Dave Van Gorder

Dave Van Gorder, born in 1957, was a professional baseball player who made his mark in Major League Baseball from 1982 until his retirement in 1987. Over the course of his career, he appeared in 183 games, primarily contributing as a position player. Van Gorder recorded a total of 89 hits, which included 3 home runs and 38 runs batted in, finishing his career with a batting average of .212. Known for his versatility on the field, he demonstrated a blend of speed and skill, evidenced by his single stolen base. Van Gorder's career unfolded during a transitional period in baseball, where the sport began to embrace the power-hitting style that would characterize the late 1980s and 1990s. While his offensive numbers may not reflect the high-octane play of his contemporaries, his contributions to his teams were significant in terms of defense and situational play. After concluding his Major League journey on July 11, 1987, Van Gorder's experience and insights continued to resonate within the baseball community, reflecting the dedication and tenacity that defined many players of his era.