Baseball is a treasured sport in America and the Major League Baseball (MLB) is the most prestigious baseball league in the world. For years, legendary players like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig and Willie Mays have been revered for their amazing achievements and skill. But there’s one player who stands out from the rest when it comes to physical stature – the shortest player in the MLB.
Who is the Shortest Man in the MLB?
The shortest man in the MLB is José Altuve, a Venezuelan-born second baseman for the Houston Astros. At 5’6”, Altuve is the shortest active player in the league and one of the shortest players in MLB history.
A Brief History of the MLB Shortest Players
Although Altuve is the shortest man in the MLB today, he’s not the first. The shortest players in MLB history include:
- Eddie Gaedel – Gaedel was an American professional baseball player who was signed by the St. Louis Browns on August 19, 1951. At 3 feet 7 inches tall, he remains the shortest player in MLB history.
- Fred Patek – Patek was a Major League shortstop who played for the Kansas City Royals, Pittsburgh Pirates, and California Angels. At 5’5”, he was the shortest player in the MLB during his tenure (1971-1981).
- Herb Washington – Washington was a professional sprinter and baseball player who played for the Oakland Athletics from 1974-1975. At 5’5”, he was the shortest player in MLB during his time.
José Altuve: From Little League to the MLB
Altuve’s journey from the Little League to the MLB is nothing short of remarkable. He started playing baseball in his hometown of Maracay, Venezuela, when he was just five years old. Although he was small for his age, his talent and passion for the game quickly earned him a spot on the Maracay Tigers, a popular Venezuelan Little League team.
At the age of 16, Altuve was signed by the Houston Astros as an amateur free agent. He quickly rose through the ranks and made his MLB debut in 2011. He finished the season with a .276 batting average, 4 home runs and 22 RBIs, and was named to the MLB All-Star team in 2012.
Since then, Altuve has become one of the most dominant players in the league. In 2014, he was named the American League MVP, and in 2017, he won his first World Series championship with the Astros. He’s also a four-time All-Star and six-time Silver Slugger award winner.
Altuve’s Signature Style of Play
Altuve’s unique style of play has made him one of the most beloved players in the MLB. He’s known for his aggressive approach at the plate and his ability to hit for power despite his small stature. He’s also an excellent base runner, often making daring moves to steal bases or score from second base.
Altuve’s signature move is the “knockdown slide”, which he uses to avoid tags at home plate. This move has become so popular that the Astros have even put a “Knockdown Slide” button on the scoreboard at Minute Maid Park.
Altuve’s Impact on the MLB
Altuve’s impact on the MLB goes beyond his playing style. He’s a role model for young players and an inspiration to anyone who’s ever been told they’re too small to succeed. His success has shown that size doesn’t matter – it’s dedication and hard work that will get you to the top.
He’s also a leader in the Astros’ clubhouse, often encouraging his teammates and keeping things light during tough times. He’s a core part of the team and a beloved figure in the city of Houston.
Altuve’s Legacy
As the shortest man in the MLB, José Altuve has achieved remarkable success. He’s a four-time All-Star, six-time Silver Slugger award winner, and World Series champion. He’s also a role model for young players and an inspiration to anyone who’s ever been told they’re too small to succeed.
Altuve’s legacy will live for years to come, as he continues to inspire and entertain fans with his unique style of play. He may be small in stature, but he’s achieved big things on and off the field.
Conclusion
At 5’6”, José Altuve is the shortest man in the MLB and one of the shortest players in MLB history. But his size hasn’t stopped him from achieving great things. He’s a four-time All-Star, six-time Silver Slugger award winner, and World Series champion. He’s also a role model for young players and an inspiration to anyone who’s ever been told they’re too small to succeed. Altuve’s legacy will live on for years to come.