Birthdays: 12/14

[chicoruiz]

Reds:

Chris Heisey (27) -Lots of players take a big step forward in their age-27 year, and it would behoove Chris to do likewise if he doesn't want to get typecast as a fourth-outfielder type.

Scott Hatteberg (42) -If you read Moneyball, you already know plenty about Scott. I'd just add that when the Reds released him, it was to make room for Jay Bruce.

Ken Hunt (73) -Name the Sporting News NL Rookie Pitcher of the Year in 1961, then never pitched in the majors again. I don't know why.

Pete Whisenant -Moved from player to coach during the Reds 1961 season. Coached for Hutch again in '62, then spent 20 years away from the game before returning in 1982 as a successful manager in the California League.

Others:

Bill Buckner (62) -The ball that went between his legs was later sold to Charlie Sheen for $93,000. Sheen later resold it. Buckner and Mookie Wilson, who hit the ball, sometimes appear together at card shows signing photos of the event.

Sam Jones -Lefthanded curveballer from coal mining country. First African-American to pitch a no-hitter in the majors. When he was with Cleveland, he and Quincy Trouppe formed the majors' first African-American battery.

[Bob Borkowski]

Reds:

Chris Heisey (27) -Lots of players take a big step forward in their age-27 year, and it would behoove Chris to do likewise if he doesn't want to get typecast as a fourth-outfielder type.

Scott Hatteberg (42) -If you read Moneyball, you already know plenty about Scott. I'd just add that when the Reds released him, it was to make room for Jay Bruce.

Ken Hunt (73) -Name the Sporting News NL Rookie Pitcher of the Year in 1961, then never pitched in the majors again. I don't know why.

Pete Whisenant -Moved from player to coach during the Reds 1961 season. Coached for Hutch again in '62, then spent 20 years away from the game before returning in 1982 as a successful manager in the California League.

Adding Bobby Adams. Infielder for the Reds from the late 40s thru mid-1955. Hit lots of singles but I especially remember him for a game from 1954...facing the great Robin Roberts in Philly he hit a homer as the first man to bat in the game. Roberts then proceeded to retire the next 27 men in a row. Bobby was the brother of former major-league 1B Dick Adams and the father of former major-league OF Mike Adams.