Gene Oliver
From SoSH
| Born: | March 22, 1935 |
| Birthplace: | Moline, Illinois |
| Hometown: | |
| Height: | 6' 2" |
| Weight: | 225 lbs. |
| Bats: | Right |
| Throws: | Right |
| Drafted: | |
| College: | |
| High School: | |
| Other Teams: | St. Louis Cardinals (1959, 1961-63) Milwaukee Braves (1963-65) Atlanta Braves (1966-67) Philadelphia Phillies (1967) Chicago Cubs (1968-69) |
| Years with Boston: | 1968 |
Contents |
Overall Career
Eugene George Oliver was an American catcher and first baseman from 1959 through 1969, Oliver played for the St. Louis Cardinals (1959, 1961-63), Milwaukee & Atlanta Braves (1963-67), Philadelphia Phillies (1967), Boston Red Sox (1968) and Chicago Cubs (1968-69).
Oliver was a regular catcher for the Cardinals in 1962 and the Phillies in 1967, but most of his career he served as a back-up. Oliver had a strong arm and was good at blocking the plate. As a batter, he had some power and decent speed for a catcher.
In 1965, Oliver reached a high-career mark of 21 home runs with the Milwaukee Braves, enabled the team to set a National League record with six 20-HR hitters in one season. On June 8 of that year, Torre, Mathews, Aaron and Oliver hit 10th-inning home runs in a Braves victory over the Cubs, setting a major league record for most home runs in an extra-inning game.
The Phillies and Braves switched catchers in 1967, with Bob Uecker going to Atlanta. After the trade, Oliver suffered a severe knee injury that shortened his career.
In a 10-season career, Oliver hit .246 with 93 home runs, 320 runs batted in, 268 runs scored, 111 doubles, five triples, and 24 stolen bases in 786 games.
Gene remained close to his former Cubs teammates and acted as Social Director for the Randy Hundley Cubs Fantasy Camp. He passed away shortly after the 25th camp.
Oliver's Moments in the Sun
- Hit 3 home runs in one game on July 30, 1966
Trivia
- Was traded for Bob Uecker.
Transactions
Before 1956 Season: Signed by the St. Louis Cardinals as an amateur free agent.
June 15, 1963: Traded by the St. Louis Cardinals with Bob Sadowski to the Milwaukee Braves for Lew Burdette.
June 6, 1967: Traded by the Atlanta Braves to the Philadelphia Phillies for Bob Uecker.
December 15, 1967: Traded by the Philadelphia Phillies with Dick Ellsworth to the Boston Red Sox for Mike Ryan and cash.
June 27, 1968: Purchased by the Chicago Cubs from the Boston Red Sox.
September 2, 1969: Released by the Chicago Cubs.
External Links
- Baseball-Reference.com - Career Statistics and Analysis
