Date of Birth: November 26, 1908
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
Date of Death: February 17, 1989
Biography
Vernon Louis “Lefty” Gomez was an American professional baseball player, considered one of the greatest pitchers in Major League Baseball (MLB) history. Born on November 26, 1908, in Rodeo, California, Gomez played the majority of his career for the New York Yankees, from 1930 to 1942, before finishing his career with the Washington Senators in 1943. Known for his left-handed pitching prowess, Gomez was a seven-time All-Star and a five-time World Series champion. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972. Beyond his athletic prowess, Gomez was known for his charismatic personality and sharp wit, making him a beloved figure both on and off the field.
5 Interesting Facts about Lefty Gomez
1. Lefty Gomez was a seven-time All-Star and played in the very first All-Star Game in 1933.
2. He won five World Series championships with the New York Yankees.
3. Gomez led the American League in strikeouts three times during his career.
4. He was known for his humorous personality and once famously said, “I’d rather be lucky than good.”
5. Lefty Gomez was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Lefty Gomez
1. “I’d rather be lucky than good.”
2. “I talked to the ball a lot of times in my career. I yelled, ‘Go foul. Go foul.’”
3. “I was the worst hitter ever. I never even broke a bat until last year when I was backing out of the garage.”
4. “I was never nervous when I had the ball, but when I let go I was scared to death.”
5. “The secret of my success was clean living and a fast outfield.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Lefty Gomez’s highest net worth during his lifetime is not clearly documented, but as an elite athlete of his time, he enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle and the accolades of a successful career.
Children
Lefty Gomez had three children with his wife, June O’Dea, who was a Broadway actress. Their children are Vernona, Lefty Jr., and Gary.
Relevant Links
1. [Baseball Hall of Fame – Lefty Gomez](https://baseballhall.org/hall-of-famers/gomez-lefty
5. [Yankees History – Lefty Gomez](https://www.mlb.com/yankees/history/players/gomez-lefty