Hal Gregg
From BR Bullpen
Harold Dana Gregg (Skeets)
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 6' 3½", Weight 195 lb.
- Debut August 18, 1943
- Final Game August 17, 1952
- Born July 11, 1921 in Anaheim, CA USA
- Died May 13, 1991 in Bishop, CA USA
[edit] Biographical Information
Hal Gregg was an 18 game winner for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1945 but was only 4-5 for the 1947 National League Champions, but played an often overlooked role for the Dodgers in the memorable Game Four of the World Series against the New York Yankees that year. Coming on in relief of starter Harry Taylor in the first inning with the Yankees leading 1-0 with the bases loaded and one out, he retired the side with no further scoring and went on to allow just one run over the next seven innings. The Dodgers spoiled Bill Bevens' no-hit bid and rallied to win the game in the ninth inning on Cookie Lavagetto's pinch-hit double. Off that performance Hal was named the starter in the seventh and final game, but was removed from the contest trailing 3-2 in the fourth inning as the Yankees went on to win 5-2.
Gregg, who led the National League in bases on balls in both 1944 and '45 was plagued by a sore arm late in his career while with the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1948 to 1950 and the New York Giants in 1952, finishing up his nine year major league career with an overall record of 40-48 with a 4.54 ERA.
Gregg had signed with the Dodgers before the 1941 season as an amateur free agent and appeared with five different teams before being called up to Brooklyn in 1943, just in time to go 0-3 in 5 outings. Hal would wind up his pro baseball run with the Oakland Oaks of the PCL in 1952-53 where he won 11 and lost 3 in 1952 but he made only one appearance in '53 and the righthander ended his 13 year pro baseball career at 31 years of age. He had a total of seven seasons in the minors where he would appear in 96 contests, winning 31 but losing 40 with a minor league career ERA of .429.
Gregg died a natural death on May 13, 1991, at age 69 in Bishop, CA.
[edit] Notable Achievements
- NL All-Star (1945)
- 15 Wins Seasons: 1 (1945)
- 200 Innings Pitched Seasons: 1 (1945)
[edit] Sources
Baseball-Reference.com
Baseball Players of the 1950s
SABR MILB Database:page
