Johnny Gee

John Gee Jr.
Born	John Alexander Gee Jr. (1915-12-07) 7 December 1915 Syracuse, New York, U.S.
Died	23 January 1988(1988-01-23) (aged 72)
Other names	Long John Gee, Whiz
Occupation(s)	Professional baseball and basketball player
Years active	1937–1946 (professional sports)
Known for	Tallest MLB player until 1988; pitcher for Pittsburgh Pirates and New York Giants; basketball player for Syracuse Nationals

John Alexander Gee Jr. (December 7, 1915 – January 23, 1988), often referred to as "Long John Gee" and "Whiz," was a professional athlete in both baseball and basketball from the United States.

Gee’s Major League Baseball career included pitching for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1939 to 1944 and the New York Giants between 1944 and 1946. In August 1939, the Pirates invested $75,000 plus four players to acquire him—a record sum for the team until 1947—highlighting his reputation as a premier minor league pitching talent. Unfortunately, a throwing arm injury sustained during spring training in 1940 hindered his effectiveness, causing some critics to dub him the "$75,000 lemon."

Standing at 6 feet 9 inches tall, Gee held the distinction of being the tallest player in MLB history until Randy Johnson entered the league in 1988. Additionally, he competed professionally in basketball with the Syracuse Nationals, where he led scoring in their inaugural home victory in the National Basketball League during November 1946.

Gee attended the University of Michigan from 1935 through 1937, where he distinguished himself in both baseball and basketball. He served as captain of the Wolverines' basketball squad during the 1936–37 season and achieved an impressive feat by striking out 21 batters in a June 1937 baseball game. His combined athletic and academic excellence earned him the prestigious Big Ten Medal of Honor.

Early years

Born in Syracuse, New York, John Gee Jr. was the son of John Alexander Gee Sr. and Anna Alvira (Nicholson) Gee. According to the 1920 Census, he resided with his family in Syracuse’s 13th Ward; his father was employed as a school janitor. By the time of the 1930 Census, the family remained in Syracuse, with his father working as superintendent of repairs for local schools.

University of Michigan (1933–1937)

Gee began his studies at the University of Michigan in 1933 and played center for the Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team from 1934 until 1937. At six feet nine inches tall, he was the tallest athlete competing in the Western Conference. During his sophomore year, he ranked second on the team with 64 points across 17 games. The following year, he scored 74 points and then captained the squad in his junior season (1936–37), amassing 150 points over 18 games despite playing with a broken nose and helping guide the team to a strong 16–4 record.

Though primarily recognized for basketball prowess, Gee was also encouraged by baseball coach Ray Fisher, who had pitching experience with both the New York Yankees and Cincinnati Reds, to join Michigan’s baseball team. He pitched for the Wolverines from 1935 through 1937. A highlight came on June 3, 1937, when he struck out an impressive total of 21 batters while allowing just three hits during a commanding 12–2 victory against the University of Toledo.

In recognition of his outstanding achievements in both academics and athletics, Gee was awarded the Big Ten Medal of Honor in 1937. He earned six varsity letters across basketball and baseball and was active in campus organizations such as the Sphinx society and Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity. He completed his education with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan’s education school.

Syracuse Chiefs (1937–1939)

Following graduation from Michigan, Gee signed with his hometown club, the Syracuse Chiefs of the International League. On August 3, 1937, he pitched a two-hit shutout against the Toronto Maple Leafs. That season, Gee appeared in sixteen games and posted a record of four wins and three losses with a solid earned run average (ERA) of 2.90.

In April of 1938, Chiefs manager Jim Bottomley selected Gee as the starting pitcher for opening day—a first for any native Syracuse player. In front of an audience of approximately 8,000 fans, Gee allowed six hits as Syracuse defeated the Montreal Royals, 3–1. Throughout that year, he participated in thirty-two games primarily as a starter and concluded with a record of seventeen wins against eleven losses along with a commendable ERA of 2.71.

Gee’s performance advanced further during the 1939 season when he took part in thirty-five games (starting thirty-four) and achieved twenty wins against ten losses while maintaining an ERA of 3.11.

Acquisition by Pittsburgh

By mid-1939, Gee had compiled a 16–4 record and was considered one of the most coveted pitchers in minor league baseball. He was viewed as Michigan's premier baseball talent since George Sisler.

On August 1, 1939, the Pittsburgh Pirates acquired Gee from Syracuse, planning for him to join the team after the International League season concluded. The Pirates exchanged $75,000 and four players for Gee—a sum that remained Pittsburgh’s highest expenditure until they obtained Hank Greenberg in 1947. This transaction was regarded as "the largest deal in the [International League] since Baltimore transferred Lefty Grove to Philadelphia." Nevertheless, due to Gee's limited impact at the major league level, this trade has also been described as "one of the most significant disappointments in Pirates history."

