G. Edward (Gunner) Whitehill
A native of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, G. Edward Whitehill became a Peterborough resident in 1936 and quickly established himself as a quality baseball pitcher. He became known as “Gunner” although it was his tantalizing curve, used to set up the speed pitch, that kept opposing batters off stride.
His first full year was a winning one, 8-3 with a fourth-place team, and he was a calm control artist who earnd a reputation for being steady in the clutch. World War II limited baseball action for a few years but by 1948 he was the Central Ontario Baseball League’s top pitcher with a 7-0 record. Gunner helped the Petes win the Ontario championship in 1949, then topped that in 1950 with a 10-strikeout game and pitching, and winning a doubleheader against tough Toronto Viaduct Baseball League competition.
Ed continued to pitch through 1953, then put his depth of baseball knowledge to good use, advising up-and-coming youngsters on the nuances of pitching. He active career spanned 18 years and fans talked about his curves, his demeanor when it mattered, and his dependability for many years after. He died in 1997.
Year Inducted:
1994
Status:
Deceased
A native of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, G. Edward Whitehill became a Peterborough resident in 1936 and quickly established himself as a quality baseball pitcher. He became known as “Gunner” although it was his tantalizing curve, used to set up the speed pitch, that kept opposing batters off stride.
His first full year was a winning one, 8-3 with a fourth-place team, and he was a calm control artist who earnd a reputation for being steady in the clutch. World War II limited baseball action for a few years but by 1948 he was the Central Ontario Baseball League’s top pitcher with a 7-0 record. Gunner helped the Petes win the Ontario championship in 1949, then topped that in 1950 with a 10-strikeout game and pitching, and winning a doubleheader against tough Toronto Viaduct Baseball League competition.
Ed continued to pitch through 1953, then put his depth of baseball knowledge to good use, advising up-and-coming youngsters on the nuances of pitching. He active career spanned 18 years and fans talked about his curves, his demeanor when it mattered, and his dependability for many years after. He died in 1997.