Blow Out the Candles August 8

Cubs first baseman and new face of the franchise Anthony Rizzo is celebrating his 23rd birthday today.

Rizzo was the NL Rookie of the Month for July 2012

Hall of Fame goalie Ken Dryden is celebrating his 65th birthday today.

 1971-72 Topps #45

Hall of Famer Bill Gadsby is celebrating his 85th birthday today.

Slugger Frank Howard is celebrating his 75th birthday today.

 1961 Topps #280

Actor Dustin Hoffman is celebrating his 75th birthday today.

Blow Out the Candles

Rogie Vachon turns 64 today. He played for 16 seasons in the NHL and finished with a goals against average of 2.99. His #30 jersey was the first retired by the LA Kings.

1973-74 Topps #64 Rogatien Vachon

Rogie has a bit of a Wally Pip story. For the first 71 games of the 1970-71 season Rogie was the Montreal Canadiens primary netminder. Right before the playoffs, in order to give him a bit of a rest, Montreal called up a young goalie. He was so impressive that they played him in all the remaining 6 games of the season. He gave up only 9 goals in those 6 games. Playing a hunch Head Coach Al MacNeil decided to start the rookie in game 1 of the playoffs. They lost but the rookie went on to play in all 20 games en route to a finals win over the Chicago Blackhawks.

Rogie was traded at the beginning of the next season to the L.A. Kings.

BTW the young goalie led the Canadiens to 5 more Stanley Cups. He is HOF'er Ken Dryden.

1972-73 Topps #160 Ken Dryden

Today is also singer/songwriter Aimee Mann's birthday. She is turning 49 today. I've loved her since 'Til Tuesday's Voices Carry.