Books and articles about Charley Gelbert

RELATED LINKS Book Excerpts » "A hunting accident ruined Gelbert's career (nearly destroying one of his legs) and Rickey needed an immediate replacement. He got Durocher": Leonard Koppett Around the Web » Charlie Gelbert from baseball-reference.com Jump directly to Library content from any website!

A superb fielder with a lively bat, Gelbert was four years into a bright career with St. Louis when an off-season hunting accident nearly cost him his left leg. After sitting out two years, he returned to the majors in 1935 as a utility man. In 1931 Gelbert set records for shortstops in a seven-game World Series with 42 chances, 29 assists, 6 double plays, and a 1.000 fielding average. (JL)

FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY » November 22, 1932: While hunting, Cardinals SS Charley Gelbert has his leg shattered in a shooting accident in Chambersburg, PA. He will return as a part-time infielder in 1935 and will play until 1940. » May 7, 1933: Reds SS Leo Durocher and Cardinals P Paul Derringer are the principals in a trade that gives St. Louis a player to replace Charley Gelbert, the victim of a hunting accident in November. The pickup is a good one for the Reds, as Derringer will fire four 20-game seasons for Cincy. » May 9, 1935: At Philadelphia, Charley Gelbert of the Cardinals plays his first game since a 1932 hunting accident almost severed his leg. Gelbert's error in the 7th paves the way for the Phils' first run as they win, 2–1. The victory goes to Bucky Walters, the infielder whom manager Jimmy Wilson has been endeavoring to convert to a pitcher all spring. Bucky allows four hits and scores the winning run in the 9th to win his first ML game. » September 19, 1935: Dizzy Dean tops Brooklyn 9–1 as Frisch and Charley Gelbert each have three hits for St. Louis. » December 2, 1936: The Cards sell Virgil Davis and Charley Gelbert to the Reds, and the Browns buy Ethan Allen from the Cubs. » August 24, 1940: At Fenway, LF Ted Williams of the Boston Red Sox pitches the last two innings in a 12–1 loss to the Detroit Tigers and Tommy Bridges. Williams allows three hits and one run scores when 3B Charlie Gelbert juggles a DP grounder. On three pitches Williams strikes out Tiger slugger Rudy York, who had driven in five Detroit runs. Joe Glenn, who caught Babe Ruth's last pitching appearance in 1933, is Williams' catcher. Pitcher Jim Bagby plays the OF for the Sox.