Eastern League History is taking a break

I will not be making any regular posts at this blog for the foreseeable future, as I focus on historical research about the PONY/New York-Penn League. See that blog at New York-Penn League History

(Photo of patch from my personal collection)

  

Eastern League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, or any of its teams.

 

 

News from the Eastern League: September 24, 1971

The Kansas City Royals will not operate a minor league team in Elmira, New York in 1972.

(note: but the Cleveland Indians will)

Source: Evening Herald of Shenandoah via Newspapers.com    

Eastern League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, the or any of its teams

 

Eastern League News on September 22, 1963

The Eastern League will have 6 teams for the 1964 season.

Source: The Morning Call (Allentown, NY) via Newspapers.com    

Eastern League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, the or any of its teams

 

Today's Birthday: Bobby Wine, Williamsport Grays (1959)

Topps, Co.

Happy 83rd Birthday to former Eastern League prospect Bobby Wine. He played for the Willamsport Grays in 1959.

Wine played in the majors for 12 seasons for the Philadelphia Phillies (1960, '62-'68) and Montreal Expos (1969-72).

After his playing days, he coached and scouted in the majors for the Phillies, Atlanta Braves, and New York Mets. Wine was the interim manager for the Atlanta Braves in 1985.

Source: Baseball Reference

Eastern League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, or any of its teams.

 

Eastern League News on September 16, 1959

The Springfield Giants win the Eastern League playoffs, defeating the Williamsport Grays, 3 games to 1.

Source: Lancaster New Era via Newspapers.com    

Eastern League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, the or any of its teams

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

News from the Eastern League on September 15, 1958

The championship series between Binghamton and Lancaster continues. The player's pool totals $2,606. The winning team will divide $1,737 and the losers will divide $868 (Woo Hoo!)

Source: York (PA) Daily Record via Newspapers.com    

Eastern League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, the or any of its teams

 

Today's Birthday: Curtis Brown, Williamsport Mets (1966-67)

Montreal Expos & Trading Card Database

Happy 76th birthday to former Eastern League prospect Curtis Brown. He played for the Williamsport Mets during the 1966 and 1967 seasons.

Brown played in one game for the 1973 Montreal Expos, going hitless in four plate appearances. His brother, Leon Brown played in 64 games for the New York Mets in 1976.

Source: Baseball Reference

Eastern League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, or any of its teams.

 

 

News from the Eastern League on September 13, 1987

The Harrisburg Senators tie the championship playoff series with the a 5-3 win over the Vermont Reds.

(note: The Senators would end up winning the series over Vermont, 3 games to 1.)

Source: York (PA) Daily Record via Newspapers.com    

Eastern League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, the or any of its teams

 

 

Today’s Birthday: Steve Hargan (Charleston Indians, 1963-64)

Topps Co. & Trading Card Database

Happy 79th birthday to former Eastern League prospect Steve Hargan. He played for the Charleston Indians during the 1963 and ’64 seasons.

Hargan pitched in the majors for 12 seasons with the Cleveland Indians (1965-72), Texas Rangers (1974-76, ’77), Toronto Blue Jays (1977) and Atlanta Braves (1977).

He was a member of the 1967 American League All-Star team. 

Source: Baseball Reference

Eastern League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, or any of its teams.

 

News from the Eastern League on September 6, 1987

A total of 212,141 fans attended Harrisburg Senators' games during the 1987 regular season.

Source: The Morning Call (Allentown, PA) via Newspapers.com    

Eastern League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, the or any of its teams

 

 

Today's Birthday: Gene Bearden (Binghamton Triplets, 1945)

Bowman & Trading Card Database

Former Eastern League prospect Gene Bearden was born on this date in 1920. He pitched for the Binghamton Triplets in 1945 (15-5, 2.41 ERA).

He played in the majors during 7 seasons with the Cleveland Indians (1947-50), Washington Senators (1950-51), Detroit Tigers (1951), St. Louis Browns (1952) and Chicago White Sox (1953). 

Bearden died on March 18, 2004 at the age of 83.

Source: Baseball Reference

Eastern League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, or any of its teams.

