Glen Gorbous
Baseball Athlete — Inducted 1989
Born on July 8, 1930, at Drumheller, Alberta, Glen Gorbous was one of Alberta’s most accomplished professional baseball players and gained international recognition during his career in Major League Baseball and the minor leagues.
Gorbous began his professional career in 1949 when he signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers organization, developing through their minor league system. In 1955, he was selected by the Cincinnati Reds of the National League, becoming one of the few Canadian players competing at the major league level during that era.
He later played two seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies before continuing his professional career in the minor leagues. Known for his strong defensive play as an outfielder, Gorbous achieved international fame on August 1, 1957, while playing for the St. Louis Cardinals’ Triple-A affiliate. During a game, he threw a baseball from the outfield a distance of 445 feet 10 inches — the longest recorded baseball throws in history.
The remarkable throw was officially recognized and recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records, securing his place in baseball history.
After Induction
Glen Gorbous passed away on June 12, 1990. His professional achievements and world-record accomplishment remain lasting highlights of Alberta’s baseball history.
Awards and Honours
- Professional Player — Brooklyn Dodgers Organization (1949–1955)
- Major League Baseball Player — Cincinnati Reds
- Major League Baseball Player — Philadelphia Phillies (two seasons)
- August 1, 1957 — Longest Baseball Throw in History (445 feet 10 inches)
- Guinness Book of World Records — Longest Recorded Baseball Throw
- 1989 — Alberta Sports Hall of Fame Inductee
