Hal Gilson
Encyclopedia
Harold "Hal" Gilson is a former Major League Baseball
pitcher who played for the St. Louis Cardinals
and Houston Astros
in 1968.
Nicknamed "Lefty", he was originally signed by the Chicago Cubs
in 1961 and was traded to the Cardinals on April 7, 1965 with Bobby Pfeil
for Bob Humphreys
.
He made his big league debut on April 14, 1968 against the team with which he had originally signed, the Cubs. Ernie Banks
was the first batter Gilson ever faced - Banks reached base on an error. Overall, Gilson allowed a hit and walked one in two innings in his big league debut, but did not give up a single run. Overall with the Cardinals in 1968, he posted a 4.57 ERA in 13 games.
On June 15, 1968, he was traded by the Cardinals with Dick Simpson
to the Astros for Ron Davis
. He played in only two games with the Astros, posting an ERA of 7.36.
Overall, Gilson posted an 0-2 record in 15 big league games. In 25 1/3 innings, he allowed 34 hits, one home run (to Bob Bailey
) 15 runs, 14 earned runs, and 12 walks. He finished 7 games, saved 2 and he struck out 20 batters. His ERA was 4.97.
Interestingly, although Gilson finished with an unimpressive ERA (especially in 1968, when the league ERA was under 3.00), he started off his career not allowing a single run in his first six appearances. His streak was blown when he allowed five runs in 2 1/3 innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers
on May 21.
He played his final game on July 27, 1968 against the San Francisco Giants
.
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
pitcher who played for the St. Louis Cardinals
St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
and Houston Astros
Houston Astros
The Houston Astros are a Major League Baseball team located in Houston, Texas. They are a member of the National League Central division. The Astros are expected to join the American League West division in 2013. Since , they have played their home games at Minute Maid Park, known as Enron Field...
in 1968.
Nicknamed "Lefty", he was originally signed by the Chicago Cubs
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...
in 1961 and was traded to the Cardinals on April 7, 1965 with Bobby Pfeil
Bobby Pfeil
Robert Raymond Pfeil is a former right-handed Major League Baseball third baseman who played in 1969 and 1971 for the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies.He attended Reseda High School....
for Bob Humphreys
Bob Humphreys
Robert William Humphreys is a former professional baseball player. He was a pitcher over parts of 9 seasons with the Detroit Tigers, St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs, Washington Senators and Milwaukee Brewers. Humphreys was a member of the 1964 World Series champion Cardinals...
.
He made his big league debut on April 14, 1968 against the team with which he had originally signed, the Cubs. Ernie Banks
Ernie Banks
Ernest "Ernie" Banks , nicknamed "Mr. Cub", is a former Major League Baseball shortstop and first baseman. He played his entire 19-year baseball career with the Chicago Cubs . He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977.-High school years:Banks was a letterman and standout in football,...
was the first batter Gilson ever faced - Banks reached base on an error. Overall, Gilson allowed a hit and walked one in two innings in his big league debut, but did not give up a single run. Overall with the Cardinals in 1968, he posted a 4.57 ERA in 13 games.
On June 15, 1968, he was traded by the Cardinals with Dick Simpson
Dick Simpson
Richard Charles Simpson is an American former Major League Baseball right fielder and center fielder. He played from 1962-1969 for the Los Angeles/California Angels, Cincinnati Reds, St. Louis Cardinals, Houston Astros, New York Yankees and Seattle Pilots. However, Simpson did not quite live up to...
to the Astros for Ron Davis
Ron Davis (outfielder)
Ronald Everette Davis is a former right-handed Major League Baseball outfielder who played in 1962 and from 1966 to 1969 for the Houston Colt .45s/Houston Astros, St...
. He played in only two games with the Astros, posting an ERA of 7.36.
Overall, Gilson posted an 0-2 record in 15 big league games. In 25 1/3 innings, he allowed 34 hits, one home run (to Bob Bailey
Bob Bailey (baseball)
Robert Sherwood Bailey is an American former third baseman in Major League Baseball who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates , Los Angeles Dodgers , Montreal Expos , Cincinnati Reds and Boston Red Sox . He batted and threw right-handed...
) 15 runs, 14 earned runs, and 12 walks. He finished 7 games, saved 2 and he struck out 20 batters. His ERA was 4.97.
Interestingly, although Gilson finished with an unimpressive ERA (especially in 1968, when the league ERA was under 3.00), he started off his career not allowing a single run in his first six appearances. His streak was blown when he allowed five runs in 2 1/3 innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming...
on May 21.
He played his final game on July 27, 1968 against the San Francisco Giants
San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
.