 

 

Today's Birthday: Jose Santiago, Wilkes-Barre Indians (1950-51)

Trading Card Database

Former Eastern League prospect Jose Santiago was born on this date in 1928. He pitched for the Wilkes-Barre Indians during two seasons (1950-51).

Santiago pitched in the majors during three seasons with the Cleveland Indians (1954-55) and Kansas City Athletics (1956).

After he retired from baseball, Santiago owned race horses and was a boxing promoter in Puerto Rico. He was inducted into the Caribbean Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003.

Santiago died on October 9, 2018, at the age of 90.
 

Source: Baseball Reference

Eastern League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, or any of its teams.

 

 

Eastern League News: September 3, 1987

The Harrisburg Senators are in the Eastern League playoffs beginning tonight.

Source: The York Dispatch via Newspapers.com    

Eastern League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, the or any of its teams

 

News from the Eastern League: August 27, 1968

Source: Lebanon Daily News via Newspapers.com    

Eastern League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, the or any of its teams

 

Eastern League News: August 23, 1953

Source: Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin

Eastern League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, or any of its teams.

 

Today's Birthday: Mike "Spanky" LaValliere (Reading Phillies, 1983-84)

TCMA & Trading Card Database

Happy 61st birthday to former Eastern League prospect Mike "Spanky" LaValliere. He played for the Reading Phillies in 1983 and 1984.

LaValliere played in the majors during 12 seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies (1984), St. Louis Cardinals (1985-86), Pittsburgh Pirates (1987-93) and Chicago White Sox (1993-95). He received National League Gold Glove for Catchers in 1987.

Source: Baseball Reference

Eastern League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, or any of its teams.

 

 

 

Today's Birthday: Willie "Puddin Head" Jones (Utica Blue Sox, 1948)

Bowman & Trading Card Database

Former Eastern League prospect Willie "Puddin Head" Jones was born on this date in 1925. He played for the Utica Blue Sox in 1948.

A member of the 1950 Whiz Kids, Jones played in the majors during 15 seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies (1947, '48-''59), Cleveland Indians (1959) and Cincinnati Reds (1959-61). He was a National League All-Star in 1950 & '51.

Jones died of cancer on October 18, 1983, at age of 58.

Source: Baseball Reference

Eastern League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, or any of its teams.

News from the Eastern League on August 15, 1967

The Berkshire Eagle and newspapers.com

 

Today's Birthday: Earl Weaver (Elmira Pioneers manager, 1962-65)

York Dispatch & Newspapers.com

 

Hall of Fame manager Earl Weaver was born on this date in 1930. He managed in the Eastern League for the Elmira Pioneers from 1962 to 1965.

Weaver managed the Baltimore Orioles for 17 seasons, compiling a career record of 2541-1480. He led the Orioles to four American League pennants and one World Series Championship. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1996.

He died on January 19, 2013, at the age of 82.

Source: Baseball Reference 

Eastern League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, or any of its teams.

Today's Birthday: Jim "Mudcat" Grant (Reading Indians, 1956)

Kahn's Wieners & Trading Card Database

Former Eastern League prospect Mudcat Grant was born on this date in 1935. He pitched for the 1956 Reading Indians. 

Grant played in the majors for 14 seasons with the Cleveland Indians (1958-64), Minnesota Twins (1964-67), Los Angeles Dodgers (1968), Montreal Expos (1969), St. Louis Cardinals (1969), Oakland Athletics (1970, '71) and Pittsburgh Pirates (1970-71). 

He died on June 11, 2021, at the age of 85.

Source: Baseball Reference 

Eastern League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, or any of its teams.

Today's Birthday: Bob Buhl (Hartford Chiefs, 1949)

Johnston Cookies & Trading Card Database

Former Eastern League prospect Bob Buhl was born on this date in 1928. He pitched for the Hartford Chiefs in 1949.

Buhl played in the majors for 15 seasons with the Milwaukee Braves (1953-62), Chicago Cubs (1962-66) and Philadelphia Phillies (1966-67). He pitched in the 1957 World Series and was a National League All-Star in 1960.

He died on February 16, 2001, at the age of 72.

Source: Baseball Reference

Eastern League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, or any of its teams.

