Blow Out the Candles December 13

The first African-American to play in the American League, Larry Doby, was born in Camden, South Carolina on this date in 1923

1958 Topps #424

Career highlights and awards
7× All-Star (1949–1955)
World Series champion (1948)
Negro Leagues champion (1946)
2× AL home run champion (1952, 1954)
AL RBI leader (1954)
Cleveland Indians #14 retired

Hall of Fame 1998

Happy 70th birthday to Cubs great  and Hall of Famer Ferguson Jenkins.

1969 Topps #640

 Fergie is definitely #1 on my list when I think of great Cubs pitchers. Jenkins, who finished his career with 284 wins was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1991. His #31 jersey was retired by the Cubs in 2009 along with fellow #31 Greg Maddux.

Former Blackhawk Doug Mohns turns 79 today.

1994 Parkhurst Tall Boys #27

 The pride of Capreol, Ontario, Doug was a seven time All-Star in his 22 year NHL career.

In Chicago, Mohns was part of the Scooter line along with Hawks greats Stan Mikita and Ken Wharram.

Actor/comedian Dick Van Dyke is celebrating his 87th birthday today.

I've always been a Dick Van Dyke fan.  Look at the guy.  He's still going strong at 86!  I read his new book this summer.  There's nothing startling in it but it's a fun read.

Actress Kathy Garver is celebrating her 67th birthday today. Kathy played older sister, Sissy, on the 1960's sitcom, Family Affair with Brian Keith and Sebastian Cabot.

Kathy in 2008