This Date in Phillies History: November 30

Events in Phillies history on November 30

November 30, 1964 — The Phillies sold first baseman Vic Power to the Los Angeles Angels.
November 30, 1966 — The Phillies traded pitcher Darold Knowles (plus cash) to the Washington Senators in exchange for outfielder Don Lock.
November 30, 1972 — The Phillies traded outfielders Oscar Gamble and Roger Freed to the Cleveland Indians for outfielder Del Unser and infielder Terry Wedgewood. On the same day, the Phillies also traded pitchers Ken Sanders and Ken Reynolds and outfielder Joe Lis to the Minnesota Twins for infielder–outfielder Cesar Tovar.
November 30, 2005 — The Phillies signed veteran infielder/utility-man Abraham Nunez as a free agent.
November 30, 2011 — The Phillies agreed to terms on minor-league contracts (with spring-training invites) for eight players: right-handed pitchers Scott Elarton and Brian Sanches; left-handed pitchers Raul Valdes and Pat Misch; infielders Kevin Frandsen and Pete Orr; catcher Tuffy Gosewisch; and outfielder Scott Podsednik.

Phillies players (or personnel) born on November 30

Shane Victorino (1980) Victorino was a key outfielder for the Phillies from 2005–2012, known for his energy, outstanding defense, and postseason heroics, including playing a major role in the 2008 championship run.
Chase Anderson (1987) Anderson pitched for the Phillies in 2021, making 9 starts to provide veteran depth to a rotation that was dealing with injuries. His time in Philadelphia consisted of just those 9 starts and 5 relief appearances in 2021 when he went 2-4 with a 6.75 ERA.
Mark Lewis (1969) Lewis played for the Phillies in 1998 and 1999, serving as a versatile infielder who delivered solid bench production and occasional stretches in the starting lineup. In 142 games with the Phillies, Lewis hit .249/.342/.349/.661

A DEEPER DIVE… Oscar Gamble’s Career and His Time with the Phillies

Oscar Gamble’s baseball career is remembered as much for his unmistakable personality as for the quality of his play. He was one of the most colorful figures of the 1970s and early 1980s, a left-handed hitter with real pop and a sense of flair that made him stand out in every clubhouse he entered. His journey through the major leagues took him to several teams, but each stop shaped his reputation as a dependable bat, an underrated on-base threat, and a player who teammates loved having around. His time with the Phillies was brief, but it helped lay the groundwork for what he would later become as a hitter.

Gamble was born in Ramer, Alabama, in 1949 and grew up in a baseball environment thanks to his father, who coached local teams. His athletic ability became clear early on and led the Chicago Cubs to sign him as an amateur free agent in 1968 and he made his MLB debut with the Cubs the following season. Even as a young player, he showed good strike zone judgment and an ability to make consistent contact, traits that would define his long career.

The Phillies acquired Gamble following the 1969 season when they acquired Gamble and pitcher Dick Selma for Johnny Callison and a player to be named later, who would turn out to be Larry Colton. The Phillies were in the middle of rebuilding at the time and were beginning to introduce a young core that would eventually lift the franchise toward the late 1970s and early 1980s when the team was a perennial contender. Gamble was given a chance to play regularly, spending most of his time in the outfield and often working in a platoon role that allowed his left-handed swing to shine.

With the Phillies, Gamble played 254 games with 8 home runs and 55 RBI to go with a slash line of: .241/.308/.336, falling short of what the Phillies had hoped he would produce, especially in terms of power. Although the Phillies were not yet a winning team, the environment gave Gamble the opportunity to grow. Many of his teammates later recalled how he brought energy to the clubhouse and loosened things up during a period when the team needed it. What the Phillies failed to realize is that he was set for a breakout season the following year, but it wouldn’t be in Philadelphia.

After the 1972 season, the Phillies moved Gamble to Cleveland along with Roger Freed for Del Unser and Terry Wedgewood. It was in Cleveland where Gamble’s career truly took off. He enjoyed several productive years with the Indians, including a breakout 1973 season when he hit 20 home runs for the first time. He became known for his ability to crush right-handed pitching and for the way he used the short right-field porch in Cleveland Stadium to his advantage. His swing was compact and smooth and produced a natural uppercut that fit the era’s offensive style.

Gamble’s fame extended beyond the field thanks to his iconic Afro. By the mid-1970s, he was instantly recognizable, and his most famous baseball card featured his hair pushed outward by a cap that clearly did not stand a chance. Fans loved it, and it helped make him one of the sport’s memorable personalities. Despite the attention his appearance drew, he was always quick to say that he wanted to be known for his performance first. The good news for him was that the bat backed it up.

His career included two different stops with the New York Yankees, where he became a reliable contributor on teams built around star-studded lineups. Gamble often served as a role player or platoon hitter, yet he consistently produced. Yankee Stadium was a great fit for his left-handed power, and he quickly gained the trust of manager Billy Martin, who appreciated hitters who stuck to their strengths.

Gamble also spent time with the White Sox, Padres, and Rangers. One of his most memorable seasons came with the 1977 White Sox, a team known as the South Side Hit Men. He hit 31 home runs that year and finished with a .297 batting average, providing timely power and contributing to one of the most entertaining offensive teams of the decade. The performance helped cement his reputation as one of the best platoon hitters of his generation.

By the time he retired after the 1985 season, Gamble had put together a career that was both productive and widely respected. He finished with 200 home runs, a strong lifetime on-base percentage of .356, and a reputation as someone who handled both starting and platoon roles with professionalism. His time with the Phillies was only three seasons in his 17-year career, but it represented a turning point. Philadelphia gave him exposure, and that experience helped shape the hitter he would ultimately become.

Oscar Gamble passed away in 2018, leaving behind stories, highlights, and memories that fans of many teams still enjoy sharing. He was fun, talented, and beloved, and his imprint on the game remains easy to appreciate.

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