Blow Out the Candles -- October 30

Phillies HOFer Big Ed Delehanty was born in Cleveland, Ohio on this date in 1867.

Ed's career batting average of .346 is 5th all-time.

"When you pitch to (Ed) Delahanty, you just want to shut your eyes, say a prayer and chuck the ball. The Lord only knows what'll happen after that." - Crazy Schmit in Autumn Glory (Louis P. Masur, 2003)Ed batted .346 lifetime. In a game against the White Sox on July 13, 1896 he hit 4 home runs. The Phillies still lost 9-8. It seems a little unfair since there were five Delahanty's , but only three brother combos have had more combined hits. Ed died on July 2, 1903 when he fell (?) off the International Bridge near Niagra Falls.Here's his obituary from the New York Times.

Another member of the Hall of Fame, Bill Terry of the New York Giants, was born in Atlanta, Georgia on this date in 1898.

2004 Fleer Greats #12

 Bill was the last NL player to hit over .400 in a season, .401 in 1930. Terry finished his 14 year career with 2193 hits and a.341 batting average. He was on three pennant winners and won one World Series.

Braves great Joe Adcock was born in Coushatta, Louisiana on this date in 1927.

2005 UD Classics #50

OK, what are the odds of this? Only fifteen players in major league history have hit 4 home runs in one game and two of them were born on October 30. Joe accomplished the rare feat on July 31, 1954.

Pitcher Jim Perry is celebrating his 77th birthday today

2001 Topps Archives #542

While not a HOFer like his younger brother Gaylord, Jim had a great career. He won a Cy Young and was a three time All-Star. His lifetime record was 215-174. Their combined 529 wins is just 10 behind the record held by Phil and Joe Niekro.

English impressionist artist Alfred Sisley was born on this date in 1839.

Portrait of Alfred Sisley by Renoir

Here are a few of his works:

This painting, Regatta at Molesey so impressed fellow artist Gustave Caillebotte that he purchased it for his personal collection. Caillebotte is famous for his "Rainy Day Paris" (below)

If you live in or near Chicago or plan to visit you can see this great painting (a print of which hangs above our fireplace) as well as the Sisley below.


Today is also Henry Winkler's birthday. "The Fonz" turns 68 today. "Aaay"