Outfielder Vada Pinson is probably best remembered as a Red, as he had some of the best years of his career there in the late 50's and 60's. In 1976 he was in camp with the Brewers trying to make one last big league roster, though, and when the Brewers released him on this day it was the end of his major league career.
A career .286/.327/.442 hitter, Pinson had collected 2757 hits in 2469 games as a member of five major league teams. He led the National League in triples, doubles and hits twice each during his time as a Red, and also led the league in runs scored in 1959. All told he played eighteen seasons in the majors, but was still done as a big leaguer at 36 years old.
Pinson appeared on the Hall of Fame ballot for the first time in 1981 and received votes in all 15 years of eligibility, but never got higher than 15.7%. His 2757 hits are the third most ever for an eligible player who is not enshrined in Cooperstown.
With help from Brewerfan.net and the B-Ref Play Index, happy birthday today to:
- 2011 Helena Brewer Mike Nemeth, who turns 23.
- 1987 Brewer Brad Komminsk, who turns 51.
- 1979 Brewer Ray Fosse, who turns 65. We noted his birthday in this space last year.