Top 21 Father-Son Duos in MLB History: From Bonds to Guerreros

Throughout Major League Baseball (MLB) history, some remarkable father-son duos have made their mark, showcasing talent and legacy. These duos often had a leg up due to their familial connections, contributing significantly to the sport’s rich tapestry. Here, we highlight the top 21 father-son pairings in MLB history, based on their individual accomplishments and accolades.

Top 21 Father-Son Duos in MLB History: From Bonds to Guerreros

1. Bobby Bonds and Barry Bonds

• Bobby Bonds (1968-1981): 1,849 games, 1,886 hits, 332 HRs, 1,024 RBIs, 461 SB, .824 OPS.
• Barry Bonds (1986-2007): 2,986 games, 2,935 hits, 762 HRs, 1,996 RBIs, 514 SB, 1.051 OPS.

The Bonds family is iconic in baseball, with Barry often recognized as one of the greatest hitters in history, despite PED allegations.

2. Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr.

• Ken Griffey Sr. (1973-1991): 2,097 games, 2,143 hits, 152 HRs, 859 RBIs, 200 SB.
• Ken Griffey Jr. (1989-2010): 2,671 games, 2,781 hits, 630 HRs, 1,836 RBIs, 184 SB.

This duo combined for memorable moments, including hitting back-to-back home runs, showcasing their unique bond on the field.

3. Felipe Alou and Moises Alou

• Felipe Alou (1958-1974): 2,082 games, 2,101 hits, 206 HRs.
• Moises Alou (1990-2008): 1,942 games, 2,134 hits, 332 HRs.

Felipe was a pioneer for Dominican players, while Moises established his own reputation as a powerful hitter.

4. Vladimir Guerrero Sr. and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

• Vladimir Guerrero Sr. (1996-2011): 2,147 games, 2,590 hits, 449 HRs.
• Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (2019-present): 975 games, 1,077 hits, 183 HRs.

Both father and son have captivated fans with their hitting prowess, creating a lasting legacy with the Toronto Blue Jays.

5. Mel Stottlemyre and Todd Stottlemyre

• Mel Stottlemyre (1964-1974): 360 games, 2,661.1 IP, 164 wins.
• Todd Stottlemyre (1988-2002): 372 games, 2,191.2 IP, 138 wins.

As the only father-son duo of pitchers in this list, both excelled in their respective eras, contributing to championship teams.

6. Ray Boone, Bob Boone, Brett Boone, and Aaron Boone

• Ray Boone (1948-1960): 1,373 games, 1,260 hits.
• Bob Boone (1972-1990): 2,264 games, 1,838 hits.
• Brett Boone (1992-2005): 1,780 games, 1,775 hits.
• Aaron Boone (1997-2009): 1,152 games, 1,017 hits.

This remarkable family has made a substantial impact on MLB, with multiple All-Star appearances across generations.

7. Tito Francona and Terry Francona

• Tito Francona (1954-1970): 1,719 games, 1,395 hits.
• Terry Francona (1981-1990): 707 games, 474 hits.

Tito had a solid playing career, while Terry transformed into one of MLB’s most successful managers.

8. Gus Bell, Buddy Bell, and David Bell

• Gus Bell (1950-1964): 1,741 games, 1,823 hits.
• Buddy Bell (1972-1989): 2,405 games, 2,514 hits.
• David Bell (1995-2006): 1,403 games, 1,239 hits.

This family boasts a rich baseball heritage, with three generations contributing significantly to the sport.

9. Yogi Berra and Dale Berra

• Yogi Berra (1946-1965): 2,120 games, 2,150 hits.
• Dale Berra (1977-1987): 853 games, 603 hits.

A Hall of Fame catcher, Yogi’s legacy continues through his son Dale, who also made his mark in MLB.

10. Tim Raines Sr. and Tim Raines Jr.

• Tim Raines Sr. (1979-2002): 2,502 games, 2,605 hits.
• Tim Raines Jr. (2001-2004): 75 games, 34 hits.

While Tim Sr. is a Hall of Famer, Tim Jr. had a brief career, adding a unique dynamic to their duo.

11. Clay Bellinger and Cody Bellinger

• Clay Bellinger (1999-2002): 183 games, 60 hits.
• Cody Bellinger (2017-present): 1,157 games, 1,102 hits.

Cody’s achievements as a multi-time All-Star enhance the Bellinger family legacy.

12. Dante Bichette and Bo Bichette

• Dante Bichette (1988-2001): 1,704 games, 1,906 hits.
• Bo Bichette (2019-present): 748 games, 904 hits.

As an active player, Bo has swiftly made a name for himself, following in the footsteps of his father.

13. Matt Holliday and Jackson Holliday

• Matt Holliday (2004-2018): 1,903 games, 2,096 hits.
• Jackson Holliday (2024-present): 209 games, 178 hits.

With Matt’s impressive career and Jackson’s emerging talent, the Holliday family is poised for greatness.

14. Tony Perez and Eduardo Perez

• Tony Perez (1964-1986): 2,777 games, 2,732 hits.
• Eduardo Perez (1993-2006): 754 games, 445 hits.

Tony’s Hall of Fame career set a high standard, inspiring his son Eduardo to make his own contributions to the game.

15. Gary Matthews Sr. and Gary Matthews Jr.

• Gary Matthews Sr. (1972-1987): 2,033 games, 2,011 hits.
• Gary Matthews Jr. (1999-2010): 1,281 games, 1,056 hits.

Both Matthews had successful careers, with the younger player eventually dealing with controversies but continuing to contribute to the sport.

16. Fernando Tatis and Fernando Tatis Jr.

• Fernando Tatis (1997-2010): 949 games, 807 hits.
• Fernando Tatis Jr. (2019-present): 671 games, 720 hits.

While Sr. set records, Jr. has become a standout athlete known for his dynamic playing style.

17. Jose Cruz and Jose Cruz Jr.

• Jose Cruz (1970-1988): 2,353 games, 2,251 hits.
• Jose Cruz Jr. (1997-2008): 1,388 games, 1,167 hits.

A legacy of hitting excellence continues as both Cruz men made significant impacts during their careers.

18. Hal McRae and Brian McRae

• Hal McRae (1968-1987): 2,084 games, 2,091 hits.
• Brian McRae (1990-1999): 1,354 games, 1,336 hits.

Hal’s experience as a long-term player transitions well into his son’s career trajectory in MLB.

19. Tim Raines Nov. 18 and Tim Raines Jr.

• Tim Raines Sr. (1979-2002): 2,505 games, 2,605 hits.
• Tim Raines Jr. (2001-2004): 75 games, 34 hits.

This duo holds significance not just for their accomplishments but also for their unique father-son dynamic on the field.

20. Bobby Witt and Bobby Witt Jr.

• Bobby Witt (1986-2001): 430 games, 142 wins.
• Bobby Witt Jr. (2022-present): 626 games, 722 hits.

Witt Sr. was a reliable pitcher, while Jr. is emerging as one of the league’s top talents at shortstop.

21. Clay Bellinger and Cody Bellinger

• Clay Bellinger (1999-2002): 183 games, 60 hits.
• Cody Bellinger (2017-present): 1,157 games, 1,102 hits.

As Cody continues to make headlines, his father’s brief yet impactful MLB career remains a cherished part of their legacy.

These father-son duos not only excelled individually but also contributed to the rich history of baseball, embodying the spirit of the game for generations to come.