What is Major League Baseball (MLB)?
Major League Baseball (MLB) is the highest professional level of baseball in the United States and Canada. It is comprised of 30 teams that play a 162-game regular season and then enter into a post-season tournament leading to the World Series.
What is the Average Height and Weight of MLB Players?
The average height and weight of an MLB player is typically higher than the average American. The average height is 6 feet 1 inch tall and the average weight is 210 pounds. This is slightly taller and heavier than the estimated average height and weight of the general American population, which is 5 feet 9 inches tall and 195 pounds.
Height Distribution of MLB Players
When examining the height distribution of MLB players, it is apparent that the majority of players fall in the 6 foot to 6 foot 5 inch range. The following table shows the height distribution of MLB players:
- Under 5 feet 7 inches: 4.2%
- 5 feet 7 inches to 6 feet 0 inches: 24.6%
- 6 feet 1 inch to 6 feet 4 inches: 55.5%
- Over 6 feet 5 inches: 15.6%
Height and Weight by Position
When examining the average height and weight of players by position, there are some noticeable differences. Pitchers, for example, are typically the shortest players on the field, with the average height being 6 feet tall. Catchers are typically the heaviest players, with an average weight of 215 pounds. Here is a breakdown of the average height and weight by position:
- Pitcher: 6 feet tall, 190 pounds
- Catcher: 6 feet 1 inch tall, 215 pounds
- First Baseman: 6 feet 2 inches tall, 210 pounds
- Second Baseman: 6 feet tall, 190 pounds
- Shortstop: 6 feet 1 inch tall, 190 pounds
- Third Baseman: 6 feet 1 inch tall, 195 pounds
- Outfielder: 6 feet 1 inch tall, 195 pounds
- Designated Hitter: 6 feet 1 inch tall, 205 pounds
Height and Weight of the Top Players
The average height and weight of the top MLB players is often higher than the average player. The top players in each position are typically taller than their counterparts, and heavier as well. Here is a breakdown of the average height and weight of the top players by position:
- Pitcher: 6 feet 3 inches tall, 215 pounds
- Catcher: 6 feet 2 inches tall, 220 pounds
- First Baseman: 6 feet 3 inches tall, 220 pounds
- Second Baseman: 6 feet 2 inches tall, 195 pounds
- Shortstop: 6 feet 2 inches tall, 200 pounds
- Third Baseman: 6 feet 2 inches tall, 200 pounds
- Outfielder: 6 feet 3 inches tall, 205 pounds
- Designated Hitter: 6 feet 3 inches tall, 215 pounds
Height and Weight of Hall of Fame Players
The average height and weight of Hall of Fame players is also higher than the average player. Hall of Fame players are typically taller and heavier than their peers, and their performance on the field is often exceptional. Here is a breakdown of the average height and weight of Hall of Fame players by position:
- Pitcher: 6 feet 3 inches tall, 225 pounds
- Catcher: 6 feet 2 inches tall, 230 pounds
- First Baseman: 6 feet 3 inches tall, 230 pounds
- Second Baseman: 6 feet 2 inches tall, 205 pounds
- Shortstop: 6 feet 2 inches tall, 210 pounds
- Third Baseman: 6 feet 3 inches tall, 215 pounds
- Outfielder: 6 feet 3 inches tall, 215 pounds
- Designated Hitter: 6 feet 3 inches tall, 225 pounds
Height and Weight of the Best Players
The average height and weight of the best players in MLB is often higher than the average player. The best players in each position have a combination of size and skill that is unmatched by their peers. Here is a breakdown of the average height and weight of the best players by position:
- Pitcher: 6 feet 4 inches tall, 230 pounds
- Catcher: 6 feet 3 inches tall, 240 pounds
- First Baseman: 6 feet 4 inches tall, 240 pounds
- Second Baseman: 6 feet 3 inches tall, 220 pounds
- Shortstop: 6 feet 3 inches tall, 220 pounds
- Third Baseman: 6 feet 4 inches tall, 225 pounds
- Outfielder: 6 feet 4 inches tall, 225 pounds
- Designated Hitter: 6 feet 4 inches tall, 235 pounds
Conclusion
The average height and weight of an MLB player is 6 feet 1 inch tall and 210 pounds. The height and weight distribution among players is fairly even, with most players falling in the 6 foot to 6 foot 5 inch range. When looking at the average height and weight by position, pitchers are typically the shortest and catchers are typically the heaviest. The average height and weight of the top players, Hall of Fame players, and best players is often higher than the average player.