Sid Gordon – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Sidney Gordon wrapped up his Major League Baseball career in 1955 after 13 seasons as one of the most consistent power hitters of his generation. The Brooklyn-born outfielder and third baseman made a name for himself with the New York Giants, Boston and Milwaukee Braves, and Pittsburgh Pirates.

Gordon finished with a .283 batting average, 202 home runs, and 805 RBIs. He earned two All-Star selections and landed fourth in National League MVP voting in 1948.

People called him the “Solid Man” thanks to his steady play and dependable character. Gordon meant more than just numbers on a scorecard.

He became a respected presence in baseball through the 1940s and 1950s, bouncing between positions wherever his team needed him. His career stretched across World War II, and he served two years in the Coast Guard.

Gordon’s story goes beyond the ballpark. He left an impact on Jewish representation in baseball and made a lasting impression on teammates and fans alike.

He started out driving coal trucks in Brooklyn before making it to the big leagues. By his final game at age 38, his journey through America’s pastime had covered both the opportunities and challenges of mid-20th century baseball.

Sid Gordon’s Baseball Career Highlights

Sidney Gordon put together a strong 13-year run in Major League Baseball, launching 202 home runs and driving in 805 RBIs while suiting up for three different teams. He picked up two All-Star nods and several league-leading performances, earning respect across the league.

Debut and Early Achievements

Sid Gordon stepped onto the MLB stage on September 11, 1941, with the New York Giants. That day, the lineup featured four Jewish players: Gordon and Morrie Arnovich in the outfield, Harry Feldman pitching, and Harry Danning catching.

His first full season came in 1943, when he hit .251 with 11 triples. Gordon showed sharp plate discipline early, drawing 43 walks and striking out just 32 times.

World War II put his career on pause from 1944-1945 while he served in the Coast Guard. Baseball historian Bill James once said Gordon “may have lost a shot at the Hall of Fame due to World War II,” since he missed two full seasons during his prime.

Gordon returned in 1946 and finished 10th in the league in on-base percentage at .380. By 1947, he had become a key player for the Giants, picking up 8 triples and a career-high 13 outfield assists.

All-Star Selections and Major Records

Gordon broke out in 1948 after tweaking his hitting style with coach Red Kress. Gordon explained, “Red Kress used to get me to pull the ball to left. He started out by moving my right-hand grip on the bat around a little and he opened up my stance.”

1948 Season Rankings:

• 3rd in slugging percentage (.537)
• 4th in RBIs (107)
• 5th in home runs (30)
• 6th in runs (100)
• 8th in batting average (.299)

He earned his first All-Star spot in 1948 and finished fourth in National League MVP voting. The Giants honored him with “Sid Gordon Day” at the Polo Grounds, handing him a new car, golf clubs, and luggage.

Gordon picked up his second All-Star selection in 1949, hitting 26 home runs and drawing 95 walks. That year, he made history by hitting two home runs in one inning, tying a major league record that still stands.

In 1950 with the Boston Braves, Gordon tied the major league record with four grand slams. He showed serious power on the road, smacking 22 home runs away from home compared to just five at home.

Retirement in 1955

Gordon played his final season in 1955, returning to the New York Giants at age 37. He ranked as the ninth-oldest player in the National League that year, wrapping up his professional baseball journey.

He made his last MLB appearance on September 20, 1955, for the Giants. Gordon closed out his career with a .283 batting average, 202 home runs, and 805 RBIs in 1,475 games.

Among Jewish baseball players, Gordon ranks fourth all-time in home runs, behind Hank Greenberg, Shawn Green, and Ryan Braun. He also sits fourth in RBIs among Jewish players, just behind Greenberg, Braun, and Green.

Gordon’s career achievements led to his induction into the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in 2004 and the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in 2010.

Teams and Positions

Sid Gordon suited up for three Major League Baseball teams during his 13-year career from 1941 to 1955. He spent most of his time with the New York Giants, then moved to the Boston Braves, and finished with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Along the way, he showed off his versatility by playing several positions.

New York Giants Era

Gordon started his major league career with the New York Giants in 1941 at age 24. He spent eight seasons with the Giants, though his career paused for military service from 1944 to 1945.

His early years with the Giants were brief. In 1941, he played in just nine games and hit .258. The next year, he appeared in only six games before heading off to serve.

When Gordon returned in 1946, he became a regular contributor. He played 135 games that season and batted .293 with 132 hits.

His breakout year came in 1948, when he blasted 30 home runs and drove in 107 RBIs.

During his Giants years, Gordon posted a .278 batting average with 90 home runs and 393 RBIs over 760 games. He mostly played left field and third base, building a reputation as a steady offensive threat.

Boston and Milwaukee Braves Years

Gordon joined the Boston Braves in 1950, kicking off his most productive stretch. He spent four seasons with the franchise, which moved to Milwaukee in his last year there in 1953.

His first season with Boston was a standout. Gordon hit .304 with 27 home runs and 103 RBIs in 134 games, earning MVP consideration and finishing 22nd in voting.

