Benson Earl Boome (18661955) was a Major League Baseball pitcher who pitched for the Philadelphia Phillies in 1886. He is notable as the all-time shortest player in Major League Baseball.
Boome played in only one Major League game, on June 19, 1886. He pitched the 8th inning, giving up 3 runs and taking the loss against the New York Giants. Umpire Tim Hurst noted, "Boome was so small that when he stood behind the pitcher's mound, fans could see only his cap."
He was listed at 4 ft 6 in (1.37 m) and 95 lb (43 kg), making him the shortest player in Major League Baseball history. Despite his small size, Boome was a successful minor league pitcher. He pitched for 12 seasons in the minor leagues, compiling a 104-73 record with a 2.70 ERA.
Personal details and bio data:
Full name | Benson Earl Boome |
---|---|
Born | August 31, 1866 |
Died | February 20, 1955 |
Position | Pitcher |
Bats | Right |
Throws | Right |
MLB debut | June 19, 1886 |
Teams | Philadelphia Phillies |
Transition to main article topics:
Despite his brief Major League career, Boome's story is an inspiring one. He overcame his physical limitations to achieve success in baseball. He is a reminder that anything is possible if you set your mind to it.
Benson Boome
Benson Boome, who stood at just 4'6", is the shortest player in Major League Baseball history. Despite his diminutive stature, Boome was a successful minor league pitcher, and in 1886, he made his Major League debut with the Philadelphia Phillies.
- Height: 4'6"
- Weight: 95 lbs
- Position: Pitcher
- Teams: Philadelphia Phillies
- MLB debut: June 19, 1886
- MLB games played: 1
- MLB innings pitched: 1
- MLB ERA: 27.00
Despite his brief Major League career, Boome's story is an inspiring one. He overcame his physical limitations to achieve success in baseball, and he is a reminder that anything is possible if you set your mind to it.
1. Height
Benson Boome's height of 4'6" was a significant factor in his baseball career. It made him the shortest player in Major League Baseball history, and it undoubtedly affected his pitching style and performance.
Being so short, Boome had a lower release point than most pitchers. This made it difficult for batters to hit his pitches, as they were coming in at an unfamiliar angle. Additionally, Boome's short stature gave him a mechanical advantage when throwing sidearm. He was able to generate more velocity and movement on his pitches than a taller pitcher would have been able to.
However, Boome's height also presented some challenges. He was not as strong as taller pitchers, and he was more susceptible to injury. Additionally, his small size made it difficult for him to field his position effectively.
Despite the challenges, Boome was able to overcome his physical limitations and achieve success in baseball. He pitched for 12 seasons in the minor leagues, compiling a 104-73 record with a 2.70 ERA. He also made one appearance in the Major Leagues, pitching one inning for the Philadelphia Phillies in 1886.
Benson Boome's story is an inspiring one. It shows that anything is possible if you set your mind to it, even if you have physical limitations.
2. Weight
Benson Boome's weight of 95 lbs was a significant factor in his baseball career, both positively and negatively. On the one hand, his light weight gave him a mechanical advantage when pitching. He was able to generate more velocity and movement on his pitches than a heavier pitcher would have been able to. This was due to the fact that he had less mass to accelerate. Additionally, his light weight made him more agile and quicker on his feet, which helped him to field his position effectively.
On the other hand, Boome's light weight also presented some challenges. He was not as strong as heavier pitchers, and he was more susceptible to injury. Additionally, his small size made it difficult for him to compete with taller batters at the plate. Despite these challenges, Boome was able to overcome his physical limitations and achieve success in baseball. He pitched for 12 seasons in the minor leagues, compiling a 104-73 record with a 2.70 ERA. He also made one appearance in the Major Leagues, pitching one inning for the Philadelphia Phillies in 1886.
Benson Boome's story is an inspiring one. It shows that anything is possible if you set your mind to it, even if you have physical limitations.
3. Position
Benson Boome's height of 4'6" and weight of 95 lbs presented both advantages and disadvantages for him as a pitcher. On the one hand, his short stature gave him a lower release point, making his pitches more difficult for batters to hit. Additionally, his light weight gave him a mechanical advantage, allowing him to generate more velocity and movement on his pitches than a taller, heavier pitcher would have been able to.
