Joe Nuxhall

July 30, 1928

Also Known For : Radio Host

Birth Place : Hamilton, Ohio, United States of America

Joe Nuxhall Biography, Life, Interesting Facts

Childhood and Early Life

Joe Nuxhall was born Joseph Henry Nuxhall was born July 30, 1928, in Hamilton, Ohio into a family of five children. His father worked in a tool factory.

Rise to Fame

Because of the shortages of baseball players due to World War II (1939-1945) scouts were interested in Joe Nuxoll's father, Orville who was playing in a Sunday baseball league in Hamilton, Ohio. When advised that Nuxhall Snr. was not interested in a professional role due to having children to support, the scouts became interested in his 14-year-old son’s talent.

At age 15, Joe Nuxhall became the youngest player in modern major league history when he pitched in a game in 1944 for the Cincinnati Reds. It was on the 10 June 1944, and the Cincinnati Reds were playing the St Louis Cardinals at Crosley Field in Cincinnati. Nuxhall gave up five runs before being relieved. It was eight years before he turned to the major leagues.

Career

Joe Nuxhall pitched in the minors for several seasons before he was recalled to the Cincinnati Reds in 1952. He was an all-star in 1955 and 1956. Then in 1960, he was let go by the Cincinnati Reds, and he missed their National League championship season of 1961. Nuxhall was traded to the Kansas City Athletics in 1961. Returning to the Cincinnati Reds in 1962, he had his best season in 1963 with a 15-8 record, and an earned run average of 2.61. He remained with the team until 1966 when he retired with a career record of 135-117.

Later Years

In 1967, Joe Nuxhall became a broadcaster for the Reds, often working alongside Marty Brennaman on the radio. He retired from broadcasting in 2004, although he continued broadcasting on a limited basis until 2007. Throughout his career, Nuxhall played or broadcast from 59 major league stadiums.

Awards and Achievements

There is a bronze statue of showing Nuxhall in his pitching position at the entrance to the Reds Great American Ball Park. In 2017, a mural featuring Joe Nuxhall painted on the side of Clark’s Sporting Goods in Hamilton, Ohio was unveiled. At 15, Nuxhall was the youngest person to play in a major league game.