Blow Out the Candles March 6

Pirates great Willie Stargell was born in Earlsboro, Oklahoma on this date in 1940.

 1971 Topps #230

"It's supposed to be fun, the man says 'Play Ball' not 'Work Ball' you know."
Willie Stargell

December 24-31, 1979

Willie Stargell statue at PNC Park

Highlights of Willie's career:

Baseball Hall of Fame Inductee (1988)
National League Co-MVP (shared with Keith Hernandez, 1979)
7-time Top 10 MVP (1971–75, 1978–79)
7-time All-Star (1964–66, 1971–73, 1978)
National League Championship Series MVP (1979)
World Series MVP (1979)
ABC's Wide World of Sports Athlete of the Year (1979)
Led National League in Slugging Percentage (1973)
Twice led National League in OPS (1973–74)
Led National League in Doubles (1973)
Twice led National League in Home Runs (1971 and 1973)
Led National League in RBI (1973)
Twice led National League in Extra-Base Hits (1971 and 1973)
Hit for the cycle (1964)
Threw the last pitch at Three Rivers Stadium, as part of the park's farewell ceremony (2000)

One of the greatest pitchers of all-time, Lefty Grove was born in Lonaconing, MD on this date in 1900.

Lefty showing off his 1931 MVP award with manager Connie Mack, August 16, 1932 at Shibe Park.

"All things considered, Grove is the best lefthander that ever walked on a pitcher's slab. He surpasses everybody I have ever seen. He has more speed than any other lefthander in the game." — Connie Mack, 1931

Lefty's Place built in 1929 for $5,700.

 Lefty in Boston

Height: 6'3" Weight: 190
Threw: Left
Position: Pitcher
Played for 17 years with Philadelphia and Boston.
His only losing season of his career was his first. That year, he still led the American League in strikeouts.
That year was the first of 7 straight years as the American League strikeout leader.
He had 20 or more wins 7 consecutive years from 1927 to 1933. During those years, he led the American League in wins and ERA four times.
He tied the American League record for consecutive wins in 1931 with 16.
He led the American League in ERA nine times.
He led the American League in winning percentage five times.
His career winning percentage of .680 is fourth on the all time list.
Had a career record of 300 wins and 141 losses.
He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1947.

Comedian Lou Costello was born in Paterson, NJ on this date in 1906.

Baseball and Comedy meet at first base.