Happy ’80s Birthday to Gorman Thomas!
Happy ’80s Birthday to The Roadrunner, Ralph Garr, who wrapped up his big-league career in 1980 with the Angels, and also played for the Braves and White Sox.
Happy ’80s Birthday to Steve Farr, who won a ring with the 1985 Royals and once threw 27 straight scoreless innings out of the pen for the Yankees.
Happy ’80s Birthday to Alonzo Powell, who made his debut with the Expos in 1987 and also played 57 games with the Mariners in the 1990s. He later played in Japan and won three batting titles.
12/12/80
It’s the end of an era in St. Louis as Rollie Fingers’ storied Cardinals career comes to a close after four days. Fingers is dealt to the Brewers along with Ted Simmons, and Pete Vuckovich in exchange for Lary Sorensen, Sixto Lezcano, David Green, and Dave LaPoint.
12/12/80
The Braves trade Doyle Alexander to the Giants for Craig Landis and John Montefusco.
12/12/80
The Cubs trade Mike Vail to the Reds for Hector Cruz.
12/12/80
The White Sox trade Rich Wortham to the Expos for Tony Bernazard.
12/12/80
The Mariners trade Larry Cox, Rick Honeycutt, Willie Horton, Mario Mendoza and Leon Roberts to the Texas Rangers for Steve Finch, Brian Allard, Rick Auerbach, Ken Clay, Jerry Don Gleaton and Richie Zisk.
12/12/84
The Pirates trade Brian Harper and John Tudor to the Cardinals for Steve Barnard and George Hendrick. Tudor wins 21 games for St. Louis in 1985.
12/12/85
The White Sox trade Glenn Braxton, Mike Soper, and Britt Burns to the Yankees for Joe Cowley and Ron Hassey. Burns throws 13 innings in the minor leagues and his career is over due to a hip injury.
12/12/85
The Tigers trade Rich Monteleone to the Mariners for Darnell Coles.
12/12/89
The Yankees trade Hal Morris to the Reds for P Tim Leary and OF Van Snider. Morris hits .340 and helps the Reds win the World Series the following season.
12/12/80
The Expos sign Willie Montanez as a free agent. They flip him to Pittsburgh in August for Tony Phillips.
12/12/85
The Indians sign free agent Tom Candiotti to a AAA contract, along with Ron Musselmann. which underwhelms the Akron Beacon Journal. “Neither pitcher is a prospect,” notes the paper. “Both have been in the major leagues and both have been found wanting. Nevertheless, they will be invited to spring training and given an opportunity to make the club.” Candiotti has a 6-6 lifetime record after two seasons but he has just picked up a knuckleball. He’d win 16 games for the Tribe and lead the AL with 17 CGs in 1986 and pitch until 1999.
12/12/86
The Giants sign Chris Speier as a free agent. He returns to the place where he began his career and plays three more years before retiring after 1989.
12/12/89
The Brewers re-sign Terry Francona as a free agent. He plays in just three games in 1990 and his career is over.
12/12/85
Burce Sutter has surgery on his shoulder for what doctors call a “pinched nerve,” He is expected to be ready for Opening Day and he is but he is shut down in late May, misses all of 1987, and throws 45 innings in 1988 before retiring due to the injury.
Randy Stein passed away OTD in 2011. He won five games over four seasons with Seattle, the Cubs, and Milwaukee.
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