Categories: January

January 3rd

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Happy ’80s Birthday to Gary Lavelle, who pitched in the big leagues for 13 years and recorded 136 saves while setting the Giants record for more appearances by a pitcher. He later became a high school coach in Virginia and built an outstanding program.

Happy ’80s Birthday to Jim Dwyer, who spent 18 years in the big leagues and once reached base in 13-straight plate appearances.

Happy ’80s Birthday to former umpire Larry Barnett. Larry called big league games from 1969 through 1999.

Happy ’80s Birthday to Brian Allard, who won four games for the Rangers and Mariners between 1979 and 1981.

Happy ’80s Birthday to Randy Hunt, who played in 35 games for the Cardinals and Expos between 1985 and 1986.

Happy ’80s Birthday to John Leister, who pitched in ten games for the Red Sox between 1987 and 1990. He was also a three-year starter at QB at Michigan State and played in the USFL.

Happy ’80s Birthday to Luis Rivera, who spent parts of eleven seasons in the bigs and later served as a coach and manager in the minor leagues and big leagues.

Russ Swan was born OTD in 1964. He spent parts of six years in the big leagues and also served as a pitching coach. He passed away in 2006.

Dutch Daulton was born on this day in 1962. Daulton was a 25th round draft pick in 1980 and worked his way through the Phillies system to become an All-Star and one of the most popular Phillies players ever. He passed away in 2017.

Former White Sox Vice-Chairman, President, and CEO Eddie Einhorn was born OTD in 1936. In addition to working for the Sox from 1981 through 1990, he’s also a College Basketball Hall of Famer for his work as a pioneer in televising college hoops.

1/3/84

The A’s sign Felix Jose as an amateur free agent.

1/3/85

The Padres sign Jerry Royster as a free agent. He hits .269 in two seasons in San Diego and signs with the White Sox for 1987.

1/3/85

The Mets re-sign Rusty Staub as a free agent. He hits .267 in his final season.

1/3/86

The Blue Jays sign Luis Sojo as an amateur free agent.

Transactions

1/3/85

The Angels select Chuck Finley in the 1st round (4th pick) of the 1985 amateur draft (January Secondary).

1/3/85

Joe McDonald resigns as vice president and general manager of the Cardinals. Dal Maxvill is named as the new GM later.

Deaths

We lost Rob Picciolo OTD in 2016. Rob played in the big leagues from 1977 through 1985 and coached or managed in both the minor and major leagues until 2013.

Luke Appling, hero of the 1982 Old-Timers Game, passed away OTD in 1991.

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