Curious about short MLB players? Considering the average height in the Majors is 6’2”, you’d think there wouldn’t be any. You’d be wrong, though!
Technically, of all the shortest MLB players, Eddie Gaedal is the very shortest. He stood at 3’7” but was really part of a publicity stunt. He came in for just one bat and even wore the number ⅛ on his jersey. Still, for that moment, he played professional baseball very much. Gaedal will forever be part of baseball history. But what about those players who did more than just one bat? The high-level athletes who defied the odds in an undeniably tall professional sport? Let’s get into it.
The Short List of the Shortest MLB Players
Here are seventeen of the shortest Major League Baseball players throughout history. These gents didn’t let their height deter them from success. Look at the athletes on this list who don’t have as many records as the others. They’re still pro, which is more than most people who’ve tried to go pro have done.
1. Wee Willie Keeler, Height: 5’4”
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Hall of Famer Willie Keeler is way below the average height of an American male (then and now). Several of his records still remain untouched today, and he retired in 1910. His bunts were inspiring. In fact, his bunting game led to new baseball regulations. Officials set these rules in place because hitters were bunting into fouls so often.
2. Freddie Patek, Height: 5’5”
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Freddie Patek is a perfect example of how shortness can benefit baseball players. He was called “The Cricket” because of his remarkable ability to steal bases. You have to admit that small guys who know how to run are more challenging to catch than big guys! Of course, he’s in the Kansas City Royals Hall of Fame.
3. Stubby Magner, Height: 5’3”
Stubby Magner’s baseball career started in 1911, and he was short even for the time. Still, he had seven hits in 33 at-bats. Even more, he was also excellent at hockey, captaining Cornell when they had zero defeats. Two sports? Check. Ivy League degree? Check. Magner didn’t let his height get in the way of being a Renaissance man.
4. Pompeyo “Yo-Yo” Davalillo, Height: 5’3”
Another one of the shortest players in history, Davalillo has a respectable record. In 19 career games, he has a .293 batting average and 2 RBIs. Unfortunately, after a broken ankle in 1953, he never returned to the majors. Still, he successfully transitioned into a baseball manager in Venezuela.
5. Rabbit Maranville, Height: 5’5”
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Rabbit Maranville is known not only for his exceptional defensive abilities but also for his personality. He’s been dubbed an MLB class clown. He’s one of the shortest shortstops to ever play in the MLB and piled up over 28 home runs and a World Series win. Did I mention that the win came during his sophomore season? That’s pretty impressive.
6. Dennis John (Dinty) Gearin, Height: 5’4”
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Dennis John Gearn (Dinty to friends and fans) boasts a top-notch 1923. This was the year he pitched 12 victories to only five defeats. That’s an earned run average of 3.76 — not too shabby. But, even more, he’s also considered the shortest pitcher in MLB history. Talk about modest man representation.
7. Joe Sewell, Height 5’6”
Joe Sewell boasts the second-lowest strikeout rate in the history of Major League Baseball. In 1932, he only struck out three times the entire season. Truly impressive, he also owns the single-season record for excellent place discipline that year. I’m just saying. Shorter guys are harder to catch.
8. “Sliding” Billy Hamilton, Height: 5’6”
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Billy Hamilton was a true jack of all trades. Only 40 home runs in 14 MLB seasons isn’t out-of-sight impressive. However, he is an offensive powerhouse, excellent at hitting and base stealing. To this day, he owns the record for most runs scored in a single season with 198 in 1894, when he also batted over .400.
9. Bobby Shantz, Height: 5’6”
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Most pitchers are pretty tall. And yet, Shantz pitched for over ten years and flaunted a record of 119-99 to go with over 1,000 strikeouts. He achieved eight consecutive Gold Glove Awards starting in 1957. He was also chosen to play in the All-Star Game thrice in 1951, 1952, and 1957.
10. Lewis Robert “Hack” Wilson, Height: 5’6”
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Unlike most short athletes who use speed and ability, Hack Wilson had the skills of players several times his size. He was known for being an excellent power hitter throughout his 12-year tenure in the MLB. He even delivered 56 home runs in 1930. It took 70 years for another player to beat this feat.
11. Phil Rizzuto, Height: 5’6”
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Undoubtedly, Phil Rizzuto is one of the top shortstops in history. He played for the Yankees for 13 years. Of those 13, the Yankees won seven World Championships. A defensive wizard, his 1217 career double plays still rank in the top 20 of all time at his position. He also wasn’t a bad hitter, proving true value.
12. Jose Altuve, Height: 5’6”
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Height: 5’6”
Jose Altuve boasts a World Series Championship, a Gold Glove Award, and six All-Star bids. In the past ten years, he’s been playing for Major League Baseball, and that’s pretty darn impressive. He also owns two seasons as the AL’s leading base stealer and three AL batting champion seasons. Moreover, he’s particularly short by today’s MLB standards.
13. Joe Morgan, Height: 5’7”
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Joe Morgan excelled at basically everything. His career didn’t revolve around one specialty, as many baseball players do. From hitting with power to locking down the middle of the field on defense, he delivered. He even won the Gold Glove five times, on top of 10 All-Star Bids and two World Series Championships.
14. Ryan Bliss, Height: 5’6”
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Bliss is the Seattle Mariners’ second baseman. This young man has a quick bat swing and impressive base-stealing abilities. Currently, his batting includes a triple, two home runs, three doubles, and five walks. This is after having played about 25 games. He’s definitely a promising player.
