Jesse Lemar Gonder (1936 - 2004)

Born 20 Jan 1936 in Monticello, Drew, Arkansas, United States

Died 14 Nov 2004 at age 68 in Oakland, Alameda, California, United States

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Biography

Jesse Gonder is a part of US Black heritage.

Jesse Gonder is Notable.

Jesse Lemar Gonder is a notable figure in professional baseball due to his achievements and contributions to the sport. He played from 1955 to 1970. As an African-American player during a time when racial barriers still existed in baseball, Gonder faced numerous challenges and discrimination. However, he persevered and made a name for himself through his exceptional skills as a catcher and pinch hitter. Notably, Gonder became the first catcher to lead the Pacific Coast League in RBIs for a single season, and was recognized as the league's batting champion. His determination, talent, and endurance in the face of adversity make him a noteworthy and inspiring figure in baseball history.

Jesse Lemar Gonder was born on January 20, 1936, in Monticello, Drew County, Arkansas, to his parents Spencer Jefferson Gonder Sr. and Eula Mae (Thompson) Gonder.^[1][2]However, his parents divorced, and Jesse ended up living with his maternal grandparents in Clear Creek Township, Drew County, Arkansas, around 1940.^[3]

Around 1950, Jesse relocated to Oakland, California. Growing up in a modest background in West Oakland, California, Jesse attended McClymonds High School where he showcased his athletic prowess in both baseball and basketball.^[1][2][4]

After graduating high school in 1955, Jesse's talent caught the attention of the Cincinnati Redlegs (now Cincinnati Reds), and he signed with the team. He began his professional baseball career in 1955 with Cincinnati's affiliate team in Ogden, Utah, playing in the Class C Pioneer League.^[1][2]

Jesse's journey in baseball took him to various leagues and teams. He played in the Mexican League and traveled extensively throughout Mexico, even learning to speak Spanish fluently. In 1958, he returned to the United States and joined the Seattle Rainiers in the AAA Pacific Coast League.^[1][2]

In 1959, Jesse played for the Havana Sugar Kings in Havana, Cuba, competing in the International League. However, his breakthrough came in 1960 when he was traded to the New York Yankees. He started his major league career as a pinch hitter for the Yankees, and despite facing racial discrimination, he showcased his talent and proved himself as a valuable player.^[1][2]

Jesse's career took him to various teams, including the Cincinnati Reds, New York Mets, Milwaukee Braves, and Pittsburgh Pirates. He played as a catcher and pinch hitter, contributing his skills and athleticism to each team he represented. Throughout his career, he faced racial challenges and discrimination, particularly in Florida, where he and his black teammates were denied equal accommodation with their white counterparts. When the team traveled to Florida, he and his black teammates were denied accommodation in the same hotels as their white teammates. Consequently, they were forced to find lodging in private homes.^[1][2]

Despite the obstacles, Jesse left a lasting impact on the game. He was the first catcher to lead the Pacific Coast League in RBIs for a single season, and was recognized as the league's batting champion. His achievements, perseverance, and talent made him a notable figure in professional baseball.^[1][2]

Jesse Lemar Gonder retired from baseball in 1970 and subsequently pursued a career as a driver for Golden Gate Transit for twenty years. He passed away on November 14, 2004, leaving behind a legacy as a trailblazer in the sport and an inspiration to aspiring athletes.

Over the course of his career, Jesse played for 15 years, representing various teams including the Reds, Yankees, Mets, Milwaukee Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates, and San Diego Padres. He retired from professional baseball in 1970. Subsequently, he embarked on a twenty-year career as a driver for Golden Gate Transit.^[1][2]

In 1986, Jesse's wife of 29 years, Helen Melvina Tate, passed away. Three years later, he married Linda Gonder, the widow of his brother Frazier. Unfortunately, their marriage was short-lived. During his first marriage, he had at least two daughters.^[1][2][5]

Jesse Lemar Gonder passed away on November 14, 2004, in Oakland, Alameda County, California, leaving behind a legacy as an American professional baseball player. In lieu of a burial, his body was cremated.^[6][7]

Sources

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8} Skelton, David E., Society for American Baseball Research (SABR), (n.d.). "Jesse Gonder Biography." Accessed 5 Jul 2023.
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8} Wikipedia Contributors. Wikipeida, The Free Encyclopedia, last edited on 5 Jul 2023. "Jesse Lemar Gonder." Accessed 5 Jul 2023.
3. ↑ 1940 United States Federal Census: Year: 1940; Census Place: Clear Creek, Drew, Arkansas; Roll: m-t0627-00134; Page: 5B; Enumeration District: 22-5 Ancestry Record 2442 #99353556
4. ↑ U.S., Baseball Questionnaires, 1945-2005: Society for American Baseball Research (SABR); San Diego, California; U.S. Baseball Questionnaires, 1945-2005; Box Number: 555685 Ancestry Record 61599 #21863
5. ↑ California, U.S., Marriage Index, 1949-1959: Ancestry.com. California, U.S., Marriage Index, 1949-1959 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2013. Original data: California Department of Health and Welfare. California Vital Records—Vitalsearch (www.vitalsearch-worldwide.com). The Vitalsearch Company Worldwide, Inc., Pleasanton, California. Ancestry Record 5186 #537038
6. ↑ Newspaper Clipping, Oaklan Tribune, Oakland, California, 18 Nov 2004, Thu. - Page 20. "Jesse Lemar Gonder Obituary." Accessed 5 Jul 2023.
7. ↑ U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014: Social Security Administration; Washington D.C., USA; Social Security Death Index, Master File Ancestry Record 3693 #74217766