Horsehide-Trivia

[Old Sweater]

Walter,​

MONDAY — 24-Mar-2025 Q. Which Hall of Famer was the first to hit pinch-hit grand slams in both leagues? Hint: #1 He led the majors in home runs in four seasons but led his league in strikeouts seven times. Hint: #2 He has the fifth-highest WAR for any player born in the state of Maryland. A. JIMMIE FOXX [SABR Bio] - Ans. Hit a GS for PHA in the 7th off DET’s Tommy Bridges on 21-Sep-1931 pinch-hitting for C Joe Palmisano. Fourteen years later, hit a GS for PHI in the 8th off STL’s Ken Burkhart on 18-May-1945 pinch-hitting for P Andy Karl. - #1 Led MLB in HR 1932 (58); 1933 (48); 1935 (36); & 1939 (35). Led AL in Ks in 1929 (70); 1930 (66); 1931 (84); 1933 (93); 1935 (99); 1936 (119); 1941 (103). - #2--- Babe Ruth---------- 162.2 --------- Lefty Gove---------- 113.2 --------- Cal Ripken----------- 95.9 --------- Al Kaline-------------- 92.7 --------- Foxx-------------------- 92.2 FCR - Anderson Adams, Peachtree Corners, Georgia TUESDAY — 25-Mar-2025 Q. Who was the first Houston (National League) player to score thirty runs in a calendar month? Hint: #1 A Vietnamese native surrendered his four hundredth career home run. Hint: #2 He received the Role Model of the Year Award from the county where he grew up. A. JEFF BAGWELL [SABR Bio] - Ans. Scored 30 X in Jun-1994, before the labor troubles canceled the rest of the season. - #1 Hit his 400th HR on 20-Jul-2003 off Danny Graves who was born in Saigon. - #2 Received the Middlesex County, Connecticut RMYA for 1999. FCR - Brad Clark, Madison, Wisconsin WEDNESDAY — 26-Mar-2025 Q. Who is the most recent player to win a second National League MVP? Hint: #1 He led all of junior college baseball in both homers and RBI at the age of seventeen. Hint: #2 He was drafted first overall as a catcher. A. BRYCE HARPER [B-R Bio] - Ans. Harper won NL MVPs in 2015(Unanimous) & 2021. - #1 Harper got his GED after his sophomore year of HS so he could play J.C. baseball in 2010. Going into the Junior College World Series, Harper was hitting .442/.524/.986 with 29 HR, 89 RBI, 88 R & 18 SB in 62 G. - #2 Picked #1 by WAS in 2010. He wad scouted as a catcher but announced as a fielder. FCR - Gabe Kinstlinger, Reisterstown, Maryland​

 

[Old Sweater]

MIDWEEK BONUS — 26-Mar-2025

Q. Who was the last Cleveland Indians player to hit for the cycle in the twentieth century?

Hint: #1 He won the Roberto Clemente Award but then missed the entire next season. Good fortune soon returned, however, when he eventually he won the Comeback Player of the Year Award.

Hint: #2 His hometown and his nickname have atmospheric implications.

A. ANDRE THORNTON [SABR Bio]

- Ans. Cycle = 22-Apr-1978. Travis Hafner, Rajai Davis & Jake Bauers have done it for CLE since 2001.

- #1 A severe knee injury cost him all of 1980 & he only played 69 G in 1981. In 1982, he had 32 HR, 116 RBI &109 BB, earning him The Sporting News “Comeback Player of the Year Award”.

- #2 Thornton’s sobriquet was “Thunder” and he was born in Tuskegee, Alabama, home to the famous flying Tuskegee Airmen of World War II fame.

FCR - Kanya Honoki, Nara, Japan



NEW THEME BEGINS HERE



THURSDAY — 27-Mar-2025

Q. Who set a record when he hit home runs from both sides of the plate in one game, four times in one season?

Hint: #1 Only he has switch-hit home runs in a game three times in a week.

Hint: #2 He had the names of his daughters tattooed on his chest.

A. KEN CAMINITI [SABR Bio]

- Ans.

Dates in 1996 Pitchers, (Hand), Inning

01-Aug-................ Terrell Wade (BLTL) 3rd & Brad Clontz (BRTR) 8th.

21-Aug-................ Ugueth Urbina (BRTR) 1st& Omar Dahl (BLTL) 7th.

28-08-................... Mark Clark (BRTR) 7th & John Franco (BLTL) 9th.

11-Sep-................ Francisco Cordova (BRTR) 5th & Matt Ruebel (BLTL) 7th.

The record of 4 was tied by new Blue Jay Anthony Santander when he was with BAL in 2002.

- #1 Actually, thrice in a 4-day span: 16-, 17-& 19-Sep-1995.

- #2 A 1999 Sports Illustrated article mentions, “His most prominent tattoo, on his chest, bears the names of his three daughters, on whom he dotes.” No photo available

FCR - Mark DeLodovico, Rockville, MD

 

[Old Sweater]

Which former Most Valuable Player had his college uniform number retired?









