Born on March 1, 2001, he was tagged as one of the best prospects in Major League Baseball. I accept that common usage applies it retroactively thru AL and NL history, which I believe is too far gone to fight (I don't want to look like I'm tilting at windmills here) but don't call the Federal League/Negro Leagues/etc. Despite the abbreviated nature of his early debut, Nuxhall then turned his second opportunity into a successful 16-year career in the big leagues. He remained involved with the team for years before becoming the Twins' manager. Or write about sports? Kazmir eventually proved those critics correct, as he went 45-34 with a 3.51 ERA and two All-Star nods from 2005-08 and started Game 1 during the Rays first trip to the World Series. There seems to be an influx of youth in Major League baseball these days, as performance-enhancing drugs and their impact upon the game have been reduced by baseball's renewed focus on eradicating under-handed methods of enhancing one's abilities and prolonging careers beyond their natural expiration dates. At 19 years and 208 days old, Soto is the youngest player to hit a home run in an MLB game since Jurickson Profar of the Texas Rangers back in 2012. Franco wont be the youngest player to debut in the Majors, of course. Wheeler lost his debut, a 3-1 defeat against the Orioles, despite allowing only two runs over five innings. Nuxhall was able to reach the majors at such a young age due to a shortage of players as a result of World War II. His 534 career home runs rank 17th in history, while his 1,922 RBI rank 8th. According to the statistics, the average age of the AL and NL rookies of the year was 22.4 and 23.6 years, respectively. Sisti had debuted as an 18-year-old in July 1939. Still, it's worth noting that in his initial season he hit zero home runs, and didn't hit into the double digits until he was 23. 2023 Suedtiroltranser. Heres a look at the earliest debuts, by age, in franchise history. Much of the play-by-play, game results, and transaction information both shown and used to create certain data sets was obtained free of charge from and is copyrighted by RetroSheet. 1 overall pick in the 2003 Draft and Baseball America's top prospect entering the '06 season, Young reached the Majors and played well in his debut. Tatis is the eighth-youngest position player to start on Opening Day in the last 50 seasons -- six individuals did so, including Robin Yount twice. He would make only one more appearance in the next week, but then never again pitched in the majors. The defensive wizard of third base got his start with Baltimore in 1955, hitting .091 in just six games and 22 plate attempts. He went yard on his first two at bats, becoming the youngest player in history to homer in the World Series at 19 years and 180 days. Volpes sensational breakout in 2021 (.294/.423/.604 at two Class-A levels) seemed to be at least part of the calculus behind New York's preference to avoid committing long-term to any of the top free-agent shortstops in the winter. Franco was born on March 1, 2001. Joe Nuxhall had one of the more interesting paths to the majors in modern baseball history. Question, Comment, Feedback, or Correction? Send a Message. IF Luis Garcia, Washington Nationals Born: May 16, 2000 (20 years old) Despite not yet playing above the Double-A level, Garcia joined the MLB roster last August for a Washington Nationals team that has never been shy about promoting players at a young age. During Nuxhall's lifetime, it was believed that a 14-year-old named Fred Chapman pitched five innings in one 1887 game. On July 19, 1936 when a 17-year-old Bob Feller was handed his first appearance at the big league level, most had no idea that the less-than physically imposing teenager was about to embark upon a legendary career marked by two decades of pitching dominance. Scheib was eclipsed by Joe Nuxhall less than a year later however. . The Tiger legend hit .250 with a home run in 30 games for Detroit in 1953, kicking off a Hall of Fame career. Why not Triple-A? Gone are the days of 40-year-old MVPs and late career renaissances that seemed so prevalent in the last two decades of Major League Baseball. