Len Gabrielson – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Leonard Gary Gabrielson put together a respectable eleven-year run in Major League Baseball, suiting up for five different teams between 1960 and 1970. Born on February 14, 1940, in Oakland, California, Gabrielson grew up surrounded by baseball, sharpening his skills in the Bay Area’s bustling youth leagues during the 1950s.

As an outfielder, Gabrielson batted .253 with 37 home runs and 176 RBIs over 708 games in the majors. He played for the Milwaukee Braves, Chicago Cubs, San Francisco Giants, California Angels, and Los Angeles Dodgers.

Gabrielson’s career stands out because of his journey through so many organizations during baseball’s golden era. After graduating from the University of Southern California, he signed with the Milwaukee Braves in 1959 and debuted in the majors the next year.

He played with legends like Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, and Warren Spahn. That gave him a front-row seat to some of the game’s greatest moments.

Gabrielson’s story mirrors what a lot of players experienced in the 1960s. He dealt with the challenges of frequent trades and the need to work off-season jobs just to make ends meet. His career spanned a time of big changes in baseball—think continued integration and shifting team strategies.

Early Life and Family Background

Leonard Gary Gabrielson arrived on February 14, 1940, in Oakland, California, into a family already steeped in pro baseball. His dad, Leonard Hilbourne Gabrielson, played briefly in the majors with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1939, laying a foundation that set the younger Gabrielson on his path.

Birth and Upbringing in Oakland, California

Growing up in Oakland during the ’40s and ’50s, Gabrielson found himself in a hotbed for baseball. The city’s baseball culture thrived, with the Oakland Oaks’ ballpark just down the street from his house on San Pablo Avenue.

Gabrielson picked up a glove at age five. His family often caught Oakland Oaks games, and weekend youth programs at the ballpark gave him a taste of organized baseball early on.

“Back then, there weren’t a lot of other things to do—no soccer, no video games, no Internet, not even skateboarding,” Gabrielson once recalled. “Baseball was the big thing, and every kid pretty much played ball.”

He played with future MLB stars like Frank Robinson, Curt Flood, and Vada Pinson. Gabrielson’s baseball journey ran through the Police Athletic League, Babe Ruth League, and American Legion ball.

Oakland’s fields and the local enthusiasm really helped young talent shine. Gabrielson went to Oakland Tech High School, where he focused on baseball after getting cut from basketball three years in a row.

University of Southern California Collegiate Career

Gabrielson first committed to play at the University of California, Berkeley. That changed when Rod Dedeaux, the legendary USC coach, stopped by the Gabrielson house.

Dedeaux had played with Gabrielson’s dad years earlier. He convinced Len to check out USC’s campus, and Gabrielson described the visit as “the royal treatment.”

“I’d never been to Southern California, so I figured, why not get on a plane and go with him?” Gabrielson said. “It turned into a rush job, really.”

The visit worked out, and Gabrielson signed with USC. He played for the Trojans as a freshman and sophomore under Dedeaux’s watchful eye.

“Playing for Dedeaux was a huge part of my baseball career, and he quickly became like family,” Gabrielson said. Skipping Cal for USC turned out to be a pivotal move for his development.

Influence of Leonard Hilbourne Gabrielson

Leonard Hilbourne Gabrielson’s short stint with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1939 gave his son some important baseball connections and know-how. The elder Gabrielson signed with the Yankees out of Oakland Tech in 1931.

After WWII, he tried to come back with Seattle and Hollywood in the Pacific Coast League. He didn’t make it, but he stayed plugged into baseball circles.

“My whole family was involved in professional baseball,” Gabrielson said. His uncle, Bill Matheson, also played in the Pacific Coast League with the San Francisco Seals during the ’30s and ’40s.

Those family ties opened doors for young Gabrielson. He got to listen in on conversations with players like Billy Raimondi, George Metkovich, and Spider Jorgensen.

All that early exposure to pro baseball gave Gabrielson a leg up in understanding the game and its culture.

MLB Career Overview

Len Gabrielson played 11 seasons in the big leagues from 1960 to 1970. He hit .253 with 37 home runs while playing for five different clubs.

His career started with the Milwaukee Braves and included several trades that sent him bouncing between teams.

MLB Debut and Early Years

Gabrielson made his major league debut on September 9, 1960, with the Milwaukee Braves at just 20 years old. He’d signed with them as an amateur free agent in 1959 after leaving USC.

He joined a Braves team loaded with talent. Guys like Hank Aaron, Eddie Mathews, and Warren Spahn were already there.

Gabrielson spent parts of three seasons with the Braves from 1960 to 1964. Early on, he didn’t see much playing time as he worked his way up.

On June 3, 1964, the Braves traded Gabrielson to the Chicago Cubs for catcher Merritt Ranew and $40,000. The Cubs put Gabrielson in right field after trading Lou Brock to St. Louis a couple weeks later.

