1960 Topps - “Diamond” Jim Gentile

Diamond Jim got his big break with the Orioles in 1960 when skipper Paul Richards “rescued” him from the Los Angeles Dodgers farm system where he had spent the previous eight years. Jim was a 1st baseman, but the Dodgers had another guy playing 1st, the perennial All-Star Gil Hodges. 

Baltimore purchased Jim from the Dodgers after the 59’ season, and despite having an abysmal spring training, Richards informed him on opening day 1960 that he would be the Orioles 1st baseman. That year he hit .292, with 21 homers and 98 RBI (a new club record). He was selected by Casey Stengel for the All-Star team there he went 1-2. 

His biggest day of the year was in Kansas City on June 26 when he went 3-5 with a grand slam and a three-run shot off Dick Hall. 

Major League Career Stats:   BA: .260    HR: 179    Hits: 759    RBI: 549    AB: 2922