567B76676071662625140 wrote: It seems Spriggs was one lot the last players to come out of what was left of the Negro Leagues, so he didn't get to the regular minors till he was 26.
Interesting. I didn't know that.
I just looked him up too and wondered why he didn't sign until he was 26.
here is info from his wikipedia page (I couldn't find details on Negro league teams or stats) George Herman Spriggs (born May 22, 1937) is an American former outfielder in Major League Baseball who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Kansas City Royals in parts of four seasons spanning 1965–1970.
Spriggs was signed as an amateur free agent prior to the 1963 season by the Pittsburgh Pirates.[1]
[highlight]Previously, Spriggs played for various Negro League clubs, most prominently with the Detroit-New Orleans Stars in 1960.[2][/highlight]
In 1966, during his minor league career, Spriggs led the International League with 34 stolen bases and hit .300 for the Columbus Jets. Overall, in seasons years with the Jets he stole 170 bases.[3][4]
In 1967, he was selected by the Boston Red Sox during the Rule 5 draft, but was returned to the Pirates in April 1968 when he did not make the Red Sox major league roster. His contract then was purchased by the Kansas City Royals in the month of October from the Pirates. Afterwards, the New York Mets purchased his contract in 1971, but he never played a major league game with them.[1]
Today's Birthdays - May
Moderators: SammyKhalifa, Doc, Bobster
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ArnoldRothstein
Today's Birthdays - May
May 23:
Vic Black (1988): 2013; RHP; 4 IP; 0-0, 4.50
Mike Gonzales (1978): 2003-06; LHP; 155.2 IP; 7-9, 2.37
Nelson Norman (1958): 1982; IF; 3 AB; 0-0-.000
Bill Miller (1879): 1902; RF; 5 AB; 0-2-.200
Deacon Phillippe (1872): 1900-11; RHP; 2286 IP; 168-92, 2.50
Best player born on May 23: Zack Wheat (1888)
Phillippe basically took on Boston single-handed in the first World Series, and had the Pirates up after five games before finally faltering and losing games 7 and 8. Sam Leever had a bad arm, Ed Doheny suffered a nervous breakdown, and the Pirates were down to one top pitcher against Boston's Cy Young and Bill Dinneen.
Vic Black, from Dallas Baptist University, should have called himself "Victor Black" and entered games to the strains of Johnny Cash's "The Reverend Mister Black."
Vic Black (1988): 2013; RHP; 4 IP; 0-0, 4.50
Mike Gonzales (1978): 2003-06; LHP; 155.2 IP; 7-9, 2.37
Nelson Norman (1958): 1982; IF; 3 AB; 0-0-.000
Bill Miller (1879): 1902; RF; 5 AB; 0-2-.200
Deacon Phillippe (1872): 1900-11; RHP; 2286 IP; 168-92, 2.50
Best player born on May 23: Zack Wheat (1888)
Phillippe basically took on Boston single-handed in the first World Series, and had the Pirates up after five games before finally faltering and losing games 7 and 8. Sam Leever had a bad arm, Ed Doheny suffered a nervous breakdown, and the Pirates were down to one top pitcher against Boston's Cy Young and Bill Dinneen.
Vic Black, from Dallas Baptist University, should have called himself "Victor Black" and entered games to the strains of Johnny Cash's "The Reverend Mister Black."
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ArnoldRothstein
Today's Birthdays - May
May 24:
Jack Pfiester (1878): 1903-04; LHP; 39 IP; 1-4-6.69
Sam Barkley (1858): 1886-87; 1B/2B; 818 AB; 2-104-.248
Pfiester moved on to the Tinker-Evers-Chance Cubs, for whom he went 15-5 in his career against McGraw's Giants. Thus his nickname - The Giant Killer.
Best player born on May 24: Bartolo Colon
5/24/1955: Outfielder Earl Smith was demoted, and Roberto Clemente changed his number from 13 to Smith's 21.
Jack Pfiester (1878): 1903-04; LHP; 39 IP; 1-4-6.69
Sam Barkley (1858): 1886-87; 1B/2B; 818 AB; 2-104-.248
Pfiester moved on to the Tinker-Evers-Chance Cubs, for whom he went 15-5 in his career against McGraw's Giants. Thus his nickname - The Giant Killer.
Best player born on May 24: Bartolo Colon
5/24/1955: Outfielder Earl Smith was demoted, and Roberto Clemente changed his number from 13 to Smith's 21.
