William Oliver Gilbert (June 21, 1876 – August 8, 1927) was an American professional baseball second baseman who played from the 1890s through 1912.

Gilbert played in Major League Baseball from 1901 to 1909, for the Milwaukee Brewers, Baltimore Orioles, New York Giants, and St. Louis Cardinals.

Standing at just 5 feet 4 inches (1.63 m), Gilbert was a weak hitter but a good defensive second baseman.

Wanting to stay in the NL, Gilbert attempted to negotiate a contract with the Brooklyn Superbas.

After the Cardinals fired John McCloskey as their manager after the 1908 season, Gilbert was considered for the job.

[10] He made his final major league appearance on June 27, 1909, and served as a Cardinals' scout during the remainder of the season.

Gilbert was hired to manage the Waterbury Brasscos in the Class-A Eastern League in 1921[18] and 1922, leading them to a second-place finish.