Following up on my post from yesterday regarding average height of baseball players, I wanted to look at the average weight. I posed the question through my Twitter account, and heard back with pitcher, catcher, first base, designated hitter, and third base. Again, I looked at all MLB players since 1960 who played at least five games at a position. If a player, such as Maicer Izturis of the Angels played more than 5 games at 2B and 3B, then he would be counted at both positions.
Which position has players that weigh the most? First base.
Which position has the lightest players in terms of weight in pounds? Shortstop.
The average MLB historically has weighed 192 pounds. The difference between the heaviest players (1B) and lightest players (SS) was a little under 26 pounds which is quite a bit! While average height and weight by position might not show much, there is interesting data to further examine. For example, how has average height and weight changed over the years? How does height or weight effect performance? These are questions I will answer in follow up posts.
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4 responses to “Baseball Player Weight By Position”
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.Height helps basketball players get closer to the hoop and pass over opponents….Height can play a significant role in contributing to success in some sports by offering certain natural advantages. While taller position players have a larger strike zone most position players are at least of average height because the larger frame allows them to generate more power.
Interesting. Again these numbers match the numbers I’ve always had in my head. The “fast feet” positions are smaller and lighter. (And faster?? It would be a fun number to look at as well…what the 60″ is for each position.)
The only position I was off on was 3B. I would have put that position up passed LF and RF. The heavier positions listed in your graph are those who aren’t typically asked to bunt, or squeeze the pitcher or steal bases. They’re typically your big hitters (save for the pitchers).
Now, is this because that’s how baseball coaches and managers and trainers have thought all these years and so made it so, or is it the other way around?
From my experience if a guy can hit, you find a spot for him. Or conversely, he’s got a strong arm but is slow and/or can’t hit, he’s a pitcher.