George Cappuzzello – #41
George Cappuzzello, the man who allegedly was on an ice cream and doughnut diet during Spring Training in 1981, appeared in just 18 games that year for the Tigers.
Originally, Cappuzzello was drafted by the Tigers in the 27th round of the 1972 amateur draft. He spent six seasons in the Tigers’ system before being traded with minor leaguer John Valle (minors) to the Reds for Jack Billingham on March 6, 1978. He returned to Detroit after being released by the Reds in April 1980.
Cappuzzello made his major-league debut on May 31, 1981 against the Orioles, in a start against Scott McGregor. He pitched only the first inning, giving up two hits, three walks and three runs, all earned.
He finished his Tigers career with a 1-1 record with one save in 18 appearances (three starts) and a 3.48 ERA.
After his March 1982 release from Detroit, he appeared in 17 games that year for Astros with a final line of 0-1 with a 2.79 ERA.
Cappuzzello pitched in his final game on Aug. 5, 1982 against the Giants, in relief of former Tiger Vern Ruhle, pitching a third of an inning, allowing two hits, and two earned runs.
Birthdays
Clay Rapada, C.J. Nitkowski and the late Jim Landis, Ron Kline, Hughie Wise and Lefty Williams.
Today’s Grid
⚾️ Immaculate Grid 342 5/9 — Rarity: 455
Things I learned today:
- Bobby Grich never earned a Gold Glove.
- Eric Young stole 30+ bases 10 times in his career … just never with the Angels. The caffeine hadn’t kicked in yet and I misread the rows thinking the stolen bases was linked to the Rockies.
- Andres Galarraga never had 200+ hits in a season with the Rockies. The closest he got was 191 in 1996.
See you tomorrow.
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