Joe Nuxhall

The Ol' Left-hander

Joseph Henry Nuxhall (July 30, 1928 – November 15, 2007) was an American left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball, best remembered for having been the youngest player ever to appear in a Major League game and for spending 40 years as a Cincinnati Reds broadcaster.

Quick Facts

Position: Pitcher
Bats: Left
Born: 30 July 1928
Birthplace: Hamilton, Ohio, U.S.
Died: 15 November 2007
Place of death: Fairfield, Ohio, U.S.
Debut league: MLB
Debut date: June 10

Lore & Background

Nuxhall pitched 2/3 of an inning for the Reds on June 10, 1944, at the age of 15 years, 316 days. He remains the youngest individual to play in a major league game in history. He played for the Cincinnati Reds, Kansas City Athletics, and Baltimore Orioles, and his 60 career wins were not all with the Reds.

Reader's Guide

Nuxhall pitched for the Reds from 1944 and then from 1952 through his retirement. He was named to the National League All-Star team in 1955 and 1956. After retiring as a player, he became a radio broadcaster for the Reds from 1967 through 2004, and continued part-time up until his death in 2007.

Did You Know?

Nuxhall was born and raised in Hamilton, Ohio.
He signed a major league contract with the Reds on February 18, 1944, at age 15.
He died in 2007 after a long battle with cancer.
He compiled a career earned run average of 4.58 and a record of 60–82 during his 12-season career.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Joe Nuxhall?

Joseph Henry Nuxhall was a legendary Cincinnati Reds pitcher and broadcaster best known for holding the record as Major League Baseball's youngest ever player. He debuted at age 15 during World War II before returning to become a long-time star for the franchise.

What did Joe Nuxhall do after his playing career ended?

He transitioned into broadcasting and became the iconic voice of Reds radio coverage for over forty years starting in 1967. His commentary made him a beloved figure in Cincinnati sports culture long after he retired from pitching.