May 4, 1984: Tigers 9 – Indians 2
W: Dan Petry (4-1) – L: Dan Spillner (0-2) – Save: Willie Hernández (3) | Boxscore
Record: 20-4
Highlights
- The Tigers had 13 hits, three for Lou Whitaker and four for Larry Herndon.
- Howard Johnson homered, his second.
- Petry: 5 innings, 6 hits, 2 runs 6 walks, 5 strikeouts
- A four-inning save for Willie.
Miscellany
- Venue: Cleveland Municipal Stadium
- Umpires: HP – Dan Morrison, 1B – Marty Springstead, 2B – Jim McKean, 3B – Durwood Merrill
- Time of Game: 3:06
- Attendance: 8,497
Rick Leach #7
Here are seven things to know about Rick Leach, who went from start Michigan quarterback to Tigers first baseman.
- He was drafted by the Tigers in the first round (13th) of the 1979 MLB June Amateur Draft from University of Michigan. He was previously drafted by the Phillies twice: in the 11th round of the 1975 draft from Flint Southwestern High, and in the 24th round of the 1978 draft from Michigan.
- He made his major-league debut on April 30, 1981, as a ninth-inning defensive replacement for Rich Hebner at first base. And he did it again the next game.
- Leach’s first plate appearance came on May 2, as ninth-inning pinch hitter for Lynn Jones. Leading off the top of the ninth, facing Dick Drago, he lined out to second baseman Julio Cruz.
- On May 6 in Oakland, Leach got his first big-league start: batting seventh and place first. He finished 0 for 1 that night, but with three walks. The following day, he got his first major-league hit, a single to left off Matt Keough that drove in Champ Summers.
- Leach saw his playing time increase between 1981 and 1983, appearing 54, 82 and 99 games respectively. His best year was 1983: .248, three home runs and 28 RBI.
- With Dave Bergman, Bárbaro Garbey and Darrell Evans all slated for playing time at first, the Tigers released Leach on March 24, 1984 — the same day of The Trade that brought Bergman and Willie Hernandez to Detroit. And he signed, with of all teams, the Blue Jays. (He appeared in only two games against the Tigers.)
- Leach had his best years in Toronto. In five seasons, he batted .283, eight home runs and 95 RBI.
Birthdays
Rick Leach, Brian Maxcy and the late Howie Koplitz, John Tsitouris and Charlie Hickman
Today’s Grid
⚾️ Immaculate Grid 398 8/9: Rarity: 134
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See you tomorrow.
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