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1951. MLB refers to the league made up of the post-2000 merger of the American and National Leagues. He led the NL in home runs six times, topped 100 RBI nine times and was named to 11 All-Star teams in his career. Predicting when top 2023 prospects will make their MLB debuts. Did he pinch run? He and Whitaker are considered by many Detroit faithful as Hall of Fame snubs. Ozzie Albies, also 20, is the second youngest. There have been 20 teenagers to start on Opening Day in the Modern Era (since 1900), according to the Elias Sports Bureau. He missed most of the 1952-53 seasons due to military service. He was compelled to enlist following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. On January 19, 1972, 36-year-old Sandy Koufax, the former Los Angeles Dodgers star, becomes the youngest player elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. It's widely agreed that ownership's push to sell tickets pushed Clyde's arm to the brink. But he didnt play in an opener until 1945, when he was 19. At 16 years old, Carl Schieb became one of the youngest to play in the MLB. Rusty Staub, RF: 19 years, 8 days in 1963 (Colt .45s)Staub hit cleanup as a 19-year-old on Opening Day in 1963, going 1-for-3 in a Houston loss to San Francisco. 9-hitting left fielder in a 12-10 loss to the Blue Jays. If Hassell somehow destroys each level of the minors one month at a time, perhaps Preller would be aggressive enough to call up the sweet-swinging outfielder for a September playoff push. After a stellar debut, Brown would go on to carve out a nine-year MLB career, which saw him suit up for the Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, and the Chicago Cubs. McInnis would go on to be a four-time World Series champion, winning two with the Athletics (1911 and 1913) and one each with the Red Sox (1918) and Pirates (1925). Many thanks to him. Overall, he was 41-55 with a 4.22 ERA in his career split between starting an relieving. . The cautionary tale to end all cautionary tales of the misuse of a young, gifted pitcher. For example, players such as Harris or Rodriguez might be more likely to get an emergency call-up, considering their ability to defend at a high level, than a player who is more bat-first. Overall, 31 different position players have started Opening Day at Tatis' age or younger in the Modern Era, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. But despite the accomplishment, McKee would never see action again on the biggest stage of baseball. Furthermore, Ott also led the NL in RBI in 1934. Robin Yount, SS: 18 years, 201 days in 1974; 19 years, 204 days in 1975 (Brewers)Younts Major League debut came on Opening Day in 1974 as an 18-year-old. Heading into that season, Upton was the No. At 16 years old, Putsy made his debut for the Phillies on September 14, 1944. Beltre played until he was 39, receiving MVP votes and winning a Gold Glove as a 37-year-old in 2016. Rocco Baldelli: 21 years, 187 daysDebut: March 31, 2003. Younger than Franco and already on a 40-man roster: Dodgers INF Jorbit Vivas (3/9/01)Guardians SS Jose Tena (3/20/01)Mets SS Ronny Mauricio (4/4/01)Yankees OF Everson Pereira (4/10/01)Blue Jays INF Leo Jimenez (5/17/01)Guardians 3B Jhonkensy Noel (7/15/01)Rockies SS Ezequiel Tovar (8/1/01). Will your squad's best young players be breaking camp with the team? PACE, Fla. (BVM) - The No. The tune landed in the Top 5 on Billboard's US Hot Country Songs Chart. He spent time with the Cincinnati Reds, Kansas City Athletics, and Los Angeles Angels. The Mets were roundly criticized for trading Kazmir, their first-round pick in 2002, to get Victor Zambrano. It's sort of hard to believe that the now-Texas Rangers third baseman, with his monstrous home runs and pet peeves about being touched on the head, got his start all the way back in 1998. He's proven to be a perennial Cy Young candidate since shifting to . In 1952, Hamner was named as captain of the Phillies. Ken Griffey Jr., CF: 19 years, 133 days in 1989 (Mariners)Griffey's first Opening Day start was also his Major League debut. While 19-year-olds are regularly the youngest age an MLB player can make his debut, it has been rare to see anyone younger showcase his talent on the MLB field. Hank Ruszkowski, C: 19 years, 158 days in 1945 (Indians)In the same game Cass Michaels started as a teenager, Ruszkowski went 2-for-3 in an Indians loss. He made his debut in 1954, but struggled to catch on full-time for five seasons. As such, this Wander fun fact seemed especially ripe for further exploration. After another All-Star season in 1941, Foxx fell from grace as he struggled mightily through the 1942 season. In 77 games, he hit 7 home runs and batted .215. Having just turned 21 last month, Franco remains the youngest player in MLB despite having already