Harold Gould (baseball) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Harold Gould |
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| Pitcher | |||
| Born: September 29, 1924 Gouldtown, Fairfield, New Jersey |
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| Died: November 9, 2012 (aged 88) Gouldtown, Fairfield, New Jersey |
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| debut | |||
| 1947, for the Philadelphia Stars | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| 1949, for the Farnham Pirates | |||
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Harold Lorenzo Gould, Sr. (September 29, 1924 – November 9, 2012) was a talented baseball pitcher. He played for the Philadelphia Stars in the Negro leagues from 1947 to 1948. Harold Gould was a right-handed pitcher who won 19 games in just two seasons. This included an amazing 14 victories in his first year.
He also played for the Farnham Pirates in the Quebec Provincial League in 1949. His baseball career ended when he was called to serve in the military. He was sent to Korea before the 1950 baseball season began.
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Harold Gould's Baseball Journey
Harold Gould started his professional baseball career in 1947. He joined the Philadelphia Stars, a team in the Negro leagues. These leagues were important because, at the time, African American players were not allowed in Major League Baseball due to segregation.
Gould quickly became a star pitcher. In his first year, he won 14 games, showing great skill on the mound. He continued to play for the Stars in 1948. After his time in the Negro leagues, he played for the Farnham Pirates in Canada. This was part of the Quebec Provincial League in 1949. His promising baseball career was cut short when he was drafted for military service. He served in Korea, which meant he could no longer play professionally.
Life After Baseball
After his baseball career, Harold Gould became a skilled welder. He started by working on ships in places like Camden and New York City. In 1964, he opened his own business in New Jersey. It was called Harold's Welding Service. This showed his ability to succeed in different fields.
Honored for His Contributions
Harold Gould received many honors for his achievements. In 1994, he was chosen for the New Jersey Hall of Fame. Later, in 2001, he was inducted into the South Jersey Hall of Fame. He was also recognized as one of Cumberland County's "People of the Century" in 1999. In 2009, he was added to the county's Black Hall of Fame.
A special moment happened in 2008. Major League Baseball held a unique draft for surviving Negro league players. This was done to acknowledge the players who were unfairly excluded from the major leagues because of their race. Harold Gould was selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in this historic event.
Keeping the Legacy Alive
Even in retirement, Harold Gould worked hard to share the history of the Philadelphia Stars and the Negro leagues. He took part in events at Citizens Bank Park, the home stadium of the Phillies. He also attended the yearly Jackie Robinson Day celebration. This event took place at the former home field of the Stars, located at 44th and Parkside Avenue. His efforts helped teach new generations about this important part of baseball history.
