Blow Out the Candles

1968 Topps #162

Happy 70th birthday to "Da Coach", Mike Ditka!

I think Mike's coaching and media careers have probably overshadowed his outstanding playing career. He was a really great tight end for the Bears, Eagles and Cowboys and was the first at his position to be enshrined in the Hall of Fame. He had 427 career receptions for 5,812 yards and 43 touchdowns. He was rookie of the year, made 5 Pro Bowls, and won 2 Super Bowls. He can't sing a lick, at least not Take Me Out to the Ballgame.



Happy Birthday to former Detroit Tiger Willie Horton who turns 67 today. Willie was a 4 time All-Star and member of the 1968 World Champions.


Born on this date was, in my mind underrated, singer/songwriter Laura Nyro. She wrote Wedding Bell Blues, Stoned Soul Picnic, Sweet Blindness, And When I Die, Eli's Coming, and Stony End. Here she is at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967:





Also, celebrating his 83rd birthday today is the legendary Chuck Berry.