Gene Bearden

Henry Eugene Bearden (September 5, 1920 – March 18, 2004) was an American professional baseball pitcher, a left-hander who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1947 to 1953 for the Cleveland Indians, Washington Senators, Detroit Tigers, St. Louis Browns and Chicago White Sox. In 193 career games, Bearden pitched 7881⁄3 innings and posted a win–loss record of 45–38, with 29 complete games, seven shutouts, 259 strikeouts, and a 3.96 earned run average (ERA). Born in Lexa, Arkansas, Bearden was signed to a contract by the Philadelphia Phillies out of high school, and spent four seasons in the minor leagues. He then served in the United States Navy during World War II aboard the USS Helena. He was wounded during the Battle of Kula Gulf and was hospitalized until 1945 when he made a return to baseball. After two years in the New York Yankees organization, Bearden was traded to the Cleveland Indians and made his MLB debut in 1947, making one appearance that year. The following year, he won 20 games as a rookie, finishing second in Rookie of the Year voting, and led the Indians to the American League pennant and World Series championship. His success did not last, and within two years he was released. He then spent time with the Washington Senators, Detroit Tigers, St. Louis Browns, and Chicago White Sox between 1950 and 1953, appearing as both a starting pitcher and relief pitcher. After his last MLB appearance, he spent four more years in the minor leagues before retiring. He lived in Helena, Arkansas, after retiring, working for KFFA and engaging in a number of business ventures until his death in 2004.