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.