Blow Out the Candles December 22

Philadelphia A's owner and manager, Hall of Famer , Cornelius McGillicuddy, Connie Mack, was born in East Brookfield, Massachusetts on this date in 1862.

1994 UD Baseball The American Epic #43

 Mack managed the Pittsburgh Pirates for 3 seasons and the Philadelphia Athletics for an astounding 50 years. His overall wins total of 3731 will likely never be broken.  The recently retired Tony LaRussa,  at age 67, was still over 1000 wins behind Connie.

April 11, 1927

Connie Mack presenting Lefty Grove with the 1931 MVP award, August 1932

Hall of Fame pitcher Steve Carlton is celebrating his 67th birthday today.

 1969 Topps #255

 Lefty's accomplishments are many.  Among them Steve was a 10 time All-Star, 4 time Cy Young winner, and won 2 World Series championships. His 329 wins are 2nd among left-handers behind Warren Spahn and 11th overall and his 4,136 strikeouts are 4th all-time.

"When Steve (Carlton) and I die, we are going to be buried in the same cemetery, sixty feet, six inches apart." - Tim McCarver

"Hitting him is like trying to drink coffee with a fork."--Willie Stargell

"Lefty was a craftsman, an artist. He was a perfectionist. He painted a ballgame. Stroke, stroke, stroke, and when he got through (pitching a game) it was a masterpiece." - Richie Ashburn

If you were around in the 60's and 70's you'll recognize the face above. Game show host Gene Rayburn was born on this date in 1917. During the time that game shows were king Rayburn was one of the princes. He'll be remembered mostly for his long run on various versions of The Match Game.

Twins Robin and Maurice Gibb of The Bee Gees were born on this date in 1949.