 

Today's Birthday: Bob Chakales (Utica Blue Sox, 1945, '47-'48 & Wilkes Barre Indians, 1949-50)

 

Bowman Gum via Trading Card Database

Former Eastern League prospect Bob Chakales was born on this date in 1927. He played in the Eastern League during five seasons with the Utica Blue Sox (1945, '47-'48) and Wilkes Barre Indians (1949-50).

Chakales pitched in the majors for 7 seasons with the Cleveland Indians (1951-54), Baltimore Orioles (1955), Chicago White Sox (1955), Washington Senators (1955-57) and Boston Red Sox (1957).

After his baseball career, he built golf courses and served as president of the Golf Course Builders of America Association. 

Chakales died on February 18, 2010, at the age of 82.

Source: Baseball Reference

Eastern League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, or any of its teams.

Today’s Birthday: Tommy Smith, Elmira Pioneers (1972)

O-Pee-Chee & Trading Card Database

Happy 73rd Birthday to former Eastern League prospect Tommy Smith. He played for the 1972 

Elmira Pioneers.

Smith played in the majors during five seasons with the Cleveland Indians (1973-76) and Seattle Mariners (1977).

After he retired as a played, Smith operated baseball instruction camps.

Source: Baseball Reference 

Eastern League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, or any of its teams

Today's Birthday: Dan Driessen (Trois-Rivieres Aigles, 1972)

Topps Co. & Trading Card Database

Happy 70th Birthday to former Eastern League prospect Dan Driessen. He played for the 1972 Trois-Rivieres Aigle.

He played in the majors during 15 seasons with the Cincinnati Reds (1973-1984), Montreal Expos (1984-85), San Francisco Giants (1985-86), Houston Astros (1986) and St. Louis Cardinals (1987). He played in three World Series during his career.

Driessen was inducted into the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame in 2012

Source: Baseball Reference

Eastern League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, or any of its teams.

 

Today's Birthday: Ben Steiner, Scranton Red Sox (1943)

Source: Society for American Baseball Research

Former Eastern League prospect Ben Steiner was born on this date in 1921. He played for the 1943 Scranton Red Sox.

He played in 82 major league games over three seasons with the Boston Red Sox (1945-46) and Detroit Tigers (1947).

Source: Baseball Reference

Eastern League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball or any of its teams.

 

Today’s Birthday: Ray Boone (Wilkes-Barre Barons, 1946)

Topps Co. & Trading Card Database

Former Eastern League prospect Ray Boone was born on this date in 1923. He played for the 1946 Wilkes-Barre Barons.

He played in the majors during 13 seasons with the Cleveland Indians (1948-53, Detroit Tigers (1953-58), Chicago White Sox (1958-59), Kansas City Athletics (1959), Milwaukee Braves (1959-60) and Boston Red Sox (1960).

Boone is the father of Bob Boone and grandfather of Brett and Aaron Boone. He died October 17, 2004 at the age of 81.

Source: Baseball Reference

Eastern League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, or any of its teams.

 

Today's Birthday: Sibby Sisti (Hartford Laurels/Bees, 1938-39)

Double Play & Trading Card Database

Former Eastern League prospect Sibby Sisti was born on this date in 1920. He played for Hartford during two seasons (1938-39).

Sisti spent 13 seasons in the majors with the Boston Bees/Braves (1939-42, '46-'52) and Milwaukee Braves (1953-54). He served in the military during World War II during the 1943, '44, and '45 seasons.

After his playing career, he managed for several years in the minor leagues and coached for the 1969 Seattle Pilots. He played the role of the Pittsburgh manager in the movie The Natural.

Sisti died on April 24, 2006, at the age of 85.

Source: Baseball Reference

Eastern League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, or any of its teams.

 

Today's Birthday: Jeff Kaiser, Albany-Colonie A's (1984)

Mother's Cookies & Trading Card Database

Happy 61st Birthday to former Eastern League prospect Jeff Kaiser. He pitched for the 1984 Albany-Colonie A's (5-1, 1.89 ERA)

Kaiser played in the majors during 7 seasons for the Oakland Athletics (1985), Cleveland Indians (1987-90), Detroit Tigers (1991), Cincinnati Reds and New York Mets (1993).

Source: Baseball Reference

Eastern League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, or any of its teams.

