Categories: December

December 23rd

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Happy ’80s Birthday to Jerry Koosman, who won 19 games as a rookie in 1968 and finished 2nd in the Rookie of the Year balloting because Johnny Bench. He also won 14 games in his age-41 season with the Phillies.

Happy ’80s Birthday to Frank Eufemia, who went 4-2 for the 1985 Twins and later coached in college, high school, and independent ball.

Happy ’80s Birthday to Tim Leary, who was the #2 overall pick in the 1979 draft out of UCLA and spent 13 years in the big leagues, including a 17-11, 2.91 season with the Dodgers in 1988.

Happy ’80s Birthday to Keith Comstock, who has one of the best baseball cards ever.

Happy ’80s Birthday to Jerry Manuel, who spent five years in the bigs with Montreal, Detroit, and the Padres and later managed the Mets and White Sox.

Happy ’80s Birthday to Bert Bradley, who pitched in six games for the 1983 A’s and spent more than 20 years as a coach in the minor leagues and the big leagues.

12/23/80

The Orioles sign free agent Jim Dwyer away from the Red Sox. He wins a World Series with them three years later.

12/23/81

The Yankees sign Dave Collins as a free agent as part of their philosophy shift towards speed for 1982. This shift lasted until May 5th when they traded for John Mayberry and switched back to a power game.

12/23/83

The Tigers sign Doug Bair as a free agent. He goes 14-6 with eight saves over two-plus seasons and wins a ring in Detroit before signing with the Cardinals in 1985.

12/23/87

Dave Righetti turns down a reported $10 million contract offer to play in Japan and re-signs with the Yankees. He signs a three-year, $4.3 million deal.

12/23/88

The Braves sign Darrell Evans as a free agent. He returns to Atlanta and hits 11 dingers in his final season to finish with 414. Dude had a solid career.

Big Days

12/23/81

Bill Madlock is named the Roberto Clemente Award winner.

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