Happy ’80s Birthday to Roy Smalley, who had underrated mustache game back in the day. He also seemed to be on the path to stardom until he suffered a back injury. In 1978 and ’79, Smalley hit .272 with 43 homers and 172 RBI. Unheard of numbers for a shortstop at the time.
Happy ’80s Birthday to Tito Landrum, whose real name is Terry, but earned the nickname Tito because he looked like Tito Jackson. Tito spent nine years in the bigs and won a World Series with Baltimore in 1983.
Happy ’80s Birthday to the expertly coiffed Danny Darwin, who threw more than 3,000 innings in 21 seasons in the bigs.
Happy ’80s Birthday to Rowland Office who put together a 29-game hitting streak for Atlanta in 1976. He’s the only player in MLB history with the first name Rowland and also the only one with the last name Office.
Happy ’80s Birthday to Jeff Schattinger, who appeared in one game for the 1981 Royals. He threw three scoreless innings against Minnesota, striking out Gary Gaetti.
Happy ’80s Birthday to Andy McGaffigan, who pitched in the big leagues for 11 years for five teams. He won a career-high ten games for the Expos in 1986.
Happy ’80s Birthday to Dave Van Ohlen, who grew up in the shadow of Shea Stadium and spent five years in the bigs with St. Louis, Oakland, and Cleveland.
Happy ’80s Birthday to Tom Romano, who appeared in seven games for the 1987 Expos.
Happy ’80s Birthday to Kelly Downs, who was a 26th-round draft pick and spent eight years in the big leagues with San Francisco and Oakland, winning 57 games over the course of his career.
Happy ’80s Birthday to Mike Harkey, who made his debut with the Cubs in 1988 and spent eight years in the bigs with five teams. Mike won twelve games as a rookie for the Cubs in 1990.
Al Cowens was born on this day in 1951. He enjoyed his best season in 1977 with the Royals when he hit .312 with 23 homers and 112 RBI , finishing 2nd in the MVP balloting behind Rod Carew. Al spent 13 years in the bigs and passed away in 2002. He was just 50 years old.
Tommy Boggs was born OTD in 1955. He pitched in the big leagues from 1976 through 1985 for Texas and Atlanta and won 209 games. He passed away in 2022
10/25/81
Steve Yeager and Pedro Guerrero hit back-to-back dingers in the 7th inning to lead the Dodgers to a 2 – 1 victory over the Yankees in Game 5 of the World Series.
10/25/82
The Brewers announce that Harvey Kuenn will return as manager in 1983. Kuenn took over for Buck Rogers in 1982 and guided the Brewers to their first World Series appearance.
10/25/83
LaMarr Hoyt is the only pitcher named on all ballots for the Cy Young Award and wins easily. He went 24-10 for the A.L. West Champ White Sox.
10/25/84
The Yankees announce that Yogi Berra will return in 1985 as manager. “Yogi did a very creditable job blending in all of our fine veteran players with some outstanding young talent,” said George Steinbrenner.
There were rumors that Steinbrenner wanted Earl Weaver to take the job be he chose to “honor” Yogi’s contract. He then fires Yogi after 16 games in 1985.
10/25/86
10/25/87
The Twins win the World Series, beating the Cardinals 4-2 in Game 7
10/25/88
Tony LaRussa is named A.L. Manager of the Year after guiding the Oakland A’s to the World Series for the first time since 1974. It is the second time he receives the honor.
10/25/85
The Angels opt not to renew Rod Carew’s contract and his career is over. He finishes with seven batting titles, 18 all-star appearances, a Rookie of the Year Award, and an MVP.
10/25/81
Ron Cey takes a 94 MPH Goose Gossage fastball to the head.
10/25/81
George Steinbrenner mixes it up with two Dodgers fans on an elevator after they call the Yankees chokers.
Steinbrenner says he was struck by a beer bottle in the fracas and also suffers a cut lip and injures his hand.
10/25/85
The Blue Jays name Jimy Williams as their new manager. Williams replaces Bobby Cox, who left to go back to Atlanta and serve as General Manager.
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