Dodgers legend Roy Campanella now youngest player in MLB history

Joe Nuxhall had his place in major league history. A solid pitcher and excellent broadcaster, he had been the youngest player in MLB history, making his debut at 15 years and 316 days, a situation that came about due to World War 2. However, Dodgers legend Roy Campanella has him beat.

Now that the Negro Leagues, at least through 1948, are officially recognized as being part of the majors, Campanella now holds that distinction. He debuted with the Washington Elite Giants in 1937, getting into six games that summer. As Campanella did not turn 16 until November 19, he is now considered the youngest player in MLB history.

Dodgers legend Roy Campanella sets a new mark

While Campanella did get more playing time at 15 years old than Nuxhall did, he was still used sparingly. The future legend had just 20 plate appearances, although he did manage three hits, including a double, and drew a walk. Considering his youth, and how he was facing some of the greats in Negro League history at the time, that was a reasonably solid debut.

He did not play much more as a 16 year old, getting 31 plate appearances in his nine games. However, he was getting an education in what it meant to be a professional catcher from one of the best in the business. The great Biz Mackey took the phenom under his wing, teaching him everything he knew about the position.

Those lessons were well learned. Campanella became the Elite Giants’ starting catcher as an 18 year old, and was a three time Negro League All Star. By the time he came to the Dodgers, he was already one of the best catchers in the game; he just needed to prove it in the National League.

He certainly did that. Campanella was an eight time All Star and three time MVP with the Dodgers, producing a .276/.363/.498 batting line with 242 homers in his 4816 plate appearances. His career came to an end when he was paralyzed in a car accident, but he remained an inspirational figure to the franchise, one of the true greats at his position.

Even though it has been over 60 years since Roy Campanella appeared in the majors, he has set a new mark. The Dodgers legend is the youngest player in MLB history.