This past Sunday, one of Picasner's favorites passed away at age 82. Gil McDougald was never a bright shining star on a Yankee team loaded with stars, players like Mantle, Berra, Skowron, Ford and Turley. He was simply the glue that held the Bombers infield together, averaging over 130 games a year for 10 years, 1951 - 1960. Though he was never a starter, he made a total of 6 all-star teams, being named in different years as a third baseman, a shortstop and a second baseman, showcasing his versatility. He was also the AL Rookie of the Year in 1951.
His statistics are not Hall Of Fame category, but solid nevertheless. He hit .276, averaged 11 home runs, 69 runs scored with an on-base pct. of .356 and a fielding average of .984. Definitely not outstanding, but interestingly enough, all higher than a certain 2nd baseman who IS in the Hall.
His defining moment may have been in the 1956 World Series during Larsen's perfecto, when he snared a ball that deflected off third baseman Andy Carey's glove and, being blessed with a magnificent arm, threw the runner out at first, keeping the perfect game intact.
Goodbye Gil, you will be remembered, at least by Picasner and the readers of this blog.
http://www.app.com/article/20101129/SPORTS033003/11290357/Gil-McDougald-former-Yankee-player-and-Wall-resident-remembered-as-family-man
CP-
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