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On this day in 1964 the Milwaukee Braves got blown out at home, losing 8-2 to the Pirates. Seven of Pittsburgh's 15 hits came against Warren Spahn, who lasted just 3.2 innings in his 697th career appearance. By completing the first three outs, though, Spahn collected his 5000th major league inning.
Spahn's time as an effective major leaguer was more or less over at this point, but his career longevity is still something to behold. Despite serving in the military for three years in World War II he still pitched 21 seasons, appearing in 750 games and completing 382 of them.
Spahn finished his career with 5243.2 innings, the sixth most in the majors since 1901.
With help from the B-Ref Play Index, happy birthday today to:
- 2001-08 Brewer Ben Sheets, the #10 overall pick in the 1999 draft. He turns 35. We covered his birthday in this space two years ago.
- >1997 Brewer Antone Williamson, the #4 overall pick in the 1994 draft. He turns 40.
- Butch Edge, the Brewers' #6 overall pick in the 1974 draft. He turns 57.
- 1960-65 Milwaukee Brave Joe Torre, who turns 73.
Today is also the 43rd anniversary of infielder Ted Kubiak setting a franchise record with seven RBI in a win over the Red Sox in 1970. We covered that event in this space last year.