Blog Kiosk: 4/14/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Check out this fantastic vintage photo featuring Brooklyn's Ebbets Field, along with a trolley car in the foreground. Photo via BaseballHistoryNut on twitter.

below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1931 47-year-old Brooklyn Robins (Dodgers) hurler Jack Quinn becomes the oldest pitcher to start an Opening Day game. He would toss six innings, but give up six earned runs to lose to the Boston Braves, 7-4. In 1964 Sandy Koufax threw a six-hit shutout, his ninth complete game without allowing a walk, to defeat the Cardinals, 4-0. This was also his only career Opening Day start. In 1993 Cardinal reliever Lee Smith set the National League record for career saves at 358 when he blanked the Dodgers in the 15th inning to secure a victory, 2-1.
• Happy Birthday, Jack Radtke, Greg Maddux, Mike Trombley, Brad Ausmus & Carlos Perez!

Blog Kiosk: 3/20/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

This is just charming. Featured here is a vintage press photograpgh (P&A Photos) of former Dodger owner Charles Ebbets with his wife Grace (eBay auction link). Per the descriptor on the reverse:

"Squire" Ebbets, owner of the Brooklyn Dodgers and his wife picking oranges at Clearwater, Fla., where his team is in training. The "Squire" has always been a shrewd business man and a judge of good baseball material. Here's hoping that he hasn't picked any "Lemons" on his team.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1934 the great Babe Didrikson pitched the first inning against the Brooklyn Dodgers during an spring training game against the Philadelphia A's at McCurdy Field in Frederick, Maryland. She walked one and gave up no hits. In 2005 the Dodgers traded starting pitcher Kazuhisa Ishii to the Mets for catcher Jason Phillips. In 2008 the Dodgers make their Cactus League debut. For the first time they would spend their spring training in Arizona. They would beat the White Sox in Phoenix, 8-2. 
• Happy Birthday, Pat Corrales, Mike Griffin, Joe McGinnity, Johnny Butler, Jim Golden, Terry McDermott, Rick Parker & Will Brunson! 

Blog Kiosk: 1/14/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Check out this fantastic 1947 pic taken by Cuban photographer Sanchez Y. Cabredo of Jackie Robinson wearing a Montreal Royals uniform during a spring match in Havana against the Dodgers. He is seen scoring after hitting a home run off of a Brooklyn Dodger pitcher (soon-to-be teammate). This photo is currently available at RMY Auctions.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1994 the Dodgers signed Korean starting pitcher Chan Ho Park out of Hanyang University in Seoul. He would pitch nine season in Los Angeles -- going 84-58 with an 3.77 ERA, 4.23 FIP and an ERA+ of 108. In 2006 the Dodgers, with closer Eric Gagne on the DL due to Tommy John surgery, traded starting pitcher Edwin Jackson and minor league pitcher Chuck Tiffany to Tampa Bay for relievers Danys Baez and Lance Carter. Edwin Jackson, who won his first Major League game by out-dueling Randy Johnson of the DBacks, would go on to play for 14 different ballclubs -- and he is expected to play for another team in 2020. In 2006 the Dodgers also signed free agent starting pitcher Aaron Sele to a one-year contract. He would go 8-6 with a 4.53 ERA, 4.36 FIP and an ERA+ of 100.
• Happy Birthday, Adam Kolarek, Art Decatur, Derrel Thomas, Terry Forster, Troy Brohawn & Logan Forsythe!

Blog Kiosk: 10/17/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I am already thinking of Spring Training, so I thought sharing this photo would be apt. Featured is a March 12, 1937 International News press photo (eBay auction link). Per the descriptor on the reverse:

"TIME OUT FOR BREATHER.  Clearwater, Fla...All work and no play does things to a ballplayer as well as other folk, so this trio of Brooklyn Dodgers takes time out from training to sit and chat for a bit.  They are, left to right, Woody English, who came from the Cubs; Harry Lavagetto, a former Pirate 2nd baseman, and Roy Henshaw, former Cub pitcher.".

