If Your Birthday is May 15th...



...you share it with Josh Beckett.

 The Texas native was the ace on a pair of World Series champions, the 2003 Marlins -- where he shut out the Yankees in the clinching sixth game -- and 2007 Red Sox, his only 20-win season.

This image came from 2014, when he was winding his career down with the Dodgers, a season that included his only no-hitter, on May 25th at Philadelphia.

And a little slice of trivia, during a 2006 interleague game against the Phillies, Beckett became the first Red Sox pitcher in the DH era to hit a home run.

Also on today's cake and candles list:

  • Michael Brantley, the Indians ultra-talented, but oft-injured outfielder.
  • Brian Dozier, the Twins power-hitting second baseman.
  • Bill North, known for his fleet feet, he stole 50 or more bases during his career mainly with the A's and Giants.
  • Jim Adduci, the namesake son of a 1980s big league outfielder, has played in parts of three seasons, most recently (seen right), the 2017 Tigers.
  • A.J. Hinch, the onetime A's, Royals and Tigers catcher, and currently the manager of the defending World Champion Houston Astros.

Plus a pair of Hall of Famers:

  • John Smoltz, the legendary Braves lefty who excelled as both a starter and closer. The only Hall of Famer who led his league (in separate seasons) in both victories and saves. These days, he's one of baseball's top analysts, both on game coverage and in studio on MLB Network.
  • George Brett, the greatest player in Kansas City Royals history. A 12-time all star, he totaled 3153 hits and hit .305 over 21 seasons.




Comments

Rich Podolsky... said…
And Bobby Darin on May 15th.
May 15, 2018 at 10:00 AM
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