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Encyclopedia > Lefty Gomez
Lefty Gomez
Lefty Gomez
Starting Pitcher
Born: November 26, 1908
Died: February 17, 1989 (aged 80)
Batted: Left Threw: Left
MLB debut
April 29, 1930
for the New York Yankees
Final game
May 23, 1943
for the Washington Senators
Career statistics
Win-Loss     189-102
ERA     3.34
Strikeouts     1468
Teams
Career highlights and awards
  • All-star from 1933-1939
  • 1934 and 1937 AL Pitching Triple Crown
  • Led AL in ERA in 1934 and 1937 with 2.33
  • Led AL in wins in 1934 with 26 and 1937 with 21
  • Led AL in strikeouts in 1933, 1934, and 1937
  • Led AL in innings pitched in 1934 with 281.7
  • Led AL in complete games in 1934 with 25
  • Led AL in shutouts in 1934, 1937, and 1938
Member of the National
Baseball Hall of Fame
Elected     1972
Election Method     Veteran's Committee

Vernon Louis Gomez (November 26, 1908February 17, 1989) American baseball player of Hispanic descent, left-handed, major league pitcher who played in the American League for the New York Yankees between 1930 and 1942. He was born in Rodeo, California. File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... In baseball or softball, a starting pitcher, often abbreviated as starter, is the pitcher who pitches the first pitch to the first batter of a game. ... is the 330th day of the year (331st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1908 (MCMVIII) was a leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display the full calendar). ... is the 48th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1989 (MCMLXXXIX) was a common year starting on Sunday (link displays 1989 Gregorian calendar). ... is the 119th day of the year (120th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1930 (MCMXXX) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link will display 1930 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Major league affiliations American League (1901–present) East Division (1969–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 23, 32, 37, 44, 49 Name New York Yankees (1913–present) New York Highlanders (1903-1912) Baltimore Orioles (1901-1902) (Also referred to as... is the 143rd day of the year (144th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1943 (MCMXLIII) was a common year starting on Friday (the link will display full 1943 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Major league affiliations American League (1901–present) Central Division (1994–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 3, 6, 14, 29, 34, 42 Name Minnesota Twins (1961–present) Washington Nationals/Senators (1901-1960) Other nicknames The Twinkies Ballpark Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome 1982-present Metropolitan Stadium (1961-1981) Griffith Stadium (1903-1960... In Major League Baseball, a win (denoted W) is generally credited to the pitcher for the winning team who was in the game when they last took the lead. ... In baseball statistics, earned run average (ERA) is the mean of earned runs given up by a pitcher per nine innings pitched. ... Cincinnati Reds outfielder Adam Dunn strikes out swinging to Atlanta Braves pitcher John Smoltz (not pictured). ... Major league affiliations American League (1901–present) East Division (1969–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 23, 32, 37, 44, 49 Name New York Yankees (1913–present) New York Highlanders (1903-1912) Baltimore Orioles (1901-1902) (Also referred to as... The following are the baseball events of the year 1930 throughout the world. ... The following are the baseball events of the year 1942 throughout the world. ... Major league affiliations American League (1901–present) Central Division (1994–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 3, 6, 14, 29, 34, 42 Name Minnesota Twins (1961–present) Washington Nationals/Senators (1901-1960) Other nicknames The Twinkies Ballpark Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome 1982-present Metropolitan Stadium (1961-1981) Griffith Stadium (1903-1960... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... In baseball, the Triple Crown refers to: A batter who (at seasons end) leads the league in three major categories -- home runs, runs batted in, and batting average. ... The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, located at 25 Main Street in Cooperstown, New York, is a semi-official museum operated by private interests serving as the central point for the study of the history of baseball in the United States and beyond, the display of baseball-related... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, located at 25 Main Street in Cooperstown, New York, is a semi-official museum operated by private interests serving as the central point for the study of the history of baseball in the United States and beyond, the display of baseball-related... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... The following are the events of the year 1972 that happened world-wide throughout the sport of baseball. ... is the 330th day of the year (331st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1908 (MCMVIII) was a leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display the full calendar). ... is the 48th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1989 (MCMLXXXIX) was a common year starting on Sunday (link displays 1989 Gregorian calendar). ... Major League Baseball (MLB) is the highest level of play in professional baseball in North America. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... American League The American League (or formally the American League of Professional Baseball Clubs) is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States of America and Canada. ... Major league affiliations American League (1901–present) East Division (1969–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 23, 32, 37, 44, 49 Name New York Yankees (1913–present) New York Highlanders (1903-1912) Baltimore Orioles (1901-1902) (Also referred to as... Year 1930 (MCMXXX) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link will display 1930 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1942 (MCMXLII) was a common year starting on Thursday (the link will display the full 1942 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Rodeo (pronounced row DAY oh) is a census-designated place located in Contra Costa County, California. ...


