Today's Birthday: Ken Rowe, Jamestown Falcons (1953), Watertown Indians (1995), Mahoning Valley Scrappers (2001-02, 06-10)

(Choice & Trading Card Database)

Former PONY/New York-Penn League prospect and coach Ken Rowe was born on this date in 1933. He played for the 1953 Jamestown Falcons and coached for the Watertown Indians (1995) and Mahoning Valley Scrappers (2001-02, 06-10).

Rowe played in the majors during three seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers (1963) and Baltimore Orioles (1964-65). 

He died on November 22, 2012, at the age of 78.

Source: Baseball Reference 

New York-Penn League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball or any of its teams.

 

Today's Birthday: Steve Gajkowski, Watertown Indians (1991) & Utica Blue Sox (1992)

(1992 Classic Best - Utica Blue Sox)

Happy Birthday to former New York-Penn League prospect Steve Gajkowski, who was born on this date in 1969. He played for the Watertown Indians in 1991, and Utica Blue Sox in 1992.

Gajkowski pitched in 9 games for the Seattle Mariners in 1998 (0-0, 7.27 ERA).  

Source: Baseball Reference 

New York-Penn League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball or any of its teams.

Today's Birthday: Bruce Brubaker, Wellsville Braves (1960)

(Miller Brewing & Trading Card Database)

Happy Birthday to former New York-Penn League prospect Bruce Brubaker, who was born on this date in 1941. He pitched for the Wellsville Braves in 1960. 

Brubaker spent 14 seasons in the minor leagues, playing in the Milwaukee Braves, Detroit Tigers, Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Dodgers and Milwaukee Brewers organizations. He played in a total of two major league games for the 1967 Dodgers (1.1 IP) and 1970 Brewers (2 IP). 

Source: Baseball Reference 

New York-Penn League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball or any of its teams.

PONY League News on December 28, 1950

End of the year issue of Olean Times Herald summarizes "They made news in local area sports action in 1950".

 

Source: Olean Times Herald , newspapers.com & Baseball Reference

New York-Penn League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball or any of its teams. 

 

 

Today's Birthday: Byron Browne, Batavia Pirates (1963)

 

(Pro's Pizza & Trading Card Database)

Happy 79th birthday to former New York-Penn League prospect Byron Browne. He played in 128 games for the 1963 Batavia Pirates.

Browne played in the majors during 8 seasons for the Chicago Cubs (1965-67), Houston Astros (1968), St. Louis Cardinals (1969), and Philadelphia Phillies (1970-72).  

Source: Baseball Reference 

New York-Penn League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball or any of its teams.  

 

 

Today's Birthday: Stu Miller, Hamilton Cardinals (1950)

(Bowman & Trading Card Database)

Former PONY League prospect Stu Miller was born on this date in 1927. He pitched for the 1950 Hamilton (Ontario) Cardinals.

Miller played in the majors during 16 seasons for the St. Louis Cardinals (1952-56), Philadelphia Phillies (1956), New York Giants (1957), San Francisco Giants (1958-1962), Baltimor Orioles (1963-67), and Atlanta Braves (1968) .  He pitched in both All-Star games in 1961.

He died on January 4, 2015, at the age of 87.

Source: Baseball Reference 

New York-Penn League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball or any of its teams.    

Today's Birthday: Nellie Fox, Jamestown Falcons (1944)

(Bowman & Trading Card Database

Former PONY League prospect and Hall of Fame infielder Nellie Fox was born on this date in 1927. He played for the 1944 Jamestown Falcons.

Fox played in the major leagues during 19 seasons for the Philadelphia Athletics (1947-49), Chicago White Sox (1950-63), and Houston Colt 45's/Astros (1964-65).  Fox was on 15 All-Star teams and played in the 1959 World Series. In 1959, he was the American League Most Valuable Player.

In 1997, he was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee.

Fox died of cancer on December 1, 1975 at the age of 47.

Source: Baseball Reference 

New York-Penn League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball or any of her teams.  

