Grover Gilmore

Who was Grover Gilmore?

Ernest Grover Gilmore was an American professional baseball player who at right fielder played from 1914 through 1915 in the Federal League. Listed at 5 ft 9 1⁄2 in, 170 lb, he batted and threw left-handed.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Gilmore started his Minor leagues career in 1910 with the Denver Grizzlies, playing for them one year before joining the San Francisco Seals, Buffalo Bisons and Fort Wayne Railroaders. Then, in 1914 he joined the Kansas City Packers of the outlaw Federal League.

Gilmore became a regular outfielder for the Packers during the last two seasons of the league. He was solid in his season debut, batting a .287 average with 23 stolen bases, driving in 32 runs while scoring 91 more. His only negative was that he became the first rookie batter to log 100 strikeouts in a single season, whiffing 108 times. No rookie until Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Dick Allen in 1964 would up 100 strikeouts with a higher batting average, when he hit .318 and was striking out 138 times.

The next year Gilmore cut down his strikeouts to 44 and hit .285 in 119 games, while collecting 22 doubles, 15 triples and a career-high 47 RBI.