BASEBALL BIRTHDAY QUOTE FOR JULY17--LOU BOUDREAU

Happy Birthday to Hall of Famer Lou Boudreau, born on July 17th, 1917.

In his 15 year career, most of with the Indians, he was an 8 time all-star, AL MVP and batting champion. He was a long time manager with the Indians, Red Sox, KC Athletics and Cubs. He was also a long time announcer.

Here are two quotes about him--one funny and one about his greatness.

"I'd like to sound like Lou Boudreau. He does a good job of recapping the play before it happens."
--Johnny Logan, on Boudreau as an announcer

"Pitchers say he's (Boudreau) is the smartest hitter in the league."
--Red Smith

Lot of quotes at www.baseballquotations.com

JAKE PEAVY BASEBALL BIRTHDAY QUOTE OF THE DAY FOR MAY 31ST

Mr. 'Intensity', Jake Peavy, was born on this day in 1981. The former Cy Young Award winner started his MLB career in 2007 and he is still pitching strong today.

In honor of his birthday, Peavy is the recipient of the Birthday Baseball Quote of the Day,

"He's willing to fight for you--to die for you.
--Tim Flannery, talking about the competitiveness of Peavy

MANNY RAMIREZ BASEBALL BIRTHDAY QUOTE OF THE DAY FOR MAY 30TH

One of the best hitters of the last twenty five years, Manny Ramirez was born on this day in 1972.

He played in the majors from 1993--2011 and was a 12 x all-star with a career .312 batting average and 555 home runs. I know his career was controversial but there was no doubt that the man could hit under any circumstances.

"He doesn't know much about situations. He just likes to hit. He could be in the jungle naked surrounded by lions and still hit."
--Omar Vizquel, on Manny Ramirez

ERIC DAVIS BASEBALL BIRTHDAY QUOTE OF THE DAY FOR MAY 29TH

Happy Birthday to long time Red, Eric Davis who was born on May 29th, 1962.

Has there ever been a player in baseball history who came into the league with more hype than Eric Davis? Even though he ended up having a terrific career, it would have been impossible to live up to the hype when he came to the majors.

He played in the majors from 1984--2001, playing with the Reds for the first seven years of his career.

Of his potential, Pete Rose said,

"He reminds me of Willie Mays except he has more speed."
--Pete Rose

"A player like Eric might come around every seventy years."
--Dave Parker

Kirk Gibson Baseball Birthday Quote of the Day for May 28th

Birthday Quote of the Day to Kirk Gibson, born on this day in 1957. Though many of us remember him for his many years with the Tigers, he is credited for hitting one of the most clutch home runs in baseball history with the Dodgers in Game 1 of the 1988 World Series off Hall of Famer Dennis Eckersley.

Here is the Kirk Gibson Baseball Birthday Quote of the Day,

"He's a lot like Jabber and Walton in basketball. He can turn this franchise around."
--Sparky Anderson, talking about Gibson during his rookie year with the Tigers

TERRY FRANCONA BASEBALL BIRTHDAY QUOTE OF THE DAY

Happy Birthday to Terry 'Tito' Francona, born on this day in 1959. In my humble opinion, Francona is the best manager in baseball. Nobody gets more out of players than he does. The 2016 post season was a case in point. The Indians had no right going as far as they did with all their injuries, yet they were a few batters away from winning the World Series.

Also, he was a very good hitter in his playing says with a career batting average over .270 in ten years.

The two time World Series winner and two time Manager of the Year is today's recipient of the Baseball Birthday Quote of the Day,

"One thing I can tell you is that he is never unprepared. He is here early and doesn't leave any stone unturned."
--Sandy Alomar Jr., on the preparation skills of Terry Francona.

For over forty Francona quotes and thousands of other baseball quotes, go to www.baseballquotations.com 

DON MATTINGLY BASEBALL BIRTHDAY QUOTE OF THE DAY FOR APRIL 20TH

Happy Birthday to Donnie Baseball, born on this day in 1961. Though many younger fans may know of him as the Dodgers and Marlins Manager, Don Mattingly was a hell of a ballplayer during his career.

Few players were as loved in pinstripes as much as Mattingly was during his playing days. He spent his whole career from 1982--1995 with the Yankees. He was a 6 x all-star, 9 x gold glove winner, 3 x silver slugger, the 1985 MVP and the 1984 AL batting champ. He was the heart and soul of those Yankee teams.

Even though he never made a World Series, Yankee fans loved him for his all around play. If he didn't have a bad back, he would have likely been a Hall of Famer.

He is today's recipient of the Baseball Birthday Quote of the Day,

"I've never seen anyone like him."
--Earl Weaver, talking about the hitting ability of Don Mattingly

JOE MAUER BASEBALL BIRTHDAY QUOTE OF THE DAY FOR APRIL 19TH

Happy Birthday to long time All-Star Joe Mauer, born on this day in 1983.

