Happy ’80s Birthday to Mike Blowers, who is the all-time home run leader among big leaguers born in Germany, besting Glenn Hubbard by eight.
Just so you know.
1976 NL Rookie of the Year Pat Zachry was born OTD in 1952.
Pat went 14-7 for the World Champion Reds and was a key part of the 1977 Tom Seaver trade. He passed away in 2024.
Happy ’80s Birthday to Herman Segelke, who was the 7th overall pick in the 1976 draft. Segelke threw exceptionally hard but didn’t always know where it was going. The extent of his major league career was three games with the Cubs in 1982.
Happy ’80s Birthday to Bill Krueger, who made his debut with the A’s in 1983 and spent 13 years in the big leagues, winning 68 games.
Happy ’80s Birthday Bob Beall, who was drafted by the Phillies in the 18th round in 1970 and appeared in 148 games across four seasons with the Braves and Pirates.
4/24/84
John Franco makes his big league debut against the Braves and gets Dale Murphy to ground into an inning-ending double play to get out of an 8th inning jam.
He’d pitch for 21 years, win 90 games and save 424.
4/24/81
Six days after having his first career homer taken away due to a rainout, Reds pitcher Frank Pastore fires a 4-hit shutout over the Astros.
4/24/82
Jesse Barfield becomes the first Blue Jay to hit a pinch-hit grand slam when he goes deep off Tom Burgmeier at Exhibition Stadium.
4/24/82
The Cardinals overcome two Bo Diaz homers to beat the Phillies 7-4 for their 12th straight win. Dane Iorg goes 4 for 4 for the Cardinals.
4/24/84
At the tender age of 45, Phil Niekro shuts out the Royals to run his record to 4-0 and drop his E.R.A. to 0.98. He throws 10 in his next start and gets a no-decision.
4/24/86
Schmitty homers twice and drives in all four Phillies runs in a 4-2 win over the Pirates because Schmitty.
He’d finish the year with 37 bombs, 119 RBI, and his 3rd MVP Award.
4/24/86
Coming off his last outing (4/19/86) against the Mariners in which he struck out 16, A’s pitcher Jose Rijo strikes out 14 Mariners over 8.1 innings of work but loses the game 3-1.
In two starts against Seattle, Rijo strikes out 30 in 16.1 innings.
4-24-87
Rickey homers off two current 300 game winners (Niekro & Carlton) in the same game.
There’s a pretty good chance Rickey pimped both dingers.
4/24/88
Twins catcher Tim Laudner hits two 3-run homers in a 13-7 win over the Indians.
He finishes the season with 13 homers and 54 RBI.
4/24/88
Bill Doran’s single leading off the 7th inning is the only Houston hit allowed by Andy Hawkins as the Padres beat the Astros 3-0.
4/24/89
Ken Griffey Jr. becomes the second player in history (Reggie) to have a candy bar named after him when he signs a contract with Pacific Trading Cards Company.
Unfortunately, Junior is allergic to chocolate.
4/24/86
The Pirates sign U.L. Washington as a free agent. He finishes his career with two seasons in Pittsburgh and retires after 1987.
4/24/84
The Braves acquire Alex Trevino from the Reds and release Biff Pocoroba, ending his career.
Biff finishes with 10 years in the big leagues and an All-Star appearance in 1978.
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