On this day in 1947, Fred "Chicken" Stanley was born in tiny Farnhamville, IA. He attended high school in California before being drafted by the Astros in the eighth round of the 1966 draft, and eventually purchased by the Pilots in September of 1969. Stanley, a middle infielder, appeared in 17 games for Seattle as a 22 year old, his first experience in the major leagues.
Stanley played just six games as a 1970 Brewer and never made a plate appearance. But while most of the former Pilots faded into obscurity, Stanley's baseball journey was just beginning. He resurfaced as an Indian in 1971, was traded to the Padres in 1972, then traded again to the Yankees, and finally in 1980 the Yankees sent him to the A's.
By the time all was said and done Stanley had played 816 major league games over 14 seasons, and 22 postseason games as a member of the Yankees and A's. And when he played his final game for the A's on October 1, 1982, he was the last former Seattle Pilot to retire.
Stanley turns 64 today. With help from Brewerfan.net and the B-Ref Play Index, happy birthday today to:
- Huntsville Star Robert Hinton, who turns 27.
- 2009 Brewer Corey Patterson, who turns 32.
- 1990 Brewer Dennis Powell, who turns 48.