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1978 the Yankees defeated the Dodgers in Game 6 of the World Series to win their second consecutive title. In 1981 the Dodgers defeated the Montreal Expos in Game 4 of the NLCS at Olympic Stadium, 7-1. Steve Garvey hit a two-run homer in the eighth to break a 1-1 tie, then the Dodgers scored four more runs in the ninth to run away with it. They are tied at two games a piece in the series with a deciding Game 5 two days later.
• Happy Birthday, Pop Dillon, Mike Sandlock, Johnny Klippstein & Jim Gilliam!

Blog Kiosk: 9/20/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here is an undated, probably circa 1950's, press photo featuring several Dodger players celebrating at Ebbets Field (eBay auction link). As you can see, the players are surrounded by several stadium employees, complete in full Ebbets Field regalia. On the right are a couple of fans milling about. In fact, the fellow on the far right appears to have stolen a Brooklyn cap right off the head of an unsuspecting Dodger player. You can see the Dodger player (who I can't identify) reaching for his missing cap, and an usher forcefully grabbing for said cap.

Unfortunately, we don't have a description of the event to tell us more, but I think it's fair to say that you shouldn't be be like that guy.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1907 the Dodgers are no-hit by Pirates rookie Nick Maddox, 2-1. In 1959 the Dodgers and Giants play the last ballgame ever at San Francisco's Seals Stadium. The Dodgers defeated the Giants 8-2. The Giants would play at Candlestick Park the next season. In 1993 pinch-hitting machine Dave Hansen collected his 18th pinch-hit of the season to set a new franchise record. In 2011 Clayton Kershaw becomes the first Dodger twenty game winner since Ramon Martinez in 1990. He defeats the Giants 2-1. 
• Happy Birthday, Nelson Greene, Vic Lombardi & Chuck Dressen!

Blog Kiosk: 9/9/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

We struggled against the Giants this weekend, but still saw our 'Magic Number' fall to two when they won on Sunday, 5-0 (boxscore). Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“On the pitching side, the story was Kenta,” (Dave) Roberts said. “Kenta was really good today. The slider, the fastball, just kind of on the attack all day long. To log four innings put us in a really good spot to win a baseball game.”
...
“With two strikes, he wasn’t relying on the slider as much,” (Russell) Martin said. “In division, the guys have many at-bats against him. They kind of know, they’ve seen the slider, guys tend to sit on it.” 

The slider was still on point, though, getting six swinging strikes and three called strikes.

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers 2019 at Dodger Insider. Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1948 Dodger righty Rex Barney throws a no-no against the Giants (boxscore) 2-0. He struck out four batters and walked only two, as he had to endure a one-hour rain delay, as well as showers in the 7th, 8th, and 9th innings to finish his gem. In 1965 Sandy Koufax threw a perfect game and his fourth career no-hitter to defeat the Cubs, (boxscore) 1-0. He struck out 14 Chicago batters and faced the minimum 27 batters. You can listen to the last inning here.
• Happy Birthday, Ernie Burch, Waite Hoyt, Charlie Perkins, Todd Zeile, Robinson Checo, Félix Rodríguez, Kaz Ishii, Todd Coffey & Edwin Jackson!

Blog Kiosk: 7/11/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a fun pic of Don Drysdale with Greg Brady.

Learning the Curves -- Famous Baseball hurler Don Drysdale instructs Barry Williams in the art of throwing the curve ball between scenes of "The Dropout" segment of "The Brady Bunch,"in which Drysdale guest stars. Episode airs Friday, Sept. 25, 7:30 pm ET over ABC-TV. Barry Williams becomes a conceited Little Leaguer after Drysdale compliments him on his pitching.

