Gene Alley

Leonard Eugene Alley (born July 10, 1940) is an American former professional baseball player. He spent his entire career in Major League Baseball as a shortstop for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1963 through 1973. A two-time All-Star who was widely acclaimed to be the best all-around shortstop in the majors for two seasons (1966-67) before a recurring right shoulder problem reduced his effectiveness, Alley was a member of Pirates teams that won three consecutive National League Eastern Division titles between 1970 and 1972 and the World Series in 1971.

A contact hitter with occasional power, Alley handled the bat well. He was an excellent bunter and adept at the hit-and-run maneuver. In the field, he had plus range and quickness as well as an accurate throwing arm. In the 1966 season, he took part in 128 double plays, third most in major league history and one short of the National League record at the time.