Willie McCovey

On this date in 1980, Willie McCovey hits his 521st, and final, career home run. His shot ties him with Ted Williams on the all-time list.

"Guys used to kid Don Drysdale about McCovey. Willie was the one guy Don was reluctant to face. In four and a half years I played with Don, I think McCovey was the only player he was afraid of physically." - Don Sutton

Ed Goodson

Born on this date, Ed Goodson.

Taken right before the Don Drysdale Dodger Hall of Fame ceremony.

Don Drysdale

On this date in 1984, Don Drysdale is elected to the Hall of Fame.

"My own little rule was two for one. If one of my teammates got knocked down, then I knocked down two of the other team."

Willie McCovey

On this date in 1986, Willie McCovey is elected to the Hall of Fame.

"Guys used to kid Don Drysdale about McCovey. Willie was the one guy Drysdale was reluctant to face. In four and a half years I played with Don, I think McCovey is the only player he was afraid of physically." - Don Sutton

Don Drysdale

On this date in 1962, Don Drysdale wins the NL Cy Young Award.

"I hate all hitters. I start the game mad and I stay that way until it's over."

Don Drysdale

On this date in 1969, Don Drysdale retires from baseball due to shoulder problems.

"I was so drugged up at times (to block the pain from a torn rotator cuff) that I couldn't see the scoreboard from the mound. I was a walking drugstore. I had to cover one eye, like a drunk driver does when he wants to see the road. Roberto Clemente hit a line drive back through the box that could have killed me. I never saw it. I still haven't seen it. I was that fuzzy, that blurred. But I heard it. Did I ever hear it. And I felt it too. After I escaped being hit, I felt a little sensation on the left side of my neck - like I had a mosquito sitting there, waiting to bite it. I brushed the area with my hand and looked down and my hand was dripping with blood. Clemete's drive had taken the skin right off the edge of my ear. How's that for a gentle reminder that you've about had it."

Don Drysdale

Born on this date, Don Drsydale.

"I hated to bat against Don Drysdale. After he hit you, he'd come around, look at the bruise on you arm and say 'Do you want me to sign it?"" - Mickey Mantle

Willie McCovey

On this date in 1959, Willie McCovey is named the NL Rookie of the Year.

"Guys used to kid Don Drysdale about McCovey. Willie was the one guy Don was reluctant to face. In four and a half years I played with Don, I think McCovey is the only player he was afraid of physically." - Don Sutton

Don Drysdale

On this date in 1962, Don Drysdale wins the NL Cy Young Award.

"You show me a pitcher who can't throw inside and I'll show you a loser."

Don Drysdale

On this date in 1968, Don Drysdale retires from baseball.

"When we played, World Series checks meant something. Now all they do is screw up your taxes." (1978)

Don Drysdale

On this date in 1984, Don Drysdale was elected into the Hall of Fame.

"Some of these guys wear beards to make them look intimidating, but they don't look so tough when they have to deliver the ball. Their abilities and their attitudes don't back up their beards."

"Pitching to contact"

What kind of sense does this make?

How did this phrase become mainstream and respectable?

Fun fact: Don Drysdale interpreted this differently.

Don Drysdale

On this date in 1969, Don Drysdale retires.

"I hate all hitters. I start a game mad and I stay that way until it's over."

Don Drysdale

Born on today's date, Don Drysdale.

"My own little rule was two for one. If one of my teammates got knocked down, then I knocked down two of the other team."

Don Drysdale

On this date in 1993, Don Drysdale passed away at age 56.

"A pitcher has to find out if the hitter is timid, and if he is timid, he has to remind the hitter he's timid."

Don Drysdale

On this date in 1968, Howie Bedell's sacrifice fly ends Don Drysdale's record streak of 58 consecutive innings.

"I hate hitters. I start a game mad and I stay that way until it's over."

Don Drysdale

Born on today's date, Don Drysdale.

"I hate all hitters. I start a game mad and I stay that way until it's over."

"For every Dodger they (Giants pitchers) knock down, I'll knock down two of theirs - and they won't be .220 hitters either."

"The trick against Drysdale is to hit him before he hits you." - Orlando Cepeda

"I hated to bat against Drysdale. After he hit you he'd come around, look at the bruise on your arm and say "Do you want me to sign it?" - Mickey Mantle

"Don Drysdale would consider an intentional walk a waste of three pitches. If he wants to put you on base, he can hit you with one pitch." - Mike Shannon

"I liked this guy." - Core Contrarian