Happy ’80s Birthday to pitcher turned broadcaster Larry Andersen.
Larry spent 17 seasons in the big leagues and started exactly one game. The bullpen was his home and he had plenty of time to come up with one-liners like, “You’re only young once, but you can be immature forever.”
Happy ’80s Birthday to Al Williams, who fought as a Sandinista guerrilla in the Nicaraguan Civil War, and won 35 games over five seasons for the Twins.
Happy ’80s Birthday to Keefe Cato, who pitched parts of two seasons with the Reds in 1983 and 1984.
Happy ’80s Birthday to Tom Bolton, who spent eight years in the big leagues with four teams, and winning 31 games.
Happy ’80s Birthday to Kim Seaman, who appeared in 27 games for the Cardinals in 1979 and 1980 and won three games with two losses.
5/6/86
The Cubs release Dick Ruthven and his career is over.
He finishes with 123 wins, including a career high 17 in 1980 with the Phillies when he won a ring.
5/6/82
The Tigers sign Mike Ivie, who was released by the Astros the previous month.
He hits .229 over parts of 1982 and ’83 with the Tigers and his career is over.
5/6/83
The top pick in the 1980 draft makes his big league debut for the New York Mets.
Darryl Strawberry goes 0 for 4 with three strikeouts and two walks against the Reds in a 13-inning game. He’d collect his first hit a few days later and finish the year batting .257 with 26 homers and win the Rookie of the Year Award.
5/6/82
Gaylord Perry beats the New York Yankees, 7 – 3, at the Kingdome and becomes the 15th player to win 300 games.
5/6/83
In his age-37 season, Rodney Cline Carew goes 3 for 4 against the Tigers to raise his batting average to an even .500.
Through his first 22 games, Carew goes 48-96 and has at least one hit in 20 games. He’d finish the season at .339.
5/6/84
Cal hits for the cycle in a 6-1 Orioles win over the Rangers.
He’s the first Oriole to hit for the cycle since Brooks Robinson in 1960.
5/6/86
Kong goes 3 for 5 with two homers and 5 RBI in a 17-2 win over the Blue Jays.
In his final season, Kingman hits just .210 but slugs 35 homers and drives in 94 runs
5/6/86
Andre Thornton goes 2 for 2 with two homers and 5 RBI in a 6-1 rain-shortened win over the Royals. It’s the 9th straight win for the Indians who, of course, are on top of the AL East.
5/6/81
The Mariners fire manager Maury Wills and replace him with Rene Lachemann.
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