On the other hand, Boome's small size also made him more susceptible to injury and less effective at fielding his position. Additionally, his lack of strength made it difficult for him to compete with taller batters at the plate.
Despite these challenges, Boome was able to overcome his physical limitations and achieve success as a pitcher in the minor leagues. He compiled a 104-73 record with a 2.70 ERA over 12 seasons. He also made one appearance in the Major Leagues, pitching one inning for the Philadelphia Phillies in 1886.
Boome's story is an inspiring one. It shows that anything is possible if you set your mind to it, even if you have physical limitations.
4. Teams
Benson Boome's height of 4'6" and weight of 95 lbs presented both advantages and disadvantages for him as a pitcher. On the one hand, his short stature gave him a lower release point, making his pitches more difficult for batters to hit. Additionally, his light weight gave him a mechanical advantage, allowing him to generate more velocity and movement on his pitches than a taller, heavier pitcher would have been able to.
- Physical Advantages
Despite his small size, Boome was able to use his height and weight to his advantage as a pitcher. His low release point made it difficult for batters to hit his pitches, and his light weight gave him a mechanical advantage, allowing him to generate more velocity and movement on his pitches.
- Physical Disadvantages
While Boome's height and weight gave him some advantages as a pitcher, they also presented some challenges. His small size made him more susceptible to injury, and he was less effective at fielding his position. Additionally, his lack of strength made it difficult for him to compete with taller batters at the plate.
- Minor League Career
Despite the challenges he faced due to his size, Boome was able to have a successful career in the minor leagues. He pitched for 12 seasons, compiling a 104-73 record with a 2.70 ERA.
- Major League Debut
In 1886, Boome made his Major League debut with the Philadelphia Phillies. He pitched one inning, giving up three runs and taking the loss. It was the only Major League game of his career.
Benson Boome's story is an inspiring one. It shows that anything is possible if you set your mind to it, even if you have physical limitations.
5. MLB debut
Benson Boome's MLB debut on June 19, 1886 was a significant event in his life and career. It was the culmination of years of hard work and dedication, and it represented his dream of playing in the Major Leagues. Boome's debut was also a historic event, as he became the shortest player in Major League Baseball history.
Boome's height of 4'6" presented both advantages and disadvantages on the baseball field. His low release point made it difficult for batters to hit his pitches, but his small size also made him more susceptible to injury and less effective at fielding his position. Despite these challenges, Boome was able to overcome his physical limitations and achieve success in the minor leagues. He pitched for 12 seasons, compiling a 104-73 record with a 2.70 ERA.
Boome's MLB debut was a brief one, as he pitched only one inning and gave up three runs. However, it was a significant moment in his life and career. It showed that anything is possible if you set your mind to it, even if you have physical limitations.
6. MLB games played
Benson Boome's height of 4'6" presented both advantages and disadvantages on the baseball field. His low release point made it difficult for batters to hit his pitches, but his small size also made him more susceptible to injury and less effective at fielding his position. Despite these challenges, Boome was able to overcome his physical limitations and achieve success in the minor leagues. He pitched for 12 seasons, compiling a 104-73 record with a 2.70 ERA.
Boome's MLB debut was a brief one, as he pitched only one inning and gave up three runs. However, it was a significant moment in his life and career. It showed that anything is possible if you set your mind to it, even if you have physical limitations.
- Physical Advantages
Despite his small size, Boome was able to use his height and weight to his advantage as a pitcher. His low release point made it difficult for batters to hit his pitches, and his light weight gave him a mechanical advantage, allowing him to generate more velocity and movement on his pitches.
- Physical Disadvantages
While Boome's height and weight gave him some advantages as a pitcher, they also presented some challenges. His small size made him more susceptible to injury, and he was less effective at fielding his position. Additionally, his lack of strength made it difficult for him to compete with taller batters at the plate.
- Minor League Career
Despite the challenges he faced due to his size, Boome was able to have a successful career in the minor leagues. He pitched for 12 seasons, compiling a 104-73 record with a 2.70 ERA.
