Blow Out the Candles May 16

Second baseman and manager Billy Martin was born in Berkeley, California on this date in 1928.

I may not have been the best Yankee to put on the pinstripes, but I am the proudest.

 "Most people miss the great part mental outlook plays in this game."

"If liking a kid who will never let you down in the clutch is favoritism, then I plead guilty." - Casey Stengel on Martin as a player

"I have no idea why I liked him so much. We never could figure it out. Me and Whitey Ford and Billy were all so different. That's why we got along so well." - Mickey Mantle in the Washington Times (12/29/1989)

"Everything looks nicer when you win. The girls are prettier. The cigars taste better. The trees are greener."

"I really love the togetherness in baseball. That's a real true love."

"The day I become a good loser, I'm quitting baseball. I always had a temper. I think it's nothing to be ashamed of. If you know how to use it, it can help. Temper is something the good Lord gave me and I can't just throw it out the window." - Billy Martin in the Sporting News (10/26/1968)

Pitcher Rick Reuschel is celebrating his 63rd birthday today.

Rick didn't look much like an athlete but he managed to win 214 games in a 19 year career.  He was a three time All-Star and won two Gold Gloves.  At age 39 he went 19-11 for the Giants.  He was in the middle of a follow-up 17-8 record in the photo below.

 Hard to see Rick as a Yankee.

Pitcher Jack Morris is celebrating his 57th birthday today.

Jack finished his career with a 254-186 record.  He was a five time All-Star and won 4 WS Championships with three teams, Tigers, Twins and Blue Jays.

Outfielder Dave Philley was born in Paris, Texas on this date in 1920.

A Born Philley

Yes, Dave Philley played for the Phillies (1958-60).  He also spent almost three years (1951-53) playing for the other Philadelphia team, the Athletics.

 1960 Topps #52

Dave had an eighteen year career with 1700 hits, 276 doubles, 72 triples, 84 homers, 729 RBI and a .270 average.  As the cartoon above highlights, Dave was an outstanding pinch hitter.  In 1958 he had 8 straight pinch hits (since tied by Rusty Staub in 1983).  He also had a pinch hit in his first try of 1959 making 9 in a row overall.  Dave also set AL season records in 1961, playing for the Orioles, for most pinch hit at bats (72) and hits (24).  Both records still stand.