Today's Birthday: Jim Bunning, Williamsport Tigers (1952) and Reading Phillies (manager, 1972)

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Former Eastern League prospect and manager Jim Bunning was born on this date in 1931. He played for the Williamsport Tigers in 1952, and managed the Reading Phillies in 1972.

Bunning pitched in the majors during 17 seasons for the Detroit Tigers (1955-63), Philadephia Phillies (1964-67, 1970-71), Pittsburgh Pirates (1968-69), and Los Angeles Dodgers (1969).

After he retired as a player, he managed in the minor leagues for 5 seasons (1972-76). He represented Kentucky in the United States House of Representatives (1987-99) and Senate (1999-2011)

Bunning was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1996.

He died on May 26, 2017, at the age of 85.

Source: Baseball Reference

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