Photo above found on eBay (link here). Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodges History: In 1958 the Los Angeles City Council declared this day to be 'Take Me Out to the Ball Game Day' -- celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the iconic baseball song. In a pregame ceremony at the LA Memorial Coliseum, the Dodgers honor lyricist Jack Norworth by presenting him with a lifetime pass to any American or National League game. In 1978 Steve Garvey becomes the first two-time All-Star Game MVP in Baseball history. Garv recorded a game-tying, two-run single in the 3rd inning, a triple and run scored in the 8th inning to help the NL to beat the AL, 7-3. In 1980 the Dodgers sold knuckleballer Charlie Hough to the Rangers.
• Happy Birthday, Pop Schriver, Milt Stock, Clarence Blethen, Binky Jones, Vito Tamulis, Hal Gregg, Dick Gray, Andy Ashby, Billy Ashley & Jon Meleon!

Blog Kiosk: 4/19/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

The Dodgers decided to celebrate National High Five Day by defeating the Brewers for their fifth consecutive victory last night. Best yet, it all came about as a result of the clubs fifth straight quality start -- this time by Julio Urias, who went 6 innings of scoreless one-hit ball. He also struck out a career high nine batters. (boxscore) Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“When your fastball is working, when it’s being placed well, the batter has to think about three pitches to worry about,” said Urías, who also got five swinging strikes with his changeup. “When you throw it with conviction, things go well.”

Photo above via Joo SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2019 at Dodger Insider. Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game. below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1890 the Brooklyn Bridegrooms (Dodgers) play their very first game as a member of the National League. In 1938 Dodgers outfielder Ernie Koy hit a home run in his first major league at-bat. In 1956 Roy Campanella recorded his 1,000th career hit at New Jersey's Roosevelt Stadium - a tenth inning double. This was also the first ever MLB game played in New Jersey. The Dodgers would play several home games here just prior to moving to Los Angeles. In 1968 Met's hurler Nolan Ryan throws an Immaculate Inning (three strikes out on nine pitches in one inning) against the Dodgers in the third inning.
• Happy Birthday, Bill Greenwood, RJ Reynolds, Brett Mayne, Jose Cruz, Dennys Reyes, George Sherrill, Joe Beimel & Alberto Callaspo!

Blog Kiosk: 11/8/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Awesome! Japan clearly has better mascots than we do. Pic above via NotSWCT on twitter.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1990 Darryl Strawberry signed a five-year $22.25 million free agent contract to play for his hometown Dodgers. This was huge news back in the day. Unfortunately, he would not fare well in Dodger Blue. 
• Happy Birthday, John Farrow, Tony Cuccinello, Eric Anthony, Henry Rodríguez, Víctor Álvarez, Darwin Barney, José Offerman, Nick Punto and Yasmani Grandal!

Blog Kiosk: 9/25/2018 - Dodgers Links - Magic Number is Now Five

Last night the Dodgers defeated the Diamondbacks, 7-4, to drop their magic number to five games, with just five games to go.

The win was far from an easy victory. Fortunately, David Freese was on point, as he knocked in the first two Dodger runs of the evening. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"I really like the at-bat quality, and he's gotten big hits for us, but tonight was probably the biggest, the home run that tied the game up," said Roberts. "He's a leader, doing things the right way, and guys tend to follow him. When we're talking about approach and having a plan as a team, he's all in. He's all that we had hoped for."
...
"You understand what this organization is trying to do and you get called upon to help out," said Freese, part of the club's right-handed-hitting platoon. "You do whatever Dave asks of you. You need to be productive and help the team, and so far, I think I've done a decent job of doing my thing and filling my role. This never gets easy, but we're all professional hitters and we're handling it pretty well."

Photo above of David Freese high-fivin' Clayton Kershaw via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2018 at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1941 the Dodgers won their first NL pennant in 21 years when they defeated the Braves in Boston, 6-0. In 1956 Dodgers hurler Sal "The Barber" Maglie no-hit the Phillies at Ebbets Field, 5-0. At 39 years old he became the oldest pitcher to throw one. You can listen to the last inning of Maglie's no-no (as called by Jerry Doggett with Vin Scully) here. In 1974 Dr. Frank Jobe performs the first ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction surgery on Dodgers pitcher Tommy John's left elbow. The revolutionary procedure would soon be known as Tommy John Surgery.
• Happy Birthday, Dave Walsh!

