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.
- Role
- Pitcher & Broadcaster
- Affiliation
- Cincinnati Reds
- Debut Age
- 15 years, 316 days
- Notable Record
- Youngest player in MLB history
- Service Span
- 1944–1962 (Player), 1967–2007 (Broadcaster)
- Career Wins-Losses
- 60–82
- Career ERA
- 4.58
- All-Star Appearances
- None
Verified Timeline
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.
In Their Own Story
Joe Nuxhall's career was defined by resilience and a long tenure with one franchise. After his 1944 debut, he attended spring training in 1945 before returning home to finish high school, earning all-state honors in football and basketball. He played in the minor leagues for five years with teams like the Syracuse Chiefs and Tulsa Oilers before his major league return on May 21, 1952. At age 23, he pitched three scoreless innings against the Brooklyn Dodgers. His career flourished in the mid-1950s; in 1955, he went 17–12 with a 3.47 ERA and five shutouts, earning an All-Star selection where he allowed no runs in 3 1/3 innings. He was named to the All-Star team again in 1956. Known as "The Ol' Left-hander," Nuxhall spent most of his career with Cincinnati, though a trade sent him to the Kansas City Athletics in 1961 before he returned to the Reds. His career record stood at 135–117 with a 3.90 ERA.
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 14.
- 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 16-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 is Joe Nuxhall's most famous record?
He holds the distinction of being the youngest player in MLB history, making his debut just 15 years and 316 days old on June 10, 1944. Although he only recorded one out during that initial appearance, it cemented his place in baseball lore forever.
How long did Joe Nuxhall play for the Reds?
After his teenage debut, he returned to the majors in 1952 and pitched for fourteen seasons ending in 1964. Over this career span, he compiled a win-loss record of 60–82 while serving as a left-handed pitcher.
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.
Why is Joe Nuxhall important to Reds fans?
He represents the heart of the franchise, having served as both a record-breaking player and the primary broadcaster for over four decades. His enduring connection to the team makes him one of the most cherished figures in Cincinnati baseball history.
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