Posts Tagged ‘O’s’

8/31 Happy Birthday Frank Robinson


Happy birthday Frank Robinson. Frank was traded to the Orioles prior to the 1966 season in exchange for Milt Pappas, a trade recognized as the most lopsided in baseball history (queue opening credits to Bull Durham.) Frank paid immediate dividends as he hit for the Triple Crown (.316-49-122) and won the MVP as the Orioles swept the Dodgers in the World Series. Frank’s Hall of Fame career included 2 MVP’s, one in both the AL and NL; he is the only player to win it in each league. Frank still ranks in top 10 all-time in many offensive categories and there is no question that he did it without the aid performance enhancers. He became the first black manager in MLB history in 1975 with the Indians. He later won AL Manager of the year with the Orioles in 1989…the year the “why not” Orioles played for the AL East title into the seasons final weekend. Frank has won over 1,000 games as a manager league manager. Frank now works in MLB’s front office. Happy 74th Mr. Robinson!

Happy birthday Brian Davis. Brian played for the Redskins from 1987-1990, appearing in 38 games. Brian was a 2nd round pick out of Nebraska and played mostly on special teams and nickel situations. His best year came in 1989 when he intercepted 4 passes and had 59 tackles. Brian has a Super Bowl ring from the 87’ season. Happy 46th Mr. Davis.

Cheers and Hail

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Posted by fatpickle    Date: Monday, August 31, 2009

Categories: Fatpickled, Happy Birthday!, Orioles

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Aug 29/30: Happy Birthday Tre’ Johnson & Doug Decinces


Happy birthday Tre’ Johnson. Tre’ played 8 seasons for the Skins from 1994-2002. A 2nd round pick out of Temple, Tre’ appeared in 90 games for DC. Tre’ was not only the Redskins most reliable O-lineman in the 90’s…but also the largest at 6’2” 330 lbs. Despite his size Tre’ was very quick and agile and excelled on pulling plays. Tre’ also was the master of the “pancake” block, in which his opponent ended up on his backside. Tre’ made the Pro Bowl in 99’ as the Redskins won the NFC East and made the playoffs. In retirement Tre’ became a teacher at the Landon School in Maryland. Happy 38th Mr. Johnson.

Happy birthday Doug Decinces. Doug played 9 seasons with the Orioles from 1973-1981. He took over 3rd base for Brooks Robinson in 1976 and manned the position until a young kid named Cal Ripken Jr. relieved him in 1982. Doug was one of Cal’s idols growing up. A walk off homerun Doug hit in 1979 led to the slogan “orioles magic.” During his tenure as a starting 3rd baseman for the O’s, Doug averaged 17 HR’s and 66RBI’s. Doug was traded to the Angels before the 1982 season for “Disco” Dan Ford. Doug was inducted into the Orioles Hall of Fame in 2006. Doug retired after the 1987 season (his 15th) with 1,505 hits, 237 HR’s and 879 RBI’s. In retirement Doug started Decinces Properties, a real estate property firm in his native California. Happy 59th Mr. Decinces!

Cheers and Hail

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Posted by fatpickle    Date: Sunday, August 30, 2009

Categories: Fatpickled, Happy Birthday!, Orioles, Redskins

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Aug 24/25 Happy Bday Cal Ripken And Albert Belle

Happy birthday Cal Ripken. What more can I say about Cal? He’s my all-time favorite athlete in any sport. What more can you say about his stats? He’s a 19 time, yes… 19 time All-Star selection. One of only 8 players to have 300+ HR’s and 3000+ hits. 82 ROY, 2 time MVP and Hall of famer. Simply the greatest shortstop of all-time. In retirement Cal has been very busy. He (along with brother Bill) has started many business ventures under the Ripken Baseball umbrella. Minor league teams, books, memorabilia, public speaker, commercial endorser and more. His vision of growing baseball at the grass roots level has blossomed into hundreds of thousands of children learning to baseball “The Ripken Way.” Happy 49th Mr. Ripken.

Happy birthday Albert (Joey) Belle. Albert signed a 5yr-$65 million contract with the Orioles prior to the 1999 season. I remember him hitting an opposite field home run at Camden Yards in the opening game that season…I turned to Porkboy and said “he’s gonna hit 162 this year!” Ooops. Albert was on the Orioles payroll from 1999-2003, although he only was active in the 99-00 seasons. During his 2 seasons with the O’s Albert hit 60 dongs and drove in 220, so that was a little over $1 million per homerun. Albert developed an arthritic hip that cut his career with the Orioles short. He is one of only 5 MLB players (Ruth, Foxx, Gehrig & Pujols) to hit 30+ HR’s and drive in 100+ in 8 consecutive seasons. In retirement Albert got big as a house and started stalking escorts. Happy 43rd Mr. Belle.

Cheers and Hail

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Posted by fatpickle    Date: Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Categories: Fatpickled, Happy Birthday!, Orioles

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8/23 Happy Bday Sonny Jurgensen & Mike Boddicker

Happy birthday Sonny Jurgensen. Sonny is a Hall of Famer and an icon for all Skins fans. His legendary arm (which could launch a football 80 yards) won 3 NFL passing titles and threw for over 32,000 yards in his career. Vince Lombardi has been quoted as saying Sonny was the best QB he ever saw…what more is there to say than that? An all-around athlete, he played basketball, baseball and football in high school and played both ways (defensive back) in college. Starting in 1981, Sonny began calling games with Sam Huff and Frank Herzog (later Larry Michael.) How many of you would/do turn down your TV’s to listen to the radio show? Their voices take us back to the good old days…and Sonny just turned 75 years young. Happy birthday Mr. Jurgensen, I just may light up a stogie for you!