Joe Mauer is one of the greatest hitting catcher's of all-time. He holds the record for highest batting average for a catcher with a .365 average in 2009, the year he won the American League MVP. He is the only catcher in major league history to lead the league in batting three years. Incredible.

Mauer broke in with the Twins in 2004. In that time frame, he has been a six time all-star, three time Gold Glove winner and five time Silver Slugger winner.

Though injuries have slowed him down and he doesn't catch anymore, he is still a great player destined for Cooperstown.

In his honor, he is today's recipient of the Baseball Birthday Quote of the Day,

"Offensively, he has no weaknesses. Defensively, he's one of the best catchers in the league. I think when God made his blueprint for catchers, he stood Joe out.
--Joe Maddon, talking about Joe Mauer

For hundreds of Twins quotes, go to www.baseballquotations.com  It's that simple

MIGUEL CABRERA BASEBALL BIRTHDAY QUOTE OF THE DAY FOR APRIL 18TH

Happy 34th birthday to the best hitter in baseball over the last decade--Miguel Cabrera.

What a career--two time MVP, 4 x batting champ, 11 x All-Star, 7 x Silver Slugger, 2 x Home Run and Ribbie Champ and the list goes on and on. Of course, he will always be remembered for his incredible 2012 Triple Crown season.

The amazing part is he is still only 34 years old--think of how many more records he could break with his career home run total of 448 and batting average of .320.

In honor of this incredible player from his years first with the Marlins and now with the Tigers, Miguel Cabrera is the Baseball Birthday Quote of the Day,

"He's the best hitter in the game. It sounds crazy, but if he just hits a single, you're like, 'OK, we can work with that.'"
--Robin Ventura

For lost of Cabrera quotes, go to www.baseballquotations.com

MARQUIS GRISSOM BASEBALL BIRTHDAY QUOTE OF THE DAY FOR APRIL 17

Happy 50th birthday to former All-Star, Marquis Grissom. Grissom was a terrific ballplayer who lasted in the majors from 1989--2005. The early part of his career was spent with the Expos where he was a two time all-star.

His other achievements included a two time national league leader in stolen bases, four Gold Gloves, and the 1997 ALC MVP with the Indians.

He is today's recipient of the Baseball Birthday Quote of the Day,

"He doesn't make any mistakes on the bases. He always gets what he supposed to."
--Bill Virdon, on the great base running of Grissom

PETE ROSE BASEBALL BIRTHDAY QUOTE OF THE DAY FOR APRIL 14TH

Happy Birthday to Pete Rose, 'Charlie Hustle', born on this day in 1945.

 He is the all-time hits leader with 4256 and most at bats with 3562. He played from 1963--1986, mostly with the Reds. Over his incredible career, he was a 17 time all-star (visions of Ray Fosse dancing in my head), won three World Series, An MVP, A World Series MVP, Two Gold Gloves, Rookie of the Year and about a hundred other honors.

For those readers to young to remember his career, there were few people who have had such an incredible impact in the history of the game. Hall of Fame and Gambling controversy aside, he is an all-time great who will be remembered in the baseball history books for as long as the game exists.

Though he is not in the Baseball Hall of Fame, he has the great honor of being the Birthday Baseball Quote of the Day for April 14th.

"Walk by a house that's being built, stop awhile and watch the bricklayers. Pretty soon, you'll be able to tell who is the best bricklayer by his drive, his determination. Pete Rose is the best bricklayer out there."
Willie Stargell

Over a hundred more Pete Rose quotes at www.baseballquotations.com

HUNTER PENCE BASEBALL BIRTHDAY QUOTE OF THE DAY FOR APRIL 13

Happy Birthday to the Giants, Hunter Pence born on April 13th, 1983.

Pence is a terrific player who started his career with the Astros, traded to the Phillies and then signed with the Giants.

Over his ten year career, he has won two World Series Championships with the Giants and was a major contributor to the team's success. He is also a three time all-star with an impressive .284 batting average...and shout out to those of us in Albany, New York--his career started with the local Tri City Valley Cats.

In honor of his terrific career, he is today's recipient of the Baseball Birthday Quote of the Day,

"He's a guy whose passion for baseball is unbelievable. He's a guy that gives everything for his teammates to win ball games and does whatever it takes to do it."
--Gregor Blanco

For thousands of baseball quotes, go to www.baseballquotations.com

HISASHI IWAKAMA BASEBALL BIRTHDAY QUOTE OF THE DAY FOR APRIL 12

Happy Birthday to Mariner's pitcher, Hisashi Iwakama, who was born on this day in 1981.

Iwakama is a terrific pitcher who started his professional career with the Osaka Kintletsu Buffaloes. He joined the major leagues in 2012 with the Mariners and has been with them ever since. His major league career has been impressive and includes a no-hitter, an all-start appearance and third place in the Cy Young Award vote in 2013.