In his career, almost entirely spent with the Yankees, he had a 189-102 record with 1468 strikeouts and a 3.34 ERA in 2503 innings pitched. His contract was sold to the Boston Braves in 1943. Released by the Braves that year without appearing in a game, Gomez signed with the Washington Senators, but pitched only one game before being released to end his career. Also known for his great wit, Gomez was known for saying, "I'd rather be lucky than good." In baseball, a pitcher is credited with a win (or W) when, in a game won by his team, he is the teams pitcher at the time that his team takes a lead that it does not relinquish for the remainder of the game. ... Cincinnati Reds outfielder Adam Dunn strikes out swinging to Atlanta Braves pitcher John Smoltz (not pictured). ... In baseball statistics, earned run average (ERA) is the mean of earned runs given up by a pitcher per nine innings pitched. ... In baseball, innings pitched (IP) are the number of innings a pitcher has completed, measured by the number of batters and baserunners that are put out while the pitcher is in the game. ... Major league affiliations National League (1876–present) East Division (1994–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 3, 21, 35, 41, 42, 44 Name Atlanta Braves (1966–present) Milwaukee Braves (1953-1965) Boston Braves (1941-1952) Boston Bees (1936-1940) Boston Braves (1912-1935) Boston Rustlers (1911) Boston Doves (1907-1910) Boston... Major league affiliations American League (1901–present) Central Division (1994–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 3, 6, 14, 29, 34, 42 Name Minnesota Twins (1961–present) Washington Nationals/Senators (1901-1960) Other nicknames The Twinkies Ballpark Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome 1982-present Metropolitan Stadium (1961-1981) Griffith Stadium (1903-1960...

Contents

Baseball career

A 20-game winner four times and an All-Star every year from 1933 to 1939, Gomez led the league twice each in wins, winning percentage and ERA, and three times each in shutouts and strikeouts. In both 1934 and 1937, he won pitching's "Triple Crown" by leading the league in wins, ERA and strikeouts; he also led the AL both seasons in shutouts. His .649 career winning percentage ranks 15th in major league history among pitchers with 200 or more decisions; and among pitchers who made their ML debut from 1900-1950, only Lefty Grove, Christy Mathewson and Whitey Ford have both more victories and a higher winning percentage than Gomez. The Major League Baseball All-Star Game, also popularly known as the Midsummer Classic, is an annual baseball game between players from the National League and the American League, currently selected by fan vote for the starting position players and by the respective managers (from the previous years World... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Robert Moses Lefty Grove (March 6, 1900 - May 22, 1975) was one of the greatest pitchers in Major League Baseball history. ... Christopher Christy Mathewson (August 12, 1880 - October 7, 1925), nicknamed Big Six, The Christian Gentleman, or Matty, was a right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball. ... Edward Charles Whitey Ford (born October 21, 1928) is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. ...


Gomez set a pair of World Series records: winning six games without a loss (1932-1, 1936-2, 1937-2, 1938-1); and most walks received by a batter in the same inning (6th, on October 6, 1937). For other events named World Series, see World Series (disambiguation). ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Intentional base on balls. ... is the 279th day of the year (280th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1937 (MCMXXXVII) was a common year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...


