The Youngest Players to Make an MLB Appearance

Making it to Major League Baseball (MLB) is a dream come true for many young athletes – emphasis on the young. Some players achieve this milestone at an incredibly young age. Here, we look at memorable debuts of young players in the modern era, before hopping into the list of five youngest players MLB players to make an appearance, all of whom debuted before 1960.

Notable Modern Young Debuts

While the players on our list set records as the youngest MLB players to make a debut before many current fans were born, it’s worth noting some more recent players who have also made their MLB debuts at notably young ages. Alex Rodriguez made his debut at 18 years old with the Seattle Mariners, quickly becoming one of the game’s biggest stars. Adrian Beltre, Bryce Harper, and Juan Soto all debuted at 19. 

Beltre is one of the newest Hall of Fame inductees, while Harper and Soto are currently two of the game’s biggest stars. Most recently, Jackson Chourio made headlines by debuting at 20 this year for the Milwaukee Brewers, showing that the trend of young prodigies breaking into the big leagues continues.

5: Putsy Caballero (16 years, 10 months, 9 days)

Team: Philadelphia Phillies

Debut Date: September 14, 1944

Putsy Caballero made his MLB debut with the Philadelphia Phillies during World War II, a period when many younger players were given opportunities due to the shortage of available athletes. At just 16 years and 10 months old, Caballero stepped onto the field against the New York Giants. Although his debut game was unremarkable in terms of personal statistics, his entry into MLB at such a young age remains a notable feat. Caballero went on to have a decent career, primarily as an infielder.

4: Jim Derrington (16 years, 10 months, 1 day)

Team: Chicago White Sox

Debut Date: September 30, 1956

Jim Derrington debuted as a pitcher for the Chicago White Sox at the age of 16 years and 10 months, tying with Putsy Caballero in age. Derrington pitched a complete game against the Kansas City Athletics, allowing just one earned run. His performance was impressive for someone so young, but unfortunately, his MLB career was short-lived due to injuries and control issues. 

3: Carl Scheib (16 years, 8 months, 5 days)

Team: Philadelphia Athletics

Debut Date: September 6, 1943

Carl Scheib entered the major leagues at 16 years and 8 months old, pitching for the Philadelphia Athletics. In his debut game, Scheib pitched two innings in relief, giving up one hit and one run. Despite the modest start, Scheib went on to have a respectable career in MLB, pitching for 11 seasons. 

2: Tommy Brown (16 years, 6 months, 28 days)

Team: Brooklyn Dodgers

Debut Date: August 3, 1944

Tommy Brown debuted for the Brooklyn Dodgers at 16 years and 8 months, playing as a shortstop. In his first game, Brown got a hit in his first at-bat, setting the stage for his major league career. He later became the youngest player to hit a home run in MLB history, achieving this at 17. Brown’s early start and subsequent achievements cement his place in the annals of baseball history.

1: Joe Nuxhall (15 years, 10 months, 11 days)

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Debut Date: June 10, 1944

The youngest player to ever appear in an MLB game is Joe Nuxhall, who took the mound for the Cincinnati Reds at just 15 years and 10 months old. Nuxhall’s debut came during World War II when teams were desperate for players. In his debut against the St. Louis Cardinals, Nuxhall pitched 2/3 of an inning, giving up five runs. Although his initial appearance was rough, Nuxhall went on to have a successful 16-year career in the majors, later becoming a beloved broadcaster for the Reds.