Today's Birthday: Frank Taveras, Geneva Pirates (1969)

Happy Birthday to former New York-Penn League prospect Frank Taveras, who was born on this date in 1949. He played for the 1969 Geneva Pirates.

Taveras played in the major leagues during 11 seasons for the Pittsburgh Pirates (1971-72, '74-'79), New York Mets (1979-81) and Montreal Expos (1982). He led the National League in stolen bases in 1977, with 70.

His son, Frank Taveras, Jr. played in the minor leagues.

Source: Baseball Reference 

New York-Penn League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball or any of its teams.

 

Today's Birthday: Jerry Koosman, Auburn Mets (1966) & Pittsfield Mets (1991)

(New York Mets & Trading Card Database

Happy Birthday to former New York-Penn League prospect and coach Jerry Koosman, who was born on this date in 1942. He pitched for the 1966 Auburn Mets and was the Pittsfield Mets pitching coach in 1991.

Koosman played in the majors for 19 seasons with the New York Mets (1967-78), Minnesota Twins (1979-81), Chicago White Sox (1981-83), and Philadelphia Phillies (1984-85). He was named to the 1968 and '69 National League All Star teams and won 2 games in the 1969 World Series.

Source: Baseball Reference 

New York-Penn League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball or any of its teams.   

 

Today's Birthday: Paul Casanova, Geneva Senators (1963-64)

(O-Pee-Chee & Trading Card Database

Former New York-Penn League prospect Paul Casanova was born on this date in 1941, in Colon, Cuba. He played for the Geneva Senators during two seasons (1963-64).

Casanova played 10 seasons in the majors for the Washington Senators (1965-71) and Atlanta Braves(1972-74).

He died on August 12, 2017, at the age of  75.

Source: Baseball Reference 

New York-Penn League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball or any of its teams.   

Today's Birthday: Cecil Cooper, Jamestown Falcons (1968)

(Boston Red Sox & Trading Card Database)

Former New York-Penn League prospect Cecil Cooper was born on this date in 1949. He played for the 1968 Jamestown Falcons.

Cooper went on to play in the majors during 17 seasons with the Boston Red Sox (1971-76), and Milwaukee Braves (1977-87). During his career, he was named to 5 American League All Star teams and was awarded 2 Gold Gloves and 3 Silver Sluggers.

After his playing career, he coached for the Milwaukee Brewers and Houston Astros and managed the Houston Astros (2007-09).

Source: Baseball Reference 

New York-Penn League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball.

On this Date: December 19, 1939

The St. Louis Cardinals may move the Hamilton, Ontario franchise to Franklin, Pennsylvania. 

(They didn't. The Red Wings remained in Hamilton through the 1942 season.) 

Source: The Bradford Evening Star & Daily Record, newspapers.com & Baseball Reference

New York-Penn League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball or any of its teams. 

 

Today's Birthday: Zoilo Versalles, Elmira Pioneers (1958)

Former New York-Penn League prospect Zoilo Versalles was born on this date in 1939 in Havana, Cuba. He played for the 1958 Elmira Pioneers.

Versalles went on to play for the Washington Senators (1959-60, '69), Minnesota Twins (1961-67), Los Angeles Dodgers (1968), Cleveland Indians (1969), and Atlanta Braves (1971). He played in two All-Star games (1963 & 1965) and the 1965 World Series. He was the American League Most Valuable Player in 1965.

Versalles died on June 9, 1995 in Bloomington, Minnesota at the age of 55.

Source: Baseball Reference 

New York-Penn League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball. 

On this Date: December 17, 1947

The Pittsburgh Pirates sell the Hornell, New York ballclub to a local Hornell group.

Source: The Bradford Era, newspapers.com & Baseball Reference

New York-Penn League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball or any of its teams.  

 

On this Date: December 16, 1953

Erie, Pennsylvania hopes to have a minor league team in the PONY League. The Erie Senators will play in the PONY League in 1954, as an affiliate of the Washington Senators. 