Hint: #1 He won he Comeback Player of the Year Award after a brief self-imposed interregnum.




Hint: #2 He seems to be doing well in his new job.

 

[wood20ks]

“His most prominent tattoo, on his chest, bears the names of his three daughters, on whom he dotes.” No photo available

Lol....last thing I wanna see is a man's chest.....

 

[Old Sweater]

Who holds the record for hitting the most home runs in his second full season in the majors?









Hint: #1 He appears four times in his hundred-and-forty-year-old franchise’s Top Ten season home run list.




Hint: #2 Among position players, only Willie McCovey won a Rookie of the Year Award in fewer games played.








Mondays question answered:

Q. Which former Most Valuable Player had his college uniform number retired?

Hint: #1 He won he Comeback Player of the Year Award after a brief self-imposed interregnum.

Hint: #2 He seems to be doing well in his new job.

A. BUSTER POSEY [B-R Bio]

- Ans. Florida State University retired his uniform #8 in 2023. Posey, who was a 2-time 1st-team All-America C for the Seminoles in 2007 & 2008, won virtually every award in college baseball including the Golden Spikes Award, Dick Howser Trophy, Brooks Wallace, Johnny Bench & Player of the Year honors by Baseball America, Collegiate Baseball & Rivals.com in his Jr. season.

- #1 Won the CPY in 2021 after sitting our 2020, citing worries about the Covid pandemic.

- #2 Posey id now the Giants’ President of Baseball Operations and SFG 2025 currently has a record of 3-1.



FCR - William Waite, Oakland, California





~ D. Bruce Brown

 

[Old Sweater]

Who is the only catcher to lead the majors in home runs for a season and then do it a second time? Hint: #1 He also led the majors in Runs Batted In, three times. Hint: #2 His childhood friends nicknamed him “Hands”. Tuesday's question answered: Q. Who holds the record for hitting the most home runs in his second full season in the majors? Hint: #1 He appears four times in his hundred-and-forty-year-old franchise’s Top Ten season home run list. Hint: #2 Among position players, only Willie McCovey won a Rookie of the Year Award in fewer games played. A. RYAN HOWARD [SABR Bio] - Ans. After a “cup of coffee” where he hit 2 HR in 2004 and a rookie (ROY) campaign in 2006 that produced 22, Howard exploded with 58 round-trippers in 2006, leading the majors & smashing Mike Schmidt’s Phillies’ franchise record of 48 in 1980. It was Howard’s career best. - #1 Howard dominates the Phillies list of 10 seasons with the most home runs, appearing at #1, #2, #4 & #8: 1. Ryan Howard....... 2006..... 58 2. Ryan Howard....... 2008..... 48 Mike Schmidt....... 1980..... 48 4. Ryan Howard....... 2007..... 47 Kyle Schwarber.... 2023..... 47 Jim Thome........... 2003..... 47 7. Kyle Schwarber.... 2022..... 46 8. Ryan Howard....... 2009..... 45 Mike Schmidt....... 1979..... 45 10. Chuck Klein.........1929..... 43 - #2 McCovey played only 52 G in 1959before winning the (unanimous) NL ROY. Howard played 88 G in 2005, just ahead of (or below) Bob Horner’s 89 G in 1978. Kyle Lewis’ 58 G in his unanimous ROY 2020 is not on an equal footing here. FCR - Mark McFadden, Elverson, Pennsylvania​ ~ D. Bruce Brown​

 

[wood20ks]

Tuesday's question answered:

Q. Who holds the record for hitting the most home runs in his second full season in the majors?

Hint: #1 He appears four times in his hundred-and-forty-year-old franchise’s Top Ten season home run list.

Hint: #2 Among position players, only Willie McCovey won a Rookie of the Year Award in fewer games played.

A. RYAN HOWARD [SABR Bio]

I never would of guessed Ryan Howard.....I was actually gonna go Willie Stargell or Dave Parker......

 

[wood20ks]

Who is the only catcher to lead the majors in home runs for a season and then do it a second time?









Hint: #1 He also led the majors in Runs Batted In, three times.




Hint: #2 His childhood friends nicknamed him “Hands”.

Johnny Bench......??

 

[obxyankeefan]

Johnny Bench......??

Was my guess also

 

[Old Sweater]

Who is the only player to hit twenty home runs in a season in the Astrodome?









Hint: #1 He is the only first baseman on a Texas-based National League franchise to win a Gold Glove.




Hint: #2 He donated his signed, game-used jersey, hat, bat and ball from a rehab assignment with the proceeds going to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.








Tuesday Twice question answered:

Q. Who is the only catcher to lead the majors in home runs for a season and then do it a second time?

Hint: #1 He also led the majors in Runs Batted In, three times.

Hint: #2 His childhood friends nicknamed him “Hands”.

A. JOHNNY BENCH [SABR Bio]

- Ans. Bench led the NL (and MLB) in 1970 w/45 HR & in 1972 w/40. Only a handful have ever even done it once. BTW., Bench was NL MVP in 1970 & 1972. The Cubs’ Billy Williams took the silver both those years.

