Baseball Autograph Of The Week: Joe Nuxhall

Autograph Of The Week: Joe Nuxhall

On June 10, 1944, Joe Nuxhall, at 15 years, 10 months, and 11 days, became the youngest National League pitcher in Major League history when he pitched 2/3 of an inning for the Cincinnati Reds.

Nuxhall was the Southern Association Most Valuable Player in 1944 and at 6'3" 220 pounds, appeared ready for the show. It was not the case as he walked five and gave up two hits in less than an inning. Nuxhall would return to school, play in the Minor Leagues, and return to the big leagues in 1952 to resume his 16-year Major League career.

"Well son (Joe Nuxhall), I think you've had enough." - Cincinnati Reds manager Bill McKechnie [comment made on the mound]

Joe Nuxhall Autograph

Card
Topps Baseball Archives

Card Number
105

Pen
Blue Ballpoint

Notes
Card show signature.

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Did you know that Joe Nuxhall was also the youngest player in National League history to sign a big-league contract at the time?

The 1953 Topps baseball card has the following narrative on the back: "Joe was the youngest player ever to appear in the Major Leagues when he broke in with the Reds in '44 at the age of 15. He returned to play High School ball in '46 and probably is the only man to go from the Majors to High School baseball. After his brief '44 stint, Joe was with Birmingham, Syracuse, Lima, Muncie, Columbia, Charleston, and Tulsa before coming back to the Reds in October of '51."

Major League records for youngest American League player and pitcher are on Baseball Almanac, as well as records for oldest players in each league.

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