How tall do you have to be to pitch in Minor/Major league baseball?

Question

Ive been pitching all my life. I played all the way up through high school and even had a scholarship to pitch in college until I didn't have the time to play because of family issues during that point in life.

Its been two years and ive been practicing all through those two years. I can still through a 4 seam fast ball at 87 miles an hour, i can through a slider that breaks low and away in a hurry and a Fairly decent Curve.

It was always my problem, but i was a little short. Im only 5,11. They used to call me the little guy with the big arm in my local news paper.

The last time i played my season states were 2.76 ERA with 98 Strike outs and 43 erned runs.

Now there is a Minor league try out in area in a month. I thinking of trying out.

Ill let my arm do the talking but do you think my height will hurt me?

Answer 1

height tends to help pitchers, but if you have good stuff they wont care.  i dont think there is a single pitcher under 6 foot in the majors though, go figure.

Answer 2

There is no height limit. In fact, you'd make any MLB team if you're under 3 feet tall and can run decent enough. You'd break the walks record undoubtedly. LOL

Go for it! If you're good enough, they can't deny you because of your height.

Answer 3

I've been to 2 astros games recently, one in chicago and one in houston, with wandy rodriguez and roy oswalt pitching and I was amazed at both of their heights. wandy rodriguez was only about 5'7 and roy oswalt was about 5'10. Apparently it only matters if you have good stuff. I say go at it, because your height is good enough and if your movement is good you'll get a look. the only reason that some scouts stay away from shorter guys is because they dont usually have good longevity and their pitches are perceived as being slightly slower, which wouldn't really matter anyway if you're a junkball pitcher. good luck

Answer 4

There is no minimum height, but typically taller pitchers can throw harder with less effort, so they're considered more durable.  The Dodgers traded Pedro Martinez in part because they thought he was too short to succeed -- well, he did succeed; on the other hand, he's seriously broken down.  See also Billy Wagner for an example of a short guy who throws 100MPH.  If you watch his delivery, he takes a humongous stride and puts every ounce of strength he has behind it.

Answer 5

It doesn't matter as long as you're good. Talent is more important than how tall you are.

Answer 6

If your good it doesn't matter how tall you are.

go for it man

oh and there is a great pitcher under 6'

Tim Lincecum 5'11 170lbs throws 98mph

Answer 7

Yeah, height IS a big issue, and Majo League scouts will definitely take that into account, but if you can hit your spots well, they'll give you a shot. Besides, Tim Lincecum is one of baseballs top pitchers and is 5'10" without shoes. Johnny Cueto, an up-and-coming Red's pitcher is also only 5'10".

P.S. Take a look at Greg Maddux and Jamie Moyer. They can barely top 84 mph, and they're still going strong.

P.P.S. The only argument you could possibly have against the Maddux thing is that they were already established as good pitchers before their velocity dropped. And I say to you: Doug Davis. 85 mph fastball, and the man is not only 6'3", he's also pretty young and NOT established at all at 29 years old.

So don't let your height get you down. You don't need to be tall to pitch.

Answer 8

FrostyD Johan Santana is pretty short (respectivley), though.  Good point by the way.  I don't think it matters, as long as you got the lights out stuff.

Answer 9

they wont care to much about your height just as long as you got potential. Just show them what you got