Tallest player in organized baseball

Standing six feet nine inches tall, Gee was the tallest athlete in professional baseball at that time. Prior to him, the tallest major leaguer was pitcher "Big Jim" Weaver, who stood six-foot-seven and debuted in 1928. Gee maintained the distinction of being MLB’s tallest player until Randy Johnson entered the league with the Montreal Expos in September 1988 at six feet ten inches. Since then, only Randy Johnson and Eric Hillman—both measuring 6'10"—have surpassed Gee's height among pitchers.

1939 season

Gee made his major league debut on September 17, 1939, facing the Philadelphia Phillies. Although he allowed six hits, defensive miscues contributed to a 7–3 loss for his team. In his subsequent start on September 21, he completed a full game and recorded 11 strikeouts, leading to a 6–4 victory against the Boston Braves. Over three appearances late in the 1939 season, Gee finished with a 1–2 record and posted a 4.12 ERA.

1940 season

After Gee’s initial showing in 1939, Pirates manager Frankie Frisch expected him to secure a regular starting role in 1940. Unfortunately, Gee sustained an injury to his throwing arm early during spring training and endured persistent soreness throughout the year. The injury reportedly occurred while he was practicing curveballs; Gee later acknowledged that he "threw too hard too soon." Although he remained on Pittsburgh’s roster at the beginning of the season, he did not participate in any games.

To facilitate his recovery, the Pirates consulted several medical specialists and even performed dental extractions in hopes of improving his condition. On May 9, 1940, Pittsburgh optioned Gee to the Syracuse Chiefs but retained recall rights. His arm failed to recover adequately, resulting in cancellation of this option by June 25. With no spot available on the major league roster, Gee was placed on the voluntary retired list for a minimum of 60 days, with plans for his eventual return.

In July 1940, the Pirates assigned him to the Albany Senators of the Eastern League; however, Gee declined to report and was subsequently placed on the ineligible list. He cited ongoing arm troubles and uncertainty about pitching again that season. Instead of joining Albany, he stayed with his college coach Ray Fisher at his residence in Vermont.

1941 season

Prior to the 1941 spring training, Gee underwent arm rehabilitation and conditioning under Michigan coach Ray Fisher in Ann Arbor. Fisher conveyed confidence in Gee's recovery prospects and his future capabilities.

Gee arrived at the Pirates' training camp in San Bernardino but was quickly assigned to the Portland Beavers of the Pacific Coast League. His stint there was brief, pitching in just two games with a 1–0 record and a 4.50 ERA. Upon returning to Pittsburgh on May 16, he was immediately sent to the Dallas Rebels in the Texas League. However, after less than a week, Gee departed due to a pay dispute—Dallas had offered him only half of what he earned in Portland.

After further consultation with Fisher, Gee attributed his difficulties to salary conflicts with the Pirates organization. In late June, Dallas sent him back to Pittsburgh. By the end of July, the Pirates transferred him again, this time to the Albany Senators—his third minor league team that season—and Gee agreed to report.

In 1941, Gee appeared in just three games for Pittsburgh, pitching seven innings with an 0–2 record and a 6.14 ERA.

Retirement in 1942

Following America’s entry into World War II, numerous major league players joined military service. Gee was classified as 4F and deemed unfit for service because his height exceeded the military’s maximum limit of six feet six inches. In 1942, he participated in five games for the Toronto Maple Leafs of the International League, achieving a 2–2 record with a 4.50 ERA. Later that year, Gee was optioned to the Atlanta Crackers but declined to report due to persistent arm problems. He applied for and received voluntary retirement status in July 1942 and subsequently took a position teaching physical education at Adams High School in New York.

1943 season

By June 1943, Gee reported that his arm had healed sufficiently, leading Commissioner Landis to reinstate him. He rejoined the Pittsburgh Pirates midway through the season. Manager Frankie Frisch commended his condition following batting practice sessions. Gee started several games in early July but was pulled after struggling with control issues. He then rebounded by throwing a complete game victory against the Boston Braves on August 16 and later earned a relief win over the Chicago Cubs within the same month. Over 15 appearances (10 starts) that year, Gee recorded a 4–4 win-loss mark with a 4.28 ERA, narrowly losing his final three decisions by a single run each.

1944 season

In March 1944, Gee re-signed with the Pirates while simultaneously coaching basketball and soccer teams in Groton, New York. He attended Pirates’ spring training camp in Muncie, Indiana beginning March 18 but managed only four relief appearances during the season, posting an elevated 7.15 ERA.

New York Giants (1944–1946)

The New York Giants acquired Gee from Pittsburgh in June 1944 for $7,500. Following arm treatment in New York, he made his Giants debut on July 1, pitching four and two-thirds innings across four games without surrendering an earned run.