In honor of his pitching, Iwakama is our Baseball Birthday Quote of the Day Player,

"If you look at anyone of his four pitches in a vacuum, they're probably average. But when you put them all together with deception and his ability to move pitches, it plays up."
--Scott Servais

ADRIAN BELTRE BASEBALL BIRTHDAY QUOTE FOR APRIL 7TH

Happy Birthday to future Hall of Famer, Adrian Beltre, born on this day in 1979.

Beltre is one of baseball's most underrated stars. Since he started his career with the Dodgers in 1998, he has been a four time All-Star, 5 time Gold Glove Winner, 4 time Silver Slugger winner and led the National League in Home Runs and the American League in hits.

Since 2011, he has been the leader of the Rangers both on the field and in the dugout. He has 2942 career hits and 445 career home runs. He is destined for Cooperstown.

He is well deserving of our baseball birthday quote of the day,

"Adrian Beltre is the finest leader I have ever been around."
--Jeff Banister, Rangers Manager

BERT BYLEVEN BASEBALL BIRTHDAY QUOTE OF THE DAY FOR APRIL 6TH

Happy Birthday to Hall of Famer Bert Blyleven, born on April 6th, 1951. Greatest baseball player in history that was born in the Netherlands.

He pitched from 1970--1992, starting with the Twins, but pitching also for four other major league teams. He won 287 career games, had a career 3.31 ERA and struck out over 3700 hitters. He is still to this day regarded as having one of the most deceptive curveballs in baseball history. He was voted into the Hall of Fame in 2011.

The great Hank Aaron gave high praise to Bert Blyleven,

"I hit against him and if there was finer pitcher than he was than I don't know who it was."
--Hank Aaron, talking about Bert Blyleven

PHIL NIEKRO BASEBALL BIRTHDAY QUOTE OF THE DAY FOR APRIL 1

Happy Birthday to Hall of Famer Phil Niekro, born on April 1, 1939. The legendary 'Knucksie' played most of his career with the Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves.

Over his career, he compiled 318 wins, five all-star game appearances, five gold glove awards and he pitched a no hitter in 1973. No surprise that he was selected for the Hall of Fame in 1997.

He is regarded as having one of, if not the best, knuckleball in baseball history. At times, it was unhittable.

In honor of Phil Niekro's Hall of Fame career and his great knuckleball, he is the recipient of today's Baseball Birthday Quote of the Day,

"Trying to hit him is like trying to eat jello with Chopstixs."
--Bobby Murcer, talking about Niekro's curveball

Bonus Quote:

"I'm proud of my sons and happy they don't have to work for a living."
--Phil Niekro Sr., talking about his major league playing sons Phil Jr. and Joe

ALEX BREGMAN BASEBALL BIRTHDAY QUOTE OF THE DAY FOR MARCH 30TH

Yesterday, we featured the Cy Young Birthday Quote of the Day, today we featured the Alex Bregman Baseball Quote of the Day. 127 year age differential.

Bregman was born on March 30, 1994. He was the second player selected in the 2015 MLB draft by the Houston Astros. In the 2016 season, he hit .264 with the Astros and showed real potential.

In honor of the Alex Bregman future, he is today's recipient of the Baseball Birthday Quote of the Day,

"He exudes a confidence and a work ethic and a complete focus that is special."
--Mark Elias

CY YOUNG BASEBALL BIRTHDAY QUOTE OF THE DAY FOR MARCH 29

Happy Birthday to the great Cy Young, born on this day in 1867. What a career---most wins in baseball history with 511, most innings pitched with 7356, most starts with 815 and most complete games with 749. Without a doubt, the complete game record will never ever come close to being broken.

What award did Cy Young get for being the best pitcher in baseball?---sounds like one of those Stephen Wright/Jerry Seinfeld routines.

In honor of arguably the greatest pitcher of all-time, Cy Young, he gets our Baseball Birthday Quote of the Day,

"My boy, I can't remember anyone loading the bases on me."
--Cy Young, asked what pitch he liked to throw when the bases were loaded

BUSTER POSEY BASEBALL BIRTHDAY QUOTE OF THE DAY FOR MARCH 27TH

Happy 30th Birthday to one of the best player's in baseball and a future Hall of Famer in Buster Posey.

What a resume. In his career with the Giants, starting in 2009, he has a career batting average of .307, he is a 4 x all-star, 3 x World Series Champion, 2012 MVP, 2016 Gold Glove winner and a 3 x Silver Slugger winner.

Is there any doubt that he is our Baseball Birthday Quote of the Day,

"If you look at what he does and what he's meant to the team, it's night and day. There's no doubt in my mind."
--Hunter Pence, on what Posey means to the Giants

TOM GLAVINE BASEBALL BIRTHDAY QUOTE OF THE DAY FOR MARCH 25TH

Hall of Famer, Tom Glavine was born on this day in 1966. Glavine won over 300 games in his career, most of which was played for the Braves though he did play several years with the Mets.