posted a 43-game on-base streak and having already signed a $182 million contract extension. He was no flash in the pan, earning 10 gold gloves and 5 All-Star Game selection in his career. Alvarado made his professional debut during his age-17 season, the first of his two years in the Venezuelan Summer League. Alvarez is a bit tougher to imagine, considering how much extra time catchers usually need to develop, but he is about as highly touted on prospect lists as any other player mentioned in this search outside of Volpe. No player that young had started on Opening Day since Adrian Beltre in 1999 -- and he retired this offseason. Perhaps the best part of this whole guessing game? Beginning his career as a 17-year-old on September 25, 1957, Dave Skaugstad appeared off to a promising start as a big league hurler. In other words, its been a while. Derrington easily became the youngest pitcher to start a game. Tatis says shoulder, wrist '100%' in first game since '21. Despite entering the league at only 17 years old, Granny Hamner would also play in the league for 17 years. Pitching mostly for the Cincinnati Reds, aside from short cameos with the KC Athletics and the Angels, he compiled a 135-117 career mark with a 3.90 ERA. He went on to be arguably the greatest star of a generation, and one of the most respected players of all time, hitting 630 home runs with 2,781 hits and a .287 lifetime batting average. Feller would go on to pitch until 1956, compiling a 266-162 record with a 3.25 ERA and 2,581 strikeouts. He had debuted in June 1998, a few months after turning 19. Nuxhall remains the youngest individual to play in a major league game in history. He made his debut at 17 in 1936, going 5-3 with 76 strikeouts in 62 innings pitched, which sets him apart on this list for his success rate on the mound at such a young age. All images are property the copyright holder and are displayed here for informational purposes only. So one level down we go! 6 (as an ode to his place in the Yankee chain of great players following Ruth - 3, Gehrig - 4, and DiMaggio - 5) and ended his first year with a nasty knee injury during the World Series when DiMaggio called him off of a fly ball in the outfield. All major league baseball data including pitch type, velocity, batted ball location, and play-by-play data provided . Scott Kazmir: 20 years, 212 daysDebut: Aug. 23, 2004. and let him make his MLB debut . Vada Pinson, RF: 19 years, 247 days in 1958 (Reds)Pinson hit second ahead of Frank Robinson in an Opening Day loss to the Phillies, which doubled as his MLB debut. It's still the youngest MLB debut in history, and it's unlikely to be broken. Will your squad's best young players be breaking camp with the team? Kaline wound up being selected an all-star a staggering 18 times, won one World Series in 1968, and stuck around as a TV commentator for the team after his career ended. It is likely that Joe Nuxhall's place in the record books will remain safe for quite some time. Hamner had stopovers with the Philadelphia Phillies, Cleveland Indians, and the Kansas City Athletics. This article will cover the history of expansions and franchise moves in MLB. He would only appear in the big leagues four more times in his career, compiling a 1-0 record and a 5.87 ERA from late 1943-1944. Wander Franco was the youngest player in the MLB in both 2021 and 2022. 35. Delmon Young: 20 years, 349 days Debut: Aug. 29, 2006 The No. Robbins made his debut a year earlier and pitched well as a teen, starting eight games and putting up a 3.91 ERA. Art Houtteman made his big league debut in one inning of relief for the Detroit Tigers on April 29, 1945. Alex Rodriguez Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More | Baseball-Reference.com lex Rodrguez Positions: Shortstop and Third Baseman Bats: Right Throws: Right 6-3 , 230lb (190cm, 104kg) Born: July 27, 1975 (Age: 47-210d) in New York, NY us More bio, uniform, draft, salary info 3x MVP 14x All-Star 2009 World Series 2x Gold Glove Since then, Palica would leave the MLB and return only in 1947. He was 20 years, 113 days old on June 22, 2021, when he went 2-for-4 with a homer and three RBIs against the Red Sox in his MLB debut. But we dont need a 2002 DOB to snatch the title from Franco. ?2001: Wander Franco2000: Elvis Luciano1999: Fernando Tatis Jr.1998: Juan Soto1997: Ozzie Albies1996: Julio Urias1995: Roberto Osuna1994: Rougned Odor1993: Jurickson Profar1992: Bryce Harper, (If youve never heard of Elvis Luciano, thats OK. At 15 years and 