Tom Seaver

On this date in 1978, Tom Seaver of the Reds pitches a no-hitter in a 4-0 win over the Cardinals.

"My idea of managing is giving the ball to Tom Seaver and sitting down and watching him work." - Sparky Anderson

Mike Laga

 

Born on today's date, Mike Laga.

"Mike Laga will make you forget about every power hitter that ever lived." - Sparky Anderson

Tony Perez

Born on today's date, Tony Perez.

"When there's a runner in scoring position, I can't think of any batter I would rather have at the plate than Perez." - Sparky Anderson

Sparky Anderson

On this date in 1995, Sparky Anderson is put on involuntary leave of absence by the Tigers for refusing to manage replacement players during the players strike.

"Strange, but it was the proudest moment of my career. I couldn't believe that grown men, who are supposed to have common sense could actually come up with the idea of using replacement players. They were actually going to bring in some guys who had not played in eight to ten years and call it major league baseball! What about the history of the game? What about integrity? We were willing to sacrifice our history and everything we believed in all on account of money. Well not me. If the owners thought I betrayed them, they missed the point. That wasn't the case at all. The only thing I didn't do was betray baseball. I wasn't going to try and fool the fans who pay for the game." - "They Call Me Sparky" - by Sparky Anderson and Dan Ewald   

Sparky Anderson

On this date in 2010, Sparky Anderson passed away at age 76.

"He's going to be a great ballplayer; and that's etched in cement." - on Chris Pittaro

Sparky Anderson

On this date in 2000, Sparky Anderson is inducted into the Hall of Fame.

"I only had a high school education and believe me, I had to cheat to get that."

Disco Demolition Night

 

On this date in 1979, the White Sox are forced to forfeit the second game of a twi-night doubleheader against the Tigers after over 5000 fans refuse to leave the field during Disco Demolition Night.

"Beer and baseball go together and they have for years. But I think those kids were doing things other than beer." - Sparky Anderson

Willie McCovey

On this date in 1978, Willie McCovey hits his 500th career home run.

"If you pitch to him, he'll ruin baseball. He'll hit 80 home runs." - Sparky Anderson

Tom Seaver

On this date in 1978, Tom Seaver of the Reds pitches a no-hitter in a 4-0 victory over the Cardinals.

"My idea of managing is giving the ball to Tom Seaver and sitting down and watching him work." - Sparky Anderson

John Wockenfuss

Born on today's date, John Wockenfuss.

"The problem with Wockenfuss getting on base is that it takes three doubles to score him." - Sparky Anderson

Sparky Anderson

Born on today's date, Sparky Anderson.

"Barbaro Garbey is another Roberto Clemente."

Sparky Anderson

On this date in 1995, Sparky Anderson is put on an involuntary leave of absence by the Tigers for refusing to manage replacement players during the player's strike.

"Strange, but it was the proudest moment of my career. I couldn't believe that grown men, who are supposed to have common sense could actually come up with the idea of using replacement players. They were actually going to bring in some guys who had not played in eight to ten years and call it major league baseball! What about the history of the game? What about integrity? We were willing to sacrifice our history and everything we believed in all on account of money. Well not me. If the owners thought I betrayed them, they missed the point. That wasn't the case at all. The only thing I didn't do was betray baseball. I wasn't going to try and fool the fans who pay for the games." - They Call Me Sparky by Sparky Anderson and Dan Ewald

Willie McCovey

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

"There's no comparison between McCovey and anybody else in the league." - Sparky Anderson

Sparky Anderson

On this date in 1978, the Reds fire their nine-year manager, Sparky Anderson, who had led the team to five Division titles, four NL pennants and two World Championships with one year left on his contract.

"Mike Ivie has the hitting mechanics of Steve Garvey."  

Sparky Anderson

On this date in 2010, Sparky Anderson passed away at age 76.

"Mike Laga will make you forget about every power hitter that ever lived."

Sparky Anderson

On this date in 1984, Sparky Anderson becomes the first manager ever to win 100 games in a season with two different clubs as the Tigers beat the Yankees 4-1. Anderson led the Reds to 100-win seasons in 1970, 1975 and 1976.

"Sparky's the only guy I know who's written more books than he's read." - Ernie Harwell

Chris Pittaro

 

Born on today's date, Chris Pittaro.

"Chris Pittaro is the best rookie I've had in 15 years."

Sparky Anderson

On this date in 2000, Sparky Anderson is inducted into the Hall of Fame.

"The great thing about baseball is when you're done, you'll only tell your grandchildren the good things. If they ask me about 1989, I'll tell them I had amnesia."

Willie McCovey

On this date in 1978, Willie McCovey hits his 500th home run.

"If you pitch to him, he'll ruin baseball. He'd hit 80 home runs."

Dave Bergman

On this date in 1984, Dave Bergman of the Tigers hits a walk-off three run home run breaking a 3-3 tie against the Blue Jays. Bergman had fouled seven pitches off Roy Lee Jackson before connecting.

"Tonight I saw the greatest at bat in my life." - Sparky Anderson on the 13 pitch, 7 minute at bat