MLB players really don't HAVE to be in particularly good shape.
The Babe was in terrible shape his whole life, but he *really* lived.
He died at 53.
But, boy he enjoyed every minute.
Babe Ruth is one of my heroes. Short life but a full life.
95% of MLB players today are in great shape that most will never attain themselves.
The nature of the sport does allow exceptions. Wilbur Wood was a fatty but was a good athlete that could throw a knuckleball and pitched 376 innings in 1972. Yup, 376 innings with a 2.51 ERA. His WAR actually lists 1971 as a better year, where he only pitched 331 innings but had a 1.91 ERA.
Freegards