George Genovese

George Genovese (February 22, 1922 – November 15, 2015) was a Washington Senators baseball player who played for the team in 1950. He also played in the minor leagues for 15 seasons and managed at that level for over a decade.[1] He was born in Staten Island, New York, United States.

George Genovese
Pinch hitter
Born: (1922-02-22)February 22, 1922
Staten Island, New York
Died: November 15, 2015(2015-11-15) (aged 93)
Burbank, California
Batted: Left Threw: Right
MLB debut
April 29, 1950, for the Washington Senators
Last MLB appearance
May 6, 1950, for the Washington Senators
MLB statistics
Batting average.000
Home runs0
Runs batted in0
Teams

Playing career

Genovese began his major league career on April 29, 1950, appearing as a pinch hitter for pitcher Ray Scarborough. He would walk against New York Yankees' pitcher Allie Reynolds in his first career plate appearance.[2] In his next game, May 5, Genovese pinch hit for pitcher Mickey Harris and grounded out.[3] He pinch ran for catcher Al Evans in his third and final game (May 6), scoring a run when Eddie Yost doubled him home two batters later.[4]

He played considerably longer in the minor leagues, beginning his career in 1940 and ending it in 1957, at the age of 35. He did not play from 1943 to 1945, as minor league baseball was interrupted due to World War II, a war in which he served. A shortstop in the minors, Genovese played in at least 1,387 games, collecting at least 1,162 hits (of which at least 241 were for extra bases). His minor league record is incomplete, though it is known he spent the final three seasons of his playing career with the Mexico City Tigers of the Mexican League. His brothers, Frank and Tony Genovese, also played in the minor leagues.

Professional career

Genovese managed the Batavia Clippers (1952), St. Jean Canadians (1953), Hutchinson Elks (1954), Salinas Packers (1954), Tigres del México (1955–1958), Artesia Giants (1960) and El Paso Sun Kings (1961–1963). He led the Tigres to a league championship victory in 1955. In 1957 he led them to the league finals, which they lost. In 1962 and 1963 he led the Sun Kings to the Texas League playoffs, which they lost in the first round.

He was later a scout for the San Francisco Giants, St. Louis Cardinals, Florida Marlins and Los Angeles Dodgers.[5] Covering Southern California for the Giants from 1964 through 1995, he played a major role in the signing of about 40 players who eventually made the major leagues, including Jim Barr, Bobby Bonds, Jack Clark, Chili Davis, Rob Deer, George Foster, Eric King, Dave Kingman, Garry Maddox, Gary Matthews, Randy Moffitt, Matt Nokes, Matt Williams. He also signed future CBS Sportscaster Rich Perez in 86.[6]

George's brother, Frank "Chick" Genovese, was also a successful scout, having signed Juan Marichal and the three Alou brothers; Matty, Felipe, and Jesús.

Legacy

Major League Baseball (MLB) annually conducts the George Genovese Lifetime Achievement Awards.

Genovese was inducted into the Staten Island Sports Hall of Fame in 2005.

See also

References
  1. Gordon, Cormac (November 16, 2015). "Staten Island sports Hall of Famer and legendary baseball scout George Genovese dead at 93". silive.com. Retrieved November 16, 2015.
  2. "Apr 29, 1950, Yankees at Senators Box Score and Play by Play". baseball-reference.com. sports-reference.com. April 29, 1950. Retrieved November 16, 2015.
  3. "May 5, 1950, Tigers at Senators Box Score and Play by Play". baseball-reference.com. sports-reference.com. May 5, 1950. Retrieved November 16, 2015.
  4. "May 6, 1950, Tigers at Senators Box Score and Play by Play". baseball-reference.com. sports-reference.com. May 6, 1950. Retrieved November 16, 2015.
  5. "George Genovese: Profile and Statistics". baseballcube.com. Archived from the original on November 17, 2015. Retrieved November 16, 2015.
  6. Haft, Chris (February 13, 2012). "Ex-scout George Genovese important to many San Francisco Giants greats". San Francisco Giants. Retrieved November 16, 2015.
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