He was a ten time all-star, a World Series MVP and a two time Cy Young award winner. Quite an impressive resume.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"He treats every game like it's the final game of the World Series. I wish we had 23 other guys on the club like him."
--Chipper Jones, on the great Tommy Glavine

DEXTER FOWLER BASEBALL BIRTHDAY QUOTE OF THE DAY FOR MARCH 22

Happy Birthday to the Cardinal's Dexter Fowler, born on this day in 1986.

Of course, we remember Dexter Fowler as one of the heroes of the Cubs World Series run last year. He became the first African American to play in the World Series for the Cubs. He also became the first player to hit a home run in the first at bat of Game 7 of a World Series. Very impressive.

He played for the Cubs in 2015 and 2016 and was signed as a free agent by the Cardinals before the 2017 season.

He is today's recipient of the Baseball Birthday Quote of the Day,

"He's an exciting player and when you see him from the other dugout enough to realize he's the kind of player that can make a difference."
--Mike Matheny, talking about signing Dexter Fowler

DWAYNE MURPHY BASEBALL BIRTHDAY QUOTE OF THE DAY FOR MARCH 18

Shout out to long time A's outfielder Dwayne Murphy who was born on this day in 1955.

He was a good hitter and terrific fielder with six gold gloves to his name. He was also known for batting behind Rickey Henderson for many years.  Murphy was a great second hitter as he was willing to sacrifice strikes to give Henderson an advantage on the base paths.Henderson is regarded as the greatest lead off hitter in baseball history and holds the record for most career steals and most steals in a single season.

Today's Baseball Birthday Quote of the Day is about Murphy's role in Henderson breaking the single season steal record with 130 steals.

"If I could break this bag in half, I'd give the other half to Dwayne Murphy."
--Rickey Henderson, after Henderson received a symbolic bag for breaking the single season stolen base record

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LLOYD WANER BASEBALL BIRTHDAY QUOTE OF THE DAY FOR MARCH 15

Happy Baseball Birthday Quote of the Day to Lloyd 'Little Poison' Waner. Waner played most of his career with the Pirates, patrolling the outfield with his brother Paul. Both were selected for the Hall of Fame.

Lloyd had a career batting average of .316 with 2459 career hits. He was selected for the Hall of Fame in 1967.

"Don't think about hitting until you have seen my brother Lloyd. He's the one that can smash the potato."
--Paul Waner, talking about his brother Lloyd

KIRBY PUCKETT BASEBALL BIRTHDAY QUOTE OF THE DAY FOR MARCH 14

Happy Birthday to Hall of Famer, Kirby Puckett, born on this snowy day on March 14th, 1960.

Puckett was one of the most exciting player's of his era. On top of being an incredible hitter, he had a magnetic personality that lent itself to lots of magazine covers and commercials.

Unfortunately, his post baseball career did not go as well. He died way too young, at the age of 45

He played his entire twelve year career with the Twins. He is still their career hits leaders. He retired with a career batting average of .318. He was a ten time all-star, 6 time Gold Glove Winner, 6 time Silver Slugger Award Winner, 2 time World Series Champion and he was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2001.

Of his great career, Andy MacPhail, said,

"If he were playing in New York, there'd be a five foot, 8 inch statue of him in Times Square."


Lots of other Kirby quotes at www.baseballquotations.com

BOBBY ABREU BASEBALL BIRTHDAY QUOTE OF THE DAY FOR MARCH 11

Happy Birthday to Bobby Abreu, 18 year major leaguer. Abreu was a terrific ball player who had a career batting average of .291, with 291 home runs and 400 stolen bases.

He was also an all-star, a Silver Slugger award winner and a Gold Glove winner. He spent half of his career with the Phillies and put some great numbers together including 1999 when he hit .335, drove in 93 runs and had 27 stolen bases.

A great career well deserving of the Baseball Birthday Quote of the Day,

"Dedicated to hitting, always runs hard, never looking for he easy way out. He's everything you want in a ballplayer."
--Richie Hebner, talking about Bobby Abreu

STEVE HOWE BASEBALL BIRTHDAY QUOTE OF THE DAY FOR MARCH 10TH

The late Steve Howe was born on this day in 1958. He was an incredibly talented pitcher who had some terrific years especially early in his career. Unfortunately, his career was star crossed because of his drug and alcohol issues.

He was suspended several times in his career. Despite all the setbacks, he had some terrific seasons. Among his accomplishments was he saved the winning game of the 1981 World Series for the Dodgers, he was the 1980 Rookie of the Year and was a 1982 All-Star.

A terrific quote from Tommy Lasorda described the young, talented Steve Howe,

"The kid has water in his veins. He reminds me of a young Tom Lasorda."
--Tommy Lasorda, talking about Howe as a rookie

DICK ALLEN BASEBALL BIRTHDAY QUOTE OF THE DAY

The great Dick Allen was born on this day 75 years ago. He is by far the best player who is eligible  but who is not in the Hall of Fame. It is an injustice that he is not in Cooperstown.

