Jack Billingham Position: Pitcher Bats: Right • Throws: Right 6-4, 195lb (193cm, 88kg) Born: February 21, 1943 in Orlando, FL Debut: April 11, 1968 (10,285th in MLB history) vs. NYM 0.2 IP, 0 H, 1 SO, 0 BB, 0 ER Last Game: June 20, 1980 (Age 37-120d) vs. CAL 3.1 IP, 10 H, 0 SO, 1 BB, 7 ER Full Name: John Eugene Billingham View Player Bio from…
On February 24, 1990, former Boston Red Sox slugger Tony Conigliaro dies at the age of 45. Conigliaro, who succumbs to pneumonia and kidney failure, had suffered a massive heart attack in 1982. Conigliaro appeared headed for stardom he was the youngest American League player ever to reach 100 career home runs in the 1960s before being…
On June 20, 1980, five-foot, five-inch Freddie Patek known by the nickname of “Flea” of the California Angels slugs three home runs in a game at Fenway Park. The diminutive shortstop, who will finish his career with only 41 home runs, becomes the smallest player to hit three homers in a game. Patek also contributes…
1975 – Jerry Koosman steals second base and pitches a complete game in a 3 – 1 New York Mets victory over the Cincinnati Reds.
The Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates split a doubleheader marked by a free-for-all which is later credited with inspiring Pittsburgh and turning its season around. The fight starts after a 4th inning beanball when Jack Billingham plunks pitcher Bruce Kison, bringing both teams onto the field. When Sparky Anderson accidentally steps on Ed Kirkpatrick’s foot, the Buc catcher shoves the Reds manager, earning him a punch from the Reds’ Andy Kosco. Pedro Borbon pins Daryl Patterson, pulling his hair out and a piece of flesh.
On April 4, 1974, Atlanta Braves slugger Hank Aaron blasts an historic three-run home run against Cincinnati Reds pitcher Jack Billingham on Opening Day. The home run is the 714th of Aaron’s Hall of Fame career, tying him with the legendary Babe Ruth for the most home runs in major league history.
On October 10, 1973, At Shea Stadium the New York Mets win their second National League pennant in five years. In the fifth game of the National League Championship Series, Tom Seaver wins a 7-2 decision over Jack Billingham and the Cincinnati Reds. Tug McGraw, who inspired the Mets with his “Ya Gotta Believe!” slogan,…
After waiting three hours to begin the game due to rain, the Reds beat San Francisco at Riverfront Stadium, 6-3. At the end of the contest, the Cincinnati fans are treated to the nation’s earliest Independence Day celebration, when the team begins launching fireworks at two o’clock in the morning. (Our thanks to NPC editor Steve Basford, who attended this game and stayed for the fireworks, for sharing this fact!)
On April 15, 1972 at Riverfront Stadium, on opening day Future Hall of Famer Don Sutton faces off against the Cincinnati Reds and Jack Billingham. Sutton beats the Reds 3-1, the only blemish on the day was Dennis Menke who homers. Frank Robinson drives in a run and Duke Simms homers for the visitors.@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF90YWdzIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsiYmVmb3JlIjoiIiwiYWZ0ZXIiOiIiLCJsaW5rX3RvX3Rlcm1fcGFnZSI6Im9uIiwic2VwYXJhdG9yIjoiIHwgIiwiY2F0ZWdvcnlfdHlwZSI6InBvc3RfdGFnIn19@ Sponsor…
In his major league debut, J.R. Richard throws a complete game in the Astros’ 5-3 victory over San Francisco at Candlestick Park. The 21 year-old right-handed fireballer strikes out a major-league rookie record 15 batters in his first major league appearance.