Harry Chappas
Encyclopedia
Harry Perry Chappas was a shortstop
with the Chicago White Sox
from 1978 until 1980. Though he appeared in only 72 career games, he became a cult hero on the South Side due primarily to his stature. Chappas was measured by Harry Caray
and publicly declared to be 5'3", an inch or two shorter than established star Freddie Patek
. He was one of the shortest players in Major League history, although Chappas stated in an interview in Sports Illustrated
that he was closer to 5'5", and implied that team owner Bill Veeck
exaggerated his short stature for publicity reasons.
Chappas signed with the White Sox in 1976 as a 6th round draft pick. He impressed Veeck with good performances for the Appleton Foxes
in 1978, a team which was named one of the top 100 minor league teams in 2001. This earned him a September callup, where he hit an effective .267 in 20 games.
Primarily due to his height, he gained more and more national interest, highlighted by an appearance on the cover of Sports Illustrated
during spring training
in 1979. In spring training that year, he unseated veteran Don Kessinger
and became the opening day shortstop. He lost his job after 2 weeks after missing a sign as a baserunner, only returning in September. He made the opening day roster the following year as well, but only as a reserve player, and he was subsequently sent to the minors after hitting .160 in 50 at bats.
Overall, Chappas hit .245 in the majors and hit a single home run, off the Brewers' Bill Travers, in 1979.
Shortstop
Shortstop, abbreviated SS, is the baseball fielding position between second and third base. Shortstop is often regarded as the most dynamic defensive position in baseball, because there are more right-handed hitters in baseball than left-handed hitters, and most hitters have a tendency to pull the...
with the Chicago White Sox
Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans...
from 1978 until 1980. Though he appeared in only 72 career games, he became a cult hero on the South Side due primarily to his stature. Chappas was measured by Harry Caray
Harry Caray
Harry Caray, born Harry Christopher Carabina, was an American baseball broadcaster on radio and television. He covered four Major League Baseball teams, beginning with a long tenure calling the games of the St...
and publicly declared to be 5'3", an inch or two shorter than established star Freddie Patek
Freddie Patek
Frederick Joseph Patek is a former Major League Baseball shortstop. At 5'5" tall , he was the shortest player of his time.-Pittsburgh Pirates:...
. He was one of the shortest players in Major League history, although Chappas stated in an interview in Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated is an American sports media company owned by media conglomerate Time Warner. Its self titled magazine has over 3.5 million subscribers and is read by 23 million adults each week, including over 18 million men. It was the first magazine with circulation over one million to win the...
that he was closer to 5'5", and implied that team owner Bill Veeck
Bill Veeck
William Louis Veeck, Jr. , also known as "Sport Shirt Bill", was a native of Chicago, Illinois, and a franchise owner and promoter in Major League Baseball. He was best known for his publicity stunts to raise attendance. Veeck was at various times the owner of the Cleveland Indians, St. Louis...
exaggerated his short stature for publicity reasons.
Chappas signed with the White Sox in 1976 as a 6th round draft pick. He impressed Veeck with good performances for the Appleton Foxes
Wisconsin Timber Rattlers
The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers are a minor league baseball team of the Midwest League, and the Class A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. They are located in Grand Chute, Wisconsin, and are named for timber rattlesnakes. The team plays its home games at Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium...
in 1978, a team which was named one of the top 100 minor league teams in 2001. This earned him a September callup, where he hit an effective .267 in 20 games.
Primarily due to his height, he gained more and more national interest, highlighted by an appearance on the cover of Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated is an American sports media company owned by media conglomerate Time Warner. Its self titled magazine has over 3.5 million subscribers and is read by 23 million adults each week, including over 18 million men. It was the first magazine with circulation over one million to win the...
during spring training
Spring training
In Major League Baseball, spring training is a series of practices and exhibition games preceding the start of the regular season. Spring training allows new players to try out for roster and position spots, and gives existing team players practice time prior to competitive play...
in 1979. In spring training that year, he unseated veteran Don Kessinger
Don Kessinger
Donald Eulon Kessinger is a former American professional baseball player and manager. He played in Major League Baseball as a shortstop from to for the Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago White Sox...
and became the opening day shortstop. He lost his job after 2 weeks after missing a sign as a baserunner, only returning in September. He made the opening day roster the following year as well, but only as a reserve player, and he was subsequently sent to the minors after hitting .160 in 50 at bats.
Overall, Chappas hit .245 in the majors and hit a single home run, off the Brewers' Bill Travers, in 1979.