The Major League Baseball (MLB) is one of the most popular sports in the world. It draws in millions of viewers every year and many of its players have achieved legendary status. While most of the attention is focused on the speedsters of the game, there are some players who lack the speed necessary to be successful. These players are often referred to as the “slowest runners” in MLB.
Who Are the Slowest Runners in MLB?
When it comes to the slowest runners in MLB, there are a few players who stand out. These are players who are not known for their speed and usually have a hard time getting around the bases. Some of the slowest runners in MLB include:
- Ichiro Suzuki: Ichiro Suzuki is one of the most famous players in MLB history. He is known for his amazing batting skills and his longevity. However, he is not known for his speed. He was once clocked in with a top running speed of just 13.1 miles per hour.
- Albert Pujols: Albert Pujols is one of the best hitters in MLB history. He is also one of the slowest runners in the league. He has one of the slowest sprint speeds in the game, clocking in at just 12.9 mph.
- David Ortiz: David Ortiz is one of the most popular players in MLB history. He is known for his power and his clutch hitting, but he is also known for his lack of speed. His top running speed has been clocked in at just 12.7 mph.
- Yadier Molina: Yadier Molina is one of the best catchers in MLB history. He is known for his defense and his game-calling, but he is also known for his lack of speed. His top running speed has been clocked in at just 12.6 mph.
- Prince Fielder: Prince Fielder is one of the most powerful hitters in MLB history. He is known for his power and his ability to hit the ball a long way, but he is also known for his lack of speed. His top running speed has been clocked in at just 12.5 mph.
Why Are These Players Some of the Slowest Runners in MLB?
There are a few reasons why these players are some of the slowest runners in MLB.
Age and Injury History
Most of the slowest runners in MLB are older players who have had a history of injuries. These injuries can affect a player’s speed, as their bodies are no longer able to move at the same speed as they did when they were younger. This can be especially true for players who have had a history of leg injuries.
Lack of Practice
Another factor that can contribute to a player’s lack of speed is a lack of practice. Players who don’t practice running often can find it difficult to maintain their running speed. This can be especially true for players who have had a history of injuries, as they may be unable to practice as often as they would like.
Size and Weight
Size and weight can also play a role in a player’s speed. Larger players, such as Prince Fielder, can have a harder time running at top speed due to their size and weight. This can be especially true for players who are not in peak physical condition.
Position
The position a player plays can also have an impact on their speed. Players who play positions such as catcher or first baseman will often be slower than players who play other positions. This is due to the fact that these positions require more strength and power than speed.
Slowest Runners in MLB by Position
When it comes to the slowest runners in MLB by position, there are a few players that stand out.
Catcher
The slowest runner in MLB at the catcher position is Yadier Molina. He has the slowest sprint speed of any catcher in the league, clocking in at just 12.6 mph.
First Baseman
The slowest runner in MLB at the first baseman position is Albert Pujols. He has the slowest sprint speed of any first baseman in the league, clocking in at just 12.9 mph.
Outfielder
The slowest runner in MLB at the outfielder position is Ichiro Suzuki. He has the slowest sprint speed of any outfielder in the league, clocking in at just 13.1 mph.
Designated Hitter
The slowest runner in MLB at the designated hitter position is David Ortiz. He has the slowest sprint speed of any designated hitter in the league, clocking in at just 12.7 mph.
Conclusion
The slowest runners in MLB are those players who lack the speed necessary to be successful. These players are usually older players with a history of injuries, or players who do not practice running enough. They are also usually larger players who play positions such as catcher or first baseman. The slowest runners in MLB by position are Ichiro Suzuki, Albert Pujols, Yadier Molina, and David Ortiz.