Rod Gaspar (1993) - Hall of Fame - Long Beach State University Athletics

Rod Gaspar

Induction:
1993

A two-time all-league outfielder for the 49ers, Gaspar remembers his last collegiate baseball game vividly. Instructed to bunt by Coach Bob Wuesthoff, Gaspar popped out instead. It was his last at-bat as a 49er. Then, sitting out the second game of a doubleheader that day, Gaspar decided to try, for the first time, chewing tobacco. ``That was a mistake, too,'' he recalls. Gaspar's best baseball memory, though, is from 1969, when he was a reserve outfielder for the world champion "Miracle" New York Mets. Gaspar, a defensive specialist, led the National League in double plays by an outfielder that season. His best moment came in the 10th inning of Game 4 when he scored from second on a bunt single to give the Mets a 2-1 win over the Orioles.