Gene Rye

Who was Gene Rye?

Eugene Rudolph Rye [Half-Pint] was a utility player in Major League Baseball who played briefly for the Boston Red Sox during the 1931 season. Listed at 5'6", 165 lb., Rye batted left-handed and threw right-handed. His birth name was Eugene Rudolph Mercantelli, the son of Amedeo Menotti Mercantelli and Daria "Dora" Frediani. He was born in Chicago, Illinois.

Mostly used as a pinch-hitter by Boston, Rye also shared duties at left field with Al Van Camp and Jack Rothrock. In a 17-game career, he posted a .179 batting average with three runs and one RBI without extrabases. In 10 outfield appearances, he collected 10 outs and committed an error for a .944 fielding percentage.

Rye hit three home runs in one inning in 1930 for the Waco Cubs of the Texas League. The third home run is considered one of the greatest non-MLB home runs, and the greatest minor league baseball home run, of all time.

Rye died at the age of 73 in Park Ridge, Illinois.