Position and Playing Style as Outfielder

Gabrielson played outfield throughout his MLB career, mostly in right and left field. He showed versatility, filling in wherever the team needed him.

His best season came in 1968 with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He led the team in home runs with 10 during the “Year of the Pitcher,” when offense was hard to come by.

He bounced between teams a lot. After less than a year in Chicago, he went to San Francisco in a five-player swap in 1965.

With the Giants, Gabrielson earned the starting left field job. He even beat out Orlando Cepeda for the spot during spring training in 1966.

His journey included quick stops with several teams:

• Milwaukee Braves (1960-1964)
• Chicago Cubs (1964-1965)
• San Francisco Giants (1965-1966)
• California Angels (1967)
• Los Angeles Dodgers (1967-1970)

Retirement in 1970

Gabrielson wrapped up his MLB career in 1970 with the Dodgers. He spent his last four seasons with them after joining in 1967.

He finished with a .253 average over 708 games. His career totals: 446 hits, 37 home runs, and 176 RBIs.

His longest run with any team came with the Dodgers from 1967 to 1970. That stretch brought some stability after years of bouncing around.

Gabrielson retired at 30, right after the 1970 season. Like a lot of players back then, he worked off-season jobs, including seven years with Foremost McKesson in San Francisco.

Teams and Notable Trades

Len Gabrielson’s career took him to five different big league teams over eleven seasons, with several trades shaping his path. Some of his best years came thanks to key deals involving stars like Lou Brock and Harvey Kuenn.

Milwaukee Braves Era

Gabrielson kicked off his pro career with the Milwaukee Braves, signing as an amateur free agent in 1959. The team gave him a hefty $75,000 signing bonus, which showed they believed in his potential.

He made his MLB debut on September 9, 1960, at age 20. Gabrielson played parts of three seasons with Milwaukee from 1960 to 1964.

While with the Braves, he developed his versatility. He picked up experience at first and third base in addition to his main outfield spot.

The Braves used Gabrielson’s 6’4” frame and athleticism to their advantage. His left-handed swing hinted at future power.

Chicago Cubs Tenure and Trade Details

The Cubs got Gabrielson from Milwaukee on June 3, 1964, for Merritt Ranew. That deal happened the same year the Cubs traded Lou Brock to the St. Louis Cardinals.

Gabrielson’s 1964 season in Chicago showed off his speed and flexibility. He swiped 9 bases as a Cub, trailing Billy Cowan (12 steals) and tying Lou Brock and Billy Williams (10 each).

The Cubs liked Gabrielson’s athleticism and upside. His long legs and quickness helped him in the outfield and on the bases.

He played in Chicago through 1965. The Cubs saw him as a guy who could help on both sides of the game during their rebuild.

San Francisco Giants Accomplishments

Gabrielson landed with the Giants in May 1965, when the Cubs traded him and Dick Bertell for veterans Harvey Kuenn, Bob Hendley, and Ed Bailey.

That move brought Gabrielson back to the West Coast, closer to his Oakland roots. The Giants wanted his lefty bat and defensive flexibility.

He played for San Francisco from 1965 to 1966. The Giants moved him around—first, third, and all three outfield spots.

That trade marked a big moment for Gabrielson. Leaving the Cubs for the Giants gave him a fresh start and a new clubhouse vibe.

Later MLB Years

Gabrielson’s last years in the majors included a couple of quick stops with West Coast teams before he settled in with the Dodgers. He only played 11 games with the California Angels, but his trade to the Dodgers gave him a steady home for his final four seasons, including a standout 1968.

California Angels Short Stint

Gabrielson’s time with the Angels was about as brief as it gets. In December 1966, the Giants traded him to the Angels for Norm Siebern, a first baseman past his prime.

He only played 11 games for the Angels in 1967. Gabrielson just couldn’t find a groove in their lineup.

The Angels traded him to the Dodgers for Johnny Werhas later that year. That quick turnaround kind of summed up Gabrielson’s mid-’60s—always on the move.

The trade to L.A. turned out to be a big one. It was the last trade of Gabrielson’s career, and it landed him on the team where he’d finish out his big league days.

Los Angeles Dodgers Final Seasons

Gabrielson finally found some stability with the Dodgers from 1967 to 1970. Those four years were his longest stretch with any one club.

The Dodgers gave him steady playing time in the outfield. He liked Dodger Stadium a lot more than Candlestick Park, calling it “an oasis in the middle of L.A.”

Manager Walter Alston impressed Gabrielson with his style. Alston led without intimidation and earned respect just by being himself.

During his Dodgers run, Gabrielson watched the next wave of talent arrive. He played alongside young guys like Bill Russell, Steve Garvey, and Davey Lopes as their careers got started.

His playing time dropped off during his last two seasons. Gabrielson’s MLB career wrapped up in 1970, closing the book on an 11-year journey.

