‘I felt like Babe Ruth’: baseball’s 3ft 7in pinch-hitter, 75 years on
Summary
Seventy-five years ago, baseball owner Bill Veeck sent Eddie Gaedel, a man who was 3 feet 7 inches tall, to bat in a Major League Baseball game as a publicity stunt. Gaedel was walked on four pitches during the game and then replaced by a pinch-runner. This event became one of the most unusual moments in baseball history.Key Facts
- Eddie Gaedel was 3 feet 7 inches tall and wore uniform number 1/8.
- Gaedel batted for the St. Louis Browns on August 19, 1951, at Sportsman’s Park in St. Louis.
- He received a standing ovation from fans during the second game of a doubleheader.
- Detroit Tigers pitcher Bob Cain walked Gaedel on four pitches; Gaedel was then replaced by a pinch-runner.
- Bill Veeck, the Browns’ owner, was known for creative and sometimes controversial marketing stunts.
- The Browns struggled as a team and were last in their league, so Veeck used this stunt to increase attendance.
- Veeck paid Gaedel $100 for his appearance, which was a significant sum at the time.
- The stunt is remembered as a unique and unusual moment in baseball history, though it might be seen differently today.
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