There are many accounts of the fight on July 3, 1965, but most agree it started when Thomas made a racist comment to Allen during batting practice. Thomas claimed a few days later in an interview with the Philadelphia Inquirer that he told Allen he was acting like “Muhammad Clay — always running off at the mouth,” though there are also claims he called Allen a “n—–” and a “Black bastard.” Allen confronted him and a scuffle broke out, ending when Thomas slammed his bat into the second-year player’s shoulder. Both played that day, with Allen going 3-for-4, and Thomas hitting a pinch-hit home run.New York Mets Face Coverings
Major League Baseball is back and it’s been an exciting week for the players and fans. With fans having their favorite sport back on television even if they are unable to attend the games, you can always represent your favorite team.Los Angeles Angels Face Coverings
Schoenfield: The four-team trade in 1977 involving the Rangers, Pirates, Mets and Braves, involving 11 players. Hall of Famer Bert Blyleven was the best player, going from the Rangers to the Pirates. The Rangers acquired outfielder Al Oliver, a three-time All-Star at the time, from the Pirates, and Jon Matlack, one of the best lefties in the game, from the Mets. The Braves acquired prospects from the Rangers and sent first baseman Willie Montanez, an All-Star in 1977, to the Mets. The big winner? Pittsburgh, as Blyleven would help the Pirates win the 1979 World Series. We definitely need more four-team trades! (Make it happen, Jerry Dipoto.)Houston Astros Face Coverings
Jesse Rogers: In 1999, Johan Santana was a Rule 5 pick by the Marlins from the Astros, and then was dealt to the Minnesota Twins in a prearranged deal. Santana is regarded as the second-best Rule 5 pickup ever. (The Rule 5 draft wasn't done at the winter meetings when the Pirates selected Roberto Clemente from the Dodgers.) Getting a player of that caliber without giving up inventory is an executive's dream.
Most other players who've added extra facial protection to their helmets have worn the basic (and rather boring-looking) plastic attachments we're now used to seeing. A partial list of such players includes Marlon Byrd, Mike Devereaux, Chase Headley, Jason Heyward, David Justice, Terrence Long, Kevin Seitzer and Terry Steinbach, among many others.
Passan: White Sox owner Bill Veeck literally unveiled an "Open For Business" sign at the 1975 meetings in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and proceeded to make six trades. It did not work out well. Chicago went 64-97.
Allen’s former managers strongly disagree. Allen’s “teammates always liked him. You could go forever and not meet a more charming fellow,” said Mauch. Chuck Tanner, who managed Allen on the White Sox, said in a 1995 interview with SABR, “Dick was the leader of our team, the captain, the manager on the field. He took care of the young kids, took them under his wing. And he played every game as if it was his last day on earth.”Colorado Rockies Face Coverings |
Forum 
