Blow Out the Candles January 18

Hockey legend Mark Messier is celebrating his 52nd birthday today.

 1990-91 Pro Set #397

 1990-91 Score #360

Among his many accomplishments Messier is a six time Stanley Cup Champion.

Cardinals great  Curt Flood was born in Houston, Texas on this date in 1938.

1960 Topps #275

 1968 Topps #180

Flood had a great career in St.Louis.  He won two World Championships, was a three time All-Star and picked up seven consecutive Gold Gloves.  In 1969 after having been traded to the Phillies he challenged baseball's reserve clause (lost) and ended his career in Washington in 1971 after having played just 13 games.

Hall of Famer Syl Apps was born on in Paris, Ontario on this date in 1915.

2008-09 UD Masterpieces #6

The MapleLeafs legend won three Stanley Cups in the 1940's and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1961.

I didn't realize the Cup started out this size.  Looks a lot more manageable to skate around with.

Syl with fellow Hall of Famer, goaltender Turk Broda

Author A.A. Milne was born on this date in 1882.

In case the name doesn't ring a bell, he created this guy:

Here's Milne with his son Christopher Robin:

Comedian Oliver Hardy was born on this date in 1892.

Laurel and Hardy

Actor Cary Grant was born on this date in 1904

Entertainer Danny Kaye was born on this date in 1913.

My first memories of Danny Kaye were from his great storytelling on these records:

Bob Bell (Bozo the Clown to us in Chicago) was born in Flint, Michigan on this date in 1922.