15. Dominic Fletcher, Height: 5’6”
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Dominic Fletcher is one of the shortest baseball players in the Major League right now. Enthusiasts describe him as having pretty good defensive abilities. Additionally, he has good raw batting power and a nice, smooth swing. In 70 games, he has a home run, 11 walks, and eight doubles. He’s definitely a nice addition to any team.
16. Eguy Rosario, Height: 5’7”
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Eguy Rosario has impressive bat speed from the right side and can drive the ball from one line to another. This is a testament to his exceptional athleticism. As such, he could play several infield positions. He’s proof that shortness and stockiness don’t mean a lack of athleticism.
17. Marcus Stroman, Height: 5’7”
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Marcus Stroman, one of the New York Yankees’ starting pitchers, is very talented. He has a wide variety of pitch styles. The repertoire includes curveballs, changeups, sliders, four-seam fastballs, two-seam fastballs, and more. His specialty is his two-seam fastball. This versatility is truly valuable.
FAQs
Here are the most commonly asked questions regarding the shortest professional baseball players.
Who Is the Shortest MLB Player Right Now?
Jorge Barrosa is 5’5” and Jose Altuve, Gustavo Campero, and Ryan Bliss are all 5’6”.
Who Is the Shortest MLB Player in History?
Eddie Gaedal batted once in the MLB and is 3’7.” Other short players include Wee Willie Keeler, Freddie Patek, and Stubby Magner.
How Many MLB Players Are Under 5’10”?
Around 500 players out of around 1200 are under 5’10”. The average height is around 6’2”.
Conclusion: It’s All About Confidence
I hope your takeaway here is that the shortest MLB players of all time are also sometimes some of the best. Despite their short stature and being surrounded by huge men, they have confidence in themselves. Of course, these guys are all hard workers, too. My favorite part is how, for many positions, being a smaller guy is actually more beneficial than being a bigger one!
Did we forget your favorite MLB play of modest height? Let us know in the comments below!
You missed the “Baron of the Bullpen”, famous Pirate reliever who reportedly was between 5’6″ – 5’8″. Roy was arguably one of the first, great relief pitchers in the modern game. He went 18-0 in in 1959 and then lost his last game and finished at 18-1. Also, he was a mainstay in their 1960 NL Pennant and World Series winning year.
Hi Evan, your list leaves off probably the smallest MLB to ever play more than a few games, Larry Corcoran. Who was only 5’3″ and 127 lbs!
He mainly played for the Chicago White Stockings during the 1880s, that would later become the Chicago Cubs.
Ernie Oravetz played two season in Washington in the ‘50s at 5’4”
You forgot the Waner brothers. The only pair of brothers in the Hall of Fame. Lloyd was 5’7″ 135lbs and Paul was 5’9″ 155lbs. Both were great all around players. Paul was probably one of the five best players in the NL of his era,
I think Dizzy and Paul Dean are brothers both in the hall of fame
Why wasn’t Albie Pearson on your list of shortest major league baseball players? He is listed as 5′ 5″.
How about Albie Pearson? He was 5’5″ and I don’t see him on this list. He just died a couple of days ago.
Why was Albie Pearson at 5’5″ not listed?
Tony Gwynn was The All American Baseball Player of All Time to me.
Marv Rotblatt was 5’6″ and left off of several lists.
Nice addition, thanks!
Harry Chappas was listed as 5’3″ but according to him he is 5’5″ but definitely should be on this list either way.
I still think the shorter player have to do more to make the team and be in the line up. If they ever get to the plate they can show what they can do.
Harry chappas..
THIS PIECE IS FACTUALLY NOT AT ALL INFORMATIVE AS YOU LEFT OUT AS MANY AS YOU LISTED –
ADDITIONALLY, NO ONE TALLER THAN 5′ 7″ SHOULD BE LISTED, EITHER, AS THERE ARE TOO MANY TO LIST –
THESE KIND OF ENTRIES DO NOTHING TO EDUCATE OR ENTERTAIN THE MASSES WHO SO OFTEN HAVE NO IDEA OF THE REAL, CORRECT FACTS –
YOU SHOULD REMOVE THEN ENTER THIS PIECE AGAIN WITH IT BEING UPDATED AND MUCH MORE ACCURATE.
Bob Emmerich 5’3″
Jess Cortazzo 5’3″
Lee Via 5’4″
Dinty Gearin 5’4″
Gene Krapp 5’5″
Connie Marrero 5’5″
David Eckstein 5’6″
Lewis Robert Wilson 5’6″
Joe Sewell 5’6″
Miller Huggins 5’6″
Tony Kemp 5’6″
Marcus Stroman 5’7″
Yogi Berra 5’7″
Terrance Gore 5’7″
Tim Collins 5’7″
I completely agree. The fact that the author jumped from 5’6″ to 5’9″ shows they are not really interested in good information but a fallacious agenda. Sad.
Yogi Berra was only 5′ 7″ and definitely in the discussion for one of the greatest catchers of all time. Also,word has it that Predroia is closer to 5′ 6″ than 5′ 9″
Once you get over the short guy’s, who were all great by the way, Look at the Atlanta Braves TEAM!!!
As a team there are Great!!!
Who deserves the Credit?
The TEAM!!!
MarK III
Kirby Puckett ~ World Series MVP
from the Minnesota Twins and in
the Hall of Fame ⭐️⭐️⭐️