On This Date in 1973

A nifty 50 years ago today at San Diego Stadium: playing in just his third big league game, Padres rookie Dave Winfield belts the first of his 465 career home runs.  The solo blast -- in the bottom of the 5th off Houston's Ken Forsch -- is the lone San Diego highlight in a 12-1 loss to the Astros. 
My photo came from a 2011 celebrity card and collectibles show in New Jersey, where Winfield appeared -- as did fellow Hall of Famer Bert Blyleven.  And here they are together!
In a very nice coincidence, on the same day that Winfield crushed his first homer, Blyleven tossed one of his league-leading nine shutouts that season.  
At Metropolitan Stadium, the 22 year old righty kept the Angels off the board -- as did California's Clyde Wright -- until Joe Lis singled in Bobby Darwin for the only run of the night, and a 1-0 Minnesota victory.  1973 became Blyleven's greatest season, where he won 20 games, struck out 258 and was named to the AL All Star Team. 
June 21st, 1973 -- a big day for both Blyleven and Winfield!!


 

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