He was as feared as any great power hitter of his era---Aaron, McCovey, Mays, Stargell. And even with all that power, he still had a career batting average of .292.

He was a 7 x all-star,  Rookie of the Year with the Phillies, MVP with the White Sox and 2 x home run leader. Plus teammates and opposition gave him the greatest respect as witnessed by the Baseball Birthday Quote of the Day About Allen from Hall of Famer Luis Aparicio.

"He's the closest thing to being the perfect ballplayer that I've ever seen."
--Luis Aparicio

J.R. RICHARD BASEBALL BIRTHDAY QUOTE FOR MARCH 7

Happy Birthday to J.R. Richard, born on this day in 1950.  For those of to young to remember, J.R. Richard was one of the most intimidating pitchers of the 1970's. 

From 1976--1980, he was closest to the best pitcher in baseball. He led the National League in ERA in 79, led the NL in Ks' in 78 and '79 and was a 1980 All-Star.

Amazing in 1976, he had 14 complete games, 13 in '77, 16 in '78 and 19 in '79.

Sadly, in 1980, at the age of 30 he suffered a stroke and, despite various comeback attempts, was never able to make it back to the majors. He played his entire career with the Astros and compiled a 107-71 record.

A very sad story for a player with such incredible talent.

"He starts out throwing Alka Seltzers and ends up throwing Aspirins."
--Lenny Randle, on J.R. Richard

WILLIE STARGELL PIRATES BASEBALL BIRTHDAY QUOTE OF THE DAY

Happy birthday to the late, great Willie Stargell, born on March 6th, 1940.

'Pops' as we was affectionately known was an all-time great. He played his entire career with the Pirates from 1962--1982. His credentials included 7 x all-star, 1979 MVP, 2 x HR leader and 475 career home runs. He was voted into the Hall of Fame in 1988. He was also regarded as one of the nicest guys in the game of baseball. A true legend.

He is very deserving of the Baseball Birthday Quote of the Day,

"They give you a round bat and they throw you a round ball and they tell you to hit it square."
--Willie Stargell

KYLE SCHWARBER BASEBALL BIRTHDAY QUOTE FOR MARCH 5

Happy 24th birthday to Kyle Schwarber, one of the most exciting young players in baseball.

One of the many reasons to look forward to the 2017 season is the anticipation of watching a healthy Kyle Schwarber for an entire season. When healthy, the Cub's Schwarber is one of baseball's most exciting player's.

He was the fourth pick of the 2014 MLB draft. He came on like gangbusters in June of 2015 and ended up the season with 16 home runs and 43 ribbies in only 232 at bats.

In the second game of the 2016 season, he collided with Dexter Fowler and was out for the year. He made the remarkable comeback in the World Series and had 7 hits in 17 at bats.

In anticipation of a great season ahead, Schwarber is our choice for the Baseball Birthday Quote of the Day,

"The guy is a force of nature and it's become fun watching him play."
--Kris Bryant

MARCH 4TH BASEBALL BIRTHDAY QUOTE GOES TO DAZZY VANCE

Hall of Famer Dazzy Vance was born on March 4, 1891.  He had many achievements as a player including being the only pitcher to lead the National Leagues 7 years in a row in strike outs. He was also the National League MVP in 1924, the first year of the MVP award.

To me as a baseball quote collector, he provided the greatest quote I have ever seen about finding out he made the Hall of Fame.

"How did I feel when I first heard the news? About the same way I guess that Columbus felt when he looked out from his ship and first saw land"
--Dazzy Vance, on finding out he was inducted into the Hall of Fame

BASEBALL BIRTHDAY QUOTE FOR MARCH 3--WEE WILLIE KEELER

Hall of Famer 'Wee' Willie Keeler was born on March 3, 1872. Known for his quote, 'hit 'em where they ain't', Keeler was a career .341 hitter who hit over .300 16 times in his 19 year career.

His Hall of Fame career has provided Wee Willie Keeler with the Baseball Birthday Quote of the Day,

"Who would you rather be---'Wee' Willie or 'Big' Dave?"
--Dave Winfield, after he passed Keeler on the all time hits list

MEL OTT BASEBALL BIRTHDAY QUOTE FOR MARCH 2

Happy Birthday to Hall of Famer, Mel Ott, born on March 2, 1909. Ott played his whole career, from 1926-1947, with the New York Giants. He had a career average of .304 and had 511 home runs.

Among his many accomplishments including leading the National League in Home Runs, six times. He was also a 12 x all-star including 11 years in a row. He was voted into the Hall of Fame in 1951.

Sadly, he died at the young age of 49 in a car accident.

