Gould's professional career took off as a first baseman, a position he would become well-known for throughout his playing days. His defensive skills at first base were considered exceptional for the time, and he was known for his ability to field the ball cleanly and for his adeptness at scooping errant throws out of the dirt, saving his teammates from committing errors.
He started his career with the Cincinnati Red Stockings, the first fully professional baseball team, managed by Harry Wright. Gould was an integral part of this pioneering team, which embarked on a nationwide tour in 1869, playing and defeating numerous amateur clubs and helping to popularize the sport across the country. The Red Stockings' tour was a resounding success, and they finished the season with an impressive undefeated record, showcasing the talents of players like Gould to a national audience.
Gould's tenure with the Red Stockings was marked by consistent play and a strong presence at first base. His contributions helped the team maintain its dominance in the early years of professional baseball. When the National Association of Professional Base Ball Players (NA) was formed in 1871, Gould continued to play for the Red Stockings, now a part of the first professional baseball league.
Throughout his time in the NA, Gould's performance remained steady, though his offensive statistics were not as prominent as some of his contemporaries. His value to his team was primarily defensive, providing a reliable anchor at first base and contributing to the team's overall success.
After several seasons with the Red Stockings, Gould went on to play for other teams, including the Boston Red Stockings and the New Haven Elm Citys. His career in the major leagues was relatively brief, as was common in the early days of professional baseball, where the turnover of players was high, and the sport was still finding its footing.
Despite the brevity of his career, Gould's impact on the game was significant. He was part of a group of players who laid the foundation for professional baseball, demonstrating the viability of the sport as a professional endeavor and setting standards for future generations of players.
After retiring from playing, Gould remained connected to baseball, contributing to the sport in various capacities. His legacy is that of a pioneer, one of the original professionals who helped shape baseball into the beloved national pastime it would become.
Charlie Gould passed away on April 9, 1917, but his contributions to the game of baseball have not been forgotten. As a member of the legendary Cincinnati Red Stockings and a participant in the early professional leagues, Gould's name is etched in the annals of baseball history, remembered for his role in the formative years of America's favorite pastime.
⚾