The 1951 season brought even more success. Gordon played 150 games, hit .287, and belted 29 home runs with 109 RBIs. His steady production made him a trusted middle-of-the-order bat.

Gordon’s Braves years marked the best statistical run of his career. He hit .289 with 100 home runs and 362 RBIs across 568 games. Those four seasons were the peak of his offensive output.

Pittsburgh Pirates Stint

Gordon wrapped up his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates, playing parts of two seasons from 1954 to 1955. His time in Pittsburgh showed a drop in power as age caught up with him.

In 1954, Gordon played 131 games for the Pirates, hitting .306 with 12 home runs and 49 RBIs. Even as his power dipped, he kept his batting average solid at age 36.

His last season in 1955 was split between Pittsburgh and a short return to the Giants. With the Pirates, he played just 16 games, hitting .170 before the trade sent him back to New York.

Gordon’s Pittsburgh numbers reflect his veteran status. Across 147 games with the Pirates, he hit .290 with 12 home runs and 50 RBIs.

Versatility: LF, RF, 3B, and PH

Gordon’s defensive flexibility made him a valuable asset for every team he joined. He regularly moved across positions, making himself a key utility player.

Left field was his main spot during his best years. Gordon handled outfield duties well and focused on producing at the plate. His range and arm strength made him a capable outfielder.

Right field saw plenty of action from Gordon, too. Teams leaned on his flexibility to cover for other players’ defensive needs. His ability to play both corner outfield spots boosted his value.

Third base gave Gordon infield experience. He played 3B regularly during his early Giants days and occasionally in later years. His defensive skills worked well at the hot corner.

As a pinch hitter (PH), Gordon provided late-inning offense. With his steady bat and power, he became a trusted option in clutch situations, especially as his career wound down.

Notable Games and Milestones

Sid Gordon pulled off some impressive feats during his 13-year MLB career, including home run records and clutch RBI performances. His most memorable moments came with the Giants and Braves, where he set league records and took part in historic baseball events.

Home Run Feats

Gordon reached the 202 home run mark in his career, cementing his place among baseball’s top power hitters. He managed to homer at least once in every ballpark he played in during three different seasons.

In 1948, Gordon hit a career-high 30 home runs for the New York Giants. That year, the Giants set the single-season home run record with 221 total homers.

The 1950 season really highlighted Gordon’s road power. He hit 22 home runs away from home, compared to only five at Fenway Park. That 17 home run gap tied the major league record for biggest home-road difference in a single season.

Gordon also hit four grand slams in 1950, matching what was then the major league record. In 1949, he pulled off the rare feat of hitting two home runs in a single inning, a record that still stands.

RBI Records and Clutch Performances

Gordon’s 805 RBI career total showed off his steady run production. His top RBI season came in 1951, when he drove in 109 runs and finished second in the National League.

He ranked among the top 10 in RBIs several times. In 1948, Gordon placed fourth in the National League with 107 RBIs.

Gordon’s ability to drive in runs made him a valuable player on every team. He topped 100 RBIs three times, with his 1951 season standing out as his personal best.

Historic Matchups and Events

Gordon played in several historic baseball moments. On September 11, 1941, he debuted in a Giants lineup that featured four Jewish players: Gordon, Morrie Arnovich, Harry Feldman, and Harry Danning.

Leo Durocher once included Gordon among the “nice guys” who would finish last, referring to Mel Ott’s Giants teams. Durocher later traded Gordon to Boston after taking over as Giants manager in 1949.

On August 11, 1951, Gordon homered during a doubleheader that became the first major league games broadcast in color television. The Giants held “Sid Gordon Day” at the Polo Grounds in 1948, and he even received the rare honor of a “Sid Gordon Day” at Ebbets Field as a visiting player.

Legacy and Recognition

Sid Gordon left a real mark on baseball as one of the most prominent Jewish players of the 1940s and 1950s. His steady power hitting and professional conduct brought him honors and helped shape how Jewish athletes were viewed in Major League Baseball.

Impact on Jewish Baseball History

Sidney Gordon stands out as one of the most significant Jewish players in baseball history. In 1941, he played alongside three other Jewish teammates, making history as the New York Giants fielded Gordon and Morrie Arnovich in the outfield, Harry Feldman pitching, and Harry Danning catching.

That marked the first time four Jewish players appeared in the same lineup. The moment signaled the growing presence of Jewish athletes in pro baseball.

People called Gordon the “Solid Man” because of his reliable play and strong character. He became a role model for Jewish youth who dreamed of baseball.

Walter O’Malley, the Dodgers owner, once said he hoped Sandy Koufax would be as good as Hank Greenberg or Sid Gordon. That put Gordon in pretty elite company among Jewish players of his era.

Gordon sometimes faced anti-Semitic remarks from the opposing bench, but he always handled those moments with dignity. His professional response to discrimination helped clear the path for future Jewish players.

Awards and Honors

Gordon made All-Star status twice, with selections in 1948 and 1949.

These honors really highlighted his power hitting during the post-war years.

He got the 200 Home Run Club award on August 14, 1955, from both the American League and National League.

