Baseball History Podcast

James Evan Perry, Jr. was born October 30, 1935 in Williamston, North Carolina. Perry was tall, trim right-handed pitcher who overcame the knock that he was “too nice” to win consistently in the Major Leagues. He went on to win the American League Cy Young Award in 1970.

Early Wynn Jr., nicknamed “Gus”, was born January 6, 1920, Hartford, Alabama. He was a burly, hard-nosed competitor, who treated every ballgame as if it were a war. His durability helped him lead the American League in innings three times and also helped him last 23 seasons.

César Leonardo Tovar was born July 3, 1940, in Caracas, Venezuela. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, César Tovar was a fixture at the top of the Minnesota Twins lineup. The speedy, enthusiastic Venezuelan came up as a second baseman, but he could handle just about any position.

Luis Clemente Tiant Vega was born November 23, 1940 in Marianao, Cuba. Tiant was a right-handed starting pitcher who baffled hitters with a rocking, twisting windup and an assortment of release points that ranged from over-the-top to nearly underhand.

Bert Blyleven was born April 6, 1951 in Zeist, Netherlands. His birth name was actually Rik Aalbert Blijleven. Blyleven carved out a great career by possessing the premier curveball of his era. His vicious curve was among the best in baseball for nearly twenty years.

Antonio Oliva Lopez Hernandes Javique, better known as Tony Oliva, was born on July 20, 1938 in Pinar del Río, Cuba. Oliva is the only player in major league history to win batting titles in his first two full seasons. He was one of the most graceful, natural hitters of all time, but had his career cut short by a bad knee.

William Robert “Bob” Allison was born July 11, 1934 in Raytown, Missouri. A gifted all-around athlete Allison hit 30 or more home runs three times and 20 or more in eight different seasons. He wasn’t an especially fast player, but was among the most feared baserunners of his time in hustling out numerous doubles and triples. At the three outfield positions he showed good range, and his strong arm was rated as one of the best in the league.

Thomas Andrew Brunansky, nicknamed “Bruno”, was born August 20, 1960 in Covina, California. Chosen by his hometown California Angels in the first round of the June 1978 draft, Brunansky exhibited consistent, if unspectacular, power throughout his career. He was known as a durable and solid defensive right fielder with an excellent arm.

Paul Leo Molitor was born August 22, 1956 in St. Paul, Minnesota. When Paul Molitor first hit the Little League fields in St. Paul, Minn., they said he was too small to succeed. When he regularly hit the disabled list during his 15 years with the Milwaukee Brewers, they said he was too brittle. When he signed with the Minnesota Twins and turned 40, they said he was too old. When he became eligible for election to the Baseball Hall of Fame, his dwindling pool of detractors said he would not make it on the first ballot because he spent much of his career as a designated hitter.

Harmon Clayton Killebrew was born June 29, 1936 in Payette, Idaho. He was a stocky 5ft 11in hitter with a short, compact swing that generated tremendous power.