Gerard Lipscomb

Gerard Lipscomb was born in Rutherfordton on February 24, 1911. He was a standout athlete at R-S Central High School. While skilled at multiple positions on a baseball diamond, Lipscomb was primarily a

second baseman.

Lipscomb made his professional debut for the minor league Charlotte Hornets in 1933, also playing with minor league teams in Atlanta and New Orleans before being called up to the Major Leagues in 1937.

Lipscomb made his Major League debut at the age of 26 for the Saint Louis Browns on April 23, 1937. Lipscomb has the distinction of sharing the same infield with legendary Hall of Famer Rogers Hornsby, who was a player-manager for the Browns during the 1937 season.

During that 1937 season, Lipscomb made the most of limited playing time. In 36 games, he made 109 plate appearances with 96 at bats. Lipscomb garnered an impressive 323 batting average, 31 hits, nine doubles and one triple for a total of 42 bases. In the ultimate display of versatility, Lipscomb also made three relief pitching appearances.

1937 was Lipscomb's only season in the Major Leagues, however. During the rest of his 14-year career, Lipscomb spent time in the Boston, Detroit and Chicago Cub farm systems. During his 13-year minor league career, Lipscomb averaged over a hit per game, collecting 1,282 hits in 1,262 games. He also showed a disciplined eye at the plate, striking out just 59 times while drawing 155 walks. During his final season as a player in 1947, at the age of 36, Lipscomb posted an impressive .343 batting average.

During various points in his minor league career, Lipscomb also acted as a player-manager for three different clubs, the 1940 Greenwood (Mississippi) Choctaws, the 1946 Williamsport Grays and the 1947 Concord Weavers. In all, Lipscomb guided his teams to a combined 107 wins during those three seasons. Lipscomb passed away on February 27, 1978, in Huntersville, NC.