Oscar Gamble facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Oscar Gamble |
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Gamble in 1981
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| Outfielder / Designated hitter | |||
| Born: December 20, 1949 Ramer, Alabama, U.S. |
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| Died: January 31, 2018 (aged 68) Birmingham, Alabama, U.S. |
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| debut | |||
| August 27, 1969, for the Chicago Cubs | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| August 8, 1985, for the Chicago White Sox | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Batting average | .265 | ||
| Home runs | 200 | ||
| Runs batted in | 666 | ||
| Teams | |||
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Oscar Charles Gamble (born December 20, 1949 – died January 31, 2018) was a famous American professional baseball player. He played as an outfielder and designated hitter in Major League Baseball (MLB) for 17 seasons. From 1969 to 1985, he played for seven different teams. These teams included the Chicago White Sox, New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies, Cleveland Indians, San Diego Padres, and Texas Rangers.
Oscar Gamble was also known for a funny and famous quote about the New York Yankees. He once said, "They don't think it be like it is, but it do." This quote is still remembered as one of baseball's "immortal lines."
Contents
Oscar Gamble's Baseball Journey
Early Life and Discovery
Oscar Gamble was born in Ramer, Alabama. His father, Sam Gamble, was a farmer, and his mother, Mamie Scott, was a homemaker. Oscar went to George Washington Carver High School (Montgomery, Alabama).
He was discovered playing baseball in a semi-professional league. A famous Negro league baseball player named Buck O'Neil saw him play. O'Neil was working as a scout for the Chicago Cubs at the time. He convinced the Cubs to choose Gamble in the sixteenth round of the draft.
Starting His Professional Career
Oscar Gamble began his professional baseball career in 1968. He played for the Caldwell Cubs in the Pioneer League. In 1969, he played for the San Antonio Missions in the Texas League. Later that year, he was called up to play for the Chicago Cubs in Major League Baseball.
In 1972, he was traded from the Philadelphia Phillies to the Cleveland Indians.
Peak Performance and Nicknames
Yankees announcer Phil Rizzuto gave Oscar Gamble the nickname "the Big O." Even though he sometimes had limited playing time, he was a great player. He hit 200 home runs in his career. This earned him another nickname, "Ratio Man."
His best year was in 1977 with the Chicago White Sox. That season, he hit 31 home runs and had 83 RBI. He hit a home run every 13.2 times he batted, which was the best in the league. In 1979, he returned to the American League and had his best batting average of .358. He also hit 19 home runs that year with the Yankees and Rangers.
Oscar Gamble was also known for his very large Afro hairdo. He made the last hit and RBI at Philadelphia's Connie Mack Stadium on October 1, 1970. His hit in the 10th inning helped the Phillies win the final game at that stadium.
Playing for the Yankees
In 1976, Oscar Gamble helped the New York Yankees become a strong team again. They won their first American League pennant in 12 years. Gamble hit 17 home runs and had 57 RBI that season. His powerful left-handed swing was perfect for the short right field fence at Yankee Stadium.
He returned to the Yankees in 1979 and played a smaller role on the team. He helped the Yankees win the American League East division title in 1980. He also helped them reach the World Series in 1981.
Unique Batting Style
Oscar Gamble had one of the most unusual batting stances in baseball. He would stand at the plate in a very deep crouch. His back was almost parallel to the ground. Gamble said this stance helped him see the ball better. His eyes were right above the plate, close to where the pitcher threw the ball.
He was also known for having more career walks (610) than strikeouts (546). While he wasn't known as a great fielder, he had a strong arm. He played many games as a designated hitter.
Life After Baseball
Family and Community Work
After he stopped playing baseball, Oscar Gamble moved back to Montgomery, Alabama. For several years, he worked as a player agent. He was also very involved in youth baseball. He often returned to New York to give free baseball clinics for young players.
Oscar Gamble was married twice. His first wife was Juanita. Later, he married Lovell Woods Gamble. He had two sons, Sean and Shane, who both played baseball. He also had three daughters: Sheena Maureen, Kalani Lee, and Kylah Lee.
Oscar Gamble's Players Club
Oscar Gamble also opened a discotheque in Montgomery called "Oscar Gamble's Players Club." Baseball writer Dan Epstein described it as a "hip" place.
Death
Oscar Gamble passed away on January 31, 2018. He was 68 years old. He died from a type of jaw cancer called ameloblastic carcinoma.
Images for kids
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Gamble in 1981
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Gamble in 1978