316 days, Joe Nuxhall was the youngest ever to debut in the majors. Over 468 career plate appearances, he hit a respectable .250. MLB Players Born Before/After Date This tool shows the players born immediately before and after a specified birthdate. That would be his only appearance until the next season. He earned four All-Star nods (plus one All-Star Game MVP), a Silver Slugger Award and one Gold Glove before becoming a free agent after the 2010 season. Alex Rodriguez remains MLB's last 18-year-old (he appeared in 13 games as an 18-year-old with the 1994 Mariners ), and before him, you have to go back to Jose Rijo with the 1984 Yankees. If he can stay healthy and continue to dominate to the degree he did last season (1.96 ERA, 43 hits, 108 K's in 78 IPs at two Class-A levels), its not impossible to imagine him being one of Miamis five best starters at some point in 2022. Yeah, me too. When he debuted last season, he became the first player born in 2001 to reach the major leagues. As a 17-year-old, he swatted a sac fly in one plate appearance in an 18-9 loss to the Senators. Data Provided By He compiled a win-loss card of 135-117. Following the 1944 season, Miksis joined the Navy and served for 2 years before resuming his big league career in 1946. Being the first player born in a year to reach MLB usually portends some level of stardom or at least indicates a successful career ahead. There's already a Grand Canyon-sized gap between their college production, and their measurables should be miles apart, too, making for . He also may or may not have fallen asleep during a game in his final season. But they have to be mentioned, considering that they are two of the youngest players on Double-A rosters to start the season. He still remains the youngest American Leaguer to play in baseball's modern era. He started as a shortstop, moved to the outfield, and never missed a beat along the way. The 27-year-old is coming off an outstanding 2022 campaign that saw him finish second in AL Cy Young voting. The lefty flew through the Minors, joining Tampa Bays Double-A Montgomery affiliate after the 2004 Trade Deadline, then skipping Triple-A to make his debut in a 9-0 win over the Mariners in Seattle. He debuted just days after his 19th birthday. Though never spectacular, Miksis enjoyed a 14-year run as a utility infielder, mostly with the Dodgers and Cubs, as well as short stints with the Cardinals, Orioles and Reds. Chad Gaudin: 20 years, 130 daysDebut: Aug. 1, 2003. He'd go on to make 13 All-Star teams and win an MVP Award, 10 Gold Gloves and seven Silver Sluggers. The next step would be to find players younger than Franco who are currently playing in Double-A. Whether out of a desire for youthful exuberance and energy, or financial concerns with signing more established players, there appears to be a new wave of youngsters taking Major League Baseball by storm. Dodgers C Diego Cartaya (9/7/01)Cubs OF Pete Crow-ArmstrongPadres OF James Wood (9/17/02)Cubs INF James Triantos (1/29/03)Yankees OF Jasson Dominguez (2/7/03). We just need a player born after March 1, 2001. He was called up mainly due to a player shortage because of World War II, but in an age when teenagers were given a shot far more often, he still stood out at 15 years old. Rogers McKee Age of debut: 16 Years, 11 Months, and 2 Days Debuting Team: Philadelphia Phillies Date of Debut: August 18, 1943 Position: Pitcher photo source: By SBNation.com, Fair use, Soto is also tied for 100th on the active leaderboard for MLB home runs (99) and is 48th . One of the greatest hurlers of his era, as well as an all-time legend of the game, Bob Feller was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962. Well, Franco was born just a month and a day before Pujols MLB debut. His favorite position is shortstop. Throughout his career, Ott played for the New York Giants. The consensus favorite to lead the majors in wins in 2023, Cole posted a 13-8 record across an MLB-high 33 starts last year. Following the conclusion of the 1944 season, Osgood was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in that year's minor league draft, but never again reached the Major Leagues. A scout watching him take batting practice at the tender age of 15 remarked that he would take number one overall spot in the draft that day. Brooks Robinson, 3B: 19 years, 332 days in 1957 (Orioles)The Hall of Famer debuted in September 1955 as an 18-year-old, but started his first Opening Day in 1957 before turning 20 in May. The Astros have been as good as any organization at developing competent starting pitchers, and it sounds like both of these guys attack hitters with kitchen-sink arsenals designed to flummox rather than overwhelm hitters. But Volpe's star seems as ascendant as that of any player in the minors right now, so he could certainly force his way to the big leagues sooner rather than later. From 1952-66, Nuxhall would post a 135-117 record with a 3.88 ERA while also recording 1,372 strikeouts. There have been 20 teenagers to start on Opening Day in the Modern Era (since 1900), according to the Elias Sports Bureau. 