Remembering Carl Scheib

Today marks what would have been the 97th birthday of Carl Scheib, the pride of Gratz, Pa., who on Sept. 6, 1943 becomes the youngest player in major league history when he records the final two outs for the Philadelphia A's in an 11-4 loss to the New York Yankees at Shibe Park.

At the time, the right-handed pitcher is all of 16 years, 8 months and 5 days old.

Joe Huxhall

Scheib holds the record for less than a year, though, as 15-year-old Joe Nuxhall makes his debut with Cincinnati on June 10, 1944.

After his one appearance in 1944, Nuxhall does not return to the majors until 1952.

Scheib, though, sticks around, spending all or parts of nine more seasons in the majors, compiling a 45-65 record.

Scheib then drifts back to the minors until he retires after the 1957 season at the ripe old age of 30.

Scheib, who passes away in 2018, also is an outstanding hitter for a pitcher, finishing his career with a .250 batting average, five homers and only 59 strikeouts in 468 at-bats.

He still remains the youngest player in American League history.