Rigby Man's Grandfather Was 'The Best Second Baseman in the Big Leagues'

New book tells the story of Joe 'Flash' Gordon, a Hall of Fame baseball player who helped the New York Yankees and Cleveland Indians win World Series championships.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Erik Simpson, a 60-year-old man from Rigby, Idaho, is the co-author of a new book about his grandfather, Joe 'Flash' Gordon, who was a second baseman for the New York Yankees and Cleveland Indians in the 1930s and 1940s. Gordon was a nine-time All-Star, won two World Series titles, and was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2009. The book is based on news clippings from 13 scrapbooks that Simpson's mother inherited after Gordon's death in 1978.

Why it matters

Joe 'Flash' Gordon was a pioneering second baseman who helped revolutionize the position with his acrobatic and aggressive style of play. He was one of the first second basemen to hit for power, setting a rookie home run record for the position in 1938. Gordon's accomplishments and Hall of Fame induction help preserve the legacy of an important figure in baseball history, while the book project has allowed his grandson to learn more about his grandfather's remarkable career.

The details

Gordon was born in 1915 in Arizona and grew up playing baseball, football, soccer, track, and music in Portland, Oregon. He was recruited by the New York Yankees while attending the University of Oregon and made his MLB debut in 1938, helping the Yankees win the World Series that year. Gordon was named the American League MVP in 1942 and went on to win another World Series title with the Cleveland Indians in 1948 before retiring in 1950 at age 35. After his playing career, Gordon managed multiple teams, including a brief stint with the Idaho Falls Angels in 1966.

  • Gordon was born on February 18, 1915.
  • He made his MLB debut with the New York Yankees in 1938.
  • Gordon was named American League MVP in 1942.
  • He won the World Series with the Cleveland Indians in 1948.
  • Gordon retired from playing in 1950 at the age of 35.

The players

Joe 'Flash' Gordon

A Hall of Fame second baseman who played for the New York Yankees and Cleveland Indians, winning two World Series championships and being named American League MVP in 1942.

Erik Simpson

The 60-year-old Rigby, Idaho resident and co-author of a new book about his grandfather, Joe 'Flash' Gordon.

Judy Gordon

Erik Simpson's mother and co-author of the book about her father, Joe 'Flash' Gordon.

Lou Gehrig

The legendary New York Yankees first baseman who predicted that Joe Gordon would become the best second baseman in the big leagues.

Babe Ruth

The iconic baseball player who praised Joe Gordon as providing a 'spark' that the Yankees needed and said he 'came along at the right time.'

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What they’re saying

“He'll be the best second baseman in the big leagues.”

— Lou Gehrig, New York Yankees first baseman (News reports)

“Joe Gordon makes the (Yankee) ball club. That kid can think. He makes plays that no one else thought of trying, and most important, comes through in the clutch at the plate.”

— Babe Ruth (1940 news clipping)

What’s next

The book about Joe 'Flash' Gordon's life and career is available for purchase through online retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

The takeaway

This story highlights the remarkable career of a pioneering baseball player whose accomplishments and Hall of Fame induction have helped preserve an important part of the sport's history. The book project has also allowed his grandson to learn more about his grandfather's legacy and share it with others.