David Carpenter

Born on today's date, David Carpenter.

"If you think a guy can foul a ball off and then at the same time hit the catcher on the backswing on purpose, you got no clue." - Rockies manager Walt Weiss after Carpenter intentionally hit batter Corey Dickerson one pitch after catcher Gerald Laird was hit by Dickerson's backswing

Eddie Mathews

On this date in 1967, Eddie Mathews hits his 500th career home run.

"I didn't like being a salesman. I wasn't a closer. I'd go in and talk baseball for an hour and a half and walk out without mentioning my product."  

Mel Parnell

On this date in 1956, Mel Parnell of the Red Sox throws a no-hitter beating the White Sox 4-0.

"I never did reach a state of nervousness because I just didn't expect it to happen."

Robin Ventura

Born on today's date, Robin Ventura.

Let's not forget, in the Nolan Ryan/Ryan Ventura brawl, Bo Jackson got bit.

Retirement hasn't been too kind to Willie McGee

George Steinbrenner

On this date in 2010, George Steinbrenner passed away at age 80.

"I will never have a heart attack. I give them."

Roger Maris

On this date in 1984, the Yankees retire Roger Maris' uniform number 9.

"It's (baseball) a business. If I could make more money down in the zinc mines, I'd be mining zinc."

Reggie Jackson

On this date in 1971 at the All Star Game in Detroit, Reggie Jackson hits a Dock Ellis pitch off the power generator on the Tiger Stadium right-field roof 520 feet from home plate.

"Sometimes I underestimate the magnitude of me." 

Dave Bristol

On this date in 1966, Dave Bristol takes over the managerial helm of the Reds replacing the fired Don Heffner.

"There will be two buses leaving the hotel tomorrow. The two o'clock bus will be for those of you who need a little extra work. The empty bus will leave at five o'clock."   

Early Wynn

On this date in 1963, Early Wynn of the Indians defeats the Kansas City Athletics for his 300th (and final) career win.

"I've got a right to knock down anybody holding a bat."

Jack Aker

 

Born on this date, Jack Aker.

"Kansas City had a guy named Jack Aker who was one of the worst guys I ever saw at throwing at guys. He hit Pete Ward a couple of times. I was pitching and when Kansas City's Rick Monday came up to bat, I hit him right in the face and broke his jaw. I felt very bad over it but Ward kept getting hit." - Gary Peters    

Bobby Murcer

On this date in 2008, Bobby Murcer passed away at age 62.

"You decide you'll wait for your pitch. Then, as the ball starts towards the plate you think about your stance; and then you think about your swing; and then you realize the ball that went past you for a strike was your pitch."  

Ron Guidry

On this date in 1989, Ron Guidry retires from baseball.

"In the playoff game in 1978, he gave up a hit and I brought in Rich Gossage. When he got in the dugout, Guidry said, 'What the hell, can't you give up a hit in this game?" - Yankees manager, Bob Lemon

Casey Stengel

On this date in 1966, the AL beats the NL 2-1 in the All Star Game played in 105 degree heat in St. Louis.

"It holds the heat well." - Casey Stengel on St. Louis' ballpark

Stan Musial

On this date in 1955 at the All Star Game at Milwaukee's County Stadium, Stan Musial of the National League hits a game winning home run in the bottom of the 12th inning to break a 5-5 deadlock.

"Don't worry, I'll have you home in a minute." -  to Yogi Berra who complained about his feet hurting just before the home run