'I felt like Babe Ruth': baseball’s 3ft 7in pinch-hitter, 75 years on
Baseball showman Bill Veeck’s most audacious stunt sent Eddie Gaedel to bat for the lowly St Louis Browns in 1951 – and created an unforgettable diamond spectacle
TL;DR
- Bill Veeck, a baseball owner known for promotions, sent Eddie Gaedel, who was 3ft 7in tall, to bat for the St Louis Browns in 1951.
- Gaedel walked on four pitches, earning a standing ovation and creating an unforgettable moment, though some traditionalists disapproved.
- The stunt was a publicity stunt by Veeck to increase attendance for the Browns, who were in last place.
- Veeck also had other promotions, including signing Larry Doby and celebrating the 50th anniversary of the league.
- Gaedel was paid $100 for his appearance and later said, 'I felt like Babe Ruth.'