Rest in peace Oscar Gamble
 

A familiar face on Topps cards in the 1970s, Oscar Gamble died today at 68. I remember him for his funny batting stance, his surprising power, his cheerful demeanor, and most all, his epic hair. He was discovered by Buck O'Neill, came up with the Heartbreak Cubs of 1969 as a teenager, and had the last hit ever in Connie Mack Stadium.. Also, he ended up with 200 career home runs, and more walks than strike outs. Phil Rizzuto called him "The Big O." Rest in Peace Oscar ...

R.I.P.

He had the perfect swing for the right-field porch in Yankee Stadium.

Here is his iconic 1976 Topps Traded card that shows what an afro of that magnitude looks like while under a baseball cap.

Brian

In 1980 when my wife was pregnant with our first child, Oscar and his wife were in our Lamaze class in New Milford, New Jersey! :eek:

RIP

My very first major league ballgame was during the fall of 1983, Yankees vs Angels at Yankee Stadium. Got there early to watch batting practice and with guys like Reggie, Winfield and Baylor on the rosters, it was Oscar Gamble who put on the show in BP. I'll always remember seeing his bombs go into the upper deck at old Yankee Stadium before that game.

Got a cracked bat from him at Padres spring training in Yuma Az in 1978. Still have it. He was a pretty big name for the Pads to acquire at the time.