Oct
On this day in 1981, the Montreal Expos clinched their first-ever postseason berth by defeating the New York Mets 5-4. All-Star Game MVP and Gold Glove winner Gary Carter led Montreal to the best record in the NL East during the second half of the strike-shortened ’81 season.
Aug
On August 10th 1997, Greg Maddux signed a five-year, $57.5 million contract extension with the Atlanta Braves, making him the highest-paid player in baseball. The 18-time Gold Glove winner and four-time NL Cy Young winner retired in 2008 with 355 career wins and 3,371 career strikeouts.
Jun
29 years ago today, the St. Louis Cardinals traded first baseman Keith Hernandez to the New York Mets for Neill Allen and Rick Ownbey. Hernandez hit better than .300 six times and won 11 Gold Gloves from 1978-1988, more than any first baseman in baseball history.
Apr
Celebrating his 71st birthday today is former Cincinnati Reds player and manager Pete Rose. “Charlie Hustle” remains the all-time MLB leader in hits (4,256), games played (3,562), and at-bats (14.053). He won three World Series rings, three batting titles, two Gold Gloves, one MVP, and made 17 All-Star game appearances at five different positions.
Dec
Today marks the 57th birthday of former Padres and Cardinals shortstop Ozzie Smith. “The Wizard” won 13 straight National League Gold Gloves from 1980-1992 and was a 15-time All-Star. A first-ballot Hall of Famer in 2002, Smith’s #1 was retired by St. Louis in 1996.