This legend of the game is today's recipient of the Baseball Birthday Quote of the Day,

"Ottie had charisma long before that overused word emerged from the dictionary for everyday use."
--Arthur Daly

JOHNNY RAY BASEBALL BIRTHDAY QUOTE MARCH 1

Happy Birthday to former Pirate, Johnny Ray, born on March 1, 1957. Ray was a terrific hitting second baseman who never gets enough credit for his body of work.

He played in the major leagues for ten years, mostly with the Pirates but the last few with the Angels. He was an all-star, a recipient of the Silver Slugger award and was The Sporting News Rookie of the Year.

Most impressively, in 5188 career at bats, he had a .290 batting average. Not many major leaguers could make that claim.

For his underrated career, Johnny Ray is the recipient of the Baseball Birthday Quote of the Day,

"You don't get Johnny Ray out...Johnny Ray gets himself out. I believe he is going to make a serious run for a batting title."
--Lloyd Moseby

FRANK MALZONE BASEBALL BIRTHDAY QUOTE FOR FEBRUARY 28

Former Red Sox Third Baseman, Frank Malzone was born on this day in 1930.

Malzone was a terrific player who was with the Red Sox from 1955-1965, playing his final year for the Angels in 1966. He was an 8 time All Star, 3 time Gold Glove winner and was inducted into the Red Sox Hall of Fame in 1995.

This 8 time All-Star is well deserving of the Baseball Birthday Quote of the Day. Casey Stengel provides Malzone with quite a compliment

"Never saw anything  like that fella since I saw that other fella---Pie Traynor."
--Casey Stengel, talking about Frank Malzone

GROVER CLEVELAND ALEXANDER BASEBALL BIRTHDAY QUOTE OF THE DAY

The legendary Hall of Fame Pitcher, Grover Cleveland Alexander was born on this day in 1887.

'Pete' pitched for the Phillies, Cubs and Cardinals from 1911--1930. He still holds the record for most career shutouts by a National League pitcher with 90 and is tied with Christy Mathewson for most wins by a National League pitcher with 373. He was 6 x National League wins leader, 4 x ERA leader, 6 x strikeout leader and was voted into the Hall of Fame in 1938.

His most impressive feat was in the 1926 World Series after winning two games, he was forced to come into Game 7 in the 7th inning and bases loaded for the Yankees with Tony Lazzeri at bat. He struck out Lazzeri and pitched a scoreless 8th and 9th inning to secure the 1926 World Series for the Cardinals. It was found out after the game that Alexander was drunk while pitching in the 7th game. This was a scene made famous in the movie The Winning Team where former President Ronald Reagan played Alexander.

He was an all-time great and well deserving of the Baseball Birthday Quote of The Day.

"I'd rather him pitch a crucial game for me drunk than anyone I've ever know sober. He was that good."
--Rogers Hornsby, talking about Grover Cleveland Alexander

CUBS RON SANTO BASEBALL BIRTHDAY QUOTE OF THE DAY

Long time Cubs third baseman and Baseball Hall of Famer, Ron Santo was born on February 25, 1940.

Santo was a terrific all around third baseman who was a mainstay on the Cubs from 1960-'73, before spending his final season with the Cross Town Rival, White Sox in 1974.

He had 2254 career hits, was a 9 x all-star, 5 x Gold Glove winner and was the only third baseman in baseball history to have 90 RBI's or more eight years in a row. He entered the Hall of Fame in 2012. He was a long time Cubs announcer who was a great advocate for diabetes awareness. He is greatly missed by the baseball community.

In honor of his great career, he is today's recipient of the Baseball Birthday Quote of the Day.

"I wouldn't take any third baseman in the league over him and that includes the other league too. He's the finest, inspirational type of guy who can pick up an entire ball club."
--Leo Durocher, on Ron Santo

THE PIRATES HONUS WAGNER BELATED BASEBALL BIRTHDAY QUOTE

Yesterday, I did not have a chance to post the birthday quote blog and rather than skip the day, I had to go back and recognize Honus Wagner. Wagner was born on February 24th, 1874. He is regarded as one of the all-around greatest ball players of all-time.

He was more than just the most valuable card in all of sports--he is a Hall of Famer with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Stats don't do his greatness justice though he had impressive ones including leading the NL in batting 8 times, rbi leader 6 time and finished his career with 3430 hits and a lifetime batting average of .329.

He is well deserving of the Baseball Birthday Quote of the Day,

"So uniformly good was Wagner as a player that it is almost impossible to determine whether his highest point of superiority was in his fielding, his batting average or his base running."
--John McGraw

ELSTON HOWARD BASEBALL BIRTHDAY QUOTE OF THE DAY

Elston Howard, one of the most respected catchers in baseball history, was born on this day in 1929.

In his illustrious career, Howard was a 12 x all-star, 6 x World Series Champion, 2 x Gold Glove Award winner and the 1963 American League MVP.

