Gary Charles Peters was born 78 years ago today, April 21, 1937, in Grove City, Pennsylvania.
Gary went to Mercer, High School in Mercer, Pennsylvania and signed an amateur free agent contract with the ChiSox in 1956.
Gary made his big league debut on September 9, 1959 with the South Siders at age 22, pitching 1 inning, facing 5 batters, giving up 2 hits, 0 runs, striking out 1 in a 8-2 Chicago loss to the Washington Senators.
Gary was the 1963 American League Rookie of the Year, posting a 19-8 record with a A.L. leading 2.33 era in 41 appearances for Chicago.
Gary represented the ChiSox twice as a A.L. All-Star, in 1964, and again in 1967.
I love these 1968 Topps Sporting News All-Star Selection cards.
In 1964 Gary was 20-8, with a 2.50 era, striking out 205 batters in 273 2/3 innings pitched.
In 1967 Gary was 16-11, a 2.28 era, with 215 K's in 260.0 IP.
Gary won 10 or more games 8 times in his career, 1963-67, 69 with the ChiSox, and in 1970-71 for Boston.
Gary Peters pitched in the big leagues for 14 years, a 124-103 W/L record, a 3.25 era, 1,420 K's, 706 walks, in 359 appearances, facing 807 batters.
With the ChiSox Gary was 91-78, 2.92 era, with 1,098 K's in 258 games.
Gary was a terrific hitting pitcher, smacking 19 career home runs, 31 doubles, and 7 triples in his 179 base hits.
Here's a terrific story about Gary's game winning pinch hit home run.
Gary played in his final big league game, at age 35, on September 23, 1972 vs the Detroit Tigers.
On September 30, 2000, Gary Peters was announced as a member of the All-Time White Sox team in honor of the teams first 100 years.
ESPN Chicago ranked Gary the #48 ChiSox player of All-Time.
Gary currently resides in Sarasota, Florida.
Happy Baseball Birthday Gary Peters!
You can put it on the board...Yes!
PLAY BALL!
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