Happy ’80s Birthday to an old Tigers farmhand named John Smoltz, who made his debut in 1988. Smoltz led the league in wins in 1996, saves in 2002, then wins again in 2006.
Happy ’80s Birthday to George Brett, who spent 21 years in the big leagues, won a MVP, a ring, and batting titles in three different decades.
Happy ’80s Birthday to Bill North who spent 11 years in the big leagues with four teams and won three rings.
Happy ’80s Birthday to Rick Waits, who won 42 games for some really bad Indians teams from 1978 through 1980.
He spent
5/15/84
In freezing temperatures, Roger Clemens allows eleven hits and five runs in 5.2 innings against the Indians and gets a no decision in his big league debut.
He picks up his first win five days later.
5/15/86
Erick King throws 5.1 scoreless innings in his big league debut but comes away with a no decision.
He throws six scoreless in his next outing to pick up his first win.
5/15/88
Tony Fossas throws 2.2 scoreless innings out of the bullpen in his big league debut.
He spends twelve years in the big leagues with multiple teams.
5/15/81
Len Barker throws a perfect game against the Blue Jays in Cleveland.
If you ask around, I bet you can find at least 30 or 40,000 people who will tell you they were there that night.
5/15/82
Chris Welsh throws a 4-hitter and drives in two as the Padres beat the Expos 6-2
5/15/82
Rick Rhoden beats the Reds 12-9 and contributes a double and a big fly in Pittsburgh’s nine-run 3rd inning.
5/15/84
Joaquin Andujar, who entered the season with a 51% strikeout percentage and three homers, hits a grand slam off Jeff Dedmon as part of a six-run 8th inning and the Cardinals beat Atlanta 9 – 1.
5/15/84
Michael Jack Schmidt hits the 400th home run of his career, a solo shot off Bob Welch.
He’d hit 148 more.
5/15/85
Oakland OF Mike Davis goes 3 for 5 with 2 homers and 6 RBI as the A’s hammer Milwaukee 19-3.
Four different Oakland players collect three hits in the game.
5/15/89
Bob Dernier’s 12th-inning three-run walk-off homer gives the Phillies a 5-2 win over the Giants at The Vet.
5/15/89
Kent Hrbek dislocates his shoulder diving for a ball and misses five weeks but still hits 25 homers and drives in 84.
5/15/89
The Blue Jays fire Jimy Williams and replace him with hitting coach Cito Gaston.
Williams had several run-ins with George Bell, who did not want to be relegated to the DH role.
Long time Royals broadcaster Fred White passed away OTD in 2013.
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