The great legacy of Yankee catchers from Dickey to Berra continued with Howard. He was one of the best and most respected players of his era. He played for the Yankees from 11955-1967 and played from '67 to '68 with the Red Sox. Prior to joining the Yankees, he played for the Kansas City Monarchs of the Old Negro Leagues. He was the first African American Player on the Yankees.

In honor of his great career, he is today's recipient of the Baseball Birthday Quote of the Day,

"The Yankees lost more class on the weekend than George Steinbrenner could buy in ten years."
--Red Smith, on the passing of Elston Howard

SPARKY ANDERSON BASEBALL BIRTHDAY QUOTE OF THE DAY FOR FEBRUARY 22

Hall of Fame Manager George 'Sparky' Anderson was born on February 22nd 1934. What a career and what a guy.

This is about the easiest baseball birthday quote of all-time. Free plug for my website, but we have over 130 quotes (many hilarious) from Sparky Anderson. Just go visit Sparky at www.baseballquotations.com  and see the list of over 11,000 other quotes.

So Sparky was the manger of the Big Red Machine from 1970--1978. He won two World Series during his tenure with the Reds. Then with one of the stupidest moves in baseball history, the Reds fired him after the 1978 season.

All he did then was manage the Tigers from 1979--1995, winning the 1984 World Series and being voted Manager of the Year twice. His Number 10 was retied by the Reds. His Number 11 was retired by the Tigers and he was selected by the Veterans Committee for the Hall of Fame in 2000.

He was one of baseball's beloved figures---a great and witty manager who never took himself seriously, but treated his players with great respect. He is greatly missed.

In honor of his great managerial career, he is today's recipient of the Baseball Birthday Quote of the Day.

"The day I got a hit off Koufax was when he knew it was time to retire."
--Sparky Anderson, on his short major league career

"I only had a high school education and believe me, I had to cheat to get that."

"A baseball manager is a necessary evil"

ALAN TRAMMEL BASEBALL BIRTHDAY QUOTE OF THE DAY FOR FEBRUARY 21

The great Tigers shortstop Alan Trammel was born on this day in 1958. Having witnessed his entire career, the only question I have is why is he not in the Hall of Fame?

He was the model of consistency. Check out the numbers. First of all he played all 19 years of his career with the Tigers, 1984 World Series MVP, 6 All Star Games, 4 Gold Gloves, 7 years of hitting .300 or higher, 3 Silver Sluggers and he ended his career with 2293 hits.

If that is not impressive enough, he and Lou Whitaker, the equally impressive Tigers second baseman, holds the record for most double play combinations in the entire history of baseball. Think about that for a second.

Unfortunately, he is off the ballot after this year so it will be up the veterans committee to make the determination about his Hall of Fame entry. He would have my vote.

Though he is not in the Hall of Fame, he does have the great honor of being the February 21 recipient of the Baseball Birthday Quote of the Day.

"I thought he was as good defensively as anyone I've ever seen with the exception of Ozzie (Smith),"
--Whitey Herzog

JUSTIN VERLANDER BASEBALL BIRTHDAY QUOTE FOR FEBRUARY 20TH

One of baseball's top pitcher's, Justin Verlander was born on February 20th, 1975, turning 34 today.

He has spent his entire career with the Tigers from 2005 to the present. Among his many accomplishments is the rare double-double in 2011 of the MVP and Cy Young Award. He was also the Rookie of the Year, led the American League in K's 4 times, pitched in 6 All-Star games and thrown two no hitters.

In many ways, last year was his most impressive year. After several years of injuries, he had a comeback last year with a 16-9 record and a 3.04 ERA, finishing second in the AL Cy Young Award voting to former teammate Rick Porcello.

Of course, many would say his greatest accomplishment is his engagement and pending marriage to Super-Model, Kate Upton.

All these accomplishments make him the idea choice for the prestigious Baseball Quote of the Day honor.

"He's pretty incredible. He's throwing 100 mph in the 8th inning. That's impressive."
--Mark Teixeria

"With Verlander, you can't have a plan."
--Pablo Sandoval

DAVE STEWART FEBRUARY 19TH BASEBALL BIRTHDAY QUOTE

One of baseball most underrated pitcher's, Dave Stewart was born on February 19th, 1957.

I say underrated and I will tell you why. Despite winning twenty games in 4 consecutive seasons, including leading the league in victories on one of those occasions, he did not win a Cy Young Award. Even more incredibly, despite all his success, he was only selected for one all-star team. How could that be?

Plus, he was a very clutch player--twice winning the ALCS MVP and in 1989, winning the World Series MVP. He played for five different teams over his career starting with the Dodgers, but the bulk of his great years were with the A's. That is why it is appropriate that his manager on the A's, Hall of Famer Tony LaRussa provides us with the Baseball Birthday Quote of the Day about Dave Stewart.

