The top 10 shortest players in MLB history

By Oliver Wiener February 12, 2024 21:16

Photo by Diamond Images/Getty Images

Major League Baseball has seen players of various shapes and sizes over its long and storied history. While some players tower over their opponents, others have made a significant impact despite their diminutive stature. Here, we take a look at the top 10 shortest players in MLB history, celebrating their remarkable achievements on the field.

1. Eddie Gaedel (3'7")

Eddie Gaedel stands as the shortest player to ever step foot on a Major League Baseball field. In 1951, Gaedel, standing at just 3 feet 7 inches, made a historic one-time appearance for the St. Louis Browns. His unique appearance in a MLB game has since become the stuff of legend.

2. Stuffy Stirnweiss (5'6")

Stuffy Stirnweiss, at 5 feet 6 inches, may not have been the tiniest player, but he certainly earned his place among the shortest to ever grace the MLB. Despite his modest height, Stirnweiss had an impressive career, winning the American League batting title in 1945.

3. Joe Morgan (5'7")

Hall of Famer Joe Morgan stood at just 5 feet 7 inches, but his impact on the game was colossal. Morgan was a two-time National League MVP and a 10-time All-Star. He was known for his exceptional speed, power, and defensive prowess.

4. Freddie Patek (5'5")

At 5 feet 5 inches, Freddie Patek was a diminutive dynamo on the field. Despite his small stature, Patek was a three-time All-Star and a skilled defensive shortstop. He played with incredible tenacity and was known for his base-stealing ability.

5. Phil Rizzuto (5'6")

Phil Rizzuto, standing at 5 feet 6 inches, made a big impact during his career with the New York Yankees. Known as "The Scooter," Rizzuto was a 5-time World Series champion and the 1950 American League MVP. His defensive skills and base-running prowess made him a standout player.

6. Billy Shindle (5'6")

Billy Shindle, another player at 5 feet 6 inches, had a brief but impactful career in the late 19th century. Shindle played primarily as a third baseman and was known for his defensive capabilities despite his small stature.

7. Rabbit Maranville (5'5")

Rabbit Maranville, at 5 feet 5 inches, was a defensive wizard and a fan favorite during his time in the MLB. Known for his acrobatic plays at shortstop, Maranville was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1954, a testament to his impact on the game.

8. Wee Willie Keeler (5'4")

Wee Willie Keeler, at 5 feet 4 inches, was a standout player in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Keeler was known for his exceptional hitting ability and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1939 for his remarkable career.

9. Albie Pearson (5'5")

Albie Pearson, standing at 5 feet 5 inches, defied the odds to become a successful MLB player. Pearson was named the American League Rookie of the Year in 1958 and enjoyed a solid career as an outfielder despite his diminutive stature.

10. David Eckstein (5'7")

David Eckstein, at 5 feet 7 inches, rounds out our list of the top 10 shortest players in MLB history. Despite being undersized, Eckstein's grit and determination made him a fan favorite and a valuable player for the teams he played for, including winning World Series MVP honors in 2006.

these players may have been shorter in stature, but their impact on Major League Baseball was anything but small. Their achievements on the field serve as a testament to the fact that size is no barrier to success in the game of baseball.