This put him among the elite power hitters of that era.

Career Achievement Summary:

• 2× National League All-Star (1948, 1949)
• 202 career home runs
• .283 lifetime batting average
• 805 career RBIs

From 1948 to 1952, Gordon put up some impressive power numbers. He knocked 30, 26, 27, 29, and 25 home runs in those five seasons.

The International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame later honored Gordon for his baseball contributions. His induction celebrated both his performance and his role as a Jewish athlete in pro sports.

Influence Within Major League Baseball

Sid Gordon really stood for the kind of solid, reliable player teams loved in the 1940s and 1950s.

He played multiple positions, giving managers the flexibility they needed.

Gordon set an example with his professional approach, showing players that steady effort mattered more than flash.

He moved between teams but always kept up his performance, which showed others how to adapt to new organizations.

Gordon played for the Giants, Braves, and Pirates over his 13-year career.

Teammates and opponents respected him for his professional behavior. Even when he faced discrimination, he stayed focused on his game.

His post-war success helped shape what people expected from power hitters in the modern era.

Gordon’s mix of home run power and plate discipline became a model for future players.

Personal Life and Post-Baseball Years

Sidney Gordon’s life off the field was all about family values and serving his country.

He married Mary Goldberg in 1940, served in the Coast Guard during World War II, and later raised two sons while staying active in his community until his passing in 1975.

Early Life and Family

Sidney Gordon was born on August 13, 1917, in Brownsville, Brooklyn.

His parents, Morris and Rose Gordon, worked hard—his father, a Russian immigrant, worked as a plumber and coal dealer.

Morris died suddenly when Sid was young. That loss almost ended Sid’s baseball career before it began.

Rose, his mother, played a huge part in keeping his baseball dreams alive.

When Sid thought he should take over the family coal business, she insisted he chase his baseball ambitions.

She made sure he got on the train to Milford, Delaware, for his first pro assignment and gave him $32 from her own savings for travel.

Before he turned pro, Gordon helped out by driving his father’s coal delivery truck.

He went to Samuel Tilden High School, where he starred as a baseball player.

In 1940, Gordon married Mary Goldberg.

They had two sons, Michael and Richard.

Service During World War II

World War II interrupted Gordon’s baseball career.

He served in the U.S. Coast Guard during 1944 and 1945.

He joined the military after his first full season in the majors in 1943.

Gordon had to put his career on hold to serve his country.

When he came back to baseball in 1946, he seemed like a more mature player. Honestly, the break may have helped him develop.

Giants coach Red Kress worked with Gordon after the war, helping him become a better pull hitter.

That coaching really transformed Gordon into a more powerful offensive threat.

Life After Retirement

Gordon stayed devoted to his family after retiring from baseball.

His son Michael even played as a catcher in the minor leagues from 1964 to 1966.

Both sons received a Jewish education, which mattered a lot to Gordon.

He supported several Jewish organizations, lending his name to their projects.

Gordon kept physically active, playing softball in Central Park.

On June 17, 1975, he suffered a heart attack while playing softball there. He was rushed to Lenox Hill Hospital but died several hours later at age 57.

His wife Mary and their sons Michael and Richard survived him.

Gordon’s willingness to step away from baseball to help his family really showed the same character that made him so respected by teammates and fans.

Memorials and Lasting Impact

Sid Gordon’s legacy lives on through media tributes and commemorations that celebrate his baseball contributions.

The baseball community has honored his memory with special events and by recognizing his achievements as a solid, dependable player.

Media Features and Memorabilia

The Sid Gordon – An American Baseball Story documentary preserves his story with archived footage and photos.

The film includes rare images of Gordon getting the 200 Home Run Club award on August 14, 1955, with his son Michael and Warren Spahn.

Baseball card collectors really value Gordon’s vintage cards from his playing days.

His 1948 and 1949 All-Star cards are especially sought after by enthusiasts.

The Jewish Baseball Museum features exhibits about Gordon’s career.

These displays highlight his nickname “Solid Man” and his place as one of the prominent Jewish players of the 1940s and 1950s.

Commemorative Events

Brooklyn community events have honored Gordon as a local hero who made it to the majors.

The Brownsville section of Brooklyn, where he was born, has held informal gatherings to celebrate his achievements.

The International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame inducted Gordon, recognizing his two-time National League All-Star status.

This honor highlights his consistent power hitting after World War II.

Baseball historians often mention Gordon when talking about the integration of Jewish players in the major leagues.

His career stands as an example of perseverance and steady performance.

Tributes From the Baseball Community

Former teammates and baseball writers keep talking about Gordon’s character and reliability. One manager once said he was “a modest and quiet productive power hitter who was a dream to manage.”

The Giants organization remembers Gordon as one of their most popular players from the late 1940s. Teams loved having him because he could handle so many positions.

Walter O’Malley of the Dodgers once told reporter Dave Anderson that he hoped Sandy Koufax would be as good as Hank Greenberg or Sid Gordon. That comparison really puts Gordon up there with the elite Jewish players in baseball history, doesn’t it?