July 23 Baseball History Daily

Happy Birthday - Pee Wee Reese

Against all odds, Pee Wee Reese earned an opportunity to play professional baseball, start for the Dodgers, play in several World Series, and be enshrined in the Hall of Fame. He did the little things that helped his teams win: bunt the runner over, go from first to third on a base hit, or range into the hole for a grounder. He was the best shortstop in the National League in the late 1940s and into the 1950s.

Pee Wee Reese got his nickname as a young champion marble shooter; a “pee wee” is a type of marble. A Kentucky native, he earned the monicker The Little Colonel as the star shortstop on the Louisville Colonels (American Association). After his arrival in Brooklyn, he was named captain of the Dodgers, and many called him The Captain. The title was well earned, as he was the leader of Dodger teams that won seven pennants in the 1940s and 1950s. When Jackie Robinson arrived in Brooklyn amid enormous pressures and player resentment, it was Reese who set the example of acceptance, putting his arm around Robinson’s shoulder on the field, showing the world he was Robinson’s teammate and friend.

Inducted as Player in 1984. (Voted by Veteran’s Committee)

Todays debut - John Smoltz

On July 23, 1962, Jackie Robinson, Bob Feller, Bill McKechnie, and Edd Roush are inducted into the Hall of Fame. Robinson, the first black player to participate in major league ball during the 20th century, also becomes the first African-American elected to the shrine.

In 1925, Yankees legend Lou Gehrig hit the first of his major league record 23 career grand slams in New York's win over the Senators.

In 2002, Nomar Garciaparra celebrated his birthday in grand style. As he turned 29, Boston's beloved shortstop hit three homers in the span of 2 innings as Boston crushed the Rays 22-4. By the time he blew out the candles, Nomar became the 26th player to hit five home runs in two games.

Historical Recap performed by:

Robyn Newton from - Robyn Says

Trivia is provided by -Horseshide Trivia

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