Source: Binghamton Press, newspapers.com & Baseball Reference

New York-Penn League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball or any of its teams.  

On this Date: December 15, 1942

Jamestown Falcons' player/manager Greg Mulleavy is leaving position. Will manage the International League Buffalo Bisons during 1943 season. 

Source: The Ithaca Journal and newspapers.com

New York-Penn League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball or the New York-Penn League.

 

On this Date: December 14, 1943

The head of the Philadelphia Phillies minor league system will visit Bradford, Pennsylvania to discuss territorial rights. The PONY League team in Bradford will be affiliated with the Phillies from 1944 through the 1955 season.

Source: The Bradford Daily Star and newspapers.com

New York-Penn League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball or the New York-Penn League.

 

On this Date: December 13, 1954

The Pennsylvania-Ontario-New York League will continue to be known as the PONY League. (note: It became known as the New York-Penn League prior to the 1957 season).

Source: The Ithaca (NY) Journal and newspapers.com

New York-Penn League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball or the New York-Penn League.

 

On this Date: December 12, 1945

On this date in 1945, the PONY League announced it would increase the salary limit to $1,800.

Source: Bradford Evening Star & Daily Record and newspapers.com

New York-Penn League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball or the New York-Penn League.

 

Today's Birthday: Steve Farr, Niagara Falls Pirates (1977)

(Fleer & Trading Card Database)

Happy Birthday to former New York-Penn League prospect Steve Farr, who was born on this date in 1956. He pitched for the 1977 Niagara Falls Pirates.

Farr pitched in the majors for 11 seasons with the Cleveland Indians (1984, '94), Kansas City Royals (1985-90), New York Yankees (1991-93), and Boston Red Sox (1994).

Source: Baseball Reference 

 

New York-Penn League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball or the New York-Penn League.

 

Today's Birthday: Adam Peterson, Niagara Falls Sox (1985)

(Score & Trading Card Database)

 

Happy Birthday to former New York-Penn League prospect Adam Peterson, who was born on this date in 1965. He played for the 1985 Niagara Falls Sox.

Peterson played in the major leagues during 5 seasons with the Chicago White Sox (1987-90), and San Diego Padres (1991).

Source: Baseball Reference 

 

 

New York-Penn League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball or the New York-Penn League.

 

Today's Birthday: Jeff Bettendorf, Little Falls Mets (1980)

(TCMA & Trading Cards Database)

 

Happy Birthday to former New York-Penn League prospect Jeff Bettendorf, who was born on this date in 1960. He pitched for the 1980 Little Falls Mets.

Bettendorf played in three games for the Oakland Athletics in 1984.

Source: Baseball Reference 

New York-Penn League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball or the New York-Penn League.

 

Today's Birthday: Jim Merritt, 1962 Erie Sailors

(Topps Co. & Trading Card Database)

 

Happy Birthday to former New York-Penn League prospect Jim Merritt, who was born on this date in 1943. He pitched for the 1962 Erie Sailors (19-8, 3.67 ERA).

Merritt pitched in the major leagues with the Minnesota Twins (1965-68), Cincinnati Reds (1969-72) and Texas Rangers (1973-75). He pitched in the 1970 All-Star game and in one game of the 1970 World Series.  

Source: Baseball Reference 

New York-Penn League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball or the New York-Penn League.

 

Today's Birthday: Brant Alyea, Geneva Redlegs (1962)

(Topps Co. & Trading Card Database)

Happy Birthday to former New York-Penn League prospect Brant Alyea, who was born on this date in 1940. He hit 32 home runs for the Geneva Redlegs in 1962.

Alyea played in the major leagues during 6 seasons with the Washington Senators (1965, '68-'69), Minnesota Twins (1970-71), Oakland Athletics (1972), and St. Louis Cardinals (1972).

His son Brant Alyea, Jr. played in the minors from 1986 to 1990.

Source: Baseball Reference 

New York-Penn League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball or any of its teams. 