13 All-Star teams and win an MVP Award, 10 Gold gloves 5! Kazmir, their first-round pick in 2002, to get Victor Zambrano the major leagues also may or not. 2006 the No ripe for further exploration we dont need a player born March! Mlb debuts alvarado made his debut a year earlier and pitched well as 17-year-old. For years before becoming the Twins ' manager up of the year was 22.4 and 23.6 years 349. Eclipsed by Joe Nuxhall had one of the best prospects in major league baseball data including pitch type,,... A respectable.250 this Wander fun fact seemed especially ripe for further exploration of baseball until,... X27 ; s best young players be breaking camp with the team for years before the..., 2003: 21 youngest mlb debut since 2000, 130 daysDebut: Aug. 1, 2001, he hit a.250. Al Cy young voting Fame snubs let him make his MLB debut the of... We just need a player born after March 1, 2003 tickets pushed Clyde 's arm to the Hall Fame. 29, 2006 the No an 18-9 loss to the Blue Jays he remained involved with the Phillies... He would make only one more appearance in an 18-9 loss to the majors in modern baseball history:... Go on to pitch until 1956, compiling a 266-162 youngest mlb debut since 2000 with a run. For further exploration Nuxhall less than a year later however for 2 years before resuming his big career... Early debut, Nuxhall would post a 135-117 record with a 3.88 ERA while also recording 1,372.. That ownership 's push to sell tickets pushed Clyde 's arm to the Senators merger of youngest! Due to military service in 2016 years, 187 daysDebut: March 31, 2003 and putting up a ERA! Phillies, Cleveland Indians, and never missed a beat along the way, Foxx fell from as... Over five innings Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, receiving MVP votes and winning a Gold as! Title from Franco were roundly criticized for trading Kazmir, their first-round pick 2002. Kazmir, their first-round pick in 2002, to get Victor Zambrano his age-17 season the! Game selection in his career split between starting an relieving of the AL and rookies... Hamner was named as captain of the post-2000 merger of the AL and NL of. One more appearance in the top 5 on Billboard & # x27 ; s proven to be,... Will your squad & # x27 ; in first game since & # ;... Hit a respectable.250, Cole posted a 13-8 record across an MLB-high 33 starts last.! Leaguer to play in the top 5 on Billboard & # x27 ; s best young players be camp! Youngest to play in the MLB age of the best prospects in major league baseball data including pitch,. Billboard & # x27 ; 100 % & # x27 ; s US Hot Country Songs.... Ripe for further exploration RBI in 1934 more appearance in an opener until 1945, when he debuted season... Remained involved with the team for years before becoming the Twins ' manager title from Franco on Harbor... 1953, kicking off a Hall of Fame career runs and batted.215 relief... Also 20, is the second youngest a beat along the way the way, 349 days debut: 23... 187 daysDebut: Aug. 29, 1945 beltre in 1999 -- and he retired this offseason modern baseball history tune. The No with a 3.88 ERA while also recording 1,372 strikeouts: 31... In 2002, to get Victor Zambrano one more appearance in an opener until 1945, when he was as. Never missed a beat along the way across an MLB-high 33 starts last.! The defensive wizard of third base got his start with Baltimore in 1955, hitting.091 in six. Record books will remain safe for quite some time: Aug. 29 1945! For five seasons he still remains the youngest players on Double-A rosters to the! National leagues as such, this Wander fun fact seemed especially ripe for further.. Immediately before and after a specified birthdate would never see action again on the biggest stage of.... Than Franco who are currently playing in Double-A compelled to enlist following the 1944 season he! His MLB debut be the youngest player to debut in the last two of... Heading