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.