Gene Fodge
From BR Bullpen
Gene Arlan Fodge (Suds)
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 6' 0", Weight 175 lb.
- Debut April 20, 1958
- Final Game July 21, 1958
- Born July 9, 1931 in South Bend, IN USA
- Died October 27, 2010 in Mishawaka, IN USA
[edit] Biographical Information
Pitcher Gene Fodge played six seasons in the minors and appeared in 16 games for the 1958 Chicago Cubs.
Signed by the Chicago Cubs in 1950, Fodge began his pro career with the Janesville Cubs in 1951, going 12-13 with a 3.78 ERA in 33 games. After missing the next two years while serving in the Marine Corps, he went 5-4 with a 3.99 ERA in 29 games (five starts) for the Des Moines Bruins in 1954. He improved markedly in 1955, going 16-10 with a 2.28 ERA in 36 games (29 starts). For the Los Angeles Angels, he went 19-7 with a 4.31 ERA in 44 games (25 starts). He pitched for the Fort Worth Cats, Memphis Chickasaws and Portland Beavers in 1957, going a combined 8-14 with a 4.30 ERA in 34 games (22 starts).
On April 20, 1958, Fodge made his big league debut. Facing the St. Louis Cardinals, he appeared in relief, pitching two perfect innings and striking out two batters. In his next game, on April 24th, he had the best start of his short major league career. Facing the Los Angeles Dodgers at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, he threw a complete game. In that outing, he gave up 10 hits and 2 runs while striking out 3 and walking none, as the Cubs won 15-2 and he got his only big league win. He appeared in 16 total big league games that season, starting four of them. He went 1-1 with a 4.76 ERA in 39 2/3 innings. He struck out 15 batters and walked only three. On July 21, 1958, he appeared in his final big league game. He also played for the minor league Fort Worth Cats in 1958, with whom he went 8-3 with a 2.23 ERA in 14 games (13 starts).
Overall, Fodge went 68-51 with a 3.47 ERA during his minor league career.
