Richie Ashburn

Born on this date 1995 Hall of Fame inductee, Richie Ashburn.

Two foul balls that Richie hit were especially noteworthy. On August 17, 1957, Ashburn hit a foul ball into the stands that struck spectator, Alice Roth, wife of Philadelphia Bulletin sports editor Earl Roth, breaking her nose. When play resumed, Ashburn fouled off another ball that struck Roth while she was being carried off on a stretcher.

Look, something was going on here. I don't know what it was but it obviously was something with Mrs. Roth that had nothing to do with Richie Ashburn.

I don't know if Mrs. Roth took the Lord's name in vain just before or if she was spreading some malicious gossip just then or if she skimped on her "Hail Mary's" after her last confession but SOMETHING was going on. This stuff just doesn't happen.

Do NOT blame Richie Ashburn for this. It was NOT his fault. He was just a pawn in a bigger type thing going on here.

Don't think so?

Prove me wrong.