The Big Unit Was Not the Only Big Baseballer: Here Are the 10 Tallest Players in MLB History
It’s been almost three decades since Randy Johnson, famously known as “The Big Unit,” stepped onto the pitching mound during the 1993 Major League Baseball All-Star game, creating a moment that etched itself into baseball lore. Facing off against John Kruk of the Phillies, Johnson’s intimidating presence and blazing fastballs left a lasting impression on fans and players alike
Back then, there was no interleague play, and Johnson, representing the Seattle Mariners of the American League, showcased his prowess against Kruk, who played for the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League. Johnson’s pitches regularly clocked near 100 mph, a sight that left Kruk awestruck when he stepped into the batter’s box.
Every one of the 48,147 fans at Camden Yards in Baltimore that night will never forget it. Kruk himself spoke about the encounter for years, recounting how he felt gassed to face “The Big Unit” until he saw Johnson’s imposing stature. Tall pitchers who can hurl at 100 mph are undeniably intimidating, and Johnson was just one of many, although not the tallest MLB pitcher ever. So, who holds that distinction? Let’s dive in and explore who is the tallest mlb player 2023.
Ludovicus Jacobus Maria “Loek” van Mil – 7 feet 1 inch
The tallest MLB player ever, Loek van Mil, stood at a towering 7 feet 1 inch. He pitched for several teams during his Major League career, including the Minnesota Twins, Cleveland Indians, and Los Angeles Angels. Tragically, van Mil passed away at the age of 34 after a hiking accident in Australia.
Jon Rauch – 6 feet 11 inches
Jon Rauch, a 6-foot-11 pitcher, was the first player listed at this height to appear in an MLB game. Over his 11-season career, Rauch played for seven teams and earned 62 saves with a 3.90 ERA.
Sean Hjelle – 6 feet 11 inches
Currently playing for the San Francisco Giants, Sean Hjelle stands tall at 6 feet 11 inches. Despite a challenging start in the 2023 MLB season, Hjelle’s height makes him a formidable presence on the field.
Chris Young – 6 feet 10 inches
Chris Young, a 6-foot-10 pitcher, earned an All-Star nod during his 13-year career, primarily with the San Diego Padres. He currently serves as the general manager for the Texas Rangers.
Randy Johnson – 6 feet 10 inches
Randy Johnson, known for his dominant pitching style, stood at 6 feet 10 inches. With 303 wins, 4,875 strikeouts (second all-time), and five Cy Young Awards, Johnson’s legacy in baseball is unparalleled.
Frank Howard – 6 feet 7 inches
Frank Howard, a 6-foot-7 outfielder/first baseman, enjoyed a 16-year career, hitting 382 home runs and winning the 1960 NL Rookie of the Year Award.
Ryan Minor – 6 feet 7 inches
Ryan Minor, a 6-foot-7 third baseman, notably replaced Cal Ripken Jr. in the Orioles’ lineup after Ripken’s historic consecutive games streak ended.
Adam Wainwright – 6 feet 7 inches
Adam Wainwright, a 6-foot-7 pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals, continues to excel at the age of 41, showcasing longevity and skill throughout his 17-year career.
Tony Clark – 6 feet 8 inches
Tony Clark, now the executive director of the MLB Players Association, was a 6-foot-8 first baseman who played for six teams over 15 seasons, hitting 251 home runs.
Mark Hendrickson – 6 feet 9 inches
Mark Hendrickson, a 6-foot-9 pitcher, uniquely transitioned from playing in the NBA to a successful MLB career, showcasing his versatility and athleticism.
While Randy Johnson may have been one of the most feared tall pitchers in MLB history, these towering athletes have left an indelible mark on the game, showcasing that height and talent often go hand in hand on the baseball diamond.