- #1 Bench’s MLB-leading RBI seasons were ’70 & ’72 again, w/148 & 125, but he added 129 in 1974.

- #2 Well… 7!



FCR - Bob Heckman, Alexandria, Virginia





~ D. Bruce Brown

 

[Old Sweater]

Johnny Bench......??

Was my guess also

Correct

 

[wood20ks]

Who is the only player to hit twenty home runs in a season in the Astrodome?









Hint: #1 He is the only first baseman on a Texas-based National League franchise to win a Gold Glove.




Hint: #2 He donated his signed, game-used jersey, hat, bat and ball from a rehab assignment with the proceeds going to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Bob Watson or Doug Radar.......??

I think Radar was a catcher,so Im gonna go Watson.

 

[obxyankeefan]

Who is the only player to hit twenty home runs in a season in the Astrodome?









Hint: #1 He is the only first baseman on a Texas-based National League franchise to win a Gold Glove.




Hint: #2 He donated his signed, game-used jersey, hat, bat and ball from a rehab assignment with the proceeds going to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.








Tuesday Twice question answered:

Q. Who is the only catcher to lead the majors in home runs for a season and then do it a second time?

Hint: #1 He also led the majors in Runs Batted In, three times.

Hint: #2 His childhood friends nicknamed him “Hands”.

A. JOHNNY BENCH [SABR Bio]

- Ans. Bench led the NL (and MLB) in 1970 w/45 HR & in 1972 w/40. Only a handful have ever even done it once. BTW., Bench was NL MVP in 1970 & 1972. The Cubs’ Billy Williams took the silver both those years.

- #1 Bench’s MLB-leading RBI seasons were ’70 & ’72 again, w/148 & 125, but he added 129 in 1974.

- #2 Well… 7!



FCR - Bob Heckman, Alexandria, Virginia





~ D. Bruce Brown

I wanted to say Glenn Davis, but the Katrina clue tells me Jeff Bagwell.

 

[wood20ks]

I wanted to say Glenn Davis, but the Katrina clue tells me Jeff Bagwell.

Not sure when they finally closed the Astrodome......I just never realized Bags and Davis played in that stadium......

 

[obxyankeefan]

Not sure when they finally closed the Astrodome......I just never realized Bags and Davis played in that stadium......

probably around 2000

 

[wood20ks]

probably around 2000

I finally googled it,it was in 99....
Glenn Davis played in the 80s-90s,Bags was just getting going in the 90s.....

So its most likely Bags or Davis......nice call.

 

[Old Sweater]

I wanted to say Glenn Davis, but the Katrina clue tells me Jeff Bagwell.

Bags it is.

Who was the last Most Valuable Player before Maury Wills in 1962 to also lead the majors on stolen bases the same season? Hint: #1 Like Wills, he did not debut in National League until he was more than twenty-six years old. Hint: #2 He beat Rosa by eleven years. Wednesday's question answered: Q. Who is the only player to hit twenty home runs in a season in the Astrodome? Hint: #1 He is the only first baseman on a Texas-based National League franchise to win a Gold Glove. Hint: #2 He donated his signed, game-used jersey, hat, bat and ball from a rehab assignment with the proceeds going to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. A. JEFF BAGWELL [SABR Bio] - Ans. He did it 3 X: In 1997, The Astrodome’s antepenultimate season, 22 of Bagwell’s 43 HR were hit at home. He also hit 23 of his 39 HR at home in 1994, his MVP year. In 1998, 20 of Bagwell’s 34 HR were Astrodome-domiciled. - #1 Bagwell was GG at 1st for HOU in 1994, his (unanimous) MVP year. - #2 In 2005, his final year in the majors, Bagwell had to rehabilitate from shoulder surgery to address an arthritic condition & numerous degenerative bone spurs. He rehabbed in the minors, playing 3 G w/ the AA Corpus Christi Hooks. The items were auctioned on eBay. FCR - James Casey, Savannah​

~ D. Bruce Brown​

 

[obxyankeefan]

I finally googled it,it was in 99....
Glenn Davis played in the 80s-90s,Bags was just getting going in the 90s.....

So its most likely Bags or Davis......nice call.

Davis was playing for Baltimore in the early 90s. I want to say 91, he was sent down to AAA and during a series with the Tides. He and his teammates decided to go to Peabody's, at the Virginia Beach oceanfront. Davis had a few too many and started mouthing off. The bouncer beat the shit out of Davis breaking his jaw in the process. Davis's career ended that night.

 

[wood20ks]

Davis was playing for Baltimore in the early 90s. I want to say 91, he was sent down to AAA and during a series with the Tides. He and his teammates decided to go to Peabody's, at the Virginia Beach oceanfront. Davis had a few too many and started mouthing off. The bouncer beat the shit out of Davis breaking his jaw in the process. Davis's career ended that night.

Embarassment at its finest.....he will never live that down either.