**Gary Holman (baseball)**
**Definition:**
Gary Holman is a former American professional baseball player who played as a first baseman and outfielder in Major League Baseball (MLB) during the late 1960s. He is best known for his tenure with the Washington Senators.
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## Gary Holman (baseball)
Gary Holman is a retired American professional baseball player who appeared in Major League Baseball primarily as a first baseman and outfielder. His MLB career spanned parts of three seasons from 1967 to 1969, all with the Washington Senators. Holman was known for his versatility on the field and his left-handed batting and throwing.
### Early Life and Amateur Career
Gary Holman was born on March 29, 1944, in Long Beach, California. Growing up in a region with a rich baseball tradition, Holman developed his skills in the sport from a young age. He attended college and played collegiate baseball, where he honed his abilities as a hitter and fielder. His performance at the amateur level attracted the attention of professional scouts, leading to his entry into professional baseball.
### Professional Career
#### Minor Leagues
Holman began his professional career in the minor leagues, where he played for several teams affiliated with the Washington Senators organization. His time in the minors was marked by steady development, particularly in his batting and defensive skills. Holman demonstrated the ability to play multiple positions, which increased his value to the organization.
Throughout his minor league tenure, Holman played for teams such as the Burlington Senators, York White Roses, and the Hawaii Islanders. His performance in the minors earned him a call-up to the major leagues in 1967.
#### Major League Debut and Washington Senators (1967–1969)
Gary Holman made his MLB debut on September 7, 1967, with the Washington Senators. The Senators, an expansion team established in 1961, were in the process of building a competitive roster, and Holman was seen as a promising addition.
During his time with the Senators, Holman primarily played as a first baseman but also saw time in the outfield. His left-handed batting stance and ability to play multiple positions made him a useful player off the bench and in spot starts.
In the 1968 season, Holman appeared in 50 games, which was his most active season in the majors. He posted a batting average of .256, with 2 home runs and 15 runs batted in (RBIs). His contributions helped the Senators in various roles, although the team struggled overall during this period.
Holman’s final major league appearance came in 1969. Over his three-year MLB career, he compiled a batting average of .244, with 3 home runs and 20 RBIs in 75 games played.
### Playing Style and Skills
Gary Holman was a left-handed batter and thrower, which influenced his defensive positioning and batting approach. As a first baseman and outfielder, he was valued for his defensive versatility. While not known for power hitting, Holman was considered a contact hitter with the ability to get on base and contribute to the team’s offense in a supporting role.
His adaptability allowed managers to use him in various situations, including pinch-hitting and defensive substitutions. Holman’s work ethic and team-oriented approach were noted by teammates and coaches during his professional career.
### Later Career and Retirement
After his final MLB season in 1969, Holman continued to play in the minor leagues for a short period before retiring from professional baseball. Details about his post-baseball career are limited, but like many former players of his era, he transitioned into private life outside of the public sports spotlight.
### Legacy and Impact
While Gary Holman’s major league career was relatively brief and without major accolades, his journey reflects the experience of many professional baseball players who contribute to their teams in supporting roles. His ability to reach the major leagues and perform at the highest level of the sport is a testament to his skill and dedication.
Holman’s career is also illustrative of the challenges faced by players on expansion teams like the Washington Senators during the 1960s, a period marked by team building and fluctuating success.
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## Career Statistics
| Statistic | MLB Career Total |
|———————|——————|
| Games Played | 75 |
| Batting Average | .244 |
| Home Runs | 3 |
| Runs Batted In (RBI)| 20 |
| Hits | 44 |
| Runs Scored | 18 |
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## Summary
Gary Holman’s professional baseball career, highlighted by his time with the Washington Senators, showcases the path of a versatile player who contributed both offensively and defensively. Though not a star, his role as a first baseman and outfielder during a formative period for the Senators adds to the rich tapestry of baseball history in the 1960s.
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**Meta Description:**
Gary Holman is a former Major League Baseball player who played as a first baseman and outfielder for the Washington Senators from 1967 to 1969. Known for his versatility and left-handed batting, Holman contributed to the Senators during a challenging era for the team.