New York Yankees former slugger Oscar Gamble passes away

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 13: Carlos Beltran
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 13: Carlos Beltran

Oscar Gamble is remembered for his excellent power and amazing afro. The former New York Yankees slugger passed away on Wednesday.

Former New York Yankees slugger Oscar Gamble passed away on Wednesday from complications from a rare tumor on his jaw. He was 68 years old.

Gamble was well traveled throughout his 17 years in the majors, playing for seven different franchises before his retirement. He was a highly sought after commodity, a power hitting corner outfielder with an excellent ability to put the ball in play.

Despite serving as a platoon player at the beginning of his career, gamble became a formidable part of the middle of the Indians and Yankees lineups. He was known for his crouching style at the plate, exploding through the ball as he swung. Overall, he produced a .265/.356/.454 batting line, with exactly 200 homers and 666 RBI.

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Yet, for all of his accomplishments on the diamond, Gamble is best remembered for his incredible head of hair. He had the best afro in baseball, making his baseball cards during the 1970s pure art. He had an endorsement with Afro Sheen, the spokeshair for the hair product.

Unfortunately, he was unable to keep that afro throughout his career. Given the grooming policies that George Steinbrenner instituted with the Yankees, he was forced to cut his hair to play for the team. It was a move that Steinbrenner would feel bad about later, as he said the barber absolutely butchered the hair cut, ruining his head of hair.

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Former New York Yankees slugger and legendary cardboard hero Oscar Gamble passed away on Wednesday at 68 years old. Our thoughts and well wishes are with his friends and family at this time.