It is a tale that is firmly cemented in MLB history – 43 inch tall Eddie Gaedel made an appearance for the St. Louis Browns and drew a walk. Well, that moment happened on this day in 1951.
Getting MLB hitters out is a difficult task normally. These are the best of the best, in the Majors because of their abilities on the diamond. However, when 43 inch tall Eddie Gaedel strode to the plate in the bottom of the first, pinch hitting for Frank Saucier, that task was even more difficult.
Wearing uniform number 1/8, Gaedel was allowed to bat after St. Louis Browns owner Bill Veeck produced a signed contract, showing that he was a part of the roster. Facing Bob Cain, Gaedel drew a walk on four pitches, as the laughing Cain was unable to find the strike zone. Gaedel sauntered down to first, where he was replaced with a pinch runner, drawing cheers from the Browns faithful.
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There are questions as to other events surrounding the moment that have added to the legend. Veeck allegedly told Gaedel that he had taken a $1 Million life insurance policy against him, and would be waiting on the roof with a sniper rifle if he looked like he was going to swing at a pitch. It was also said that, in his crouch, which was abandoned during his plate appearance, Gaedel’s strike zone was 1.5 inches in height.
That publicity stunt led to several changes in MLB policy. Contracts now had to be reviewed by the league office before they were considered valid, so that copycat moves did not happen. Gaedel was also banned from participating in any future games by American League President Will Harridge, as the sanctity of the game had been called into question.
It was to be the one shining moment in Gaedel’s short life. While the Browns employed him for further promotions, including one where he and three other midgets were dressed as spacemen and presented ray guns to White Sox players. He was employed as a vendor when Veeck bought the White Sox later, so as to not block the view for the fans.
Tragically, Gaedel died young at age 36. He was followed home from a bar and beaten, his body found by his mother in bed the next morning. Gaedel’s face and legs were bruised, and an autopsy showed he also had a heart attack. Ironically, the only person affiliated with the MLB who attended his funeral was Cain, the one pitcher he faced in his career.
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It is hard to know what is the truth and what is legend about Eddie Gaedel’s only MLB plate appearance. Nonetheless, one of the most bizarre moments in MLB history occurred on this day in 1951 when he strode to the batter’s box.