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
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
Happy Birthday to one of the characters of the game---John Lowenstein. Two of baseball's top characters in back to back birthdays---Bob Uecker yesterday and John Lowenstein today.
He was born on this day in 1947. Lowenstein lasted a long time as a professional hitter. He played for the Indians form 1970-77, Rangers in 1978 and the Orioles from 1979--1985. He is a member of the Orioles Hall of Fame.
During his career, he was also regarded as one of the funniest men in baseball.
Check out this great quote by Lowenstein:
"The secret to keep winning streaks going is to maximize the victories while at the same time minimizing the defeats."
--John Lowenstein
Not a lot of great baseball stars born on January 25th. The top pitcher born on this day was Wally Bunker. Bunker pitched from 1963 through 1971 first with the Orioles and then with the Royals. Highlights of his career were his great rookie season with the Orioles and a World Series victory in 1966, pitching a 1-0 victory over the Dodgers in Game 3. He had a lifetime record of 60-52.
Currently, he and his wife are illustrators of children's books.
He must have been a good pitcher in his time because he got the attention of Mickey Mantle.
"Bunker has one of those sinkers you can break your bat on."
--Mickey Mantle, talking about Wally Bunker's sinker.
Former Cy Young Award winner Mike Flanagan was born on December 16th, 1951.
Flanagan was known mostly for his terrific career with the Orioles, though he did play for several seasons with the Blue Jays. Among his accomplishments was being named the 1979 Cy Young Award Winner. He was also an all-star in 1978. His career record in 18 years was 167-143.
Besides being a top notch pitcher, Flanagan also had a great sense of humor which is on display today as the recipient of the Baseball Birthday Quote of the Day.
"None, really, but I never pitch well on days the play the National Anthem."
--Mike Flanagan, asked if he had any superstitions
