Gene Rye
From BR Bullpen
Eugene Rudolph Rye (Half Pint)
- Bats Left, Throws Right
- Height 5' 6", Weight 165 lb.
- Debut April 22, 1931
- Final Game June 6, 1931
- Born November 15, 1906 in Chicago, IL USA
- Died January 21, 1980 in Park Ridge, IL USA
[edit] Biographical Information
On August 6, 1930, Gene Rye of the Texas League's Waco Cubs set a record for professional baseball by hitting 3 home runs in the same inning. He accomplished the feat against the Beaumont Exporters in what would end up being an eighteen run 8th inning and a 20-7 victory. His progression was solo homer, two run homer, grand slam.
Only 5 ' 6 " tall, his nickname was Half Pint Rye. His one season in the big leagues was as an outfielder with the 1931 Red Sox, the year that fellow outfielder Earl Webb set the record with 67 doubles. Oddly enough, Rye appeared in 17 games with 39 at-bats and 7 hits - Ollie Marquardt also had his only major league season with the 1931 Boston Red Sox and also appeared in 17 games with 39 at-bats and 7 hits.
