March 12
Yes, Kids, He Was Once a Giant, Too: Troubled ballplayer Darryl Strawberry was born on this date back in 1962, in Los Angeles. The former New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, and New York Yankees outfielder was a member of the San Francisco Giants for 29 games in 1994.
March 13
Give It up for the Nuschler: Former Giants great Will Clark was born on this date back in 1964, in New Orleans, LA. For those too young to appreciate him, The Thrill was always up for the occasion, even early on in his career – his first swing in the minor leagues resulted in a home run, and his first major league at-bat (against some guy named Nolan Ryan in the Astrodome) also had the same result. Hope you’re enjoying retirement, Will!
March 14
Oooh, Alberto: The Giants signed journeyman backup catcher Alberto Castillo on this date in 2003. The little-used Castillo had all of four RBIs that season – all on one swing, a grand slam in an 8-4 Giants victory against the Colorado Rockies on July 20th.
March 15
The Underappreciated Bonds: Mad props to former Giants great Bobby Bonds, born on this date in 1946, in Riverside, CA. Anyone from Willie Mays to Bobby’s son, Barry Bonds, would tell you that he was the first of his kind – a player who both hit for power and had the wheels to steal 40 bases a season.
March 16
He Mostly Wore a Red Blazer: Former Giant Don Blasingame was born on this date in 1932, in Corinth, MS. “Blazer” was an All-Star with the St. Louis Cardinals before coming over to the Giants in a trade in December 1959. He would later be packaged in a trade to the Cincinnati Reds for All-Star catcher Ed Bailey in 1961.
March 17
Oooh, Alberto (Part II): Apparently one grand slam wasn’t enough, as the Giants released part-time catcher Alberto Castillo on this date in 2004.
March 18
Big Daddy v the One-Armed Pitcher: During the spring before his best season, California Angels pitcher Jim Abbott stepped into the batter’s box on this date back in 1991 against the venerable Giant Rick Reuschel, who was enjoying his final spring before retirement. The resulting 400-foot triple by the one-handed Abbott is forever a part of Scottsdale lore.
Don Shin eats, breathes, thinks, and bleeds in Orange and Black.
Pac Bell Park officially opened on his 25th birthday (the one year he
decided to move out of the Bay Area!!!). For the 2000 playoff drive, he
dyed his hair orange while studying in Korea. He watched Game 6 of the
’02 World Series at a restaurant in LA, and couldn’t finish his meal
afterwards. Feel free to write him at dongsoo411@yahoo.com to commiserate, cheer, and complain.
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