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ArnoldRothstein
Today's Birthdays - May
May 25:
Brad Lincoln (1985): 2010-12; RHP; 159.2 IP; 7-9, 4.62
Randall Simon (1975): 2003-04; 1B; 482 AB; 13-65-.245
Will Pennyfeather (1968): 1992-94; OF; 46 AB; 0-2-.196
Jim Marshall (1931): 1962; 1B; 100 AB; 2-12-.220
John Hofford (1863): 1885-86; SP; 106 IP; 3-9, 4.16
Also, Chris Young (1979): 6'10" RHP; 3rd round pick in the 2000 draft, but traded to Montreal in 2002 as part of the trade for Matt Herges; went 79-67, 3.95 in the majors (2004-17)
Marshall went to Japan after Pittsburgh, and had some good power years. Pennyfeather, from New Jersey, played in the Atlantic League every year 1998-2006, amassing about 3000 at-bats in that league.
Best player born on May 25: Martin Dihigo (1906)
5/25/1935: Babe Ruth, playing for the Braves, hits the last three homers of his career. The third is the first ball ever to clear the right field roof at Forbes Field.
Brad Lincoln (1985): 2010-12; RHP; 159.2 IP; 7-9, 4.62
Randall Simon (1975): 2003-04; 1B; 482 AB; 13-65-.245
Will Pennyfeather (1968): 1992-94; OF; 46 AB; 0-2-.196
Jim Marshall (1931): 1962; 1B; 100 AB; 2-12-.220
John Hofford (1863): 1885-86; SP; 106 IP; 3-9, 4.16
Also, Chris Young (1979): 6'10" RHP; 3rd round pick in the 2000 draft, but traded to Montreal in 2002 as part of the trade for Matt Herges; went 79-67, 3.95 in the majors (2004-17)
Marshall went to Japan after Pittsburgh, and had some good power years. Pennyfeather, from New Jersey, played in the Atlantic League every year 1998-2006, amassing about 3000 at-bats in that league.
Best player born on May 25: Martin Dihigo (1906)
5/25/1935: Babe Ruth, playing for the Braves, hits the last three homers of his career. The third is the first ball ever to clear the right field roof at Forbes Field.
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2drfischer@gmail.c
Today's Birthdays - May
4D7E626360685E6378647F786965620C0 wrote: May 25:
Brad Lincoln (1985): 2010-12; RHP; 159.2 IP; 7-9, 4.62
Randall Simon (1975): 2003-04; 1B; 482 AB; 13-65-.245
Will Pennyfeather (1968): 1992-94; OF; 46 AB; 0-2-.196
Jim Marshall (1931): 1962; 1B; 100 AB; 2-12-.220
John Hofford (1863): 1885-86; SP; 106 IP; 3-9, 4.16
Also, Chris Young (1979): 6'10" RHP; 3rd round pick in the 2000 draft, but traded to Montreal in 2002 as part of the trade for Matt Herges; went 79-67, 3.95 in the majors (2004-17)
Marshall went to Japan after Pittsburgh, and had some good power years. Pennyfeather, from New Jersey, played in the Atlantic League every year 1998-2006, amassing about 3000 at-bats in that league.
Best player born on May 25: Martin Dihigo (1906)
5/25/1935: Babe Ruth, playing for the Braves, hits the last three homers of his career. The third is the first ball ever to clear the right field roof at Forbes Field.
I had high hopes for Randall Simon because he had a decent season just the year before. He was another in the long line of guys who came here and became worse.
Brad Lincoln (1985): 2010-12; RHP; 159.2 IP; 7-9, 4.62
Randall Simon (1975): 2003-04; 1B; 482 AB; 13-65-.245
Will Pennyfeather (1968): 1992-94; OF; 46 AB; 0-2-.196
Jim Marshall (1931): 1962; 1B; 100 AB; 2-12-.220
John Hofford (1863): 1885-86; SP; 106 IP; 3-9, 4.16
Also, Chris Young (1979): 6'10" RHP; 3rd round pick in the 2000 draft, but traded to Montreal in 2002 as part of the trade for Matt Herges; went 79-67, 3.95 in the majors (2004-17)
Marshall went to Japan after Pittsburgh, and had some good power years. Pennyfeather, from New Jersey, played in the Atlantic League every year 1998-2006, amassing about 3000 at-bats in that league.