 

Today’s Birthday: Johnny Groth (Williamsport Tigers, 1947)

Tip-Top Bread & Trading Card Database

Happy 95th Birthday to former Eastern League prospect Johnny Groth. He played for the 1947 Williamsport Tigers (121 games, .319/.319/.516)

Groth played in the majors during 15 seasons with the Detroit Tigers (1946, ’47, ’48-’52, ’57-’60), St. Louis Browns (1953), Chicago White Sox (1954-55), Washington Senators (1955), Kansas City Athletics (1956-57).

Source: Baseball Reference

Eastern League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, or any of its teams.

 

Today’s Birthday: Frank Johnson (Springfield Giants, 1963-64)

Topps Co. & Trading Card Database

Happy 79th Birthday to former Eastern League prospect Frank Johnson. He played for the Springfield Giants during two seasons (1963-64).

Johnson played for the San Francisco Giants during 6 seasons (1966-71).

Source: Baseball Reference

 

Eastern League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, or any of its teams.

 

Today's Birthday: Gary Waslewski, Pittsfield Red Sox (1965)

Boston Globe & Trading Card Database

Happy 80th birthday to former Eastern League prospect Gary Waslewski. He pitched in 12 games for the 1965 Pittsfield Red Sox (6-2, 2.45 ERA).

Waslewski played in the majors during 6 seasons with the Boston Red Sox (1967-68), St. Louis Cardinals (1969), Montreal Expos (1969-70), New York Yankees (1970-71) and Oakland Athletics.

Source: Baseball Reference

Eastern League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, or any of its teams.

 

Today's Birthday: John Lamb (Waterbury Pirates, 1970)

Pittsburgh Pirates & Trading Card Database

Happy 75th Birthday to former Eastern League prospect John Lamb. He pitched for the 1970 Waterbury Pirates (5-2, 1.47 ERA).

Lamb appeared in 47 games over three seasons for the Pittsburgh Pirates (1970-71, '73), finishing his major league career with a record of 0-2 and an ERA of 4.07). He is the brother-in-law of Pirates great Steve Blass.

Source: Baseball Reference

Eastern League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, or any of its teams.

 

Today's Birthday: Billy Gardner, Pittsfield Red Sox manager (1967-69)

Topps Co. & Trading Card Database

Happy 94th birthday to former Eastern League manager Billy Gardner. He managed the Pittsfield Red Sox for three seasons from 1967 to 1969. Pittsfield finished in first place during the regular season in 1968, losing in the championship finals.

Gardner played in the majors for 10 seasons with the New York Giants (1954-55), Baltimore Orioles (1956-59), Washington Senators (1960), Minnesota Twins (1961), New York Yankees (1961-62), Boston Red Sox (1962-63). He also managed for the Minnesota Twins (1981-85) and Kansas City Royals (1987).

Source: Baseball Reference

Eastern League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, or any of its teams.

 

Today's Birthday: Billy Harrell (Reading Indians, 1952-53)

Cleveland Indians & Trading Card Database

Former Eastern League prospect Billy Harrell was born on this date in 1928. He played for the Reading Indians in 1952 and '53. He was second in league batting average in 1953 (.330).

Harrell played in the majors during four seasons with the Cleveland Indians (1955, '57-'58) and Boston Red Sox (1961).

He was elected to the Siena College (New York) Athletic Hall of Fame in 1966. After baseball, he worked for the State of New York. Harrell died on May 6, 2014 at the age of 85.

Source: Baseball Reference

Eastern League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, the Eastern League, or any of its teams.

 

Today’s Birthday: Tex Hoyle (Binghamton Triplets, 1947-48)

Society for American Baseball Research

Former Eastern League prospect Tex Hoyle was born on this date in 1921. He played the Binghamton Triplets during the 1947 and ’48 seasons.

He pitched in three games for the 1952 Philadelphia Athletics.

Hoyle died on July 4, 1994, at the age of 72.

Source: Baseball Reference

Eastern League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, or any of its teams.

 

Today's Birthday: Lee Elia (Williamsport Grays, 1960; Reading Phillies, 1977-78)

Tastykake & Trading Card Database

Happy 84th Birthday to former Eastern League prospect and manager Lee Elia. He played for the Williamsport Grays in 1960, and managed the Reading Phillies in 1977 and '78.

