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{{short description|American baseball player (1878-1956)}}
{{for|the right-handed pitcher who was also nicknamed "Dolly" Gray|Sam Gray}}
{{for|the Negro League Baseball player|Willie Gray}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2024}}
{{Infobox baseball biography
{{Infobox baseball biography
|name=Dolly Gray
|name=Dolly Gray
|image=File:Dolly Gray, Washington, AL (baseball) LCCN2014689116.jpg
|image=Dolly_Gray.jpg
|position=[[Pitcher]]
|position=[[Pitcher]]
|bats=Left
|bats=Left
|throws=Left
|throws=Left
|birth_date={{Birth date|1878|12|4|mf=y}}
|birth_date={{Birth date|1878|12|4|mf=y}}
|birth_place=[[Houghton, Michigan]]
|birth_place=[[Atlantic Mine, Michigan]], U.S.
|death_date={{death date and age|1956|4|4|1878|12|4}}
|death_date={{death date and age|1956|4|4|1878|12|4}}
|death_place=[[Yuba City, California]]
|death_place=[[Yuba City, California]], U.S.
|debutleague = MLB
|debutleague = MLB
|debutdate=April 13
|debutdate=April 13
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|highlights=
|highlights=
}}
}}
'''William Denton "Dolly" Gray''' (December 4, 1878 in [[Houghton, Michigan]] – April 4, 1956 in [[Yuba City, California]]) was a left-handed professional baseball pitcher who played from 1909 to 1911 for the [[Washington Senators (1901–60)|Washington Senators]]. One source says he was born in [[Ishpeming, Michigan]].<ref name="google">{{cite book|title=The Pacific Coast League: A Statistical History, 1903-1957|author=Snelling, D.|date=1995|publisher=McFarland & Company|isbn=9780786400454|url=https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=4ApM-wmc0BIC&pg=PA266|page=266|accessdate=2015-08-23}}</ref>
'''William Denton "Dolly" Gray''' (December 4, 1878 – April 4, 1956) was an American left-handed professional baseball pitcher who played from 1909 to 1911 for the [[Washington Senators (1901–60)|Washington Senators]].

==Before the big leagues==
==Before the big leagues==
Dolly Gray began his professional career during or before the 1902 season. In 1902, he pitched for the [[Los Angeles Angels (California League)|Los Angeles Angels]] of the old [[California League]]. Following the 1902 season, the [[Los Angeles Angels (PCL)|Angels]] joined to the [[Pacific Coast League]], and in 1903 they had one of the greatest seasons in minor league baseball history.<ref name="web.minorleaguebaseball.com">{{cite web|url=http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/history/top100.jsp?idx=29|title=Top 100 Teams &#124; MiLB.com History &#124; The Official Site of Minor League Baseball|publisher=web.minorleaguebaseball.com|accessdate=2015-08-23}}</ref> Gray went 23–20 with a 3.55 ERA that season. In 1904, Gray went 24–26, in 1905, he went 30–16, in 1906, he went 7–2 (during the 1906 season, Gray and many other West Coast players left to play on the East Coast after the great [[1906 San Francisco earthquake]]),<ref name="web.minorleaguebaseball.com"/> in 1907 he went 32–14 and in 1908 he went 26–11. He played in one game in 1909, winning it. In 1905 and 1907, he led the league in winning percentage.
Gray began his professional career during or before the 1902 season. In 1902, he pitched for the [[Los Angeles Angels (California League)|Los Angeles Angels]] of the old [[California League]]. Following the 1902 season, the [[Los Angeles Angels (PCL)|Angels]] joined to the [[Pacific Coast League]], and in 1903 they had one of the greatest seasons in minor league baseball history, with 133 wins against 78 losses.<ref name="web.minorleaguebaseball.com">{{cite web|url=http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/history/top100.jsp?idx=29|title=Top 100 Teams &#124; MiLB.com History &#124; The Official Site of Minor League Baseball|publisher=web.minorleaguebaseball.com|accessdate=2015-08-23|archive-date=2011-09-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930182327/http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/history/top100.jsp?idx=29|url-status=dead}}</ref> Gray went 23–20 with a 3.55 ERA that season. In 1904, Gray went 24–26, in 1905, he went 30–16, in 1906, he went 7–2 (during the 1906 season, Gray and many other West Coast players left to play on the East Coast after the great [[1906 San Francisco earthquake]]),<ref name="web.minorleaguebaseball.com"/> in 1907 he went 32–14 and in 1908 he went 26–11. He played in one game in 1909, winning it. In 1905 and 1907, he led the league in winning percentage.