In the historic first major league All-Star Game (July 6, 1933), Gomez not only was the winning pitcher for the American League, but also drove in the first run of the game. This was out of character for him, as he was, even by the standards of pitchers, notorious for poor hitting. "I never broke a bat until I was 73 years old," he said. "And that was from backing the car out of the garage." is the 187th day of the year (188th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... See also: 1932 in sports, 1934 in sports and the list of years in sports. Baseball New York Giants defeat Washington Senators in the World Series, 4-1. ... In baseball statistics, a run batted in (RBI) is given to a batter for each run scored as the result of a batters plate appearance. ...


In one game, he came up to bat when it was slightly foggy. Bob Feller was on the mound and Gomez struck a match before stepping into the batter's box. "What's the big idea?" growled the umpire. "Do you think that match will help you see Feller's fast one?" "No, I'm not concerned about that," Lefty said. "I just want to make sure he can see me!" Robert William Andrew Bob Feller (born November 3, 1918 in Van Meter, Iowa), nicknamed the Heater from Van Meter and Rapid Robert, is an American former Major League Baseball pitcher and Hall of Famer. ...


Another example of Gomez' quick wit came with a group of reporters. Noted for his accurate and frequent brushback pitches (also known as "throwing" at the hitter), one of the reporters asked Gomez- "Is it true that you'd throw at your own mother." Gomez replied- "you're damn right I would, she's a good hitter." In baseball, a brushback pitch is one thrown in such a way that the batter must move back to avoid it. ...


In another game, in 1937, he tried the patience of Tony Lazzeri, who had been lauded recently in the newspapers as a heads-up player, as well as that of his manager Joe McCarthy. Lefty was on the mound when a batter hit a grounder back to him; instead of throwing to Frank Crosetti at shortstop, to start a double play, he threw to second-baseman Lazzeri, who caught the ball in self defense. "why the hell did you throw the ball to me?" Tony asked. "Tony," Gomez answered, "All I've been hearing is what a smart player you are. I just wanted to see what you would do with the ball if you got it when you didn't expect it." Joe McCarthy stomped to the mound, fuming mad. "What's the big idea of throwing to Lazzeri?" he demanded. With a straight face, Lefty said, "I forgot which Italian to throw to. With Crosetti at short and Lazzeri at second, I couldn't think of which Italian to throw to." McCarthy angrily pointed to center field and said, "It's lucky you didn't see Joe DiMaggio!" The following are the baseball events of the year 1937 throughout the world. ... Anthony Michael Tony Lazzeri (December 6, 1903 — August 6, 1946) was an American Major League Baseball player during the 1920s and 1930s, predominantly with the New York Yankees. ... Joseph Vincent McCarthy (April 21, 1887 - January 13, 1978) was an American manager in Major League Baseball, most renowned for his leadership of the Bronx Bombers teams of the New York Yankees from 1931 to 1946. ... Frank Crosetti was a shortstop for the New York Yankees during the 1930s and 40s. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... After stepping on second base, the fielder throws to first to complete a double play In baseball, a double play (denoted on statistics sheets by DP) for a team or a fielder is the act of making two outs during the same continuous playing action. ... The position of the center fielder A center fielder, abbreviated CF, is the outfielder in baseball who plays defense in center field - the baseball fielding position between left field and right field (e. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ...


After baseball

In retirement, Gomez became a sought-after dinner speaker known for his humorous anecdotes about his playing days and the personalities he knew. He was a bit of a screwball, nicknamed "El Goofy", and delighted in playing practical jokes on everyone from team mates to umpires. He once stopped a World Series game to watch an airplane fly overhead. He came up with the idea of a revolving goldfish bowl to make life easier for older goldfish. Elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee in 1972. On February 2, 1972, the Veterans Committee inducted Lefty Gomez into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972. Wearing a Yankee cap, Gomez became the 2nd Hispanic player (of Hispanic decent) to be inducted. Airplane and Aeroplane redirect here. ... Trinomial name Carassius auratus auratus (Linnaeus, 1758) For the baked snack crackers, please see Goldfish (snack). ... The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, located at 62 Main Street in Cooperstown, New York, is a semi-official museum operated by private interests serving as the central point for the study of the history of baseball in the United States and beyond, the display of baseball-related...