Best player born on May 25: Martin Dihigo (1906)
5/25/1935: Babe Ruth, playing for the Braves, hits the last three homers of his career. The third is the first ball ever to clear the right field roof at Forbes Field.
I had high hopes for Randall Simon because he had a decent season just the year before. He was another in the long line of guys who came here and became worse.
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ArnoldRothstein
Today's Birthdays - May
May 26:
Dann Bilardello (1959): 1989-90; C; 117 AB; 2-11-.171
Chuck Hartenstein (1942): 1969-70; RHP; 119.1 IP; 6-5, 4.07
Jack Cronin (1874): 1898; RHP; 28 IP; 2-2, 3.54
Also, Alex Dickerson (1990): LF, 3rd round pick in 2011, traded to San Diego for Jaff Decker and Miles Mikolas; career 2015-19, 435 AB, 16-65-.264
Best player born on May 26: Darrell Evans (1947)
5/26/1959: Harvey Haddix threw 12 perfect innings against the Braves in Milwaukee. In the bottom of the 13th, an error put a man on base. A walk put a second man on, and Joe Adcock followed with an apparent 3-run homer. However, Adcock passed the trailing runner and was called out, but awarded a double. The lead runner scored to give Milwaukee a 1-0 win. Lew Burdette threw 13 shutout innings to earn the win.
Dann Bilardello (1959): 1989-90; C; 117 AB; 2-11-.171
Chuck Hartenstein (1942): 1969-70; RHP; 119.1 IP; 6-5, 4.07
Jack Cronin (1874): 1898; RHP; 28 IP; 2-2, 3.54
Also, Alex Dickerson (1990): LF, 3rd round pick in 2011, traded to San Diego for Jaff Decker and Miles Mikolas; career 2015-19, 435 AB, 16-65-.264
Best player born on May 26: Darrell Evans (1947)
5/26/1959: Harvey Haddix threw 12 perfect innings against the Braves in Milwaukee. In the bottom of the 13th, an error put a man on base. A walk put a second man on, and Joe Adcock followed with an apparent 3-run homer. However, Adcock passed the trailing runner and was called out, but awarded a double. The lead runner scored to give Milwaukee a 1-0 win. Lew Burdette threw 13 shutout innings to earn the win.
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Bobster21
Today's Birthdays - May
1C2F333231390F3229352E293834335D0 wrote: May 26:
Dann Bilardello (1959): 1989-90; C; 117 AB; 2-11-.171
Chuck Hartenstein (1942): 1969-70; RHP; 119.1 IP; 6-5, 4.07
Jack Cronin (1874): 1898; RHP; 28 IP; 2-2, 3.54
Also, Alex Dickerson (1990): LF, 3rd round pick in 2011, traded to San Diego for Jaff Decker and Miles Mikolas; career 2015-19, 435 AB, 16-65-.264
Best player born on May 26: Darrell Evans (1947)
5/26/1959: Harvey Haddix threw 12 perfect innings against the Braves in Milwaukee. In the bottom of the 13th, an error put a man on base. A walk put a second man on, and Joe Adcock followed with an apparent 3-run homer. However, Adcock passed the trailing runner and was called out, but awarded a double. The lead runner scored to give Milwaukee a 1-0 win. Lew Burdette threw 13 shutout innings to earn the win.
Burdette used to joke that the greatest game ever pitched wasn't enough to beat him.
Dann Bilardello (1959): 1989-90; C; 117 AB; 2-11-.171
Chuck Hartenstein (1942): 1969-70; RHP; 119.1 IP; 6-5, 4.07
Jack Cronin (1874): 1898; RHP; 28 IP; 2-2, 3.54
Also, Alex Dickerson (1990): LF, 3rd round pick in 2011, traded to San Diego for Jaff Decker and Miles Mikolas; career 2015-19, 435 AB, 16-65-.264
Best player born on May 26: Darrell Evans (1947)
5/26/1959: Harvey Haddix threw 12 perfect innings against the Braves in Milwaukee. In the bottom of the 13th, an error put a man on base. A walk put a second man on, and Joe Adcock followed with an apparent 3-run homer. However, Adcock passed the trailing runner and was called out, but awarded a double. The lead runner scored to give Milwaukee a 1-0 win. Lew Burdette threw 13 shutout innings to earn the win.
Burdette used to joke that the greatest game ever pitched wasn't enough to beat him.
