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