Today's Birthday: Osvaldo "Ozzie" Virgil, Jr., Auburn Phillies (1976)

(Fleer & Trading Card Database)

Happy Birthday to Osvaldo "Ozzie" Virgil, Jr., who was born on this date in 1956. He played for the Auburn Phillies in 1976.

Virgil played in the majors during 11 seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies (1980-85), Atlanta Braves (1986-88), and Toronto Blue Jays (1989-90). He was a two time National League All Star (1985 & '87).

He is the son of former major leaguer Ozzie Virgil. 

Source: Baseball Reference 

New York-Penn League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball or any of its teams.

Today's Birthday: Armado Samuel, Wellsville Braves (1958-59)

(New York Mets & Trading Card Database)

Happy Birthday to former New York-Penn League prospect Amado Samuel, who was born on this date in 1938. He played for the Wellsville Braves in 1958 and '59.

Samuel played in the majors during three seasons for the Milwaukee Braves (1962-63) and New York Mets (1964).

 

Source: Baseball Reference 

New York-Penn League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball or any of its teams.

Today's Birthday: Chico Ruiz, Geneva Redlegs (1958)

(Topps Co. & Trading Card Database

Former New York-Penn League prospect Chico Ruiz was born on this date in 1938. He played for the 1958 Geneva Redlegs. 

Ruiz played in the majors for 8 seasons with the Cincinnati Reds (1964-69) and California Angels (1970-71).

He was killed in a car accident on February 9, 1972, at the age of 33.

Source: Baseball Reference 

New York-Penn League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, the New York-Penn League, or any of its teams.

Today's Birthday: Stan Jefferson, Little Falls Mets (1983) & Pittsfield Mets (1995)

(Pittsfield Mets & Trading Card Database

Happy Birthday to former New York-Penn League prospect and coach Stan Jefferson, who was born on this date in 1962. He played for the 1983 Little Falls Mets and was a coach for the Pittsfield Mets in 1995.

Jefferson played in the majors during 6 seasons with the New York Mets (1986), San Diego Padres (1987-88), New York Yankees (1989), Baltimore Orioles (1989-90), Cleveland Indians (1990), Cincinnati Reds (1991). 

After his baseball career, he became a New York City police officer.

Source: Baseball Reference 

New York-Penn League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, the New York-Penn League, or any of its teams.

Today's Birthday: Ed Connolly, Jr., Olean Red Sox (1961-62)

(Topps Co. & Trading Card Database)

Former New York-Penn League (NYPL) prospect Ed Connolly Jr. was born on this date in 1939. He played in the NYPL during two seasons with the Olean Red Sox (1961-62).

Connolly went on to pitch in majors with the Boston Red Sox (1964) and Cleveland Indians (1967). After he retired from baseball, he became a vice-president of an investment company.

His father, Ed Connolly Sr. was a catcher with the Boston Red Sox (1929-32). 

Ed Connolly Jr. died on July 1, 1998, at the age of 58.

Source: Baseball Reference and SABR

New York-Penn League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, the New York-Penn League, or any of its teams.

 

 

Today's Birthday: Andre Rodgers, Olean Giants (1954)

(Topps Co. & Trading Card Database)

Former PONY League prospect Andre Rodgers was born on this date in 1934. He played for the Olean Giants in 1954. 

Rodgers  played in the majors for 11 seasons with the New York/San Francisco Giants (1957-60), Chicago Cubs (1961-64), and Pittsburgh Pirates (1965-67).

He died on December 13, 2004 at the age of 70.

Source: Baseball Reference 

New York-Penn League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, the New York-Penn League, or any of its teams.

 

Today's Birthday: George Lerchen, Jamestown Falcons (1942, '46)

(Detroit News)

Former PONY (New York-Penn) League prospect George Lerchen was born on this date in 1922. He played for the Jamestown Falcons in 1942 and 1946.

Lerchen played in the majors for the Detroit Tigers (1952) and the Cincinnati Reds (1953).

 

He died on March 26, 2014, at the age of 91. See obituary.

Source: Baseball Reference 

New York-Penn League History is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, or any of its teams.