For his success in the minors, Gray is a member of the [[Pacific Coast League Hall of Fame]].


==Major league baseball==
==Major league baseball==
{{Urs|date=November 2023}}
A 30-year-old rookie, Gray made his major league debut on April 13, 1909. He made 36 appearances in his rookie season, starting 26 of those games. He we 5–19 with 19 complete games. That year, he led the league in earned runs allowed (87), was third in losses, seventh in walks allowed (77) and eighth in appearances. Gray gave up [[Tris Speaker]]'s first big league home run on May 3 of that year,<ref name="baseballlibrary">{{cite web|url=http://www.baseballlibrary.com/ballplayers/player.php?name=Dolly_Gray_1878&page=chronology|title=The Ballplayers – Dolly Gray &#124; BaseballLibrary.com|publisher=baseballlibrary.com|accessdate=2015-08-23}}</ref> and on August 28 of that year, he set the major league record for most walks allowed in an inning, when he walked eight batters in the second inning. He also set the record for most consecutive walks in an inning, when he walked seven batters in a row. In total, Gray allowed 11 walks that game, giving up six runs and earning the loss in the process. Had he had better control, he may very well have won the game – he threw a one-hitter.<ref name="google2">{{cite book|title=The Baseball Rookies Encyclopedia|author1=Nemec, D.|author2=Zeman, D.|date=2004|publisher=Brassey's|isbn=9781574886702|url=https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=5gm9KgshyAAC&pg=PA91|page=91|accessdate=2015-08-23}}</ref>
A 30-year-old rookie, Gray made his major league debut on April 13, 1909. He made 36 appearances in his rookie season, starting 26 of those games. He went 5–19 with 19 complete games. That year, he led the league in earned runs allowed (87), was third in losses, seventh in walks allowed (77) and eighth in appearances. On August 28 of that year, he set the major league record for most walks allowed in an inning, when he walked eight batters in the second inning. He also set the record for most consecutive walks in an inning, when he walked seven batters in a row. In total, Gray allowed 11 walks that game, giving up six runs and earning the loss in the process. Had he had better control, he may very well have won the game – he threw a one-hitter.<ref name="google2">{{cite book|title=The Baseball Rookies Encyclopedia|author1=Nemec, D.|author2=Zeman, D.|date=2004|publisher=Brassey's|isbn=9781574886702|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5gm9KgshyAAC&pg=PA91|page=91|accessdate=2015-08-23}}</ref>


In 1910, Gray went 8–19 with a 2.63 ERA. He was second in the league in losses that year, fifth in wild pitches (9), ninth in earned runs allowed (67) and ninth in hit batsmen (10).
In 1910, Gray went 8–19 with a 2.63 ERA. He was second in the league in losses that year, fifth in wild pitches (9), ninth in earned runs allowed (67) and ninth in hit batsmen (10).
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On April 12, 1911, Gray threw the very first pitch in [[Griffith Stadium]] history. He also won the game that day, beating opposing pitcher [[Smoky Joe Wood]]. That would be one of only two wins for Gray in 1912 – overall that season, he went 2–13 with a 5.06 ERA. His ten wild pitches that season were fourth most in the league, and his ten games finished were eighth most in the league. Gray played in his final major league game on September 29, 1911.
On April 12, 1911, Gray threw the very first pitch in [[Griffith Stadium]] history. He also won the game that day, beating opposing pitcher [[Smoky Joe Wood]]. That would be one of only two wins for Gray in 1912 – overall that season, he went 2–13 with a 5.06 ERA. His ten wild pitches that season were fourth most in the league, and his ten games finished were eighth most in the league. Gray played in his final major league game on September 29, 1911.


Gray went 15–51 with a 3.52 ERA in his three-year career. His .227 winning percentage is one of the worst all-time among pitchers with at least 50 career decisions. As a batter, Gray was pretty solid for a pitcher – he hit .202 in 218 big league at bats.
Gray went 15–51 with a 3.52 ERA in his three-year career. His .227 winning percentage is one of the worst all-time among pitchers with at least 50 career decisions. As a batter, Gray hit .202 in 218 big league at bats.

