What is the Heaviest MLB Player?
Major League Baseball (MLB) is a professional sport that has been providing entertainment to the world for over a century. The players of this sport have been known to have extraordinary physical prowess and skill. Some of the best athletes on the planet have been part of the MLB, and there have been some incredibly large players throughout its history. This begs the question: Who is the heaviest MLB player ever?
Bartolo Colon
The record for the heaviest MLB player belongs to Bartolo Colon, who weighed in at 285 pounds when he was at the peak of his career. Colon was a Dominican-born pitcher who played in the MLB from 1997 to 2018, and he was one of the most successful pitchers in the history of the league. He was a 4-time All-Star and a 2-time American League Cy Young Award winner.
Other Notable Heavy Players
While Colon is the heaviest MLB player ever, there have been some other notable heavy players throughout the league’s history. Here are some of the heaviest MLB players of all time:
- Prince Fielder: Fielder was a first baseman and designated hitter who weighed in at 275 pounds, and he played in the MLB from 2002 to 2016. He was a 6-time All-Star and a 3-time Silver Slugger Award winner.
- CC Sabathia: Sabathia is a left-handed pitcher who holds the record for most wins by an active pitcher, and he weighed in at 275 pounds. He was an 8-time All-Star and a 1-time American League Cy Young Award winner.
- Albert Pujols: Pujols is a first baseman who is widely considered to be one of the greatest players of all time, and he weighed in at 275 pounds. He was a 10-time All-Star and a 3-time National League MVP.
- David Ortiz: Ortiz is a designated hitter who played in the MLB from 1997 to 2016, and he weighed in at 275 pounds. He was a 10-time All-Star and a 3-time World Series champion.
- Bobby Bonilla: Bonilla was an outfielder and third baseman who weighed in at 270 pounds, and he played in the MLB from 1986 to 2001. He was a 6-time All-Star and a 1-time World Series champion.
Reasons for Heavy Players
There are a few reasons why some players in the MLB are significantly heavier than others. The main reason is genetics, as some players are naturally larger and stronger than others. Another factor is diet, as some players may consume more calories than others. Finally, some players may use performance-enhancing drugs, which can lead to an increase in weight.
Risks of Being Overweight
Being overweight can lead to a variety of health issues, and this is especially true for baseball players. The most common issue is joint pain, as the extra weight can put extra strain on the joints. Another issue is fatigue, as the extra weight can cause players to tire out faster. Finally, being overweight can lead to a decrease in performance, as the player may not be able to move as quickly or as effectively as a lighter player.
MLB’s Efforts to Combat Obesity
The MLB has taken a number of steps to combat the issue of obesity among its players. The league has implemented rules that require players to maintain a certain level of body fat, and teams have also implemented strict diets and workout regimens to ensure that players stay in shape.
Players Working to Lose Weight
In recent years, there have been some players who have worked hard to lose weight and get in shape. Some notable examples include CC Sabathia, who lost 50 pounds before the 2018 season, and Prince Fielder, who lost over 20 pounds in the offseason before the 2013 season.
Conclusion
The heaviest MLB player ever is Bartolo Colon, who weighed in at 285 pounds. While Colon may be the heaviest MLB player ever, there have been some other notable heavy players throughout the league’s history. The MLB has taken steps to combat the issue of obesity among its players, and there have been some players who have worked hard to lose weight and get in shape.