George Gerken

George Herbert Gerken (Pickles)

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 5' 11½", Weight 175 lb.

• Debut April 19, 1927
• Final Game September 30, 1928
• Born July 28, 1903 in Chicago, IL USA
• Died October 23, 1977 in Arcadia, CA USA

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Biographical Information

George "Pickles" Gerken gets somewhat less attention from baseball historians than Pickles Dillhoefer. They are the only two major leaguers (through 2009) with the nickname "Pickles".

Gerken was an outfielder with the Cleveland Indians in 1927-28, several years after Dillhoefer had left the majors.

Gerken played 10 seasons in the minors with a batting average of .305. He also showed some power and speed with 74 minor league home runs and 87 triples. He played for Milwaukee in parts of 1927 and 1930-32. The book The Minor League Milwaukee Brewers: 1859-1952 calls him a "fast outfielder" and refers to him as "Galloping George Gerken".

He also played for the 1929 Kansas City Blues, a team which went 111-56. Gerken was second on the team in home runs, triples and stolen bases.