Happy ’80s Birthday to former Red Sox pitcher Sam Malone
Happy ’80s Birthday to Devo! No doubt dude could still swipe 30 bags today.
Happy ’80s Birthday to Dave Ford, who was the Orioles 1st round draft pick in 1975 and made his debut in 1978 by throwing 8.1 scoreless innings against the White Sox and getting a win. Unfortunately, he developed shoulder problems and was forced to retire.
Happy ’80s Birthday to Dennis Werth, who spent four years in the bigs with the Yankees and Royals. His stepson, Jayson, spent 15 years in the bigs.
Happy ’80s Birthday to Mike Brown, who spent five years in the big leagues with the Angels and the Pirates and hit .322 in 57 games for the Bucs in 1985.
Happy ’80s Birthday to Jim Wilson, who was a second-round draft pick (Cleveland) in 1982 and had three minor league seasons in which he drove in more than 100 runs. His major league career consisted of nine games for Cleveland and Seattle.
Happy ’80s Birthday to Rod Nichols, who won 11 games over seven seasons in the bigs and later spent 20 years as a pitching coach in the minor leagues.
Happy ’80s Birthday to Luis de los Santos, who spent parts of three seasons in the major leagues with the Royals and Tigers and also played in Mexico, China, and Korea before returning to the U.S. and becoming a minor league coach.
12/29/80
The Angels sign Juan Beniquez as a free agent.
12/29/80
The Indians sign Pat Kelly as a free agent.
12/29/80
The Sporting News names George Brett Man of the Year after he hits .390, wins the A.L. MVP, and leads the Royals to the World Series.
12/29/80
Jim Rooker accepts a position as a broadcaster with the Pirates and promises to be as candid as he was as a player. “When we stunk, I said we stunk,” he tells the media. He calls Bucs games until 1993.
12/29/81
Negotiations break down between Ozzie Smith and the Cardinals on a new contract, endangering the trade that would have sent him from San Diego to St. Louis. Cardinals Manager/GM Whitey Herzog claims that Smith told him he is making $500,000 per year in endorsements in San Diego and needs to be compensated for the lost income.
“No .230 hitter is worth what he’s asking,” says Herzog. The deal eventually gets done and Smith helps the Cardinals win the World Series in 1982.
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