In 2013, spring training got an extra early start due to the World Baseball Classic. The Brewers will already play their seventh game of the Cactus League season today, and it's still not March.
In 1955, however, things were a little different. The Braves reported to Bradenton, Florida 58 years ago today and were fined $500 by the National League for opening camp before March 1. Factoring in inflation, that's roughly a $4250 fine in 2012 dollars.
Despite reporting early, the Braves still weren't able to pass the Dodgers and take over the NL this season. They finished in second place at 85-69, finishing behind Brooklyn for the third time in three seasons in Milwaukee.
With help from the B-Ref Play Index, happy birthday today to 1977-79 Brewer Jim Wohlford. He turns 62.
Today is also the 24th anniversary of former Milwaukee Brave Red Schoendienst being elected to the Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee. We covered that event in this space last year.