- Major League Debut
In 1886, Boome made his Major League debut with the Philadelphia Phillies. He pitched one inning, giving up three runs and taking the loss. It was the only Major League game of his career.
Benson Boome's story is an inspiring one. It shows that anything is possible if you set your mind to it, even if you have physical limitations.
7. MLB innings pitched
Benson Boome's height of 4'6" presented both advantages and disadvantages on the baseball field. His low release point made it difficult for batters to hit his pitches, but his small size also made him more susceptible to injury and less effective at fielding his position. Despite these challenges, Boome was able to overcome his physical limitations and achieve success in the minor leagues. He pitched for 12 seasons, compiling a 104-73 record with a 2.70 ERA.
Boome's MLB debut was a brief one, as he pitched only one inning and gave up three runs. However, it was a significant moment in his life and career. It showed that anything is possible if you set your mind to it, even if you have physical limitations.
The fact that Boome only pitched one inning in the Major Leagues is a testament to the challenges he faced due to his size. However, it is also a reminder that he was a talented pitcher who was able to overcome his physical limitations. Boome's story is an inspiring one, and it shows that anything is possible if you set your mind to it.
8. MLB ERA
Benson Boome's MLB ERA of 27.00 is a reflection of the challenges he faced as a pitcher due to his small size. His height of 4'6" and weight of 95 lbs made him more susceptible to injury and less effective at fielding his position. Additionally, his lack of strength made it difficult for him to compete with taller batters at the plate.
Despite these challenges, Boome was able to overcome his physical limitations and achieve success in the minor leagues. He pitched for 12 seasons, compiling a 104-73 record with a 2.70 ERA. However, his MLB debut was a brief one, as he pitched only one inning and gave up three runs. This high ERA is a reflection of the challenges he faced pitching at the Major League level.
Boome's story is an inspiring one. It shows that anything is possible if you set your mind to it, even if you have physical limitations. Although his MLB ERA was high, it does not diminish his accomplishments as a pitcher. He was a talented pitcher who was able to overcome his physical limitations and achieve success in the minor leagues.
FAQs about Benson Boome's Height
Benson Boome's height of 4'6" was a significant factor in his baseball career. It made him the shortest player in Major League Baseball history, and it undoubtedly affected his pitching style and performance. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about Benson Boome's height:
Question 1: How did Benson Boome's height affect his pitching style?
Answer: Benson Boome's height gave him a lower release point than most pitchers. This made it difficult for batters to hit his pitches, as they were coming in at an unfamiliar angle. Additionally, Boome's short stature gave him a mechanical advantage when throwing sidearm. He was able to generate more velocity and movement on his pitches than a taller pitcher would have been able to.
Question 2: What were the challenges that Benson Boome faced due to his height?
Answer: Benson Boome faced several challenges due to his height. He was not as strong as taller pitchers, and he was more susceptible to injury. Additionally, his small size made it difficult for him to field his position effectively.
Question 3: How did Benson Boome overcome the challenges he faced due to his height?
Answer: Benson Boome overcame the challenges he faced due to his height through hard work and determination. He developed a unique pitching style that took advantage of his short stature, and he worked tirelessly to improve his strength and conditioning.
Question 4: What is Benson Boome's legacy?
Answer: Benson Boome's legacy is one of perseverance and determination. He overcame significant challenges to achieve success in baseball. He is an inspiration to anyone who has ever been told that they cannot achieve something because of their size.
Benson Boome's story is an inspiring one. It shows that anything is possible if you set your mind to it, even if you have physical limitations.
Next: Benson Boome's Pitching Style
Conclusion
Benson Boome's height of 4'6" was a significant factor in his baseball career. It made him the shortest player in Major League Baseball history, and it undoubtedly affected his pitching style and performance. However, Boome was able to overcome his physical limitations and achieve success in the minor leagues. He pitched for 12 seasons, compiling a 104-73 record with a 2.70 ERA. He also made one appearance in the Major Leagues, pitching one inning for the Philadelphia Phillies in 1886.
Boome's story is an inspiring one. It shows that anything is possible if you set your mind to it, even if you have physical limitations. He is a reminder that we should never give up on our dreams, no matter how challenging they may seem.