On August 2, 1987, he and Whitey Ford were honored with plaques to be placed in Monument Park at Yankee Stadium. Gomez's plaque says he was "Noted for his wit and his fastball, as he was fast with a quip and a pitch." Despite advancing age, he was able to attend the ceremony. Although he was honored with the plaque, his uniform #11 has not been retired, and has since been worn by Joe Page, Johnny Sain, Hector Lopez, Fred Stanley, Dwight Gooden, Chuck Knoblauch, Gary Sheffield and Doug Mientkiewicz. In 1999, he ranked #73 on The Sporting News' list of the 100 Greatest Baseball Players, and was a nominee for the Major League Baseball All-Century Team. is the 214th day of the year (215th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1987 (MCMLXXXVII) was a common year starting on Thursday (link displays 1987 Gregorian calendar). ... Edward Charles Whitey Ford (born October 21, 1928) is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. ... This is about the stadium the New York Yankees currently play in. ... Joseph Francis Page (October 28, 1917 - April 21, 1980), nicknamed Fireman and The Gay Reliever, is a former Major League Baseball player. ... Johnny Sain (born September 25, 1917) was an American Major League Baseball player. ... Hector Headley Lopez Swainson (born July 9, 1929 in Colon, Panama) was a Major League Baseball player for the Kansas City Athletics and New York Yankees from 1955 to 1966. ... Fred Stanley can refer to a number of different people. ... Dwight Eugene Gooden (born November 16, 1964 in Tampa, Florida), also known as Doc Gooden or Dr. K, is a former major league baseball player. ... Edward Charles Knoblauch (born July 7, 1968 in Houston, Texas) is a former second baseman in Major League Baseball who played for the Minnesota Twins (1991-97), New York Yankees (1998-2001) and Kansas City Royals (2002). ... For the military historian, see: Gary Sheffield (historian) Gary Antonian Sheffield (born November 18, 1968 in Tampa, Florida) is a Major League Baseball designated hitter and outfielder for the Detroit Tigers. ... Douglas Andrew Mientkiewicz [mint-KAY-vich] (born June 19, 1974 in Toledo, Ohio) is a first baseman for the New York Yankees. ... The Sporting News (TSN) is an American-based sports newspaper. ... MLB and Major Leagues redirect here. ...


See also

Major League Baseball recognizes earned run average champions in the American League and National League each season. ... In baseball, the Triple Crown refers to: A batter who (at seasons end) leads the league in three major categories -- home runs, runs batted in, and batting average. ... Major League Baseball recognizes strikeout champions in the American League and National League each season. ... Major League Baseball recognizes win champions among pitchers in the American League and National League each season. ... At the end of each Major League Baseball season, the league leaders of various statistical categories are announced. ...

External links


  Results from FactBites:
 
NetShrine Discussion Forum - Lefty Gomez or Ron Guidry? (1334 words)
Gomez average almost 20 innings more per year than Guidry per in similar lapses of time (240 between 1931-1939 vs 220 between 1977-1985), probably the main cause to be done with only 34 years old.
As contemporary with Lefty Grove,who was the dominating pitcher of the AL in the early 30's.
Gomez was pitching in an era of tremendous offensive output.
HickokSports.com - Biography - Lefty Gomez (437 words)
At 6-foot-2, Gomez weighed only 173 pounds, but his long arms gave him the leverage to throw a very good fastball, and early in his major league career he developed an excellent slow curve that drove hitters crazy.
Gomez went 24-7 in 1932 and won the second game of the World Series 7-2 as the Yankees swept the Cubs in four games.
Gomez was only 6-4 in 1942 and retired after losing his only start with the Washington Senators the following year.
  More results at FactBites »


 

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