Putsy Caballero: The Youngest Third Baseman in MLB History
Ralph Joseph "Putsy" Caballero, born on November 5, 1927, in New Orleans, Louisiana, was a professional baseball infielder who played his entire Major League Baseball (MLB) career with the Philadelphia Phillies. Caballero made his MLB debut on September 14, 1944, at just 16 years and 314 days old, making him the youngest third baseman in MLB history—a record he still holds. Known for his versatility, he played both third base and second base during his career.
A fascinating moment in Caballero's career came during the Phillies' "Whiz Kids" era in 1950. As a backup infielder, he contributed to the team's National League pennant-winning season, which marked the Phillies' first World Series appearance since 1915. Although the Phillies fell to the New York Yankees in the World Series, Caballero's role in the team's success remains a highlight of his career.
Over eight MLB seasons (1944–1952), Caballero appeared in 322 games, recording a .228 batting average, 150 hits, 40 RBIs, and 81 runs scored. After retiring from baseball, he worked as an exterminator and faced challenges such as losing his home during Hurricane Katrina. Caballero passed away on December 8, 2016, leaving behind a legacy as a trailblazer and dedicated player.
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