In baseball history, there have been some truly unusual instances of players taking on roles outside their usual positions. These moments often arise due to injuries, strategic decisions, or simply unexpected circumstances. For example, there have been pitchers playing outfield, catchers taking the mound, and infielders covering the outfield–to name a few of the weird changes. These rare occurrences highlight the versatility and adaptability required of professional baseball players.
In this post, I’ll explore the ten wackiest instances of major leaguers playing out of position. Our blog already features a related article on Hall of Famers taking on unusual roles [READ: 23 MLB Hall of Famers Playing in Unusual Positions]. This new piece focuses on players who aren’t in the Hall of Fame. Get ready for some surprising and entertaining moments from the history of the game.
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1. José Canseco/Pitching
This, to me, is one of the quirkiest moments in baseball history. I mean, José Canseco was one of baseball’s most well-built players, hitting a number of home runs throughout his career. Seeing him pitch is a delight for fans who enjoy weird moments in sports. On May 29, 1993, Canseco made his infamous trip to the mound for the Texas Rangers, fulfilling his lifelong dream of pitching in the Major Leagues. Unfortunately, his performance went up in smoke at Fenway Park as the Rangers lost 15-1 to the Red Sox. Canseco pitched one inning, giving up two hits, three earned runs, and walking three batters, resulting in an ERA of 27.00. To top it off, he injured his arm and had to undergo Tommy John surgery, which ended his season.
2. Dale Murphy/Catcher
Dale Murphy, renowned as a stellar outfielder and hitter, initially played as a catcher and first baseman when he joined the Braves in 1976. He had notable performances behind the plate, including his Major League debut on October 2, 1976, when Phil Niekro nearly threw a no-hitter. But his last game as a catcher was on May 21, 1979, before a knee injury sidelined him for two months. The Braves officially transitioned Murphy to the outfield for the 1980 season, a change that sparked his rise to stardom. His move to left field, followed by stints in right and center, marked the beginning of a distinguished outfield career that included seven All-Star selections and two MVP awards.
3. Bryan Mitchell/First Base
This is one of the more recent oddball position switches, Yankees pitcher Bryan Mitchell found himself playing first base during an extra-inning loss to the Baltimore Orioles. With the Yankees short on pitchers, Mitchell threw a scoreless ninth inning and then was asked to cover first base for the first time since high school. As you might imagine, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. He let a foul popup fall for an error before catching another, but the real adventure began when he returned to the mound in the 11th and gave up run-scoring singles to Mark Trumbo and Welington Castillo. This quirky and unconventional move by manager Joe Girardi, born out of necessity, makes for a humorous story. I can’t help but chuckle at the thought of Mitchell sprinting after every popup, channeling his inner infielder, much to the bewilderment of his teammates.
4. Steve Garvey/Second Base
Can you imagine Steve Garvey at any other position besides third base? I can’t, which is why I included this in the post. Garvey played at second base for the first and only time in his career in 1970, while with the Dodgers.
5. Don Mattingly/Third Base
Yankee fans, especially those familiar with the team’s struggles during the eighties, are well aware of this most unusual position switch. In a game in the 1986, Don Mattingly was positioned at third base for several innings. It’s weird for two reasons: Mattingly is playing outside of his usual position of first base, and he’s a left-hander. It’s not often that you get to see a left-handed third baseman. Here is a video of Yankees legendary broadcaster Phil Rizzuto calling the play-by-play on a double play initiated by Mattingly at third base.
6. Willie McGee/Shortstop
Someone described Willie McGee’s batting stance as that of someone who was in pain. Actually, even on his way to the batter’s box, he often looked like he was in pain. Kirk Gibson x 2. McGee was one of my favorite players from eighties baseball, and I always enjoyed watching him play, except when he played against the Mets. I can still vividly recall how, in 1985, the year he led the National League in hits and triples, he would often drive in Vince Coleman for the team’s first run against the Mets after the latter had stolen a base (or even two) following a walk. The Mets lost the East pennant to the Cardinals that year, partly because of McGee’s and Coleman’s offensive contributions to the game. I once worked with someone who had a photo of him with the famous ballplayer, and he described him as the cool dude. Even in the photo, he looked a bit injured, though had a profuse smile. Willie played at shortstop for a number of games. What makes it funny is I can’t imagine him fielding a quick grounder, as is usual position was outfielder; Ozzie Smith was the only shortstop I knew of on the team at that time.
7. Bernie Williams/Left Field
We all know that Bernie Williams was a competent and capable center fielder. Can you imagine him at left field? It’s only one position away, but still … On a number of occasions. Luckily, he remained that center field for most of his career. One of the greatest Yankees to have ever played the game.
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8. Graig Nettles/Center Field
Craig Nettles played at center field twice in his career. Both of these occasions were while he was a member of the Minnesota Twins, and occurred in the 1968 and 1969 seasons. I’m trying to locate specific information about these particular games to provide more detail, but, needless to say, this is one wacky position switch.
9. Keith Hernandez/Right Field
In the beginning of his career, Keith Hernandez played a number of games at left field before he switched to first base. Again, I can’t imagine Keith Hernandez playing at any other position beside first base. Thankfully, the team made the switch, and Hernandez is one of baseball’s all time players at the position, winning 9 Gold Glove Awards in his 14-year career, as well as being a reliable hitter in clutch situations.
10. Ken Brett/Designated Hitting
Ken Brett, brother of Hall of Famer George Brett, was known for his hitting ability. While not a regular DH, he was sometimes used in pinch-hitting situations and batted in games where the DH was available. He also started the first Major League baseball games in Toronto Blue Jays history, a snowy affair that I mentioned in my article, Eight of the Best Snow Games in Major League Baseball History.
Final Note:
Many of these players have great stats, yet are not in the Hall of Fame. I personally hope that Major League Baseball will consider them someday. I know that there is a rule that states that if a player doesn’t get a certain amount of votes, then he’s permanently barred from consideration unless voted in by the Veterans Committee.
I won’t comment on the more polemical aspects of this other than to say that players such as Pete Rose did a lot for me to make me interested in the game. I respect Major League baseball’s decisions with regard to whom they wish or will allow in the Hall of Fame. But the bottom line is, the amazing achievements of these players cannot be ignored [I’m amazed whenever I look at Pete Rose’s stats and how much of the page is filled with dark and italicized numbers indicating he was the leader in many records]. Let’s remember their crazy moments on the field—because a bit of baseball silliness makes everything more enjoyable!
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