Happy ’80s Birthday to Leon Roberts, who earned a spot on the roster of the Houston Oilers as a punter and an end while a member of the Houston Astros. When the Astros found out, they bought him out so he would stick to baseball.
Happy ’80s Birthday to Mike Caldwell, who went 22-9 with 23 CGs in 1978 and finished 2nd in the A.L. Cy Young balloting. Unfortunately for Caldwell, Ron Guidry was nearly unhittable that year and took home the hardware.
Happy ’80s Birthday to Brian Dayett, who spent five years in the bigs with the Cubs and Yankees before playing in Japan. He returned home and went into coaching.
Happy ’80s Birthday to Jeff Treadway, who came up with the Reds and spent nine years in the bigs with five teams. Cincinnati had to decide between Treadway and Barry Larkin as their shortstop of the future and they chose Larkin. It was the right choice, but Treadway had a nice career.
Ramon Aviles was born OTD in 1952. He played a total of 117 games in his career, but he got a ring with the 1980 Phillies.
1/22/82
Reggie signs with the Angels Certainly, money is a factor but the clincher for Reggie will be the opportunity to fulfill a life-long dream of killing the Queen of England.
1/22/85
The Pirates sign Sixto Lezcano as a free agent to a two-year deal. He hits .207 and is released the following spring, ending his career.
1/22/82
The Reds announce they have abandoned their quest to sign George Foster to a long-term deal and will seek to trade him. They eventually cut a deal with the Mets.
1/22/88
Thanks to owner stupidity (AKA collusion), an arbitrator declares Juan Beniquez, Tom Brookens, Kirk Gibson, Carlton Fisk, Donnie Moore, Joe Niekro, and Butch Wynegar free agents. Gibby signs with the Dodgers and wins a World Series. Collusion may not have ultimately worked out, but at least the owners saved money in the short term and made their teams worse so it’s all good. Well played, Gentlemen!
We lost Henry Aaron OTD in 2021
We lost Andy Musser OTD in 2012
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