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Gus Zernial




Nicknamed " Ozark Ike " after the popular comic strip character, Zernial was one of the most feared Slugger s in the 1950s, joining Hall Of Famers Mickey Mantle , Yogi Berra and Larry Doby in the American League , for most Home Run s in the decade.

After hit 29 homers for the White Sox in 1950, Zernial was sent to the Athletics in a mega trade that brought Minnie Miñoso to Chicago in 1951. Zernial led the league in home runs (33), Runs Batted In (129), Extra Base Hit s (68), and 17 Assist s in the outfield. In 1952 he hit 29 homers with 100 RBI, 42 and 108 in 1953.

An aggressive fielder, Zernial twice broke his collarbone while making a diving catch (1949 and 1954). He finished his career in Detroit, primarily as a pinch hitter, hitting .323 with 10 home runs in his new role.

Gus Zernial was a career .265 hitter (1093-for-4131) with 237 home runs, 776 RBI, 572 Runs , 159 Doubles , 22 Triples , and 15 Stolen Base s in 1234 games.

Zernial was diagnosed with Cancer in 1990 .

Highlights
  • All-Star (1953)

  • Led league in home runs (1951)

  • Led league in RBI (1951)

  • 10 career home runs as a pinch hitter

  • Tied a Major League set by Tony Lazzeri with 7 home runs in four successive games (May 17, 1951)

  • Hit the last Grand Slam in Philadelphia Athletics history (May 26, 1954)


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