It’s A Funny Funny Game 2.1

1975

But how does this affect Nolan Ryan? …

Cleveland starter Frank Tanana is the only AL pitcher other than Ryan to top the loop in K’s from 1972-79.

One morass no Boras …

California Angels draftee Danny Goodwin is drafted #1 overall for the second time in the amateur draft. He ends up playing just 252 major league games with an adjusted OPS+ of 84.

You know there‘s over-specialization in the bullpen when …

Cardinals reliever Mike Garman issues 23 intentional walks.

Before Ed Sprague …

On July 21, the Mets’ second baseman Felix Millan singles four times–only to have third baseman Joe Torre hit into a double play each time.

Don’t you have to be Siamese twins to help your brother relieve himself on the mound? …

On August 21, brothers Rick and Paul Reuschel of the Cubs combine for a shutout, with Paul coming in to relieve Rick.

Neutering the kitty …

The Tigers endure a 19-game losing streak.

And now he explains the book of Revelation …

Former Dodgers, Braves, Yankees and Mets manager Casey Stengel dies.

Born to plod …

Longtime Twins batter Harmon Killebrew retires with zero sac bunts and zero bunt hits in over 8000 AB.

A Hardball Times Update
Goodbye for now.

Can Retrosheet and SABR confirm this? …

Astros first baseman Bob Watson scores MLB’s 1,000,000 run.

Seventh heaven …

On September 16, Bucs second baseman Rennie Stennett goes 7-for-7 in a nine inning game.

Buc kicking …

In that same game, the Pirates top the Cubs 22-0.

A Dusty Baker sexual fantasy …

Yankees starter Catfish Hunter becomes the last hurler to toss 30 complete games.

Emancipation proclamation …

Arbitrator Peter Seitz rules that Dodgers pitcher Andy Messersmith and Expos starter Dave McNally became free agents after playing out the option year on their contracts, paving the way for modern free agency.

30 years later and they’re still behind the times …

Frank Robinson is made the first African American manager in MLB history when he’s hired as the Indians’ skipper.

Ichirrific! …

Red Sox outfielder Fred Lynn becomes the first player to win the MVP and Rookie of the Year awards in the same season.

Well, you can count on looking pretty silly now …

Giants starting pitcher John Montefusco wins the NL Rookie of the Year–narrowly edging out Gary Carter.

1976

Stiebie wonder…

Angels ace Nolan Ryan is saddled with eight shutout losses and goes 17-18.

Stranding more than the S.S. Minnow …

The Reds leave 1,328 runners on base.

How to make Bud Selig wistful …

The major league minimum salary is raised to $19,000 and the average salary is $52,000.

Trading a HOFer is like Viagra–it can give you a Woodie …

The Reds trade first baseman Tony Perez and reliever Will McEnaney to the Expos for reliever Dale Murray and pitcher Woodie Fryman.

Oh Rickey you’re so fine, you’re so fine you blow my mind, hey Rickey …

The A’s have three players who pilfer more than 50 bases: center fielder Billy North, shortstop Bert Campaneris, and right fielder Don Baylor.

Was Richie Phillips driving? …

On June 15, the Astrodome suffers its only rainout when the umpires cannot get to the stadium.

Bringing Jane closer to God …

Media mogul Ted Turner buys the Braves.

A marriage made in [fill in the blank] …

The Yankees sign right fielder Reggie Jackson for $3.5 million.

Then Charlie O. voided himself …

Commissioner Bowie Kuhn voids Charlie O. Finley’s sales of left fielder Joe Rudi, starting pitcher Vida Blue and reliever Rollie Fingers.

Hal McRae watches his batting title go b(r)ye-b(r)ye …

Royals third baseman George Brett wins the batting title over teammate and designated hitter Hal McRae in his last AB as Twins outfielder Steve Brye seemingly misplays the ball.

Control freak …

NL Cy Young winner Randy Jones of the Padres tosses 68 consecutive innings without issuing a walk.

1977

Cowering in the bullpen …

On April 10, the Red Sox and Indians combine to score 19 runs in one inning.

Chapter one of the book of Jobe …

Starter Tommy John wins 20 games for the Dodgers after recovering from ligament transplant surgery on his elbow.

Shoot, this game is easy…

Red Sox designated hitter Ted Cox opens his major league career with six straight hits.

Owe is me …

Olympic Stadium opens to MLB.

The bad news is, they needed to drill a hole in the top of the casket. The good news is that his speed was unaffected …

Hall of Fame catcher Ernie Lombardi dies after a 17-year career as a catcher for the Reds, Giants, Boston Braves and Brooklyn Robins.

Talk with your mouth full, bite the hand that feeds you, bite off more than you chew, what can you do? Dare to be stupid …

After a salary dispute, the Mets trade ace Tom Seaver to the Reds for four players (can you imagine this happening today?).

1978

Laying goose eggs …

Starting pitcher Ron Guidry of the Yankees ties an AL record for southpaw shutouts with nine.

Butcher …

Red Sox hot cornerman Butch Hobson has a sub-.900 fielding percentage, the first regular to do so in six decades.

As seen on e-Bay …

Reds hitter Pete Rose notches his 3000th hit.

Ironic, no? …

Detroit center fielder Ron LeFlore tops the American League in steals with 68.

What are the odds? …

Rose sets a modern National League record with a 44 game hitting streak.

Acting on a common impulse…

Yankees’ skipper Billy Martin punches out a reporter from the Nevada State Journal.

Still cursing Bucky …

Yankees’ shortstop Bucky Dent’s pivotal 3-run home run over the Green Monster completes a remarkable Yankees comeback in the AL East. The Red Sox enjoyed a 14-game lead on July 17.

1979

Million Dollar Maybe …

Ryan becomes the first major leaguer to earn a $1 million salary.

Royal performance …

Brett becomes the second American League player to have a season with 20 or more doubles, triples, and home runs. The Indians’ Jeff Heath was the other in 1941.

Buddyball …

Buddy Bell notches 200 hits yet only bats .299 with an OBP of .327.

Brooklyn parties like it‘s 1955 …

Walter O’ Malley, who moved the Brooklyn Dodgers out west to Los Angeles, dies.

Not too picci at the plate …

A’s shortstop Rob Picciolo walks just three times in 348 AB.

I’m more impressed with the fact he got on base 77 times …

Pittsburgh center fielder Omar Moreno leads the NL in stolen bases with 77. He also makes 535 outs.

So, are we impressed or not?…

The Braves’ Phil Niekro makes 44 starts and goes 21-20.

Sibling rivalry…

Phil ties his brother Joe Niekro, a starter with the Astros, for the NL lead in wins with 21.

Well, I’m still mom’s favorite …

Tigers starter Pat Underwood outduels brother Tom, who started for the Blue Jays, 1-0 on May 31.

Mister(s) 3000 …

Boston hitter Carl Yazstremski and Cardinals left fielder Lou Brock both get their 3000th hits.

Thurmanated …

Yankees catcher Thurman Munson dies when he crashes his plane.

The American League makes you smarter …

Joe Torre manages the Mets to their third straight last place finish.


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