Backyard Baseball 1997: The Definitive Character Ranking

These players are the undisputed legends of Backyard Baseball. They are the first names off the draft board and the cornerstones of any championship team.

• Pablo Sanchez: There can be no debate. Pablo “The Secret Weapon” Sanchez is the greatest player in Backyard Baseball history. A five-tool prodigy, he excels at everything. With near-perfect stats in batting, running, and fielding, he is a threat to hit a home run every time he steps up to the plate and can play any position on the field flawlessly. His quiet confidence and the myth that he only speaks Spanish add to his legendary status. If you have the first pick, you take Pablo. It’s that simple.
• Kiesha Phillips: If Pablo Sanchez is in a league of his own, Kiesha is the clear leader of the rest. An athletic marvel, she combines elite power-hitting with surprising speed. Kiesha is the ideal cleanup hitter, capable of changing the game with a single swing. Her strong arm and quickness make her a dominant outfielder, gunning down runners who dare to test her. She brings a swagger and confidence that elevates the entire team.
• Pete Wheeler: The fastest kid in the neighborhood, period. Pete Wheeler is the ultimate leadoff hitter. While not a power hitter, his ability to consistently get on base and wreak havoc on the basepaths is unmatched. His elite speed translates to the outfield, where he can track down any fly ball. Pete’s simple-minded charm and goofy lines, like trying to hit a “touchdown,” make him one of the most endearing characters in the game.

A-Tier: All-Star Caliber

These players are elite talents who can be the best players on many teams. They are impact players who fill crucial roles and are essential for a deep playoff run.

• Achmed Khan: “The Axeman” is a premier power hitter with a swing as powerful as the rock music blasting through his headphones. Achmed is an offensive force, capable of hitting towering home runs that demoralize opponents. While not the best fielder, his offensive output is too valuable to ignore. He is an ideal choice for catcher or first base, where his defensive limitations can be minimized.
• Jocinda Smith: Nicknamed “MVP” for a reason, Jocinda is a fundamentally sound and highly skilled player. She is one of the best pure contact hitters in the game and possesses an absolute cannon for an arm, making her an elite defensive catcher or third baseman. Her quiet confidence and all-around ability make her a reliable and invaluable member of any roster.
• Angela Delvecchio: Without a doubt, Angela is the best pure pitcher in the game. Her arsenal of off-speed pitches and incredible endurance allows her to dominate from the mound. While not a speed demon, she holds her own at the plate with enough pop to be a respectable hitter. Her intelligence and maturity, often used to poke fun at her brother Tony, make her a calming presence.

B-Tier: Reliable Starters

This tier consists of the solid, dependable players who form the backbone of a winning team. They might not have the flash of the S-Tier, but they are consistent contributors.

• Stephanie Morgan: The daughter of a major leaguer, Stephanie is a polished and fundamentally sound player. She is a solid all-around contributor with good stats across the board, making her a perfect fit at shortstop. While she may not have one elite skill, her consistency and lack of weaknesses make her a safe and valuable pick.
• Dante Robinson: Dante brings elite speed and stellar fielding to the table, making him a defensive wizard in the outfield. Offensively, he is a major threat to bunt for a single and steal bases at will. His infectious energy, goofy grin, and love for bizarre sandwiches make him a fan-favorite and a positive force in the dugout.
• Tony Delvecchio: With his slicked-back hair and a lollipop perpetually in his mouth, Tony is the definition of cool. He backs up his swagger with a powerful bat and a strong arm, making him a solid choice for the outfield or third base. While his confidence sometimes outpaces his ability, he is a talented player who brings a ton of personality to the team.
• Kenny Kawaguchi: An inspirational and effective player, Kenny proves that nothing can hold him back. From his wheelchair, he is a phenomenal pitcher with pinpoint accuracy. He also possesses surprising speed on the basepaths and is a decent contact hitter. The “K-Man” is a cool, level-headed competitor and a top-tier pitcher.
• Dmitri Petrovich: The resident stats nerd, Dmitri backs up his analytical mind with a powerful swing. He is a formidable hitter who can drive the ball with authority. His intelligence and scientific approach to the game make him a unique and valuable asset, especially if you need an offensive boost.

C-Tier: Situational Specialists and Role Players

These kids have specific skills that make them useful in the right situation, but they also have clear weaknesses that prevent them from being every-game starters in Backyard Baseball.

• Mikey Thomas: A pure power hitter who can hit absolute bombs, but his chronic cold makes him one of the slowest players in the game.
• Ernie Steele: An elite fielder with incredible range, but his awkwardness at the plate makes him an offensive liability.
• Vicki Kawaguchi: Possesses elite speed and a great glove, perfect for a defensive specialist in center field, but she is one of the weakest hitters.
• The Webber Twins (Ashley & Sidney): Decent pitchers who get a boost when playing together, but they lack individuality and are not strong enough to justify using two roster spots.
• Ricky Johnson: A phenomenal athlete whose skills translate better to other sports. In baseball, he struggles with fundamentals.

D-Tier: The Bottom of the Bench

These players are the last picks in the draft for a reason in Backyard Baseball. They have significant flaws and are difficult to fit into a competitive lineup.

• Sally Dobbs: A bossy but responsible presence, Sally has average skills across the board with no standout strengths.
• Kimmy Eckman: A decent power hitter but painfully slow, making her a liability on the basepaths.
• Maria Luna: A utility player who can field multiple positions but lacks hitting power and arm strength.
• Luanne Lui: The youngest in the game, she has good speed but is underdeveloped in all other areas.

F-Tier: The Untouchables

These players are simply not viable for a team looking to win in Backyard Baseball.

• Marky Dubois: A quirky personality who plays barefoot, but his poor stats make him a non-factor.
• Reese Worthington: Held back by asthma, he tries his best but lacks the athleticism to compete.
• Gretchen Hasselhoff: Known as “Jabberjaw,” her speed is her only asset, but her weak arm and poor hitting make her a liability.
• Lisa Crocket: An exceptionally bland character with mediocre skills in every category.
• Jorge Garcia: The undisputed worst player in the game. He refuses to get dirty, has poor skills, and brings a bad attitude. Avoid at all costs.