NOW YOU KNOW

Freddy Adu, 14, will be the youngest player for a major U.S. professional team in more than 100 years when he debuts with D.C. United of MLS next season. Youngest players in major U.S. sports leagues:

*--* League Player (Born) Notable MLB Fred Chapman (Nov. 24, 1872) Debuted for Philadelphia of the American Assn. as a 14-year-old pitcher on July 22, 1887. NBA Jermaine O’Neal (Oct. 13, 1978) Debuted for the Portland Trail Blazers as an 18-year-old on Dec. 5, 1996. NHL Armand “Bep” Guidolin (Dec. 9, 1925) Debuted for the Boston Bruins as a 16-year-old on Oct. 31, 1942. NFL The youngest player in NFL history is unknown because of the many players from the 1920s whose birthdates are unavailable. MLS Santino Quaranta (Oct. 14, 1984) Debuted for D.C. United as a 16-year-old on May 9, 2001.

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