Providence In August 1879, Gross made his major league debut with the
1879 Providence Grays, compiled a .348 batting average, and appeared in 30 games as catcher in the last part of the season. In 1880, Gross became the Gray's number one catcher and led the National League's catchers in games played (87), putouts (429), assists (126), errors (86), and passed balls (73). His 87 games as catcher in 1880 established a major league record that stood until 1886 when
Doc Bushong appeared in 106 games as catcher. Gross also had a 3.0
wins above replacement rating for the 1880 season, Gross returned to Providence in 1881 and was the team's catcher in 50 games. He compiled a .307 batting average and a 1.1 wins above replacement rating. His 37 errors as catcher ranked as the third highest in the National League.
Philadelphia and after In 1883, after one year out of baseball, Gross was reinstated from the blacklist and joined the
Philadelphia Quakers. He appeared in 55 games as catcher for Philadelphia and compiled a .307 batting average and .489 slugging percentage. However, he led the National League with 74 errors in his 55 games as catcher and also gave up 67
passed balls. When Gross's name was offered as a possible outfielder in 1885, a St. Louis correspondent wrote: "Great Scot! He couldn't judge a flour barrel twenty feet in the air." ==Later years==