Greg Van Gaver

Gregory Van Gaver

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 5' 10", Weight 170 lb.
• School Bellevue Community College, Gonzaga University
• High School O'Dea High School
• Born February 19, 1952 in Seattle, WA USA
• Died January 13, 2014

BR Minors page

Biographical Information

Pitcher Greg Van Gaver spent one year in the minor leagues, but is particularly notable for how many times he was drafted - five.

The hurler was first taken by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 26th round of the 1970 amateur draft out of high school, but did not sign. He was then selected by the Pirates in the 12th round of the 1971 MLB January Draft-Secondary Phase - the only player taken in that round by any team. Again, he did not sign. The New York Yankees took him in the 3rd round of the 1971 MLB June Draft-Secondary Phase out of Bellevue Community College, a few slots ahead of Sam Bowen, then the Chicago Cubs drafted him in the 1st round of the 1972 MLB January Draft-Secondary Phase, after Dave Collins and one pick ahead of Duane Kuiper. The Yankees then took him in the 2nd round of the 1972 MLB June Draft-Secondary Phase. Still, he did not ink a contract.

He eventually signed as a free agent with the Montreal Expos and played for their Rookie-level squad, the GCL Expos, in 1974. He went 5-0 with a 4.38 ERA in 16 relief appearances.