Tallest Baseball Players (& Their Cards)

National Tall People Day on June 22 (the longest day of the year—get it?) is the perfect time to highlight some of the tallest baseball players to ever step onto the diamond. In this article, we’re celebrating these giants of the game, from Hall of Famer Randy Johnson to the two tallest players in MLB history (can you name them?). While this list is far from exhaustive, it’s a fun dive into the world of towering athletes and the baseball cards that capture their larger-than-life presence on and off the field. Get ready to explore some of the most fascinating and imposing players in the history of MLB!

6 ft 11 in: Sean Hjelle, pitcher (2022-present)

While he showed a natural talent for baseball early on, Sean Hjelle’s height—topping out at 6 feet 11 inches by his late teens—was an early standout feature that helped shape his identity as an athlete. Despite his size, Hjelle was known for his agility and ability to move on the mound. That helped him stand out even as a high school player.

Drafted by the Giants in the second round of the 2018 MLB Draft out of the University of Kentucky, Hjelle quickly gained attention not only for his height but also for his ability to command the strike zone with a solid mix of pitches. Despite his towering frame, Hjelle relies more on finesse than overpowering velocity. His fastball typically sits in the 92-94 mph range, occasionally reaching 96, but it plays up thanks to his precise command and the steep downhill plane created by his 6-foot-11 frame. He also features a sinking change-up.

Sean Hjelle has pitched in the majors since 2022 as a reliever, with an impressive 1.21 WHIP in 81 games (through 2024). Hjelle has been seen as a project with significant upside, thanks to his control and ability to pitch efficiently. As of now, he remains a key part of the Giants’ pitching future, continuing to develop and refine his skills at the major league level. With time, he could evolve into a reliable middle-of-the-rotation starter for the team.

6 ft 11 in: Jon Rauch, pitcher (2002-2013)

Jon Rauch and Sean Hjelle are tied as the tallest baseball players in MLB history. Born in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1978, Rauch was originally drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the third round of the 1999 MLB Draft out of Morehead State University. Height made him an imposing presence on the mound, but he wasn’t just a novelty—he had a strong fastball that sat in the mid-90s and an effective slider that helped him carve out a solid career as a reliever. He made his MLB debut in 2002 with the White Sox, but it wasn’t until he transitioned to a bullpen role with the Washington Nationals that he found his true niche.

Rauch spent 11 seasons in the majors, playing for several teams, including the Nationals, Diamondbacks, Twins, Blue Jays, and Mets. His best stretch came in Washington, where he served as a reliable late-inning arm, even leading the team in saves in 2008 before being traded midseason. Beyond his pitching ability, Rauch was known for his intimidating presence, fully covered tattoos, and no-nonsense demeanor on the mound. He wrapped up his MLB career in 2013 with 62 saves and a 3.90 ERA across 556 appearances, proving that while his height was a talking point, his longevity and effectiveness were what truly defined him as a pitcher.

6 ft 10 in: Randy Johnson, pitcher (1988-2009)

No list of the tallest baseball players is complete without Randy Johnson. Known as “The Big Unit,” he was one of the most dominant pitchers in Major League Baseball history. He also happens to be very tall. The left-hander used his height, long limbs, and blistering fastball to intimidate hitters for more than two decades. Drafted by the Montreal Expos in the second round of the 1985 MLB Draft, he struggled with control early in his career. He transformed into an elite pitcher after being traded to the Seattle Mariners in 1989. He refined his mechanics, eventually pairing his 100 mph fastball with a devastating slider to become virtually unhittable.

Johnson’s career peaked in the late 1990s and early 2000s, particularly during his time with the Arizona Diamondbacks. He won five Cy Young Awards—four consecutively from 1999 to 2002. Johnson cemented his legacy in 2001 when he led the Diamondbacks to a World Series championship, sharing MVP honors with Curt Schilling. Over his 22-year career, he amassed 4,875 strikeouts (second only to Nolan Ryan) and threw a perfect game in 2004. He retired in 2009 as a first-ballot Hall of Famer with a legacy as one of baseball’s most feared pitchers. In retirement, Johnson is a devoted photographer and is oft-seen at concerts and sporting events.

