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
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
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
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, 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
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"
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
The Kansas City Royal's outfielder Alex Gordon was born on this day in 1984.
Gordon has played his whole impressive career with the Royals starting in 2007. He is a three time all-star and a four time gold glove winner. Of course, he also was part of the 2015 Royals World Series championship team (don't remind me).
He is regarded as one of the good guys of the game who is both modest and hard working. He is today's baseball birthday quote of the day,
"Alex is the best left fielder in the game, yet there's no ego with him, because he just wants to win."
--Luke Hochever, on Alex Gordon
Happy Birthday to a man who deserves to be in the Hall of Fame, Vladimir Guerrero.
Great power hitter, clutch hitter, incredible arm,--he should have been a first ballot Hall of Famer. I know he will get in next year but it seems wrong that he did not make it this year.
One of the great characteristics of Vladimir was his ability to swing at anything and actually make contact.
In honor of his legacy and his ability to swing and make contact with anything, he gets our Baseball Birthday Quote of the Day. A poem from Rex Hudler
"Vlad swings from his head to his toes, where he hits it no one knows."
--Rex Hudler, talking about the hitting of Vladimir Guerrero
No big birthdays in baseball today so we are dedicating today's quote to the most wonderful two words in the English Language---"Spring Training"
Here is a great spring training quote from Bo Jackson
"Because 85% of the fans have artificial hips."
--Bo Jackson, on why he got a standing ovation at a spring training game after hip surgery
Happy Birthday to an all-time baseball original---both a great pitcher and a hilarious quotemaker---Dan Quisenberry.
Quisenberry was an all-time great relief pitcher who was 5th all-time in saves when he retired. He spent most of his career with the Royals---making three all-star appearances, five times Rolaids Relief pitcher of the year and five times saves leader.
He was famous for his submarine delivery and his quick wit.
Speaking of his wit, here are a few of his classic quotes listed below.
"Our fielders have to catch a lot of balls or at least deflect them to someone who can."
--on the Royals Defense
"We're parasites. We live off the people who spend two hours on the field."
--on Relief Pitching
"I'm just a garbage man. I come into the games and clean other people's messes."
--on relief pitching.
Lots more Quisenberrry quotes at www.baseballquotations.com
Happy Birthday to Babe Ruth. The Bambino was born on this day in 1895. Fair to say that he is the most famous player in baseball history.
We have over 100 quotes about him at www.baseballquotations.com
Here is a small sampling:
"The only sports legend I ever saw who lived up to his advanced billing was Babe Ruth."
--Jimmy Breslin
"To try to capture Babe Ruth with cold stats would be like trying to keep up with him on a night out."
--Bill Broeg
"I didn't room with him. I roomed with him suitcase."
Ping Bodie
"All the lie about him are true."
--Jimmy Dykes
"I always felt like a kid at the circus whenever I saw him hit a home run."
--Herb Pennock
A great day in baseball birthday history featuring the February 5th birthday of the one and only Hank Aaron. In his honor, we are not focusing on one quote but we have half a dozen great quotes about this all-time great.
First the numbers---Career lasted from '54-'76, 25 All-Star Apperances, MVP, 3 x Gold Glove, 2 x Batting Champion, 4 x Home Run Leader...Major League Career Records---leader in total bases, RBI's, extra base hits or yeah, also second (ahem, really first) in Home Runs. Voted to the Hall of Fame in 1982 with 97.83 percent of the vote. I'm passing on the obvious comment of the morons who represented that 2.17 percent who didn't vote for him.
On to the quotes:
"Slapping a rattlesnake across the face with the back of your hand is safer than trying to fool Hank Aaron."
--Turk Farrell
"I'd pitch just as I would to any other hitter, but I wouldn't be damn fool enough to get rid of the ball."
--Tug McGraw, on pitching to Aaron with the bases loaded
"He's the last guy I want to see coming up there."
--Sandy Koufax
"It took me 17 years to get 3000 hits. I did it one day on the golf course."
--Hank Aaron
"Magic is the only word used to describe that swing."
--Bobby Thompson
"He got credit but never enough."
--Willie Mays
Lots more Aaron quotes at www.baseballquotations.com
Dan Plesac, Stan Papi and Joe Sparma were all born on February 4th. Other notable players born today include Doug Fister, Chris Bando, and Gary Allenson. Of all the players born on this day, the only one to play in the all-star game was Dan Plesac. He did it three times.
Dan Plesac
Born--2/4/62
"No pitcher in baseball pitched better than a healthy Dan Plesac."
--Tom Trebelhorn
Joe Sparma
Born--2/4/42
"Joe's thinking like a pitcher, not like a guy throwing a ball through a brick wall."
--Bill Freehan
Stan Papi
Born--2/4/51
"I've never heard a crowd in the big leagues ever clap for me before. On Opening Day, when I was with Boston, I got a standing boo."
--Stan Papi, on playing for the Expos
Do you love baseball quotes? All these quotes and over eleven thousand others are available for your viewing pleasure at www.baseballquotations.com
The great centerfielder Fred Lynn turned 65 today. If you didn't get to see Freddie Lynn in his prime than you really missed something. In 1975, he had as good a rookie year as humanely possible. He ended up being both the Rookie of the Year and the MVP that year, playing an incredible centerfield for the Red Sox.
He was hampered over his career by injuries but he still put up some great numbers over his 17 years in the majors including 9 All Star Game appearances, 1982 ALCS MVP and 1979 batting champion. He had a career batting average of .283 with 306 home runs. But for those of us old enough to remember, it will always be about 1975 and the potential to be one of the greatest of all-time.
For that year and for a great career, Fred Lynn is today's recipient of the Baseball Birthday Quote of the Day
"I always feel comfortable with him out there. I always feel he'll do something good no matter what."
--Earl Weaver, talking about Fred Lynn
Yes, Papa Bear was born on this day and he actually played in the majors for the Yankees for a dozen games in 1919.
George Halas was the long time owner and coach of the Chicago Bears. He actually coached the team for over forty years. He had a career record of 318-148 and 31.
This is one Football Hall of Famer who gets the Baseball Birthday Quote of the Day,
"Don't do anything in practice that you wouldn't do during the game."
--George Halas
Happy Baseball Birthday Quote of the Day to Paul Blair, Cecilio Guante and Brett Anderson
Paul Blair
Born 2/1/44
"He was absolutely the greatest, as good a Centefielder as Brooks Robinson was at third."
--Boog Powell, talking about Paul Blair
Cecilio Guante
Born 2/1/60
"When it came time for baseball, he put on his face--his game face."
--Charlie Hudson, talking about Cecilio Guante
Brett Anderson
Born 2/1/88
"He's a competitor. He's got weapons. He know what he is doing and he never gets rattled."
--Don Mattingly, talking about Brett Anderson
