George Spencer (baseball) facts for kids

George Elwell Spencer (July 7, 1926 – September 10, 2014) was an American baseball player. He was a talented pitcher in Major League Baseball, which is the highest level of professional baseball. George was a right-handed pitcher. He mostly played as a relief pitcher, coming into games after the starting pitcher. He played for the New York Giants and the Detroit Tigers. Spencer was 6 feet tall and weighed 200 pounds.

George Spencer's Baseball Journey

George Spencer was born in Ohio. Before becoming a professional baseball player, he was a great athlete. He went to Bexley High School. Then, he attended Ohio State University. At Ohio State, he played football as a quarterback for the university team.

A Key Player in 1951

George Spencer was a very important part of the 1951 New York Giants team. He was a strong pitcher for them. That year, he led the team in saves. A save happens when a relief pitcher finishes a close game without letting the other team score too much.

He won 10 games and lost only 4 that season. One of his big wins was in August against the Brooklyn Dodgers. The Dodgers were leading the league at the time.

The "Shot Heard 'Round the World"

The 1951 season was famous for a huge comeback. The Giants were far behind the Dodgers in August. But they played really well and caught up! They tied the Dodgers on the very last day of the season.

Then, they played a special three-game series to decide who would win the National League pennant. In the final game, Bobby Thomson hit a famous home run. This home run won the game and the pennant for the Giants! George Spencer was a key part of that exciting team.

After his time with the Giants, George Spencer also played for the Detroit Tigers. He had a career that showed his skill and determination in baseball.