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2drfischer@gmail.c
Today's Birthdays - May
725F52434455420201300 wrote: May 26:
Dann Bilardello (1959): 1989-90; C; 117 AB; 2-11-.171
Chuck Hartenstein (1942): 1969-70; RHP; 119.1 IP; 6-5, 4.07
Jack Cronin (1874): 1898; RHP; 28 IP; 2-2, 3.54
Also, Alex Dickerson (1990): LF, 3rd round pick in 2011, traded to San Diego for Jaff Decker and Miles Mikolas; career 2015-19, 435 AB, 16-65-.264
Best player born on May 26: Darrell Evans (1947)
5/26/1959: Harvey Haddix threw 12 perfect innings against the Braves in Milwaukee. In the bottom of the 13th, an error put a man on base. A walk put a second man on, and Joe Adcock followed with an apparent 3-run homer. However, Adcock passed the trailing runner and was called out, but awarded a double. The lead runner scored to give Milwaukee a 1-0 win. Lew Burdette threw 13 shutout innings to earn the win.
Burdette used to joke that the greatest game ever pitched wasn't enough to beat him.
I like how the Pirates filed a protest after the game trying to get the league to buy their story that Adcock had passed Aaron before Mantilla crossed the plate, which would've returned Mantilla to third. Adcock would've therefore been declared the second out, while Aaron would've been the third out for having left the field of play. Alas, the league would have none of it.
Dann Bilardello (1959): 1989-90; C; 117 AB; 2-11-.171
Chuck Hartenstein (1942): 1969-70; RHP; 119.1 IP; 6-5, 4.07
Jack Cronin (1874): 1898; RHP; 28 IP; 2-2, 3.54
Also, Alex Dickerson (1990): LF, 3rd round pick in 2011, traded to San Diego for Jaff Decker and Miles Mikolas; career 2015-19, 435 AB, 16-65-.264
Best player born on May 26: Darrell Evans (1947)
5/26/1959: Harvey Haddix threw 12 perfect innings against the Braves in Milwaukee. In the bottom of the 13th, an error put a man on base. A walk put a second man on, and Joe Adcock followed with an apparent 3-run homer. However, Adcock passed the trailing runner and was called out, but awarded a double. The lead runner scored to give Milwaukee a 1-0 win. Lew Burdette threw 13 shutout innings to earn the win.
Burdette used to joke that the greatest game ever pitched wasn't enough to beat him.
I like how the Pirates filed a protest after the game trying to get the league to buy their story that Adcock had passed Aaron before Mantilla crossed the plate, which would've returned Mantilla to third. Adcock would've therefore been declared the second out, while Aaron would've been the third out for having left the field of play. Alas, the league would have none of it.
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ArnoldRothstein
Today's Birthdays - May
May 27:
Tanner Anderson (1993): 2018; RHP; 11.1 IP; 1-0, 6.35
Jacob Brumfield (1965): 1995-96; CF; 482 AB; 6-34-.268
Ross Baumgarten (1955): 1982; LHP; 44 IP; 0-5, 6.55
George O'Donnell (1929): 1954; RHP; 87.1 IP; 3-9, 4.53
I remember thinking in 1982 that Baumgarten looked worse than any Pirate pitcher I had ever seen. They had inexplicably traded Vance Law for him during spring training. Law went on to start for a good White Sox team, while the Pirates didn't even really have a utility infielder (Jim Smith?). Weirdly, the Pirates then traded pitcher Eddie Solomon, who was also finished, a few months later to the White Sox for Jim Morrison, who was good for several years in the utility role. I always kept the two trades together in my head, as if they were one trade that turned out ok for both sides.
Also, Terry Collins (1949): managed Triple A Buffalo 1989-91; Pirate bullpen coach 1992-93
Best player born on May 27: Jeff Bagwell (1968) or Frank Thomas (1968)
5/27/1974: In the opener of a Memorial Day doubleheader, Ken Brett pitched perfect ball for 8 innings before Jason Kendall's father, Fred, singled. Brett completed a two-hit, 6-0 shutout. In the nightcap, Brett pinch hit a two-run triple as the Pirates won, 8-7, to sweep. The two games combined were played in 4:11.
