All-time short guy MLB team
This is almost off the top of my head, in honor of Jose Altuve. No science to it, just trying to compile a list of short guys who played in the majors, preferably with distinction.
Interesting how some guys looked shorter than they actually were (Tim Lincecum, Pedro Martinez come to mind). I always thought Craig Biggio was shorter than his listed 5-11. Same with Jimmy Wynn. Maybe Astros looked shorter because they played indoors.
I’m sure there are many notables I’ve missed. We can update the list.
C-Yogi Berra (5-8), Ivan Rodriguez (5-9), Roy Campanella (5-8)
1B-Steve Garvey (5-10)
2B-Jose Altuve (5-6), Joe Morgan (5-7), Dustin Pedroia (5-9)
SS-Fred Patek (5-5), Jimmy Rollins (5-7)
3B-Mel Ott (5-9)
OF-Wee Willie Keeler (5-4), Hack Wilson (5-6)
OF-Kirby Puckett (5-8), Shane Victorino (5-9)
OF-Rickey Henderson (5-10), Tim Raines (5-8)
PH-Eddie Gaedel (3-7)
U-Mookie Betts (5-9)
P-Bobby Shantz (5-6)
P-Lee Viau (5-4)
P-Whitey Ford (5-10)
P-Dinty Gearin (5-4)
RP-Billy Wagner (5-10)
RP-Tim Collins (5-7)
If 5’10” is the cutoff, shouldn’t Whitey Ford be listed? If it could be 5’11”, then my all time favorite player should be on the list – Willie Mays.
There’s no real cut off, and yeah, I should probably add Whitey Ford. Willie Mays is probably the greatest player of all-time under 6 feet.
Here’s another Hall of Famer – OF Tim Raines 5’8″. D
Lonnie Smith had a good run as a 5’9″ OF. He was the leadoff hitter on St. Louis’ 1982 World Series Championship team.
Sorry for the typo. Not sure how that “D” got on the first line.
PH-Eddie Gaedel (3-7)…3foot7???
Lenn Sakata 5-8 or 5-9, depending on source.
A few more to think about. Tim Raines 5-8 HOF LF and Tom Gordon 5-9 SP/RP 138 wins and 158 saves.
Davey Lopes 5’9″
Ron Cey 5’10”
With Steve Garvey – a lot of 70’s Dodgers… lol
Yes, Raines was a great one.
Love the team. I forget how many of the baseball greats were short. The nba general manager also looks shorter than he actually is. It’s amazing that you made this team at the top of your head.
Height 3′ – 7″?
The strike zone must have been so small that the pitcher(s) needed to be pinpoint accurate.
Albie Pearson 5’6″
HOFs under 6-0: Mel Ott 5-9, Willie Mays 5-10, Mickey Mantle 5-11, Hank Aaron 5-11, Al Simmons 5-11, Rickey Henderson 5-10, Rogers Hornsby 5-11, Carl Yastrzemski 5-11, Hack Wilson 5-6, Wee Willie Keeler 5-4, Pedro Martinez 5-11, Ozzie Smith 5-10
Others: Pudge Rodriguez 5-9, Pete Rose 5-11