Paul Gilliford

Paul Gant Gilliford
(Gorilla)

• Bats Right, Throws Left
• Height 5' 11", Weight 210 lb.
• School Randolph-Macon College
• Debut September 20, 1967
• Final Game September 24, 1967
• Born January 12, 1945 in Bryn Mawr, PA USA

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Biographical Information

Most famous for something he did in the minors, Paul Gilliford pitched in two games for the Baltimore Orioles in 1967, with a total of three innings. He allowed no runs in two innings in his first outing, against the Washington Senators on September 20th, and then allowed four runs in one inning against the Boston Red Sox, who were on their way to winning the 1967 American League pennant, on September 24th.

Paul was the star of one of the most famous minor league games - a 29-inning game played on June 14, 1966. Although Gilliford had pitched seven innings as the starter on the previous day, by inning 15 the minor league Miami Marlins manager was so desperate for pitching that he put in Gilliford, who pitched innings 15 to 25 without giving up a run. The game eventually ended at 2:30 a.m., and the Marlins had to travel to another town for a twi-night doubleheader the next day. [1]

With a name like Gilliford, it's not surprising he had the nickname "Gorilla".

Paul pitched five years in the minors (1965-1969). He came to the majors in 1967 before he had been in AAA ball, although he had posted excellent ERAs in the minors. In 1969 he moved to the Oakland Athletics organization and had his only year in AAA with the Iowa Oaks.