Pete LaCock

Ralph Pierre "Pete" LaCock Jr. (born January 17, 1952) is an American former Major League Baseball first baseman and outfielder. He batted and threw left-handed. In 1975, LaCock hit the only grand slam of his career during the final appearance of St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Bob Gibson.

David LaCock, died in August 2021 from COVID-19 in Hawaii.

Career LaCock was selected by the Chicago Cubs in the first round (20th pick overall) of the 1970 January Draft-Regular Phase out of William Howard Taft Charter High School. His minor league career included leading the Texas League with 84 bases on balls while playing for the San Antonio Missions in 1971 and with 13 triples and 93 bases on balls while playing for the Midland Cubs in 1972.

Over nine seasons (715 games), LaCock hit 27 home runs with 224 RBI and a batting average of .257. He was a good fielder at both first base and in the outfield, but never became an everyday player. LaCock was often used as a pinch hitter and/or defensive replacement, and sometimes as a designated hitter. He was granted free agency on October 24, 1980, though he never played another major league game. Gibson retired soon afterwards. Years later, Gibson faced LaCock in an Old-Timers' Day, and he allegedly beaned him in retaliation and shouted out, "I've been waiting years to do that!"

Coaching LaCock managed the Niagara Stars of the Canadian Baseball League in 2003.

In 2012, LaCock served as head coach of the Cronulla Sharks baseball club, in the New South Wales major league competition in Sydney, Australia. In 2012, he managed the Prescott Montezuma Federals of the Freedom Pro Baseball League.

Personal life LaCock is the son of Hollywood Squares host Peter Marshall, as well as the nephew of actress Joanne Dru. Since his retirement from baseball, LaCock has competed in several marathons and triathlons, many of which raise funds for the Leukemia Society of America.