A Tribute to Sid Gordon

Sid Gordon, a name synonymous with... anonymity. Largely forgotten, this outstanding outfielder had a career worthy of high praise and remembrance. He played from 1941-1955, mostly for the New York Giants and the Boston Braves. Despite losing two years to the Coast Guard in WWII, Gordon's numbers are rather impressive.

He hit 25 or more HRs 5 years in a row (1948-1952). In 1948, he hit 30 HRs with 26 doubles, scored 100 runs, and drove in 107 RBIs with a .299 average and a .390 OBP. He finished 4th in MVP voting. The following year, he hit .284 with 26 HRs, a .404 OBP, 26 doubles, 87 runs scored, and 90 RBIs.

In 1950, he hit .304 with 27 HRs, 33 doubles, 78 runs scored, 103 RBIs, and had a .403 OBP. In 1951, he eclipsed the 100 RBI mark for the third and final time with 109 while hitting .287, 29 HRs, 28 doubles, and scoring 96 runs. The following year he hit .289 with 25 HRs, 22 doubles, and had 75 RBIs. In 1953, he would hit 22 doubles and have 75 RBIs once again while slamming 19 HRs. Career-wise, he hit .283 with a .377 OBP and a .466 SLG, 202 HRs, 220 doubles, 43 triples, 735 runs scored, 805 RBIs, and accumulated 1415 hits. Like Buddy Myer before him, Gordon walked more than he struck out in every season he played in. He had 731 BBs versus 356 SOs, never once striking out 50 times in a season, a truly remarkable feat for a power hitter. He had a SLG of .500 or above 4 separate times and an OBP of .400 or above 3 separate times. Had 7 career grand slams. Hit 4 grand slams in 1950 for the Braves and 3 grand slams in 1948 for the Giants.

In 1947, he had 13 assists from the outfield. In 1953, he had 10. The vast majority of his career was spent in the outfield, but he also played 454 games at third base.

Gordon was only voted an all-star twice in his illustrious career, but in the hearts and minds of all Jewish fans his star will always shine.