If Your Birthday is April 21st...



...you share it with the pitcher who appeared in more major league games than anyone in history. Jesse Orosco worked in 1252 games over 24 seasons in four decades. Best known as a Met, where he claimed his place in history for nailing down the last out in game seven of the 1986 World Series, Jesse is also in that select circle who've played for both New York teams -- though his 15-game Yankee stint in 2003 produced forgettable results (including an ERA over 10).

Zack Godley won 15 games for the 2018 Diamondbacks -- while leading the NL in hit batters and wild pitches. After struggling for Arizona and Toronto last season, he was in camp with the Tigers in March when baseball hit the "pause" button.

Edwin Rios graduated from the prolific Dodgers farm system in 2019, after belting 31 home runs for Triple A Oklahoma City.

Joc Pederson, the northern California native who's provided plenty of power to the Dodgers the past six seasons. Turning 28, he's already smacked 123 home runs.

Also on today's cake and candles list:

Jeff Keppinger was the moving van's best friend. The hard-to-strike out infielder appeared for seven different teams in his nine season career.

Al Bumbry's best season was his first: the Orioles' 1973 American League Rookie of the Year batted .337 and led the AL in doubles. Speed was a big part of his game. He twice stole more than 40 bases, and swiped 37 in 1979, when Baltimore won the pennant. On a date with no Hall of Fame inductees, it's fair to call Bumbry the best player born on April 21st -- or at least have him share the honor with Jesse Orosco.

Gary Peters was an effective lefty pitcher on some strong 1960s White Sox teams -- winning 20 games in 1964. The best hitting hurler of his time, he hit a career .222 with 19 homers.

And we remember:

Ken Caminiti, a talented 3rd baseman with the Astros and Padres -- where he won the 1996 NL MVP -- but whose career was derailed by self-admitted alcohol and cocaine abuse and clouded by his use of steroids. He died of an overdose in 2004.




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