Statistically, Gray is most similar to [[Blondie Purcell]], according to the Similarity Scores at Baseball-Reference.com.


==Post-big league career==
==Post-big league career==
Following his major league career, Gray pitched in the Pacific Coast league from 1912 to 1913, retiring after the 1913 season.<ref name="web.minorleaguebaseball.com"/> He played for the [[Vernon Tigers]] and [[Oakland Oaks (PCL)|Oakland Oaks]] in that time.<ref name=minorsblog>{{cite web|url=http://web.archive.org/http://minorsblog.sabrwebs.com/labels/minor%20leagues.html|title=SABR Minor League Committee Blog|publisher=web.archive.org|accessdate=2015-08-23}}</ref>
Following his major league career, Gray pitched in the Pacific Coast league from 1912 to 1913, retiring after the 1913 season.<ref name="web.minorleaguebaseball.com"/> He played for the [[Vernon Tigers]] and [[Oakland Oaks (PCL)|Oakland Oaks]] in that time.<ref name=Baseball-Reference (Minors)>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=gray--003wil|title=Baseball-Reference (Minors)|accessdate=2023-11-04}}</ref>


Following his death, he was buried in [[Sutter Cemetery]] in [[Sutter, California]].<ref>{{FAG|52326566|William Denton "Dolly" Gray}}</ref>
Following his death, he was buried in [[Sutter Cemetery]] in [[Sutter, California]].<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=13EwCgAAQBAJ&dq=dolly+gray+sutter+cemetery&pg=PA452 ''The Baseball Necrology'']</ref>


In 2008, Gray was inducted into the Pacific Coast League Hall of Fame, along with [[Wheezer Dell]], [[Casey Stengel]] and Lee Susman.<ref name=minorsblog/>
In 2008, Gray was inducted into the [[Pacific Coast League Hall of Fame]], along with [[Wheezer Dell]], [[Casey Stengel]] and Lee Susman.<ref name="Legendary cartoonist drawing on greatness">{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/oakland-tribune-legendary-cartoonist-dra/134615013/|title=Legendary cartoonist drawing on greatness|page=13|author=Newhouse, Dave|work=[[Oakland Tribune]]|date=August 18, 2008|access-date=November 4, 2023}}</ref>

==The nickname==
Gray got his nickname '''Dolly''' from the 19th century song [[Nelly Gray (song)|Nellie Gray]], composed by [[Benjamin Hanby]]. One line in the song goes ''darling Nellie Gray, they have taken you away''. His teammates mangled and distorted it ''darling'' and it became "Dolly."<ref name="web.minorleaguebaseball.com"/>

Another source says his nickname came from the song [[Goodbye, Dolly Gray]].<ref name="wordpress">{{cite web|url=http://coffeyvillewhirlwind.wordpress.com/2007/01/|title=January &#124; 2007 &#124; Coffeyville Whirlwind|publisher=coffeyvillewhirlwind.wordpress.com|accessdate=2015-08-23}}</ref>


== Notes ==
== Notes ==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


==References==
==External links==
{{baseballstats | br=g/graydo01 | brm=gray--003wil }}
{{baseballstats | br=g/graydo01 | brm=gray--003wil }}
{{Commons category|Dolly Gray (baseball)}}
* [http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/ballplayers/G/Gray_Dolly.stm Baseball Library]
{{PCL Hall of Fame}}


{{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]]. -->
| NAME = Gray, Dolly
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
| SHORT DESCRIPTION = American baseball player
| DATE OF BIRTH = December 4, 1878
| PLACE OF BIRTH = [[Houghton, Michigan]]
| DATE OF DEATH = April 4, 1956
| PLACE OF DEATH = [[Yuba City, California]]
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Gray, Dolly}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Gray, Dolly}}
[[Category:Major League Baseball pitchers]]
[[Category:Major League Baseball pitchers]]
[[Category:Washington Senators (1901–60) players]]
[[Category:Washington Senators (1901–1960) players]]
[[Category:Los Angeles Angels (minor league) players]]
[[Category:Los Angeles Angels (minor league) players]]
[[Category:Vernon Tigers players]]
[[Category:Vernon Tigers players]]

Latest revision as of 05:20, 20 September 2024

For the Negro League Baseball player, see Willie Gray.

