Tag: C.J. Nitkowski

The Saturday Fungo

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:

  1. Bobby Grich never earned a Gold Glove.
  2. 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.
  3. Andres Galarraga never had 200+ hits in a season with the Rockies. The closest he got was 191 in 1996.

See you tomorrow.

Jose Lima Dies at 37

Who knew that when Jose Lima was called up to the Tigers in 1994 he would become a 20-game winner and a big-league character? Lima, whose best seasons in the majors came as a member of the Astros, died this morning at his home in Los Angeles of an apparent heart attack. He was just 37 years old.

The cause of death was ruled a heart attack, according to his wife, Dorca Astacio.

“Jose was complaining while sleeping and I just thought he was having a nightmare,” Astacio told ESPNdeportes.com. “I called the paramedics, but they couldn’t help him.”

Lima signed with the Tigers as an amateur free agent in 1989 and arrived in Detroit during the 1994 season, appearing in just three games. In 1995 he was primarily a starter for the last club Sparky Anderson would manage. Lima posted as 3-9 record with 6.11 ERA. The following year he split time between the rotation and the bullpen finishing at 5-6 with three saves.

On December 10, 1996, Tigers GM Randy Smith sent Lima, Brad Ausmus, Trever Miller, C.J. Nitkowski and Daryle Ward to the Astros for Doug Brocail, Brian Hunter, Todd Jones, Orlando Miller and cash.

Continue reading “Jose Lima Dies at 37”