January 31st is the best day of the year for legendary baseball birthdays---Jackie Robinson, Ernie Banks and Nolan Ryan all born on the same day. I have weeks where I don't get any players of note but three in one day.
What can we say about Jackie Robinson that has not already been said. Not only is he the most courageous player in baseball history, not only did he fight discrimination and bigotry every step of the way, but what we forget about him was that he was also a hell of a baseball player.
This is best encapsulated by a Duke Snider quote.
"Jackie Robinson was the greatest competitor I've ever seen."
--Duke Snider
Brooklyn Dodger outfielder, Sandy Amoros was born on this day in 1930. Amoros had a fairly average career though he did play in the majors from 1952--1960.
However to Brooklyn Dodger fans (as my dad was), he made one of the greatest and most clutch catches in baseball history. Game 7 of the 1955 World Series--Yankees/Dodgers. The Yankees were the Dodgers World Series nemesis as the guys from Flatbush seemingly could never beat the Yankees no matter how good their roster was.
But it is Game 7, 6th inning with the Dodgers winning 2--0 behind the Johnny Podres masterpiece. First two Yankees get on base. Then Mr. Clutch Yogi Berra was up. Yogi hits a shot to the left field corner certain to be a double. Out of the blue, Sandy Amoros comes racing over to make the catch and then doubled up Gil McDougal. The Dodgers went on to win the game and the catch became one of the most famous in baseball history.
In honor of the catch, Sandy Amoros gets our Baseball Birthday Quote of the Day,
"See that little guy, he can hit a ball further for a man his size than anyone I ever saw."
--Roy Campanella, talking about Sandy Amoros
Long time major league second baseman, Steve Sax was born on this day in 1960. Sax lasted a long time in the majors and was a terrific hitting second baseman.
A lot of his fourteen year career was spent with the Dodgers but he also played for the Yankees, White Sox and briefly for the A's. He was a two time World Champion, five time all-start and the 1982 National League Rookie of the Year. He had 444 career stolen bases and a career batting average of .281. All very impressive numbers. Plus he had a very quick wit which you will shortly see on display with his quotes.
The only criticism leveled against Sax as a player was his fielding. He had all kinds of throwing problems at second base which resulting in some large error totals. He did get better as years went on.
For being a terrific player and a funny guy, Steve Sax is today's recipient of the Baseball Quote of the Day,
"What was I supposed to say? Glad you got over Watergate."
--Steve Sax, after Richard Nixon said that he was glad Sax got over his throwing issues
"I could wind up at second. I could wind up at third, or I could wind up working at the snack bar."
--Steve Sax, on spring training later in his career
One of baseball's true renaissance men, Bill White was born on this day in 1934. White spent most of his career with the Cardinals as a first basemen---he also spent several years with the Phillies as well.
He was a terrific player as reflected by his 8 all-star game appearances and 7 Gold Gloves. Many of us from the NYC area remember him most as the voice of the Yankees for many years along with Frank Messer and the Scooter.
To cap his great baseball career, he spent several years as the President of the National League. He was truly a baseball Renaissance man who is very worth of our Baseball Birthday Quote of the Day.
"Winfield robbed Armas of at least a home run."
--Bill White, after Dave Winfield leaped into the stands to rob Tony Armas of a home run
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
Happy Birthday to one of the funniest players in the history of baseball. Bob Uecker was the clown prince of baseball. No one was ever more successful than Uecker in transforming a mediocre career into post career success.
In honor of the great Ueck, we have included two of his all-time funniest quotes. For more great Uecker quotes, go to www.baseballquotations.com
"When I asked the baseball writers why they haven't selected me to the Hall of Fame, they told me they thought I was still playing."
"They broke it to me gently. The manager came over to me before the game and told me they didn't allow visitors in the clubhouse."
--On how he found out he was retired
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.
