Pete Rose

On this date in 1978, Pete Rose collects his 3000th career hit.

"If ever Pete Rose took one drink at lunch, he would be an alcoholic by nightfall. It doesn't matter what: baseball, gambling, women. Rose is the most obsessive man I've ever met." - Richie Ashburn

Richie Asburn

Born on today's date, Richie Ashburn.

"Right down the middle for a ball." - as a broadcaster criticizing an umpire's call

Richie Ashburn

On this date in 1995, Richie Ashburn is elected to the Hall of Fame.

"I'm flattered that so many baseball people think I'm a Hall-of-Famer. But what's hard to believe is how 150 plus people have changed their minds about me once I became eligible because I haven't had a base hit since retirement." 

Bobby Wine

Born on today's date, Bobby Wine.

"That's ok. I had one more than Richie Ashburn" (30-29) - when chided on his lack of home run power

Richie Ashburn

On this date in 1995, Richie Ashburn is inducted into the Hall of Fame.

"That kid doesn't chew tobacco, smoke, drink, curse or chase broads. I don't see how he can possibly make it." - on a prospect

Richie Ashburn

Born on today's date, Richie Ashburn.

"Right down the middle for a ball." - as a broadcaster criticizing an umpire's call.

Richie Ashburn

On this date in 1995, Richie Ashburn is elected to the Hall of Fame.

"I'm flattered that so many baseball people think I'm a Hall of Famer. But what's hard to believe is how 150 plus people have changed their minds about me once I became eligible because I haven't had a base hit since retirement."

Bobby Wine

Born on today's date, Bobby Wine.

"That's ok. I had one more than Richie Ashburn" (30-29) - when chided about his lack of home run power

Pete Rose

On this date in 1963, Pete Rose hits his first major league home run off Ernie Broglio of the Cardinals.

"If ever Pete Rose took one drink at lunch, he would be an alcoholic by nightfall. It doesn't matter what: baseball, gambling, women. Rose is the most obsessive man I've ever met." - Richie Ashburn

Richie Ashburn

Born on today's date, Richie Ashburn.

"That kid don't chew tobacco, smoke, drink, curse or chase broads. I don't see how he can possibly make it." - on a prospect

Richie Ashburn

On this date in 1995, Richie Ashburn is elected to the Hall of Fame.

"Right down the middle for a ball." - as a broadcaster criticizing an umpire's call

Richie Ashburn

On this date in 1997, Richie Ashburn passed away at age 70.

"I'm flattered that so many baseball people think I'm a Hall of Famer. But what's hard to believe is how 150 plus people have changed their minds about me once I became eligible because I haven't had a base hit since retirement."

Richie Ashburn

Born on today's date, Richie Ashburn.

"That kid doesn't chew tobacco, smoke, drink, curse or chase broads. I don't see how he can possibly make it."

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.