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December 2nd

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Julio Cruz 1983 baseball card

Happy ’80s Birthday to Julio Cruz, who was a light-hitting 2B, but stole 40 or more bases six times in a row. He was also a standout point guard in high school where he played with future Super Bowl winning coach Brian Billick.

Happy ’80s Birthday to Chip Hale, who spent seven years in the bigs with the Twins and Dodgers and later went into coaching. He managed the Diamondbacks in 2015 and 2016.

Adrian Devine 1980 Topps Baseball Card

Adrian Devine was born OTD in 1951. He spent seven years in the bigs with Atlanta and Texas and won 26 games. He passed away in 2020 after battling cancer.

Geoff Zahn 1981 Topps Baseball Card

12/2/80

The Angels sign Geoff Zahn as a free agent. He finishes his career with five years in Cali, winning 52 games.

Jerry Koosman 1984 Fleer Baseball Card

12/2/83

The White Sox sign Jerry Koosman as a free agent. Three days later, the Sox trade a PTBL to the Phillies for Ron Reed, and Koosman is the PTBNL. The deal is finished in February of 1984.

Big Days

Fernando Valenzuela 1981 baseball card

12/2/81

Fernando Valenzuela wins the NL Rookie of the Year Award, as well he should have. He went 13-7 in the strike-shortened season and led the N.L. in starts, IP, CG, shutouts, ERA, and strikeouts.

12/2/81

Billy Martin & Dick Butkus shoot a Miller Lite commercial.

Willie McCovey 1980 baseball card

12/2/85

Willie McCovey and Minnie Minoso are among the notable players in their first year of Hall of Fame eligibility. McCovey is the only player elected.

Steve Garvey 1986 Donruss Baseball Card

12/2/86

Steve Garvey announces he is trying to raise money to buy the Padres and, “Put us on top.” Joan Kroc is asking $50 million for the team.

Tom Seaver 1982 Diamond King

12/2/82

The Mets turn down four different trade offers from the Reds as the two teams try to work a deal for Tom Seaver.

Cincinnati is interested in Jesse Orosco, Ron Darling, and Rick Owenby but the Mets don’t want to part with them.

The two teams finally work out a deal later in the month. 

12/2/88

Naked Gun hits theaters. Reggie tries to kill the Queen.

Transactions

Davey Johnson 1987 baseball card

12/2/86

The Mets renegotiate the contract of manager Davey Johnson after he threatened to quit if he didn’t get more money.

Deaths

Ron Santo 1989 baseball card

We lost Ron Santo OTD in 2010

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