining what was possible for a baseball player.
Note: I’m “Team Barry” by the way. He should be in the Hall of Fame. We’ll do an episode about it at some point. In the meantime, email your disagreements to rounderspodcast@gmail.com.
Greatest Father-Son Duo #1: Ken Griffey and Ken Griffey Jr.
Ken Griffey Sr.
Ken Griffey Sr. had a successful career in the MLB, playing from 1973 to 1991.He was a key player for the Cincinnati Reds during their "Big Red Machine" era, contributing to two World Series championships.
He was known for his power and speed, being one of the few players to join the 300-300 club (300 home runs and 300 stolen bases). He had five 30-30 seasons and nearly established the 40-40 club in 1973 when he had 39 home runs and 43 steals. He led the NL in runs (131) and total bases (341) that year.
He managed to stay on the Hall of Fame ballot for 11 years, though he never received more than 10.6 percent of the vote.
Ken Griffey Jr.
Griffey Jr. was born on November 21, 1969, in Donora, Pennsylvania. He played 22 years in Major League Baseball, spending most of his career with the Seattle Mariners and Cincinnati Reds, along with a short stint with the Chicago White Sox.
He was the number one overall selection by the Seattle Mariners during the 1987 Major League Baseball draft. He made his professional debut on June 16, 1987, and his major league debut on April 3, 1989, for the same club
Griffey Jr. is one of the most prolific home run hitters in baseball history; his 630 bombs rank as the seventh-most in MLB history. He also had an exceptional defensive ability and won ten Gold Glove Awards in center field. He is tied for the record of most consecutive games with a home run (eight, with Don Mattingly and Dale Long).
Throughout his career, Griffey Jr. had 13 All-Star selections, 10 Gold Glove Awards, and seven Silver Slugger Awards. He was voted the American League's Most Valuable Player in 1997. His career stats include a batting average of .284, 2,781 hits, 1,836 runs batted in, and 184 stolen bases.
Griffey Jr. was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2016, receiving 99.32% of the vote, breaking pitcher Tom Seaver's record of 98.84%, a record that had stood for 24 years. He was also inducted into both the Mariners' Hall of Fame and the Reds Hall of Fame.
Griffey Jr.'s popularity reflected well upon MLB and is credited by some with helping restore its image after the 1994 labor dispute. His legacy in the sport is marked by his exceptional skill, sportsmanship, and contribution to the teams he played for.
The Griffeys’ Legacy
This father-son duo earns the top spot for multiple reasons. Both displayed a dominant combination of power and speed, making them dynamic players. Both led their leagues in different stat categories.
Most importantly, Ken Sr. and Ken Jr. are the only father-son duo to have their names considered for induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Not for nothing either - but both had the unique experience of simultaneously playing on the same team, a rare occurrence in professional sports. On Aug. 31, 1990, the 40-year-old Griffey Sr. and the 20-year-old Griffey Jr. became the first father and son to play as teammates in an MLB game.
Who do you think is the greatest father-son duo in MLB history? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Honorable Mentions
Tony Armas and Tony Armas Jr.: Tony Armas Sr. was a two-time All-Star and a Silver Slugger winner. His son, Tony Armas Jr., was a pitcher in the major leagues for several years.
Yogi Berra and Dale Berra: Yogi Berra is a baseball legend and Hall of Famer, while his son Dale had a respectable career in the major leagues.
Tom Gordon and Dee Gordon: Tom "Flash" Gordon was a three-time All-Star and a World Series champion. His son, Dee, is a two-time All-Star and a Gold Glove winner.
Gary Matthews and Gary Matthews Jr.: Both father and son had successful careers in the major leagues, with the senior Matthews winning the 1973 Rookie of the Year and the junior Matthews being named an All-Star in 2006.
Steve Swisher and Nick Swisher: Steve Swisher was an All-Star in 1976, and his son Nick was a two-time All-Star and a World Series champion.
Eric Young and Eric Young Jr.: Both father and son had long careers in the major leagues, with the senior Young being an All-Star and a stolen base leader, and the junior Young leading the National League in stolen bases in 2013.
Sandy Alomar and Roberto Alomar: Sandy Alomar was a respected player and manager in the major leagues, and his son Roberto is a Hall of Famer and a 12-time All-Star.
Dizzy Trout and Steve Trout: Dizzy Trout was a two-time All-Star and a World Series champion, and his son Steve had a solid career as a pitcher in the major leagues.
Felipe Alou and Moises Alou: Felipe Alou was a three-time All-Star and a respected manager in the major leagues, and his son Moises was a six-time All-Star and a World Series champion.
Possible Father-Son Duos of the Future
Several current MLB players have sons projected to play professional baseball.
Carsten Sabathia is the son of six-time All-Star and AL Cy Young winner CC Sabathia. Carsten is a right-hand hitting first and third baseman. He's headed to Georgia Tech and is known for his power, strength, mobility, and high baseball IQ. He's currently playing for Bergen Catholic in Oradell, New Jersey.
Druw Jones is the son of 10-time gold glove outfielder and five-time All-Star Andruw Jones. Some project Druw as a possible No. 1 pick in the 2022 MLB Draft. He's currently playing for Wesleyan in Norcross, Georgia.
Mason McGwire is the son of Mark McGwire, who hit 583 career home runs, won five home run titles, two World Series, and was a 12-time All-Star, Mason is a right-hand pitcher who has committed to Oklahoma. He's currently playing for Capistrano Valley in Mission Viejo, California.
Jackson Holliday: The son of seven-time All-Star and four-time Silver Slugger Award winner Matt Holliday. Jackson is considered a top-20 prospect in the country and perhaps the No. 1 shortstop. He's currently playing for Stillwater in Oklahoma.
Justin Crawford is the son of four-time All-Star, Gold Glover, and four-time stolen base leader Carl Crawford. Justin is a highly-ranked outfielder with lots of speed, range, and power. He has committed to LSU and plays for Bishop Gorman in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The Impact of Fathers on Athletic Development
Why are there so many instances of sons following in the footsteps of their MLB dads? As a father, I know my habits and interests will rub off on my child. In the same way, these professional baseball dads undoubtedly passed a love of the game on to their kids.
Additionally, fathers who are professional athletes themselves often serve as early coaches and mentors to their children. They provide not only the technical skills necessary to excel, but can also share a deep understanding of the game's mental and strategic aspects. This early exposure to high-level athletic training and mindset can give these children a significant advantage as they develop their own athletic careers.
Moreover, having a professional athlete as a father can also provide a unique psychological advantage. These children grow up seeing firsthand the dedication, discipline, and resilience required to compete at the highest level. They witness the triumphs and challenges, the highs and lows, and the sheer hard work that goes into a successful athletic career. This exposure can foster a strong work ethic, resilience, and a competitive mindset - invaluable traits in sports and beyond.
It reminds me how much fathers play a crucial role in shaping their child’s character, values, and approach to life. We model behavior, teach life lessons, and provide support and guidance.
In the case of the father-son duos in baseball, these lessons often translate into a deep respect for the game, a strong sense of sportsmanship, and a commitment to excellence.
The legacy of father-son duos in pro baseball is a testament to the impact dads have on their children's athletic and personal development. As we celebrate these remarkable duos, I want also to acknowledge and appreciate the role of all fathers in nurturing the next generation.
So here’s to you, dads. I hope you have a wonderful Fathers’ Day. You deserve it!