Weekend Autograph Opportunity: Kiké, D-Mountain, Colletti, Verdugo, Farmer and Jay Howell

Here are this weekends autograph opportunities and events throughout the Southland. As always, be sure to check the Blue Heaven Calendar for other events (a link can always be found on the tab at the top of this page, just left of center), and always confirm with the establishment. Everything is subject to change.  Please email me with any tips about upcoming events in Southern California.  As the rest of the week progresses I'll update this post with other events (if there are any), as I become aware of them.  Also, I don't always list every event below, so be sure to check my Calendar.  I always try to favor free signing events over paying events.  Click on any pic to embiggen.

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Blog Kiosk: 9/19/2018 - Dodgers Links - Walkoff Magic!

Thrilling!

It makes sense that on the 12th anniversary of the Dodgers' four-consecutive-homer/walkoff game would feature a walk-off victory in extras. Last night the oft-struggling Chris Taylor took out his big-stick and walloped a hanging breaking ball into the left field stands. Per Doug Padilla at MLB.com:

"I knew I got the barrel to it and had a petty good feeling it was going," Taylor said. "But I wanted to make sure. I was running kind of hard." 

Taylor has not been as solid at the plate like last season, but he sure has had his moments. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“There have been a lot of ups and downs. Kind of been a bit of a grind,” Taylor said of his year. “I think I’m speaking for a lot of guys on our team. This game humbles you very fast. It’s moments like this that you really have to take in and enjoy. But we’ve got another one tomorrow, so you have to have a short memory and enjoy it when it comes along.”

The Dodgers now hold 1.5 game lead over Colorado. Photo above via Juan Ocampo/Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2000 a Dodger fan, in addition to other court-ordered restrictions, pleaded no contest to one misdemeanor count of causing a disturbance at a sporting event, and has been banned from attending home games in Los Angeles for 18 months. The irate patron during a May 30th game threw coffee in the face of a Mets fan who was cheering a grand slam hit by New York's catcher Todd Pratt. In 2014 Clayton Kershaw won his 20th game of the season for the second time in his career. He is the first Dodger pitcher to win 20 game twice since Claude Osteen in 1969 and 1972.
• Happy Birthday, Sadie McMahon, Jack Ryan, Red Barkley, Duke Snider, Joe Ferguson, Scott Baker & Charlie Haeger!

Blog Kiosk: 6/18/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Happy belated Father's Day!

Pic above via Juan Ocampo/LA Dodgers 2018 at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1938 the Dodgers sign Babe Ruth to be their first base coach. He wears a Dodger uniform for the first time and took batting practice before the start of that days game (something he did prior to each game). In 1988 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent Pedro Martínez. In 2014 Clayton Kershaw no-hit the Rockies at Dodger Stadium, 8-0. He recorded a career high 15 strike outs, no walks and missed a perfect game when Hanley Ramirez committed an error in the 7th inning. Watch Vin Scully's call here. 
• Happy Birthday, Sandy Alomar!

Dodgers Blog Kiosk: 5/7/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Fernando was the only choice to throw out the ceremonial first pitch to begin the Mexico Series between the Padres and Dodgers. Per Jesse Sanchez at MLB.com:

"Fernando deserved to throw out the first pitch and many more things because of who he is," said Jarrin, who famously served as Valenzuela's interpreter. "He's so popular in Mexico and he's so popular in this city. People still scream his name in Los Angeles when they show his image, and he's so beloved everywhere he goes. It is the perfect way to start this series."

