By Squads are once again acknowledging the critical role and the impact of the young talented players in this popular game, as we are witnessing promising young players pitching into their squads across the Major Baseball League (MLB). With young players, it makes the game more vibrant and intriguing, and spectators are also highly invested in how these young players would turn out to be when they reach their peak. Here in this post, we will discuss the 6 youngest MLB players you need to know about.
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Joe Nuxhall
Full name: Joseph Henry Nuxhall
Debut age: 15 years, 10 months, and 10 days)
Born: July 30, 1928
Died: November 15, 2007 (aged 79)
Team(s): Cincinnati Reds / Redlegs / Reds (1944, 1952–1960); Kansas City Athletics (1961); Los Angeles Angels (1962); and Cincinnati Reds (1962–1966)
Position: Pitcher
A left-hand pitcher, Joe Nuxhall had one of the most fascinating careers in major league history. Nuxhall was initially enlisted by the Reds out of a semi-professional league where he had been playing with his dad. Seemingly the squad’s main intention was to scout his dad but was instead mind-blown by the skills of Joe Nuxhall.
He made his debut on June 10th, 1944 at the age of 15 where he became the youngest player to ever play in a major league match.
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Tommy Brown
Full name:Thomas Michael Brown
Debut age: 16 years, 7 months, and 29 days
Born: December 6, 1927 (age 95)
Team(s): Brooklyn Dodgers (1944–1945; 1947–1951); Philadelphia Phillies (1951–1952); and Chicago Cubs (1952–1953)
Position: Pitcher
Tommy Brown made his debut in MLB for the Brooklyn Dodgers at the age of 16 years making him the second youngest player debutant. With the lack of manpower during WWII, Brown became the youngest non-pitcher to ever appear in a major league match.
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Carl Scheib
Full name: Carl Alvin Scheib
Debut age: 16 years, 8 months, and 5 days
Born: January 1, 1927
Died: March 24, 2018 (aged 91)
Team(s): Philadelphia Athletics (1943–1945; 1947–1954); St. Louis Cardinals (1954)
Position: Pitcher
A right-handed pitcher, Carl Scheib was a part of the Philadelphia Athletics (1943–45 and 1947–54) and St. Louis Cardinals (1954) of MLB. In 1950, Scheib led the American League with wild pitches. During his time, he was considered one the greatest hitting pitchers.
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Jim Derrington
Full name: Charles James Derrington
Debut age: 16 years, 10 months, and 1 day
Born: November 29, 1939
Died: March 12, 2020 (aged 80)
Team(s): Chicago White Sox (1956–1957)
Position: Pitcher
Jim Derrington was a left-handed pitcher who made his MLB debut for the Chicago White Sox at the age of 16. He first played in semi-pro when he was just 13 years old. Derrington made his final appearance for the White Sox on September 29, 1957, as he was sent back to the leagues in 1958. He later suffered an injury that eventually terminated his professional career at the age of 21.
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Putsy Caballero
Full name: Ralph Joseph “Putsy” Caballero
Debut age: 16 Years, 10 Months and 9 Days
Born: November 5, 1927
Died: December 8, 2016 (aged 89)
Team(s): Philadelphia Phillies (1944–1945; 1947–1952)
Position: Third baseman / Second baseman
Putsy Caballero was an American professional baseball infielder who made his MLB debut on September 14, 1944 for the Philadelphia Phillies at the age of 16. He appeared in eight seasons for the Phillies during the Whiz Kids period. Caballero owns the youngest player second in Major League Baseball (MLB) history to ever play at third base. After completing high school at 16 years old, the Philadelphia Phillies offered Caballero a contract worth $10,000 which was considered a huge sum during his time.
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Rogers McKee
Full name: Roger Hornsby McKee
Debut age: 16 years, 11 months, and 2 days
Born: September 16, 1926
Died: September 1, 2014 (aged 87)
Team(s): Philadelphia Phillies (1943–1944)
Position: Pitcher
Roger McKee joined the game during the time of WWII due to a shortage of manpower. Making his debut in 1943, he was the youngest to play in a National League match that season at the age of 16. Although his career was a short one, he did not fail to make a mark in MLB history.
Do check out List of Oldest MLB Players.