Elia played for the Chicago White Sox in 1966 and 1968 and managed the Chicago Cubs (1982-83) and Philadelphia Phillies (1987-88).

Source: Baseball Reference

Eastern League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, or any of its teams.

Today's Birthday: Ron Diorio (Reading Phillies, 1969, 1971-73, '74; West Haven Yankees, 1976)

Philadelphia Phillies & Trading Card Database

Happy 75th Birthday to former Eastern League prospect Ron Diorio. He played in the Eastern League during 6 seasons with the Reading Phillies (1969, 1971-73, '74) and West Haven Yankees (1976).

Diorio played for the Philadelphia Phillies duirng the 1973 and '74 seasons.

Source: Baseball Reference

Eastern League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, or any of its teams.

 

Today's Birthday: Pepe Frias, Quebec Carnavals (1971)

Topps Co. & Trading Card Database

Happy 73nd Birthday to former Eastern League prospect Pepe Frias. He played for the 1971 Quebec Carnavals.

Frias played in the majors for 9 seasons with the Montreal Expos (1973-78), Atlanta Braves (1979), Texas Rangers (1980) and Los Angeles Dodgers (1980-81).

Source: Baseball Reference

Eastern League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, or any of its teams.

 

Today's Birthday: Fritz Dorish, Scranton Red Sox (1942)

Boston Red Sox & Trading Card Database

Former Eastern League prospect Harry “Fritz" Dorish was born on this date in 1921. He pitched for  the Scranton Red Sox in 1942 (12-8, 2.07 ERA)

After serving in the military during World War II, he played in the majors for 10 years with the Boston Red Sox (1947-49, ‘56), St. Louis Browns (1950), Chicago White Sox (1951-55) and Baltimore Orioles (1955-56).

After his playing career, he worked as a scout, coach, and minor league manager. He died on December 31, 2000, at the age of 79.

Source: Baseball Reference

Eastern League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, or any of its teams.

 

Today's Birthday: Coot Veal, Williamsport Tigers (1952) & Wilkes-Barre Barons (1954)

Post Cereal & Trading Card Database

Former Eastern League prospect Coot Veal was born on this date in 1932. He played for the Williamsport Tigers in 1952 and the Wilkes-Barre Barons in 1954.

Veal played in the major leagues during 6 seasons with the Detroit Tigers (1958-60, '63), Washington Senators (1961) and Pittsburgh Pirates (1962). 

 

After his baseball career, Veal was a vice-president for Macon Mine and Mill in Macon, Georgia. He died on March 14, 2021, at the age of 88.

Source: Baseball Reference

 

Eastern League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, or any of its teams.

 

Today's Birthday: Zach Monroe, Binghamton Triplets (1955-56)

Topps Co. & Trading Card Database

Happy 90th birthday to former Eastern League prospect Zach Monroe! He pitched for the Binghamton Triplets in 1955 (12-11, 5.46 ERA) and 1956 (16-7, 2.67 ERA).

Monroe played for the New York Yankees in 1958 (21 games, 58 IP, 4-2, 3.26 ERA) and 1959 (3 games, 3.1 IP, 0-0, 5.40 ERA). He appeared in one game in the 1958 World Series.

Source: Baseball Reference

Eastern League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, the Eastern League, or any of its teams.

 

Today's Birthday: Len Barker, Pittsfield Rangers (1975)

Cleveland Indians & Trading Card Database

Happy 66th birthday to former Eastern League prospect Len Barker. He pitched for the 1975 Pittsfield Rangers.

Barker played in the majors for 11 seasons with the Texas Rangers (1976-78), Cleveland Indians (1979-83), Atlanta Braves (1983-85) and Milwaukee Brewers (1987). On May 15, 1981, he pitched the 10th perfect game in the history of Major League Baseball as the Cleveland Indians defeated the Toronto Blue Jays, 3-0.

He is currently the head baseball coach at Notre Dame College in South Euclid, Ohio.

Source: Baseball Reference

Eastern League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, or any of its teams.

