Mark Wagner – #5
Infielder Mark Wagner debuted on Aug. 20, 1976, in a 3-2 Tigers win over the Twins at Tiger Stadium. He went 2 for 3 with an RBI, highlighted by a single, off lefty Eddie Bane, in his first major league at bat.
Here are four things to know about the guy nicknamed Peanut:
- In five seasons with Detroit, the most games he played was 75, in 1979. He hit .271 with one homer and 13 RBI that year.
- His first career home run came on May 11, 1977 at Tiger Stadium off the Twins’ Geoff Zahn. The Tigers won, 8-3.
- On Dec. 10, 1980, the Tigers traded him to the Rangers for Kevin Saucier.
- On Aug. 20, 1984, playing for his third and last club, the A’s, Wagner pitched the final 1-2⁄3 innings against the Tigers in relief of Chuck Rainey. He faced seven batters:
- Gave up hits to Doug Baker and Marty Castillo
- Walked Barbaro Garbey
- Struck out Johnny Grubb
- Yielded a sac fly to Dave Bergman but the run was charged to Rainey.
Random Game: April 26, 1977
White Sox 10 – Tigers 7 (14 innings)
W: Lerrin LaGrow (1-0) – L: Steve Foucault (0-1) | Boxscore
More proof of how baseball has changed over the past 50ish years: A 14-inning game and Ralph Houk used only three pitchers: Dave Rozema started and went 7 innings, John Hiller went 6 in relief, and Steve Foucault pitched the 14th, giving up three runs.
- This was Rozema’s third career start and appearance.
- Aurelio Rodriguez and Phil Mankowski teamed up to go 5 for 6 on the day.
- Fellow St. Clair Shores native Jim Essian hit a paid of doubles in 6 at bats.
- LaGrow went six innings in relief agains his former team.
- Ron LeFlore had a rough day at the plate: 1 for 7, but he doubled in a run.
Miscellany
- Umpires: HP – Don Denkinger, 1B – Larry McCoy, 2B – Durwood Merrill, 3B – Dave Phillips.
- Time of Game: 3:58.
- Attendance: 6,396.
- Start Time Weather: 60° F
Birthdays
Nick Castellanos, Jack Hannahan, Mark Wagner and the late Les Mueller.
Today’s Grid
⚾️ Immaculate Grid 337 8/9 — Rarity: 132
See you tomorrow.
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