February 1
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TODAY IN BASEBALL HISTORY
February 1, 1875 Billy Sullivan born is born, he will debut in 1898. Despite being a notoriously poor hitter, Billy Sullivan is generally regarded as one of the best defensive catchers of the Deadball Era.
In 1901, Sullivan jumped to the Chicago White Sox of the new American League and was the catcher in the circuit's first game, collecting a pair of hits in an 8-2 Chicago victory over the Cleveland Blues on April 24. He batted only .245 that season, but would never again top .229, hitting as low as .162 in a full season and having an average below .200 five times. Between 1901 and 1911, the Sox never finished lower than fourth with Sullivan as their starting catcher and won two pennants, in 1901 and 1906. During the two seasons in which he missed significant playing time because of injuries, in 1903 and 1910, the team finished more than 30 games out of first place.
Sullivan is perhaps most famous for going hitless during the 1906 World Series, finishing 0 for 21 with 9 strikeouts. In spite of this lack of production, he played every inning of the Series as the White Sox beat their cross-town rivals the Chicago Cubs in six games.
Sullivan batted only .213 lifetime, the second-lowest batting average for a player with over 3000 at-bats (the lowest average belongs to Bill Bergen, a contemporary catcher). As poor as his offense was, his defense was outstanding: he was reckoned to have the best throwing arm in the American League and his ability to work with pitchers was second-to-none. During his career, he led the AL in fielding four times.
Todays catchers have Sullivan to thank who actually patented shin pads.
Sullivan's son Billy Sullivan Jr. played in the majors from 1931 to 1943. When Billy Jr. played in the 1940 World Series for Detroit, the Sullivans became the first father-son pair to have played in the World Series.
Join and listen to the Game of the Day: World Series Game 4, October 2, 1954 New York Giants vs Cleveland Indians Monte Irvin leads Giants
For Members Today’s Highlighted Audio Interviews:
Listen to his son Billy Sullivan JR discuss his father and what Ty Cobb
Bill Stern Sports Newsreel February 1, 1946 with Kay Kyser
Jess Haines interviewed by Eugene Murdock
Home Run Derby Episode 25 Jackie Jensen vs Rocky Colavito
Mickey Mantle best team he played on
Ryne Duren Greatest Sports Thrill
Larry Ritter Interview
Historic Days!
February 1, 1926, the New York Yankees sell first baseman Wally Pipp to the Cincinnati Reds. In 1925, an injury had forced Pipp out of the Yankees’ lineup, resulting in his replacement by future Hall of Famer Lou Gehrig.
February 1, 1954 — In a six-player trade, the Braves deal a pair of southpaws, Johnny Antonelli and Don Liddle, catcher Ebba St. Claire as well as shortstop Billy Klaus to the Giants in exchange for playoff hero Bobby Thomson and backstop Sammy Calderone.
February 1 1959 — Zack Wheat, a Brooklyn Robins favorite of the 1910s and 1920s, is elected to the Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee. Wheat, a .317 hitter over his 19-year career, batted .300 or better 14 times.
February 1 1970 — The Veterans Committee selects former Commissioner Ford Frick and former players Earle Combs and Jesse Haines to the Hall of Fame.
February 1, 1973, Monte Irvin is elected to the Hall of Fame by the Special Committee on the Negro Leagues. One of the finest African-American players in the years preceding integration. Irvin becomes the fourth player to gain election through the committee,. Joining Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson, and Buck Leonard. Irvin won two batting crowns for the Newark Eagles in a ineup that also included legends Willie Wells, Biz Mackey and Mule Suttles. Irvin joined the National League in 1949 and was a key contributor to two New York Giants pennant-winners, batting 458 in the 1951 World Series.
February 1 2003 — Boston Red Sox president Larry Lucchino announces four senators, Edward M. Kennedy, John F. Kerry, John McCain, and Tom Daschle, will file legislation nominating Jackie Robinson for the Congressional Gold Medal.
February 1 2010 — Jon Miller, who has been broadcasting San Francisco Giants games since 1997, is this year’s Ford Frick Award winner. Widely respected for his work, Miller the 58 year-old veteran broadcaster, who started his career with the A’s in 1974 and has called games for the Rangers, Red Sox, and Orioles from 1983 to 1996, he is the current play-by-play voice of the Giants and ESPN’s Sunday night game in partnership with Joe Morgan.
Todays featured clip:
Quote of the day:
"What Lajoie was to infielders, Zach Wheat is to outfielders, the finest mechanical craftsman of them all." — Baseball Magazine, January 1917 |
TRIVIA
Trivia: Which of the following Dodger players is the only one not to steal at least 300 bases as a Dodger?
A. Steve Sax
B. Willie Davis
C. Maury Wills
D. Davey Lopes
Answer in tomorrows newsletter
ANSWER TO YESTERDAY’S TRIVIA
In 1924, Jim Bottomley set a record with 12 RBIs in one game, who tied the mark in 1993? Mark Whiten
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