Gee arrived late at Giants’ spring training in 1945 due to coaching responsibilities but expressed confidence about his arm’s status. Unfortunately, soreness returned and he retired again by June after making only two appearances with a 9.00 ERA.

In June 1946, Gee informed Giants manager Mel Ott that he felt fully recovered and ready to return. He made an impressive comeback in July by defeating the Cincinnati Reds with an eight and two-thirds inning effort while also contributing offensively with two hits and two RBIs. Five days later he secured another complete-game win, earning recognition as one of mid-season’s unexpected success stories.

A profile published in The Sporting News emphasized Gee’s perseverance through five years of arm ailments and noted his brief semi-professional play prior to rejoining the Giants. Despite this revival, his July victory marked his final major league win. He concluded the 1946 season with a 2–4 record and a 3.99 ERA over 13 games (six starts), pitching his last major league game on September 26.

Gee is famously referenced in David Frishberg’s 1969 baseball tune Van Lingle Mungo, which includes names of prominent players from the 1940s era.

Minor leagues

Gee opted to forgo the Giants' 1947 spring training, choosing instead to fulfill his responsibilities as physical education director at Waterloo High School until the academic year concluded before evaluating the Giants' contract proposal. This decision to skip spring training caused friction with the Giants organization.

Designated as a holdout during both 1947 and 1948, Gee was prohibited from participating in professional baseball and instead competed at the semi-professional level. In June 1947, while pitching for a Palmyra, New York team, he recorded 13 strikeouts in a single game and intended to join the Giants shortly thereafter, although no documentation confirms this move.

By June 1948, Gee was pitching for the Homer Braves in the Southern Tier League, delivering impressive performances including a complete-game shutout. That summer, he attempted to rejoin the Giants, taking part in batting practice sessions observed by manager Mel Ott; however, he did not secure a spot on the roster. Returning to Homer, Gee dominated with feats such as a one-hit game and winning both contests of a doubleheader, concluding the season with an outstanding 19–2 win-loss record.

In March 1949, Gee re-signed with Homer but obtained his release from the Giants in August, allowing him to resume professional baseball. He then signed with the Geneva Robins of the Class C Border League for one season before stepping away from organized baseball for two years. At age 35 in 1951, Gee made a final professional return with the Auburn Cayugas in the Border League, appearing in six games and compiling a 4–2 record alongside a 2.49 earned run average.

Professional basketball (1941–1942, 1946–1948)

During the 1941–42 season, Gee played semi-professional basketball as the starting center for the Celtics competing in the Herald-Journal League.

In January 1946, Turk Karam, manager of the Syracuse Stars, aimed to recruit Gee—then serving as a physical education teacher in Waterloo, New York—who was reportedly in excellent physical shape. By March of that year, Gee was playing with an All-Syracuse combined team featuring members of both the Stars and Auburn All-Stars; he led scoring with 14 points against the Harlem Globetrotters during one such game.

Gee joined the Syracuse Nationals for their inaugural National Basketball League season in 1946–47 while continuing his teaching duties. Due to classroom commitments, his participation was mostly limited to home games. On November 14, 1946, Gee led all scorers with 17 points in the Nationals’ first home win over the Youngstown Bears before fouling out late in the contest.

By January 1947, after acquiring a full-time center for road games, Gee transitioned into a backup role but continued contributing effectively. An Associated Press article from March 1947 highlighted Gee among former Major League Baseball players who had shifted to professional basketball, emphasizing his preference for basketball over baseball.

During the 1947–48 season, Gee played professionally for the Oneida Indians based in Oneida, New York.

Basketball Official (1949–1950)

Throughout the 1949–50 NBA season, Gee worked as a game official, including officiating a Syracuse versus Baltimore matchup in October 1949. That same month, he also competed for the Oneida Indians, scoring 19 points against the Syracuse Nationals in an exhibition game. Additionally, he played for the Elmira Knapps and posted 14 points during a January 1950 exhibition contest against Syracuse.

Family and later years

On August 29, 1942, Gee wed Suzanne Corl, a native of Maumee, Ohio, whom he had met while attending the University of Michigan. Together, they raised five children: two sons named John A. Gee III and Thomas R. Gee, along with three daughters—Corlann, Nancy, and Katherine.

Gee began his career in education and athletics in 1945 as a teacher and coach at Waterloo Central High School located in Waterloo, New York. By 1951, he advanced to the role of athletic director and was appointed principal in July 1955. He completed a master's degree at Syracuse University in 1956 and also served as an official for both high school and collegiate sporting events.

In May 1960, Gee assumed the position of principal at Cortland High School in Cortland, New York, a role he fulfilled until 1977. Later, from 1980 through 1985, he held the position of code enforcement officer for the city of Cortland. Gee passed away at age 72 on January 23, 1988, in Cortland. A decade later, in 1998, he was honored with induction into the Greater Syracuse Sports Hall of Fame.