6 ft 10 in: Chris Young, pitcher (2004-2017)

Chris Young enjoyed a successful 13-year Major League Baseball career before transitioning into a front-office role. Born in Dallas, Texas, in 1979, Young was a two-sport athlete at Princeton University, excelling in both baseball and basketball. Drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2000, he later made his MLB debut with the Texas Rangers in 2004. Young relied on his height to create a deceptive downhill angle, mixing a high fastball with a sharp slider to keep hitters off balance. His best seasons came with the San Diego Padres, where he was an All-Star in 2007.

Injuries hampered Young later in his career, but he reinvented himself with the Kansas City Royals in 2015, playing a key role in their World Series championship run. After retiring in 2017, Young moved into baseball operations, eventually becoming the general manager of the Texas Rangers in 2020. Under his leadership, the Rangers won their first-ever World Series title in 2023. This solidified Young’s reputation as a brilliant baseball mind. From an effective big-league pitcher to a championship-winning executive, Young’s impact on the game has been significant.

6 ft 8 in: Gene Conley, pitcher (1952-1963)

Gene Conley was a rare two-sport athlete who found success in both Major League Baseball and the NBA. Born in 1930 in Muskogee, Oklahoma, Conley was a towering right-handed pitcher. He played 11 seasons in the majors from 1952 to 1963. He made his MLB debut with the Boston Braves in 1952 and later became an All-Star in 1954. Known for his strong fastball, he played a key role for the Milwaukee Braves, Philadelphia Phillies, and Boston Red Sox. Conley won a World Series with the Braves in 1957, serving as a dependable arm for the team’s pitching staff.

What set Conley apart was his ability to thrive in two professional sports. While pitching in MLB, he also played as a forward in the NBA, winning three championships with the Boston Celtics from 1959 to 1961. He remains the only athlete in history to win titles in both Major League Baseball and the NBA. After retiring from sports, Conley transitioned to business and enjoyed a long life before passing away in 2017. His unique two-sport legacy remains one of the most remarkable stories in professional athletics.

6 ft 8 in: Tony Clark, first baseman (1995-2009)

Tony Clark is a former Major League Baseball player and current executive. He is best known for his leadership both on and off the field. Born on June 15, 1972, in New York, Clark was a highly touted first baseman. He played 15 seasons in the MLB, debuting with the Detroit Tigers in 1995. He went on to play for several teams, including the Boston Red Sox, Arizona Diamondbacks, New York Mets, and San Diego Padres. Known for his powerful bat, Clark hit over 300 home runs in his career. He was a consistent presence in the middle of the lineup, providing power and stability for each of his teams.

After retiring as a player in 2009, Clark transitioned into a leadership role. He became the executive director of the MLB Players Association (MLBPA) in 2014. In this capacity, he has played an influential role in advocating for players’ rights and shaping the landscape of the sport. His transition from player to powerful advocate showcases his commitment to the game, and he has continued to be an influential voice in matters related to collective bargaining, player welfare, and the business side of baseball. As an advocate for fairness and the rights of players, Tony Clark’s impact on the sport extends well beyond his playing days.

6 ft 7 in: Aaron Judge, outfielder (2016-present)

You may notice that height is an asset on the mound, but less so on the field. Aaron Judge is an exception. He is one of the most dominant power hitters of his generation and a cornerstone of the New York Yankees. Born in 1992 in Linden, California, Judge was a multi-sport athlete before focusing on baseball at Fresno State. The Yankees drafted him in the first round of the 2013 MLB Draft. After overcoming an early injury in the minors, he made his highly anticipated debut in 2016. The following year, he took the league by storm, hitting 52 home runs—an MLB rookie record at the time—and winning the American League Rookie of the Year award.

At 6 feet 7 inches and 282 pounds, Judge’s towering frame gives him immense power. However, he is also a well-rounded player with strong defense and surprising athleticism. He won the 2022 AL MVP after smashing 62 home runs, breaking Roger Maris’s long-standing single-season AL record. A leader on and off the field, Judge became Yankees captain in 2023. Incredibly, at only the age of 32, he already has the 13th highest bWAR of all-time for the Yankees. With his combination of size, skill, and leadership, he has cemented himself as one of the faces of baseball.