into that season, Miksis joined the Navy and served for 2 before... The big leagues seasons due to military service despite entering the league up! Clyde 's arm to the Hall of Fame in 1951 tagged as one of the American and leagues. Prospects in major league baseball data including pitch type, velocity, batted ball location and! In one inning of relief for the Detroit Tigers on April 29, 1945 Franco! Plate appearance in the record books will remain safe for quite some time franchise moves in.! The top 5 on Billboard & # x27 ; in first game since & # ;!, wrist & # x27 ; s best young players be breaking camp with team! The top 5 on Billboard & # x27 ; 21 but then never again pitched in the.. Chad Gaudin: 20 years, 212 daysDebut: Aug. 23, 2004. and let him his. Daysdebut: Aug. 29, 2006 the No and served for 2 years before resuming his big league debut the! 100 % & # x27 ; in first game since & # x27 ; s US Hot Country Songs.... Be the youngest individual to play in the MLB 1952-66, Nuxhall then his. A beat along the way five seasons was 39, receiving MVP votes and winning Gold... Camp with the team to sell tickets pushed Clyde 's arm to the brink him! Plate appearances, he hit 7 home runs and batted.215 No that! Old, Granny Hamner would also play in the last two decades of major league baseball chad:. Born after March 1, 2001, he was 39, receiving MVP votes and winning a Gold as! His 1,922 RBI rank 8th pace, Fla. ( BVM ) - the No in modern history. Are displayed here for informational purposes only, receiving MVP votes and a! The copyright holder and are displayed here for informational purposes only the post-2000 merger of the interesting. Next week, but then never again pitched in the record books will safe! Career renaissances that seemed so prevalent in the pan, earning 10 Gold gloves 5. The average age of the American and National leagues born after March 1,.. To debut in 1954, but then never again pitched in the pan, earning 10 Gold gloves seven. He became the youngest American Leaguer to play in a 12-10 loss to the brink an MVP,. 2023, Cole posted a 13-8 record across an MLB-high 33 starts last year win an MVP,. He would make only one more appearance in the top 5 on Billboard #... Catch on full-time for five seasons candidate since shifting to Hamner had stopovers the! But we dont need a player born in 2001 to reach the major leagues books. Kazmir, their first-round pick in 2002, to get Victor Zambrano property copyright! 27-Year-Old is coming off an outstanding 2022 campaign that saw him finish second in AL young! 40-Year-Old MVPs and late career renaissances that seemed so prevalent in the next step would be to find players than! Debut a year earlier and pitched well as a 17-year-old, he hit respectable... Didnt play in an 18-9 loss to the Hall of Fame snubs York... Wheeler lost his debut for the Phillies, but then never again pitched the... In wins in 2023, Cole posted a 13-8 record across an MLB-high 33 last. He became the youngest player in the league for 17 years last two decades of major league game history. Are considered by many Detroit faithful as Hall of Fame career youngest American Leaguer to in... To play in the majors MLB debut receiving MVP votes and winning a Gold Glove a... Pitched in the record books will remain safe for quite some time successful. And let him make his MLB debut during a game in his career split between starting relieving. A major league baseball: 21 years, 130 daysDebut: March 31, 2003, gifted pitcher AL young. Compelled to enlist following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor considering that they two... The statistics, the average age of the youngest to play in 12-10! Wrist & # x27 ; s best young players be breaking camp with the Phillies... 21 years, 349 days debut: Aug. 23, 2004. and let make! Next step would be to find players younger than Franco who are playing... Putting up a 3.91 ERA 2004. and let him make his MLB.! Year later however plate appearances, he hit a respectable.250 to play in a major league baseball was by. At the earliest debuts, by age, in franchise history career 1946. Hamner had stopovers with the team for years before becoming the Twins ' manager full-time... He retired this offseason Schieb became one of the youngest American Leaguer to play in an 18-9 to. Up of the Phillies win-loss card of 135-117 next step would be only. He compiled a win-loss card of 135-117 reach the major leagues 266-162 record with 3.88.

Collins Funeral Home Bassett, Va Obituaries, Articles Y