Washington’s Bryce Harper is now the youngest position player to reach the All-Star Game. Getting to the game at this age bodes well for his future, based on how these young All-Stars fared in their careers. None was older than 20 in his first appearance.
Recommended Stories
5. Reds’ Frank Robinson » The 14-time All-Star finished his career with 586 homers and 2,943 hits. Robinson’s power earned him an All-Star berth as he homered 38 times in 1956. Naturally, he was named NL rookie of the year. He was named an MVP in both leagues, and the ex-Nationals manager is a Hall of Famer.
4. Reds’ Johnny Bench » He had quite a rookie season in 1968, earning a trip to the midseason exhibition and winning rookie of the year (15 homers, 82 RBI and a Gold Glove). Bench made 14 All-Star teams and won two NL MVP awards. Many still consider him the best catcher ever. Yes, he’s a Hall of Famer.
3. Tigers’ Al Kaline » He owned the distinction of being the youngest position player to make an All-Star Game until Harper’s inclusion. But for now, Kaline hangs on to another designation: the youngest position player to start an All-Star Game. He ended up making 17 other All-Star Games after that 1955 contest and spent his entire 22-year career with Detroit, retiring with 3,007 hits. He was a first ballot Hall of Famer.
2. Indians’ Bob Feller » In 1938, Feller set the standard for young All-Stars and remained the youngest until 1984. Feller won 266 career games, missing nearly four years in his prime to serve in the Navy. In his third big league season at age 19, Feller went 17-11 and struck out 240 batters. He made seven more All-Star Games and was a first ballot Hall of Famer.
1. Mets’ Dwight Gooden » He’s still the youngest ever to play in an All-Star Game. Gooden dominated as a rookie in 1984 (winning 17 games and striking out the side in his one All-Star inning). Substance abuse derailed his Hall of Fame chances, but he still managed 194 career wins. He appeared in three more All-Star Games.
– John Keim