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2018 at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1959, the Roy Campanella benefit game, dubbed "Roy Campanella Night," against the Yankees is played at the Coliseum in front of 93,103 fans -- the largest crowd ever to have attended a ballgame. In 2009 Dodgers outfielder Manny Ramirez is suspended 50-games for a PED violation.
• Happy Birthday, Mickey Doolin, Tom Zachary, Al Epperly, Dick Williams & James Loney!

Blog Kiosk: 12/5/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Even ballplayers love chasing after autographs.

Featured above is a vintage, dated October 13, 1965, UPI press photo of Dodger outfielder "Sweet" Lou Johnson flagging down soon-to-be Hall of Famer Harmon Killebrew for his John Hancock prior to game 6 of the World Series. (eBay auction link) Per the descriptor at the top:

Metropolitan Stadium: Autograph hunter is Dodger outfielder Lou Johnson's pregame role as he seeks signature of Twins slugger Harmon Killebrew here. Johnson had just entered the park and was en route to dressing room when he met Killebrew.

As you may know, the Dodgers would win this World Series the following day -- a game 7 match-up that saw Sandy Koufax throw a three-pitch shutout. BTW, Lou Johnson also hit a solo home run in the fourth inning of that game 7 to score the eventual winning run. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1973 the Dodgers traded outfielder Willie Davis to the Expos for relief pitcher Mike Marshall.  Dr. Marshall, as he is known, went on to win the NL Cy Young Award that next season.  He pitched in 106 games, finished 83 of them and recorded a league high 21 saves as a reliever. In 2011 the Dodgers signed free agent utilityman Jerry Hairston to a two-year $6 million contract. He would soon thereafter retire and join the Dodgers broadcast crew.
• Happy Birthday, Jamie McCourt, Gus Mancuso, Don Padgett, Steve Rachunok, Raleigh Aitchison, Billy Shindle & Ray Moss! 

Blog Kiosk: 11/27/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I would like to extend a hearty Blue Heaven congratulations to Dodgers hurler Alex Wood. Over the weekend he tied the knot in what looks like a gala affair. Check out what I mean in the photo above that was shared by Alex on Instagram.

On a side note, this recent marriage adds to my desire that the club should briefly rename the club the "Bridegrooms" for one game next year - just to celebrate not only the Dodgers past, but also the individual futures of our players.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1953 Roy Campanella is the named the National League MVP for the second time in his career. He slashed .312/.395/.611/1.006 with 41 homer runs, a league leading 142 RBI's and recorded 7.1 WAR. In 1956 Don Newcombe was awarded the inaugural Cy Young Award, going 27-7 with a 3.06 ERA. A week prior he was given both the MVP and Rookiw of the Year Awards; thereby becoming the first and only player to win all three major awards for a pitcher in one season.
• Happy Birthday, Jimmy Schmitz, Mike Scioscia & Jimmy Rollins!

Blog Kiosk: 11/10/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Although this is far from the most artistic photograph you'll ever see, it is interesting. Featured here is a March 1943 ACME press photo (eBay auction link) of America's finest at West Point watching the Brooklyn Dodgers train. Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Dodgers Try Indoor Training Ground -- General Mud was a wartime stymie in the field of sport, today, He ousted the Dodgers from their Bear Mountain training camp and sent them scurrying to the safety of the West Point Academy Field House. Here, soldiers sneak a look through the net as the famous Bums get the kinks out of their batting arms.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1988 Orel Hershiser was named the winner of the NL Cy Young Award.  He became the ninth pitcher in MLB history to be an unanimous choice.
• Happy Birthday, Billy Earle, Whitey Alpermann, Eddie Eayrs, Chick Fewster, Carmen Mauro, Mike Vail, Matt Magill, Rob Segedin & Shawn Green!

Ned Colletti Took Some Time This Morning for a Reddit AMA

When you're a part of a club that prides itself on newfangled ideas about how to play the game, it makes sense that you'd go to the world's best viral website -- Reddit. This morning former Dodgers GM and current Senior Advisor Ned Colletti jumped on to popular website to participate in a AMA (Ask Me Anything). Go here to see the entire interaction.