The ‘Year of the Pitcher’ and 1968 Home Run Lead

People still call the 1968 season the “Year of the Pitcher” because offense just tanked across the league. Pitchers really took over that year, and you could see it in the numbers—runs were hard to come by everywhere.

Gabrielson actually led the Dodgers in home runs during that weird season, and he hit just 10 home runs. That’s a shockingly low number for a team leader, but it says a lot about how tough it was to score.

It wasn’t really about individual players falling short. The whole league saw batting averages and power numbers drop off a cliff compared to earlier years.

Gabrielson still managed to lead the Dodgers in home runs, which honestly says something about his knack for producing when offense was at a premium. He gave the Dodgers a boost at a time when every run counted.

Career Achievements and Statistics

Len Gabrielson finished his MLB career with a .253 batting average, 37 home runs, and 176 RBIs over nine seasons from 1960 to 1970. His best year was 1968 with the Los Angeles Dodgers, when he hit .270 with 10 home runs.

Batting Average and Key Stats

Gabrielson’s career numbers show he was a solid utility player during his time in the majors. In 708 games, he racked up 446 hits and kept his average at .253.

His top season came in 1968 with the Dodgers. That year, he put up a .270 batting average, 10 home runs, and 35 RBIs in 108 games. That really marked his best offensive output in the big leagues.

Key Career Statistics:

• Batting Average: .253
• Home Runs: 37
• RBIs: 176
• Games Played: 708
• Hits: 446
• On-Base Percentage: .309

Gabrielson played for five different teams, showing off his versatility. He spent the most time with the Dodgers, sticking around for four seasons and hitting .262 with 18 home runs.

Noteworthy Games and Highlights

Gabrielson had some real standout games that proved his value as a reliable outfielder. In 1965, splitting time between the Cubs and Giants, he reached a career-high .293 batting average.

Back in 1964 with the Cubs, he finished second on the team with 10 stolen bases. That speed element brought something extra to his game, not just power.

His 1968 season with the Dodgers was probably his most well-rounded. He posted career highs in several categories, like a .428 slugging percentage and 130 total bases.

Gabrielson moved between teams and still managed to contribute, which says a lot about how adaptable he was in Major League Baseball. His nine-year career covered a time of big changes in the sport, and he kept producing in different systems.

Legacy and Impact

Len Gabrielson played during a unique stretch in baseball history, kind of bridging the traditional game and the sport as it started to modernize. His influence wasn’t just in the stats—he played as a second-generation MLB guy and helped out on several teams that were fighting for championships.

Role Among Second-Generation MLB Players

Gabrielson became part of a pretty rare MLB legacy, following his dad into pro baseball at a time when family dynasties were hardly common. His father had played briefly for the Philadelphia Phillies in 1939, making Len one of the second-generation players in the ’60s.

Growing up in Oakland, surrounded by baseball, Gabrielson played with future Hall of Famers like Frank Robinson, Curt Flood, and Vada Pinson. That kind of background definitely shaped how he saw the game.

His family ties to baseball ran even deeper. His uncle Bill Matheson played for the San Francisco Seals in the Pacific Coast League during the ’30s and ’40s. Being around all that gave Gabrielson a pretty unique perspective on how the sport was changing.

People in the baseball world noticed these connections. USC coach Rod Dedeaux recruited Gabrielson partly because of his relationship with Len’s dad, showing how second-generation players sometimes got a leg up thanks to family networks.

Influence on Teammates and Teams

Gabrielson’s impact on his teams wasn’t just about what he did on the field. He played important roles during big moments for several franchises, like the Giants during their competitive run in the mid-1960s.

He joined the Giants during the prime years of Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, and Juan Marichal. Gabrielson once called that experience something “most players can only dream of,” and who could blame him? Not many get to share a lineup with legends.

Later, with the Dodgers from 1967 to 1970, Gabrielson saw the next wave of talent come up. He played alongside young stars like Steve Garvey, Bill Russell, and Davey Lopes, and he acted as a steady veteran while they found their footing.

People noticed his leadership too. He adapted to different team cultures, and he liked manager Walter Alston’s non-intimidating style. Gabrielson appreciated how Alston respected players and kept things professional.

Post-Retirement Life and Recognition

After he retired in 1970, Gabrielson jumped into corporate life. He spent seven years at Foremost McKesson in San Francisco.

He worked in the International division. There, he got his hands on product development, contracts, marketing, and sales, which really showed off his business sense.

This career shift made sense for the times. Gabrielson once said, players “didn’t make that much money, so you had to work.” Even big names like Willie Mays sold cars in the off-season, so second careers weren’t just smart—they were necessary.

The Gabrielson family kept its baseball ties going. His son played, too, carrying the family’s connection to the game into more recent years and keeping the legacy alive.

Gabrielson never made it to the Hall of Fame, but his career speaks to the journeyman player‘s real impact on MLB history. He played for six teams, and his ties to baseball’s golden age offer a glimpse into how the sport changed in the 1960s.