Ken Gables

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Kenneth Harlin Gables (January 31, 1919 - January 2, 1960) was a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1945 to 1947. The right-hander stood 5'11" and weighed 210 lbs.

As a rookie in 1945, the last year of World War II baseball, 26-year-old Gables was the youngest pitcher on the Pirate staff. He made his major league debut in relief on April 18, 1945 against the Cincinnati Reds at Crosley Field. He earned his first win on May 24, also in relief, in an 11-inning home game against the Boston Braves. Gables pitched in 29 games during his first season, 16 as a starter, and had an 11-7 record with a 4.15 earned run average.

Career totals for 62 games include a 13-11 record, 23 games started, 6 complete games, 20 games finished, and 2 saves. He allowed 125 earned runs in 239.2 innings pitched for an ERA of 4.69.

Gables died in his hometown of Walnut Grove, Missouri at the age of 40.

[edit] Trivia

Gables gave up just 9 home runs in 239.2 innings, an outstanding average of just one per 26.2 innings pitched.
His nickname was "Coral."
Five other players made their major league debut the same day as Gables...Vic Lombardi, Otho Nitcholas, Bill Salkeld, Jim Wilson, and Jose Zardon.