Birthdays: 4/13

[chicoruiz]

Reds:

Kid Elberfeld -Played 41 games for the Reds. Nicknamed "The Tabasco Kid" for his hot temper. As a shortstop, he taught a young Ty Cobb not to slide head first by hitting him in the head as he slid. His shins were covered with spike wounds, which he treated by pouring whiskey on them. Later a mentor for a young Casey Stengel.

Red Killefer -Involved in one of the most famous trades in Reds history, when he and Buck Herzog were traded for three Hall Of famers: Edd Roush, Christy Mathewson and Bill McKechnie.

Others:

Hunter Pence (29) -First career homer was a grand slam; that's about all the color there is for him. Modern players are so bland compared to guys like Kid Elberfeld...

Claude Hendrix -Won the first game played at Wrigley Field. Was one of the outstanding pitchers in the Federal League. His name was later associated, rightly or wrongly, with gambling in the wake of the Black Sox scandal.

Jake Stahl -Led the AL in home runs in 1910, with ten.

Herman Long -Holds the career record for errors with over 1100, but he was actually a really good player- the record is a result of him having terrific range at shortstop in an era before modern fielder's gloves. A star for the great Boston Beaneaters teams of the 19th century.

[cumberlandreds]

Another old time player I'll mention who had a birthday today is Charlie Sweeney. He pitched in the 1880's. I read about him in the book about Old Hoss Radbourne, 59 in 84(I think that was the title?). He won 41 games one season. He pitched part of that season with Radbourne. He jumped the Providence team at mid season mainly because of jealousies he had with Radbourne's popularity in Providence. I also mention Sweeney because he was born exactly 100 years to the day before me. April 13,1863.

[Bob Borkowski]

I also mention Sweeney because he was born exactly 100 years to the day before me. April 13,1863.

Hey, hope you had a great birthday, cumberland!

[cumberlandreds]

Hey, hope you had a great birthday, cumberland!

Thanks. It was great. I live in the DC area and went to see the Nats/Braves game. My wife had my name on the scoreboard for my birthday after the 4th inning. That was really neat. I also had my picture taken with Thomas Jefferson who I share a birthday. Never thought I would ever have my picture take with him.

This was also the 50th anniversary of Pete Rose's first MLB hit. I was born in the morning so I had time to clean up and get out the ballpark to see this new kid play. Quite a thrill!