Billy Martin

Born on this date, Billy Martin.

"When this player (Ken Holtzman) was pitching and doing well, he was 'the great lefty'. When he wasn't, it was (for Martin) the name of his ethnic group and religion, 'the jew'". - Reggie Jackson  

Al Kaline

On this date in 1980, Al Kaline is elected into the Hall of Fame.

"Mr. Perfection." - Billy Martin

Phil Rizzuto

On this date in 1950, Phil Rizzuto is named the AL MVP after hitting .324 with 200 hits and 125 runs.

"I'll never forget September 6, 1950. I got a letter threatening me, Hank Bauer, Yogi Berra and Johnny Mize. It said if I showed up in uniform against the Red Sox, I'd be shot. I turned the letter over to the FBI and told my manager Casey Stengel about it. He gave me a different uniform and gave mine to Billy Martin."

Billy Martin

On this date in 1979, Billy Martin is involved in an altercation with Joseph Cooper, a marshmallow salesman. Cooper required 15 stitches to close a gash in his lip and Martin is fired as manager of the Yankees.

"I'm no fighter. I never started a fight in my life. But I've never walked away from one when someone jumped me."

Billy Martin

On this date the Tigers fire Billy Martin after continuous differences with the front office.

"Some people have a chip on their shoulder. Billy has a whole lumber yard." - Sportswriter, Jim Murray

Billy Martin

On this date in 1986, the Yankees retire Billy Martin's uniform number 1.

"The day I become a good loser, I'm quitting baseball."

Ten Cent Beer Night

On this date in 1974 at Cleveland Municipal Stadium, the Indians forfeit a game to the Rangers after numerous fans ran onto the field and brawled with each other and the players. One factor leading to the series of incidents was the game's "Ten-Cent Beer Night" which enabled fans to purchase an unrestricted number of concession beers in increments of six.

"I remember a father and son going out to center field and mooning everybody. Streakers were running across the field and I remember one woman coming out and running over to kiss an umpire." - Rangers Mike Hargrove

"Let's go get 'em boys!" - Billy Martin arming himself with a fungo bat and leading a charge of Rangers toward right center field 

"I've got a picture in my office of 10-12 guys leading the charge into right field with bats in hand." - Rangers Rich Billings

Billy Martin

On this date in 1979, Billy Martin issues a public apology to Reno sportswriter, Ray Hagar with whom he brawled last November. Hagar had filed suit for assault, leading to an out-of-court settlement.

"If you approach Billy Martin right, he's ok. I avoid him altogether." - Ron Guidry

Ed Whitson

Born on today's date, Ed Whitson.

"I didn't win. I can't fight feet. Maybe I ought to go to one of those karate schools." - Billy Martin complaining that Whitson kicked him in a fight

Rod Carew

On this date in 1969, Rod Carew of the Twins steals second base, third base and home plate during the 3rd inning of an 8-2 loss to the Tigers.

"I taught him how to steal home. That's all I ever taught him. As for batting, he knew how to do that all by himself." - Billy Martin

Al Kaline

Born on this date, Al Kaline.

"Mr. Perfection." - Billy Martin

Billy Martin

On this date in 1979, Billy Martin is involved in a barroom altercation with Joseph Cooper, a Minnesota marshmallow salesman. Cooper requires 15 stitches to close the gash in his lip. The fight will result in Martin being fired as Yankees manager for the second time.

"I'm no fighter. I never started a fight in my life. But I've never walked away from one when someone jumped me."

Billy Martin

On this date in 1973, the Tigers fire manager Billy Martin due to repeated differences with the front office.

"Playing for Billy Martin is like being married to him. Right now, we're all sleeping on the couch." - Matt Keough

Billy Martin

On this date in 1986, the Yankees retire Billy Martin's uniform number 1.

"I can tell you he has a great heart but I can't vouch for his liver." - Whitey Ford

Dave Winfield

On this date in 1983 while warming up before the 5th inning of a Yankees game with the Blue Jays at Toronto Exhibition Stadium, Dave Winfield hits and kills a seagull with a thrown ball. He is charged with animal cruelty however the charges are later dropped.

"They say he hit the gull on purpose. They wouldn't say that if they'd seen the throws he'd been making all year. It's the first time he's hit the cut-off man all year." - Billy Martin

Billy Martin

On this date in 1960, Billy Martin of the Reds believing that Jim Brewer of the Cubs was throwing at him charges the mound and punches Brewer in the face breaking the orbital bone of his right eye. Martin is fined $500. Brewer later sues Martin and receives a $100,000 judgement.

"I finally punched something that couldn't sue me." - Billy Martin regarding a later altercation in his career

Billy Martin

On this date in 1974, Billy Martin is the first American League manager to be ejected from two games in one day.

"They (AL umpires) want to declare war? Well they got it. If I have to get thrown out of 150 games this year, I will."

Ten Cent Beer Night

On this date in 1974 at Cleveland Municipal Stadium, the Indians forfeit a game to the Rangers after numerous fans ran onto the field and brawled with each other and the players. One factor leading to the series of incidents was the game's "10-Cent Beer Night" which enabled fans to purchase an unrestricted number of concession beers in increments of six.

"I remember a father and son going out to center field and mooning everybody. Streakers were running across the field and I remember one woman coming out and running over to kiss an umpire." - Rangers Mike Hargrove

"Let's go get 'em boys." - Billy Martin arming himself with a fungo bat and leading a charge of the Rangers toward right-center field

"I've got a picture in my office of 10-12 guys leading the charge into right field with bats in hand." - Rangers Rich Billings

Billy Martin

On this date in 1981, Billy Martin of the A's flies into a rage and heaves two handfuls of dirt on home plate umpire Terry Cooney after being ejected for arguing balls and strikes. He will be suspended for seven games.

"I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday season because you had a horseshit summer." - Christmas card sent to umpire Jim Evans

Billy Martin

On this date in 1952, Billy Martin gets into a fight with Jimmy Piersall of the Red Sox in the tunnel under the stands at Fenway Park.

On this date in 1979, Billy Martin issues a public apology to Reno sportswriter, Ray Hagar with whom he brawled last November. Hagar filed suit for assault, leading to an out-of-court settlement.

"I'm no fighter. I never started a fight in my life. But I've never walked away from one when someone jumped me."