Thursday, September 11, 2014

1976 Profile: Oscar Gamble

"One looks at Oscar Gamble and wonders where the power comes from. But as he once played with the Cubs, he must have picked it up from another thin strong man, wrist-hitting Ernie Banks. However he obtained it, he's got it, for in three seasons in the American League, he's belted 58 home runs and figures to add on to that in good number with the Yankees.
The 29-year-old native of Alabama was obtained from Cleveland last fall in a trade for Pat Dobson. He can play the outfield or serve as a designated hitter, two roles he capably filled with the Indians. Proud to wear the Yankee uniform, Oscar figures to play a vital role in the pennant hopes of the '76 Yanks."

-The New York Yankees Official 1976 Yearbook

"Although he doesn't look the part, he's proven himself to be a real power hitter in the American League. Oscar hit 54 home runs in three years with Cleveland. He had the seventh best slugging percentage in the league in 1974 when he hit a career high of 19 homers. He hits left-handers quite well.
Oscar was drafted by the Cubs in 1968 and reached the majors at age 20. He went to Philadelphia and had the last hit ever recorded in Connie Mack Stadium on October 1, 1970. Cleveland got him in December of 1972, and Oscar was frequently a designated hitter during his Indian days.
He attended George Washington Carver High School in Montgomery, Alabama, playing only basketball since the school did not have a baseball team. Oscar made the Texas League All-Star team in 1969."

-1976 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide

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