 

Today's Birthday: Angelo LiPetri, Schenectady Blue Jays (1955)

Credit: Baseball Almanac

Former Eastern League prospect Angelo LiPetri was born on this date in 1929. He pitched for the Schenectady Blue Jays during the 1954 (11-10, 3.00 ERA) and 1955 (11-6, 3.49 ERA).

LiPetri appeared in a total of 10 games for the Philadelphia Phillies during the 1956 and '58 seasons.

After baseball, he worked for the state of New York. He died on November 17, 2016, at the age of 87.

Source: Baseball Reference

Eastern League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, or any of its teams.

Today's Birthday: Al Kozar, Scranton Red Sox (1942, '46)

Bowman Gum & Trading Card Database

Former Eastern League prospect Al Kozar was born on this date in 1921. He played for the Scranton Red Sox in 1942 and served in the United States Army during World War II (1942-45). After the war, he returned to play for Scranton in 1946.

Kozar played in the majors during three seasons for the Washington Senators (1948-50) and Chicago White Sox (1950).

Source: Baseball Reference

Eastern League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, or any of its teams.

 

Eastern League News: July 3, 1955

Source: Allentown Daily Call and newspapers.com

Eastern League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, or any of its teams.

 

 

Today's Birthday: Hal Reniff, Binghamton Triplets (1960)

Topps Co. & Trading Card Database

Former Eastern League prospect Hal Reniff was born on this date in 1932. He pitched for the Binghamton Triplets in 1960.

He pitched in the majors during 7 seasons for the New York Yankees (1961-67) and New York Mets (1967).

 

Reniff died on September 7, 2004, at the age of 66.

Source: Baseball Reference

Eastern League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, or any of its teams.

 

Today's Birthday: Ken Wood, Elmira Pioneers (1943, '47)

Bowman & Trading Card Database

Former Eastern League prospect Ken Wood was born on this date in 1924. He played for the Elmira Pioneers in 1943 and 1947.

He played in the major leagues for the St. Louis Browns (1948-51), Boston Red Sox (1952) and Washington Senators (1952-53).

After he retired from baseball, he worked for an insurance company. Wood died on November 22, 2007 at the age of 83.

Source: Baseball Reference

Eastern League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, or any of its teams.

 

Today's Birthday: Joe Stephenson, Springfield Rifles (1943)

Globe Printing & Trading Card Database

Former Eastern League prospect Joe Stephenson was born on this date in 1921. He played in 106 games for the 1943 Springfield Rifles.

Stephenson played in the major leagues during three seasons appearing in a total of 29 games for the New York Giants (9 games in 1943), Chicago Cubs (4 games in 1944) and Chicago White Sox (16 games in 1947).

After his playing career, Stephenson worked as a major league scout and died on September 20, 2001 at the age of 80.

Source: Baseball Reference

Eastern League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, or any of its teams.

 

Today's Birthday: Bob Shaw, Syracuse Chiefs (1956)

Topps Co & Trading Card Database

Former Eastern League prospect Bob Shaw was born on this date in 1933. He pitched of the Syracuse Chiefs in 1956.

He played in the major league during 11 seasons for the Detroit Tigers (1957-58), Chicago White Sox (1958-61), Kansas City Athletics (1961), Milwaukee Braves (1962-63), San Francisco Giants (1964-66), New York Mets (1966-67) and Chicago Cubs (1967).

After his playing career, Shaw coached and managed in the minor leagues and was a coach for the Milwaukee Brewers in 1973. He died on September 22, 2010 at the age of 77.

Source: Baseball Reference

Eastern League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, or any of its teams.

 

Today's Birthday: Al Downing, Binghamton Triplets (1961, '68)

Credits: NY Yankees via Trading Card Database

Happy 80th Birthday to former Eastern League prospect Al Downing. He pitched for the Binghamton Triplets in 1961 (9-1, 1.84 ERA) and 1968 (1-4, 3.48 ERA).

Downing played 17 seasons in the major leagues for the New York Yankees (1961-69), Oakland Athletics (1970), Milwaukee Brewers (1970) and Los Angeles Dodgers (1971-77).

He is remembered for giving up Hank Aaron's record breaking 715th career home run in 1974.

Source: Baseball Reference

Eastern League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, or any of its teams.