Gary Alexander
Born: 3/27/1953 in Los Angeles, CA, USA
MLB Debut: 1975-09-12 | Final Game: 1981-09-28
Bats: R | Throws: R | Height: 6'2" | Weight: 195 lbs
Full name: Gary Wayne Alexander
Biography
Gary Alexander, born in 1953, was a professional baseball player who made his mark in Major League Baseball between 1975 and 1981. An outfielder and first baseman, Alexander played a total of 432 games throughout his career, showcasing his versatility as a position player. He finished his career with 293 hits, 55 home runs, and 202 runs batted in, which highlighted his ability to contribute offensively during a competitive era in baseball. His career batting average stood at .230, reflecting the challenges faced by many players during the late 1970s and early 1980s, a period characterized by a transition in hitting styles and strategies.
Alexander was known for his power-hitting capabilities, as evidenced by his 55 home runs, which made him a valuable asset in the batting lineup. Additionally, he recorded 8 stolen bases, demonstrating a level of speed and agility that complemented his power. While he may not have achieved superstar status, Alexander remains a notable figure in the history of the game, representing the hardworking players of his time who contributed significantly to their teams without the widespread acclaim that some of their contemporaries received. His career, though relatively brief, is emblematic of the dedication and resilience found in the sport during a transformative era.
Career Batting Statistics
| G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS | PIV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 432 | 1276 | 169 | 293 | 45 | 11 | 55 | 202 | 8 | 154 | 381 | 0.230 | 0.311 | 0.411 | 0.722 | 206.5 |
Season-by-Season Batting
| Year | Team | Lg | G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | AVG | PIV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1975 | SFG | NL | 3 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0.000 | 0.0 |
| 1976 | SFG | NL | 23 | 73 | 12 | 13 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 7 | 1 | 10 | 16 | 0.178 | -181.2 |
| 1977 | SFG | NL | 51 | 119 | 17 | 36 | 4 | 2 | 5 | 20 | 3 | 20 | 33 | 0.303 | 549.9 |
| 1978 | CLE | AL | 90 | 324 | 39 | 76 | 14 | 3 | 17 | 62 | 0 | 35 | 100 | 0.235 | 401.7 |
| 1978 | OAK | AL | 58 | 174 | 18 | 36 | 6 | 1 | 10 | 22 | 0 | 22 | 66 | 0.207 | 401.7 |
| 1979 | CLE | AL | 110 | 358 | 54 | 82 | 9 | 2 | 15 | 54 | 4 | 46 | 100 | 0.229 | -236.7 |
| 1980 | CLE | AL | 76 | 178 | 22 | 40 | 7 | 1 | 5 | 31 | 0 | 17 | 52 | 0.225 | -333.3 |
| 1981 | PIT | NL | 21 | 47 | 6 | 10 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 0 | 3 | 12 | 0.213 | -66.5 |
Fielding Statistics
Career Fielding Totals by Position
| Position | G | GS | PO | A | E | DP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1B | 10 | 6 | 52 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| C | 229 | 205 | 1008 | 100 | 35 | 8 |
| OF | 19 | 16 | 31 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
Season-by-Season Fielding
| Year | Team | Pos | G | GS | PO | A | E | DP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1975 | SFN | C | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1976 | SFN | C | 23 | 22 | 92 | 16 | 4 | 0 |
| 1977 | SFN | C | 33 | 30 | 174 | 8 | 6 | 0 |
| 1977 | SFN | OF | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1978 | CLE | C | 66 | 62 | 305 | 34 | 6 | 3 |
| 1978 | OAK | C | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1978 | OAK | 1B | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1978 | OAK | OF | 6 | 6 | 16 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1979 | CLE | C | 91 | 86 | 404 | 40 | 18 | 5 |
| 1979 | CLE | OF | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1980 | CLE | C | 13 | 4 | 31 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 1980 | CLE | OF | 2 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1981 | PIT | 1B | 9 | 6 | 52 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| 1981 | PIT | OF | 8 | 7 | 12 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
Career Games by Position
| Position | Games |
|---|---|
| Catcher | 229 |
| First Base | 10 |
| Left Field | 12 |
| Right Field | 8 |
| Designated Hitter | 123 |
Awards & Honors
| Year | Award | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1978 | Player of the Week | Week of 1978-06-30 |
College History
| School Name | City | State | Years Attended |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Harbor College | Wilmington | CA | 1971 |