Ernie Oravetz

Ernest Eugene Oravetz

• Bats Both, Throws Left
• Height 5' 4", Weight 145 lb.
• High School Johnstown High School
• Debut April 11, 1955
• Final Game September 30, 1956
• Born January 24, 1932 in Johnstown, PA USA
• Died December 3, 2006 in Tampa, FL USA

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Biographical Information

The epitome of The Impossible Dream, little Ernie Oravetz, generously listed at 5' 4" and 145 pounds, became baseball's smallest player in 1955 when he joined the talent-starved Washington Senators. Perhaps more amazing than his diminutive stature was the fact that he hadn't even played pro ball for two years, having served in the military in 1953 and 1954. He survived two years with the Senators before ordinary skills and lack of power ended this true-life Cinderella-baseball story.

An excellent minor league player, he compiled a .311 career batting average - retiring in 1963.

After his baseball career ended, Oravetz worked for the U.S. Postal service for 30 years. He died in 2006 at age 74.