On this day in 1873, William Joseph "Bill" Reidy was born in Cleveland, Ohio. He was 22 years old when he joined the 1896 New York Giants, and had pitched in just four major league games when he joined the 1901 Milwaukee Brewers in their inaugural (and only) major league season.
Reidy was the workhorse of the club that season, leading the team with 301.1 innings pitched. He made 33 starts and completed 28 of them, while also also finishing four games in relief. He allowed a relatively remarkable 364 hits over those outings, third most in the AL (Joe McGinnity of the Baltimore Orioles allowed 412). But, looking back, Reidy was the second most valuable player and most valuable pitcher on the roster.
1901 was Reidy's last full major league season. He followed the team to St. Louis in 1902 and played three more years in the majors, but combined to make just 38 more big league appearances.
Reidy would have turned 138 today. With help from the B-Ref Play Index, we'd also like to wish a happy birthday today to:
- Racine, Wisconsin native Jason Jaramillo, who turns 29. He's played the last three seasons as a member of the Pirates.
- 1998-99 Brewer Bill Pulsipher, who turns 38.
- 1992 Brewer Jim Tatum, who turns 44.
- 1989 Brewer Ray Krawczyk, who turns 52.
- 1981-82 Brewer Randy Lerch, who turns 57.
- 1970 Brewer Mike Hershberger, who turns 72.