Gene Fodge
From BR Bullpen
Gene Arlan Fodge (Suds)
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 6' 0", Weight 175 lb.
[edit] Biographical Information
Gene Fodge had his best career start in his second career game. April 21, 1958 against the Los Angeles Dodgers. He pitched a complete game giving up 10 hits and 2 runs. He didn't walk anyone and struck out 3. The Cubs won 15-2. The game was played at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. After July 21, 1958 he never appeared in another major league game.
He was originally signed by the Cubs as an amateur free-agent in 1950, and he began his professional career with the Janesville Cubs in 1951. In 33 games, he went 12-13 with a 3.78 ERA. In 1952 and 1953, he did not play professionally, however in 1954 he went 5-4 with a 3.99 ERA in 29 games (five starts) for the Des Moines Bruins. 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, he made his big league debut. Facing the St. Louis Cardinals in his first game, he appeared in relief, pitching two perfect innings and striking out two batters. 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).
His minor league record was 68-51 with a 3.47 ERA.