Happy birthday Mike Boddicker. Mike played 9 seasons for the Orioles from 1980-88. Mike went 16-8 with a 2.77 ERA in the 83’ season. He then went 2-0 with 2 complete games and 0.00 ERA in the postseason as the O’s went on to win the 83’ World Series. Mike followed that up with 20 wins and an ERA title (2.79) in 84’. In the 88’ season Mike was traded to the Red Sox for Brady Anderson and Curt Schilling. Mike retired after the 93’ season and now lives in his native Iowa. Happy 52nd Mr. Boddicker.

Cheers and Hail

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Posted by fatpickle    Date: Monday, August 24, 2009

Categories: Fatpickled, Happy Birthday!, Orioles, Redskins

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August 4: Happy Bday Riggo And BJ

Happy birthday John Riggins. What more can I say about my favorite football player of all time? He’s a hall of famer, leads the Redskins in every all-time rushing category and raised hell with the best of them. I can’t believe he’s 60 years old today. I know he could jump on a field right now and get a TD from the 1 yard line or get 3 yards on a 3rd and 2. I will have a beer for you tonight Riggo. Happy 60th Mr. Riggins!

Happy birthday BJ Surhoff. BJ played 8 seasons over 2 separate stints with the Orioles, 1996-2000 and 03-05. He ranks in the top 25 all-time in almost every offensive statistic in the history of the Orioles and was inducted into the Orioles Hall of Fame in 2007. For his career BJ batted .282 with 2,326 hits and 1,153 RBI’s. I love the way BJ played the game. He was a hardnosed ballplayer who could play any position. He was the #1 overall draft pick in the 1985 draft by the Milwaukee Brewers. He was also the 1985 ACC Male Athlete of the Year, sandwiched between 1984 winner Michael Jordan, and 1985 winner Len Bias. BJ has been busy in his retirement. He was a spring training instructor for the O’s in 2008 and traveled to China with Cal in to 2007 to instruct children how to play baseball. He’s also the Vice President of Pathfinders for Autism and has spent many years trying to help in the fight against the disorder that his son Mason was diagnosed with. I had the opportunity to meet BJ and have him as one of my coaches at the Ripken Fantasy Camp. He’s a great guy and I think he’d make an awesome hitting coach or manager one day (if he wants to.) Happy 45th Mr. Surhoff… (I won’t drop any more fly balls!)


Happy birthday Ravin Caldwell. Ravin spent 6 of his 7 NFL seasons with the Redskins from 1987-1993. He was a linebacker and special teams standout. Ravin appeared in 79 games, starting 14 and won 2 Super Bowl rings during his tenure. One of the highlights of my many trips to Redskins Park as a youth was watching highlights of the 87’ Super Bowl in the locker room area with Ravin and Reggie Branch. Ravin’s daughter was one of the top ranked women’s high school basketball players last year and will play for Cal this fall. Happy 46th Mr. Caldwell.

Happy birthday Jon Knott. There’s not much to say about Jon, he played a total of 7 games with the O’s in 2007. But, Jon was born in my hometown of Manassas, VA…and that earns him a happy birthday. Jon is still plugging along in the Independent League, making a living playing ball. Happy 31st Mr. Knott.
Cheers and Hail

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Posted by fatpickle    Date: Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Categories: Fatpickled, Orioles, Redskins

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July 27: Old School Oriole Birthdays

On a daily basis, Fatpickled recognizes the birthdays of the men who have played, and currently play for, my favorite teams. The Redskins, Orioles, Wizards, and Terps.


Happy birthday Floyd Rayford. “Sugar Bear,” played 6 seasons for the Orioles from 1980-87. A fan favorite, he played every infield position (except shortstop…some guy was hogging that positionJ) and catcher. His best season came in 1985 when he batted .306 with 18HR’s and 48RBI’s. The Toy Dept recently caught up with Floyd and he has a unique take on why that season was so good for him as well as good stories of Cal and him rooming together in the minors. Floyd was traded to the Cardinals in 1983 for Tito Landrum, whom would hit the home run that sent the O’s to the World Series. Of course the O’s loved him so much that they actually purchased him back from the Cards that offseason. In retirement Floyd got into coaching and he currently serves as the batting coach for the New Britain Rock Cats. Happy 52nd Mr. Rayford.


Happy birthday Rich Dauer. Rich played all 10 seasons of his career with Orioles from 1976-85, appearing in 2 World Series and winning a ring in 83’. He ranks in the Orioles top 30 all time in games played (1,140) and hits (984.) Rich was a great contact hitter that ranked in the top 3 in the AL in at bats per strikeouts from 1980-1983, leading the league twice. Primarily a 2B he also played some 3B and had an excellent .985 fielding % for his career. He also holds the AL record for consecutive errorless games (86) and errorless chances (425) for a 2B. In retirement he has coached extensively at the major league level and was a candidate for several managerial openings, including the O’s in 2003. I hope he gets his chance one day. Rich currently is the third base coach for the Colorado Rockies. Happy 57th Mr. Dauer.

Cheers and Hail

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Posted by fatpickle    Date: Monday, July 27, 2009

Categories: Fatpickled, Happy Birthday!, Orioles

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