Happy ’80s Birthday to Doug Rau, who was involved in one of the greatest NSFW mound visits in World Series history courtesy of Tommy Lasorda who was the manager, if I’m not mistaken.
Happy ’80s Birthday to Jim Leyland, who really knows how to talk like a Pirate.
Happy ’80s Birthday to Art Howe, who has an amazing story. Howe went to a Pirates tryout in 1970 on a dare, got an offer a year later, quit his job, took a $700/month pay cut to play in the minors, and ended up spending 11 years in the big leagues as a player and 14 more as a manager. Perseverance.
Happy ’80s Birthday to Stan Bahnsen, who turns 73 today. Stan won 21 games for the White Sox in 1972 and lost 21 games for the White Sox in 1973. That puts him in good company. Steve Carlton also win 20 in ’72 and lost 20 in ’73. He also won Rookie of the Year in 1968 and pitched for 16 years.
Happy ’80s Birthday to Mike Proly, who spent seven years in the big leagues with the Cubs, White Sox, Phillies, and Cardinals. He wrapped up his career with the Cubs in 1983.
Happy ’80s Birthday to Jimmy Sexton, who spent six years in the bigs with the Astros, A’s Mariners, and Cardinals. He led the Southern League in stolen bases in 1975 with 48 and was 16 of 16 in stolen base attempts in 1982 with Oakland.
Happy ’80s Birthday to Terry Bulling was born OTD in 1952. Terry spent parts of four years in the bigs with Seattle and Minnesota and was behind the plate for Gaylord Perry’s 300th win. He passed away in 2014.
12/15/80
The Mets trade Jose Moreno and John Pacella to the Padres for Randy Jones.
Jones wins eight games over his final two seasons in the bigs and retires.
12/15/89
The Braves trade Jim Lemasters and Gerald Perry to the Royals for Charlie Leibrandt and Rick Luecken.
12/15/80
Dave Winfield signs the richest contract in sports history to play for the Yankees. How would Winfield handle playing for the Yankees after playing in relative anonymity in San Diego? Reggie offered this advice: ”It’s the greatest place to play and it’s the toughest,” he said. ”It can be Disneyland or it can be hell.”
12/15/81
Ron Guidry, the top pitcher available in the free agent draft, re-signs with the Yankees to a four-year $3.6 million pact.
12/15/87
The Dodgers sign Mike Davis as a free agent to a two-year $1.95 million deal.
12/15/83
Bowie Kuhn suspends Willie Wilson, Willie Aikens, Jerry Martin, and Steve Howe for one season without pay for their use of illegal drugs. The suspensions would end up being lifted on May 15th.
12/15/80
The Mets purchase Rick Sweet from the Padres.
12/15/87
The Royals release Lonnie Smith. He signs with the Braves and plays another seven years.
We lost Craig Sager OTD in 2016
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