Below are some choice outtakes. The first being about Justin Turner.

Blog Kiosk: 10/12/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

The dreams of youth.

Above is a fantastic 1943 ACME press photo of several New York area youngsters at Ebbets Field on a midsummer day trying out for the club (ebay link). As many teams are wont to do, the Dodgers reached out to the community in hopes of finding a diamond in the rough. At left is Hall of Famer George Sisler showing the kids the ins-an-outs of fielding. Per the descriptor on the reverse:

"IMAGINE -- THEY WANT TO BE DODGERS.  New York City -- Kids who would rather be bums than scholars, are told how to stop a hot grounder by George Sisler, one-time famous first baseman.  Some of metropolitan aspirants for diamond fame are (left to right, next to Sisler): Alfred Phillips, Coney Island; Bert Oppenheim, Coney Island; Bob Geary, Flatbush; Ernest Dolphy, Astoria; and Paul Brenner, Manhattan.  They are trying out at Ebbets Field, and a careful check on their performances will be used at a later date when the farms call for possible big league timber."

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1916 the Brooklyn Robins lost Game 5 against the Boston Red Sox to lose the World Series. As a side note, Boston played their games at the home of their NL rival, Boston Braves, since their stadium held more patrons than Fenway Park. In 1920 the Cleveland Indians defeated the Brooklyn Robins to win the World Series. In 1949 Vin Scully, after being recruited by Red Barber, worked his very first broadcast of his career when he does play-by-play for a college football game between Maryland and Boston University. He famously called the game from atop the roof during a very frigid day at Fenway Park. In 1988 Orel Hershiser threw a five-hit shutout victory, 6-0, against the NY Mets in Game 7 of the NLCS to advance to the World Series.
• Happy Birthday, Ed Householder, Steve Shirley, Sid Fernandez, Jose Valentin, Tanyon Sturtze & Nick Tepesch!

Blog Kiosk: 9/27/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

This past month has certainly been a struggle. Nevertheless, we now find ourselves with the best record in the National League and an offense that appears to be waking back up. Best yet, our pitching seems to have turned a corner. Last night Alex Wood staked his claim to a playoff start when he went six innings against the Padres to record his 16th win of the season. Although, he recorded  only one strikeout (which is troubling) while allowing eight hits and only two earned runs. Certainly not the best outing, but I'll take it. Per Joshua Thornton at MLB.com:

"It's out of my control, but I expect to start," Wood said. "I've been pretty good all year. I think guys trust me with the ball in my hands, so we'll see what happens."
...
"He's definitely pitched well," Roberts said. "We're continuing to watch and find a way to win as many games as we can. We're still not prepared to make a decision (about playoff rotation)."

The above pic of Alex Wood via @Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1936 future Dodgers Hall of Fame skipper Walter Alston played in his only Major League game. It was as an 24-year old first baseman for the Cardinals, and he got into the game as a late-inning substitution for Johnny Mize. He would commit an error on the field in two chances, and only get a single at-bat -- he struck out. In 1951 future basketball Hall of Famer Bill Sharman was on the bench for the Dodgers as a 25-year old prospect. On this day he would be thrown out of the game, along with 14 other teammates, for "bench-jockeying" after a close play at home. He would never get a chance to play a Major League game, and thus became the only player to be ejected from a game without ever appearing in one. In 1961 Sandy Koufax recorded seven strikeouts against the Phillies to set a new National League record for strikeouts in a season at 269. The mark was previously held by Giants hurler Christy Mathewson who set it in 1903 with 267 strikeouts. In 2000 the Team USA Baseball team, skippered by Tommy Lasorda, beat the overwhelming favorites Cubans ballclub to win the gold medal in the Olympics.
• Happy Birthday, Joe Visner, Doug Baird, Whit Wyatt, Len Matuszek, Jason Phillips, Vicente Padilla & Jon Garland!