Baseball's Top 40 Comebacks profiles forty big leaguers who engineered remarkable comebacks to salvage fading baseball careers. Details of each comeback is provided along with a summary of the players career. The players profiled range from Hall of Famers like Ted Williams and Stan Musial; to near-greats like Tommy John and Luis Tiant; to journeyman performers like George McQuinn and Tony Cuccinello.

In the absence of widely accepted statistical standards to evaluate comebacks, the selection and ranking of the top comebacks is compiled in accordance with the following criteria: Historical significance-The impact of the comeback on baseball's championship races, as well as individual player record and awards. Uniqueness-The human interest aspect of the comeback. Physical or emotional disabilities overcome, as well as the age of the player and the length of the road traveled back. Dramatic content-The excitement or publicity generated by the comeback and surrounding circumstances, as well as the event's contribution to baseball lore and legends. Degree of difficulty-The magnitude of the obstacle(s) the player had to overcome to re-establish himself. Player's stature-The comeback player's overall reputation and standing in terms of fame, popularity, and career accomplishments.