Gene Alley

Who is Gene Alley?

Leonard Eugene Alley is a former Major League Baseball shortstop who played his entire career for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Alley was a modest hitter but an exceptionally steady shortstop with good range and an accurate throwing arm. He won two Gold Glove Awards at shortstop and also garnered two All-Star appearances primarily on the strength of his glove. He spent most of his career turning double plays with Baseball Hall of Fame second baseman Bill Mazeroski, and the duo set a MLB record of 161 double plays in a season in 1966 that still stands. They also joined a select list of eight shortstop-second baseman duos to each win a Gold Glove the same season while playing together twice. Shoulder and knee problems ultimately ended his career and prevented him from realizing his full potential.

On September 2, 1970, Alley hit an inside the park grand slam at Jarry Park in Montreal,against the Montreal Expos. With the bases loaded, facing Carl Morton, Alley hit a line drive which landed in front of center fielder Boots Day, who slipped on the wet grass. The ball rolled all the way to the wall in deepest center field, and all the baserunners and Alley scored.