"Every once in a while even Sinatra has to clear his throat."
--Tony LaRussa, explaining a short losing streak by Dave Stewart

HALL OF FAMER JOE GORDON BASEBALL BIRTHDAY QUOTE OF THE DAY

Baseball Hall of Fame Second Baseman, Joe Gordon was born on February 18th, 1915. He played for the Yankees from 1936--43 and again in 1946 (after serving our country in WW II in 1944 and '45). Then he was traded to the Indians for Allie Reynolds and played for them from 1947--'50. He was a big league manager for the Indians, Tigers, Athletics and Red Sox.

He replaced Hall of Famer Tony Lazzeri as the Yankees second baseman and never looked back. He was a terrific hitter with nine all-star appearances and was the 1942 League MVP. He was a five time World Series winner and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2009. 

As good as he was with the bat, he was even a better fielder. He is still regarded today as one of the all-time great fielding second basemen. Today's Baseball Birthday Quote of the Day reflects how great he was with the glove.

"You don't know what a pleasure it is to get out of Gordon's league. The plays he makes breaks a batter's heart."
--Billy Sullivan, after being traded to the National League

MICHAEL JORDAN BASEBALL BIRTHDAY QUOTE FOR FEBRUARY 17TH

The greatest basketball player of all-time, Michael Jordan was born on this day in 1963. The GOAT actually spent a little time giving up his hoops career for a stint in minor league baseball.

Jordan played for the White Sox Double A Birmingham Barons in the 1994 season. He hit .202, drove in 51 ribbies, had three home runs and 30 stolen bases. Not staggering numbers, but considering that he had never played baseball in the professional ranks that is not bad for your first and only year.

Lucky for all of us, he went back to basketball after that season.

The one and only Charles Barkley had something to say about Jordan's baseball career.

"The game needs someone like Michael Jordan to liven it up. All these players are so mediocre. Hit .230 and you make 3 million."
--Charles Barkley

Happy Birthday Quote of the Day to Johnny Cueto--February 15th

One of the best pitcher's in baseball, Johnny Cueto, turned 31 today. Cueto has spent a good part of his career with the Reds. He was acquired by the Royals midway through the 2015 season and helped them with the World Series. The Giants signed him as a free agent last year.

He is a two time All-Star including having the honor of being the 2016 NL starter. In 2014, he was runner up to Clayton Kershaw for the NL Cy Young posting a 20 win season with a 2.25 ERA. Last year with the Giants, he posted an 18-5 record with a 2.79 ERA.

He is clearly one of baseball's premier pitchers and for that he gets the Baseball Birthday Quote of the Day,

"It doesn't matter who's behind the plate when Johnny's pitching, you just sit down and enjoy the ride."
--Bryan Pena

FEBRUARY 13TH SAL BANDO BASEBALL BIRTHDAY QUOTE OF THE DAY

Happy Birthday to a very underrated ballplayer, long time Oakland A's third baseman, Sal Bando. During his tenure, the A's won three championships in a row. Sure they had Reggie, Catfish, and Rollie Fingers but Bando was the glue that kept the team together.

He was a clutch ballplayer who was a four time All-Star with 242 career home runs. He is currently 251st all-time in career RBI's.

He is very deserving of today's Baseball Birthday Quote of the Day,

"He's a money ballplayer. He's a leader on the field."
--John McNamara, on Sal Bando

JOE GARAGIOLA BASEBALL BIRTHDAY QUOTE OF THE DAY

Happy Birthday to Joe Garagiola born on this day in 1926.

The one time catcher with the Cardinals, Pirates, Cubs and New York Giants was known more for his post baseball career as a media personality.

He became one of the major league baseball players who became a mainstream media personality as a regular on the Today Show and on many non sports stages. He was known for his wit and his easy going manner.

In honor of his humor, Garagiola is the recipient of today's Baseball Quote of the Day. Free tip---If you want lot of Garagiola quotes, go to www.baseballquotations.com

"You feel like a starting pitcher. Afterwards, you need three days rest."
--Joe Garagiola, on having lunch with Tommy Lasorda

DANSBY SWANSON BASEBALL BIRTHDAY QUOTE OF THE DAY

Happy Birthday to the Braves, Dansby Swanson who turns 23 today.

Swanson is one of the most exciting young players in the game. He was the first pick of the 2015 MLB Draft, selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks.

In what could go down as one of the worst trades in recent baseball history, Swanson along with Ender Inciarte were traded to the Braves for Shelby Miller.

Swanson was 2 for 4 in his major league debut on August 17, 2016 and he hasn't looked back. He ended his rookie year hitting .302 with 17 ribbies. He also showed great range at shortstop. He could well be a star for many years to come.

As one of the best young prospects in baseball, he is today's recipient of the Baseball Birthday Quote of the Day.

"I think he can handle pretty much everything we throw at him. That kid's a baseball player."
--Brian Snitker, talking about Dansby Swanson