Dolly Gray
Pitcher
Born: (1878-12-04)December 4, 1878
Atlantic Mine, Michigan, U.S.
Died: April 4, 1956(1956-04-04) (aged 77)
Yuba City, California, U.S.
Batted: Left
Threw: Left
MLB debut
April 13, 1909, for the Washington Senators
Last MLB appearance
September 29, 1911, for the Washington Senators
MLB statistics
Earned run average3.52
Win–loss record15-51
Strikeouts213
Teams

William Denton "Dolly" Gray (December 4, 1878 – April 4, 1956) was an American left-handed professional baseball pitcher who played from 1909 to 1911 for the Washington Senators.

Before the big leagues

[edit]

Gray began his professional career during or before the 1902 season. In 1902, he pitched for the Los Angeles Angels of the old California League. Following the 1902 season, the Angels joined to the Pacific Coast League, and in 1903 they had one of the greatest seasons in minor league baseball history, with 133 wins against 78 losses.[1] Gray went 23–20 with a 3.55 ERA that season. In 1904, Gray went 24–26, in 1905, he went 30–16, in 1906, he went 7–2 (during the 1906 season, Gray and many other West Coast players left to play on the East Coast after the great 1906 San Francisco earthquake),[1] in 1907 he went 32–14 and in 1908 he went 26–11. He played in one game in 1909, winning it. In 1905 and 1907, he led the league in winning percentage.

Major league baseball

[edit]

A 30-year-old rookie, Gray made his major league debut on April 13, 1909. He made 36 appearances in his rookie season, starting 26 of those games. He went 5–19 with 19 complete games. That year, he led the league in earned runs allowed (87), was third in losses, seventh in walks allowed (77) and eighth in appearances. On August 28 of that year, he set the major league record for most walks allowed in an inning, when he walked eight batters in the second inning. He also set the record for most consecutive walks in an inning, when he walked seven batters in a row. In total, Gray allowed 11 walks that game, giving up six runs and earning the loss in the process. Had he had better control, he may very well have won the game – he threw a one-hitter.[2]

In 1910, Gray went 8–19 with a 2.63 ERA. He was second in the league in losses that year, fifth in wild pitches (9), ninth in earned runs allowed (67) and ninth in hit batsmen (10).

On April 12, 1911, Gray threw the very first pitch in Griffith Stadium history. He also won the game that day, beating opposing pitcher Smoky Joe Wood. That would be one of only two wins for Gray in 1912 – overall that season, he went 2–13 with a 5.06 ERA. His ten wild pitches that season were fourth most in the league, and his ten games finished were eighth most in the league. Gray played in his final major league game on September 29, 1911.

Gray went 15–51 with a 3.52 ERA in his three-year career. His .227 winning percentage is one of the worst all-time among pitchers with at least 50 career decisions. As a batter, Gray hit .202 in 218 big league at bats.

Post-big league career

[edit]

Following his major league career, Gray pitched in the Pacific Coast league from 1912 to 1913, retiring after the 1913 season.[1] He played for the Vernon Tigers and Oakland Oaks in that time.[3]

Following his death, he was buried in Sutter Cemetery in Sutter, California.[4]

In 2008, Gray was inducted into the Pacific Coast League Hall of Fame, along with Wheezer Dell, Casey Stengel and Lee Susman.[5]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c "Top 100 Teams | MiLB.com History | The Official Site of Minor League Baseball". web.minorleaguebaseball.com. Archived from the original on September 30, 2011. Retrieved August 23, 2015.
  2. ^ Nemec, D.; Zeman, D. (2004). The Baseball Rookies Encyclopedia. Brassey's. p. 91. ISBN 9781574886702. Retrieved August 23, 2015.
  3. ^ "Baseball-Reference (Minors)". Retrieved November 4, 2023.
  4. ^ The Baseball Necrology
  5. ^ Newhouse, Dave (August 18, 2008). "Legendary cartoonist drawing on greatness". Oakland Tribune. p. 13. Retrieved November 4, 2023.
[edit]
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