Paul Gillespie
From BR Bullpen
Paul Allen Gillespie
- Bats Left, Throws Right
- Height 6' 3", Weight 195 lb.
- Debut September 11, 1942
- Final Game September 30, 1945
- Born September 18, 1920 in Sugar Valley, GA USA
- Died August 11, 1970 in Anniston, AL USA
[edit] Biographical Information
Paul Gillespie was a backup catcher on the pennant-winning 1945 Chicago Cubs. He was one of several players in the majors who wore a commemorative patch indicating honorable discharge from the service, something that was nicknamed the "ruptured duck".
He was a team leader sartorially, getting a crew cut in 1945 - something that was soon copied by a number of other Cubs.
Gillespie and John Miller are the only men to hit home runs in their first and last big-league at bats.
Served in the U S Coast Guard during World War II. He was a sales representative for Adler Typewriter Company. Died after a short illness in Anniston, AL on August 11, 1970.
