Baseball Birthdays October 30 - November 5

October 30

1998 Pacific #389 Danny Tartabull

Tartabull had a pretty decent career which came to a somewhat ignominious end. After having made $5MM plus for several years he was a free agent at the end of the 1996 season. The offers he got were much below that lofty figure and he held out hoping for more. He finally signed with the Phillies in late February 1997 for a measly $2MM. In his 7th at bat for the Phillies he fouled a ball off his foot and broke it. End of career.

October 31

1993 Finest #106 Fred McGriff

The Crime Dog had a 19 year career with the Blue Jays, Padres, Braves, Devil Rays, Cubs and Dodgers, hitting 493 home runs. He is still in the hunt for the Hall of Fame.

November 1

1989 Upper Deck #656 Fernando Valenzuela

Here's a quote from his Wikipedia page: With his youthful charm, devastating Screwball, "Ruthian physique", and a connection with Los Angeles' large Latino community, Valenzuela touched off an early '80s craze dubbed "Fernandomania"

November 2

1979 Topps Burger King Phillies #7 Ron Reed

Reed had a 19-year career as a starter and reliever. He played for the Phillies from 1976 through 1983. He is one of only five pitchers in MLB history to have 100 wins, 100 saves and 50 complete games.

November 3

2005 Upper Deck Past Time Pennants #6 Bob Feller

Finally a Hall of Famer for the week.  With a life time record of 266 wins against 162 losses, Rapid Robert (really?) was elected into the Hall of Fame in 1962. I don't remember hearing this but Feller passed away last year on December 15th at 92 years of age.

November 4
1985 Topps #134 Tito Francona

Perhaps best known these days as the father of Terry Francona.

November 5

2001 Topps Gold #140 Johnny Damon

Caveman is still going strong after 17 years in the majors.