Tanner Anderson (1993): 2018; RHP; 11.1 IP; 1-0, 6.35
Jacob Brumfield (1965): 1995-96; CF; 482 AB; 6-34-.268
Ross Baumgarten (1955): 1982; LHP; 44 IP; 0-5, 6.55
George O'Donnell (1929): 1954; RHP; 87.1 IP; 3-9, 4.53
I remember thinking in 1982 that Baumgarten looked worse than any Pirate pitcher I had ever seen. They had inexplicably traded Vance Law for him during spring training. Law went on to start for a good White Sox team, while the Pirates didn't even really have a utility infielder (Jim Smith?). Weirdly, the Pirates then traded pitcher Eddie Solomon, who was also finished, a few months later to the White Sox for Jim Morrison, who was good for several years in the utility role. I always kept the two trades together in my head, as if they were one trade that turned out ok for both sides.
Also, Terry Collins (1949): managed Triple A Buffalo 1989-91; Pirate bullpen coach 1992-93
Best player born on May 27: Jeff Bagwell (1968) or Frank Thomas (1968)
5/27/1974: In the opener of a Memorial Day doubleheader, Ken Brett pitched perfect ball for 8 innings before Jason Kendall's father, Fred, singled. Brett completed a two-hit, 6-0 shutout. In the nightcap, Brett pinch hit a two-run triple as the Pirates won, 8-7, to sweep. The two games combined were played in 4:11.
Today's Birthdays - May
7D4E525350586E5348544F485955523C0 wrote: May 27:
Tanner Anderson (1993): 2018; RHP; 11.1 IP; 1-0, 6.35
Jacob Brumfield (1965): 1995-96; CF; 482 AB; 6-34-.268
Ross Baumgarten (1966): 1982; LHP; 44 IP; 0-5, 6.55
George O'Donnell (1929): 1954; RHP; 87.1 IP; 3-9, 4.53
I remember thinking in 1982 that Baumgarten looked worse than any Pirate pitcher I had ever seen. They had inexplicably traded Vance Law for him during spring training. Law went on to start for a good White Sox team, while the Pirates didn't even really have a utility infielder (Jim Smith?). Weirdly, the Pirates then traded pitcher Eddie Solomon, who was also finished, a few months later to the White Sox for Jim Morrison, who was good for several years in the utility role. I always kept the two trades together in my head, as if they were one trade that turned out ok for both sides.
Also, Terry Collins (1949): managed Triple A Buffalo 1989-91; Pirate bullpen coach 1992-93
Best player born on May 27: Jeff Bagwell (1968) or Frank Thomas (1968)
5/27/1974: In the opener of a Memorial Day doubleheader, Ken Brett pitched perfect ball for 8 innings before Jason Kendall's father, Fred, singled. Brett completed a two-hit, 6-0 shutout. In the nightcap, Brett pinch hit a two-run triple as the Pirates won, 8-7, to sweep. The two games combined were played in 4:11.
I was at that doubleheader. Pretty exciting day. Brett went on to start the All Star game at 3 Rivers as the only Pirate rep (and there should have been at least one more). Did not know about Bagwell and Thomas being born on same day.
Tanner Anderson (1993): 2018; RHP; 11.1 IP; 1-0, 6.35
Jacob Brumfield (1965): 1995-96; CF; 482 AB; 6-34-.268
Ross Baumgarten (1966): 1982; LHP; 44 IP; 0-5, 6.55
George O'Donnell (1929): 1954; RHP; 87.1 IP; 3-9, 4.53
I remember thinking in 1982 that Baumgarten looked worse than any Pirate pitcher I had ever seen. They had inexplicably traded Vance Law for him during spring training. Law went on to start for a good White Sox team, while the Pirates didn't even really have a utility infielder (Jim Smith?). Weirdly, the Pirates then traded pitcher Eddie Solomon, who was also finished, a few months later to the White Sox for Jim Morrison, who was good for several years in the utility role. I always kept the two trades together in my head, as if they were one trade that turned out ok for both sides.
Also, Terry Collins (1949): managed Triple A Buffalo 1989-91; Pirate bullpen coach 1992-93
Best player born on May 27: Jeff Bagwell (1968) or Frank Thomas (1968)
5/27/1974: In the opener of a Memorial Day doubleheader, Ken Brett pitched perfect ball for 8 innings before Jason Kendall's father, Fred, singled. Brett completed a two-hit, 6-0 shutout. In the nightcap, Brett pinch hit a two-run triple as the Pirates won, 8-7, to sweep. The two games combined were played in 4:11.
I was at that doubleheader. Pretty exciting day. Brett went on to start the All Star game at 3 Rivers as the only Pirate rep (and there should have been at least one more). Did not know about Bagwell and Thomas being born on same day.