Warren Gill

Warren Darst Gill
(Doc)

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 1", Weight 175 lb.
• School Washington University in Saint Louis
• Debut August 26, 1908
• Final Game September 29, 1908
• Born December 21, 1878 in Ladoga, IN USA
• Died November 26, 1952 in Laguna Beach, CA USA

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Biographical Information

Warren Gill was the first major leaguer from Washington University in St. Louis. He attended there in 1897-1901.

Gill was in the majors in August and September 1908, at a time when his 1908 Pittsburgh Pirates were a top team. The Pirates won 98 games that year, tied with the 1908 New York Giants and only one game out. The 1908 Chicago Cubs won the pennant in a famous pennant race.

Gill appeared in 27 games in that period, hitting only .224 but getting enough walks for a .366 on-base percentage. He was a first baseman in an era when first base was an important defensive position. Harry Swacina was the most-used first baseman that year for the Pirates, although he appeared in only 50 games.

Gill was the inspiration for the Merkle Bonehead Play, since he had supposedly failed to touch second base at the end of a game in September 1908, and Johnny Evers pointed it out to umpire Hank O'Day. When it next happened, in a game involving Fred Merkle of the New York Giants, Evers insisted that O'Day call Merkle out and a celebrated brouhaha resulted.

Related Sites

Find-A-Grave Memorial for Warren Gill