Gordon became one of Manhattan’s most popular players, after being born and raised in Brooklyn. A reliable outfielder who could play acceptably at third base, the stocky righthanded hitter hit .251 as a Giants rookie in 1943, then spent two years in the service. In 1947 the Giants broke the single-season home run record, and Gordon hit 13 of their 221. In 1948 he blossomed with 30 homers, 107 RBI, and a .299 batting average. He held out in the spring of 1949 but finally settled for $2,500 less than he’d asked for. After the season he was sent to the Braves in a multiplayer deal that brought Alvin Dark and Eddie Stanky to the Giants. A check for $2,500 from Giants owner Horace Stoneham underscored the esteem in which Gordon was held.
