1983 Profile: Oscar Gamble

"His home runs are as long as ever.
His ever present home run threat makes the Yankees' designated hitter spot one to be feared by opposing pitchers. In fact, 12 of Oscar's 18 1982 home runs were hit as a DH. Additionally, he had 38 RBI and a .264 batting average in that position. Combine the Big O's output with that of Lou Pinella (five homers, 22 RBI and a .334 BA) and the Yankees were never at a loss for offensive production from their designated hitters.
No. 17 knows what his purpose is as a Bronx Bomber- he is their professional hit man. Oscar's left-handed, low ball swing is perfectly suited to reach the short porch at the Stadium. His career spans parts of three decades, encompassing 14 years of service with seven different teams. With skill in pressure situations, Oscar will be a guiding force behind the 1983 Yankees and their hopes for a 23rd World Championship."

-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook

"Gamble got off to a poor start in 1982, batting only .150 in April with no home runs and one RBI but turned things around in May with six homers and 16 RBI. As a Yankee DH he batted .264 with 12 home runs and 38 RBI platooning with Piniella (.334, 5 HR, 22 RBI) and giving the Yankees excellent production from the designated hitter spot in the batting order.
In 1981, Oscar had the top on-base percentage as a pinch hitter in the AL, .615 (16-for-26), and had a successful postseason, batting .381 (8-for-21) with two home runs and five RBIs. In 1980, he jumped off to a fast start with 16 RBIs in his first 19 at-bats, batting .474 with three homers, but fouled a ball off his left foot on May 13, fracturing a toe. In 1979, he had a broken bone in his left foot and missed the month of May while with Texas before his trade to the Yankees.
Oscar has played for seven different major league teams, four in the last six years. He was named to the Texas League East All-Star team as an outfielder from San Antonio in 1968. With the Phillies, Oscar had the distinction of getting the last ever hit in Philadelphia's old Connie Mack Stadium on October 1, 1970.
One of eight children, Oscar attended George Washington Carver High in Montgomery (AL) where he only played basketball, as the school did not have a baseball team. His wife, Juanita, is a singer and sung the National Anthem at Yankee Stadium prior to an ALCS game in 1976.
Oscar enjoys hunting, fishing and cars."

-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide