Cowtipper

Today's hint: This player is an American professional baseball pitcher known for his international career and success across various leagues. Drafted by the New York Mets in 2012 out of Fort Worth Christian School, he opted not to sign, instead attending Seminole State College. He was later selected in the second round of the 2013 MLB Draft by the Boston Red Sox, where he advanced as far as Triple-A, compiling solid minor league stats but never breaking into the major leagues. After his release in 2019, this player's career became international. He briefly signed with the Toros de Tijuana in 2020, but the season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He then joined the Uni-President Lions in Taiwan's CPBL, going undefeated in 2020 and helping lead them to a Taiwan Series title. He returned in 2021, dominating with a 1.07 ERA before leaving mid-season to represent Mexico, through his maternal heritage, at the Tokyo Olympics. He has had multiple stints with the Toros de Tijuana, brief time with the CTBC Brothers in Taiwan, and played in the Cincinnati Reds' minor league system in 2023. In 2024, he also joined the Wei Chuan Dragons in the CPBL before returning to the Toros again in 2025. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his resilience and adaptability, pitching effectively across the United States, Mexico, and Taiwan. Despite being born without a right pectoral muscle and being involved in a fatal traffic accident in 2014, this player has continued to pursue his baseball career with determination and professionalism. Despite his unique last name, he is not related to the major leaguer he shares it with, Andy, who played in the majors in the 1990s. https://www.baseball-reference.com/req/202412180/images/headshots/e/e8eb021f_milb.jpg> Also, another poem for a previously unanswered hint: This player, born December 13, 1975, in Belton, South Carolina, is a former Major League Baseball catcher, first baseman, and designated hitter. He played eight seasons in the majors, primarily with the Minnesota Twins, and later with the Washington Nationals. Known more for his power hitting than defensive skills, he hit 60 home runs in 472 games and was notably the active player with the most plate appearances without a stolen base during his career. A standout at Clemson University, this player represented the U.S. in international play, winning a bronze medal at the 1996 Olympics and silver at the 1999 Pan American Games. Drafted by the Twins in 1997, he put up strong minor league numbers, but defensive struggles limited his role in the majors. His best MLB seasons came in 2003 and 2005, when he posted solid offensive numbers as a DH. This player joined the Nationals in 2006, a season marked by a tough moment in which he was removed mid-game as a catcher after struggling with multiple stolen bases allowed and errors, prompting an emotional press conference by manager Frank Robinson. He returned to the Twins briefly in 2007 and later played in the independent Atlantic League before retiring. Transitioning into coaching, this player joined the Nationals' minor league system in 2009, managing at several levels including Hagerstown, Potomac, Harrisburg, and currently Rochester. He also served as the Nationals' bullpen coach in 2014–2015. this player lives with his wife Holly and their five children. From Belton town where dreams take flight, A boy with power, broad and bright, He caught and swung with southern grace, A future star in cleated pace. Clemson called, and he replied, Olympic bronze, with hometown pride. A Pan Am swing, a double scored— America cheered and roared and roared. The Twins came calling in '97, A first-round bet on future heaven. Though passed balls plagued behind the mask, His bat could always do the task. A slugger's soul, no base to steal, But strength that every fan could feel. Seventeen homers in '03's book, Each one a shot, each swing it took. A walk-off slam, the crowd ablaze, In twilight games of summer days. But defense drew a different tale— And soon he took a different trail. To D.C. next, his fate was cast, A catcher's role he'd not outlast. Seven stolen, tears on display, As Frank removed him mid-inning that day. Yet grace endured, and so did grit, In Triple-A, he'd never quit. One final swing in Minnesota's name, Then coaching called and changed the game. From Hagerstown's low-A fight To Red Wings soaring into night, He shaped young arms and steady minds, Through seasons long and roster grinds. He never stole but earned respect, With every job the Nats select. Behind the scenes, through loss and joy— A lifer still—____ _______. https://www.baseball-reference.com/req/202412180/images/headshots/a/a073b335_sabr.jpg>

Francisco Alvarez is off to rehab with Binghamton now. RotoWire has his return date (to the Mets) set at April 17. We'll see. Also, not sure if this was noted, but Jeff McNeil was sent on rehab to St. Lucie. His ETA is 4/21. The Mets also released a minor leaguer named Robert Dominguez.

Engle is correct! You might have to go to Church and pray to find the answer to the most recent hint.

Scott Servais is correct! While we wait for that last hint to potentially get answered, here's a new one: This player, born October 7, 1994, in Las Vegas, Nevada, was a right-handed pitcher drafted by the New York Mets in the second round (48th overall) of the 2013 MLB June Amateur Draft from Basic High School in Henderson, Nevada. Standing 6'2" and weighing 200 pounds, he played in the minor and independent leagues, with a career spanning 2013 to 2022. Over seven affiliated minor league seasons, he recorded a 30-33 win-loss record, a 4.83 ERA, and 308 strikeouts over 454.2 innings pitched across 87 games, 78 of which were starts. His best season was 2016, posting a 7-4 record with a 2.92 ERA across three teams. This player faced recurring injuries, landing on the 7-day injured list multiple times, including in 2019 and 2022. His career included stints with various Mets affiliates, such as the GCL Mets, Kingsport Mets, Brooklyn Cyclones, Columbia Fireflies, St. Lucie Mets, Binghamton Rumble Ponies, and Syracuse Mets, as well as a brief time with the Atlanta Braves' Gwinnett Stripers in 2022. He also played independently for the High Point Rockers in 2022, going 3-0 with a 3.27 ERA. This player was released by the St. Lucie Mets in 2020 and the Gwinnett Stripers in 2022. He briefly retired in 2018 but returned to play. His pitching stats show a 1.42 WHIP and a 2.96 strikeout-to-walk ratio in the affiliated minors, with limited batting contributions. https://www.baseball-reference.com/req/202412180/images/headshots/d/d0ad3107_milb.jpg>

Getting closer. I'm Bettin' Dorf is a German surname, what say you?

You got the Dorf part right.

Isaiah Greene is correct! Dwight Bernard is correct! Mike Bruhert is a good guess, but he was an undrafted free agent. Calvin Ziegler is correct, but was already guessed. Here's another hint that went unanswered earlier. I have added a ChatGPT poem to hopefully help out: This player was a right-handed pitcher whose professional baseball career spanned nine professional seasons, primarily as a starter. Drafted in the second round of the 1979 MLB Draft by the New York Mets, he spent several years in their farm system but never advanced beyond Double-A. He got his shot at the major leagues after being selected by the Oakland Athletics in the 1983 Rule 5 Draft. He made his MLB debut on April 8, 1984, pitching three no-hit innings for a save against the Boston Red Sox. In total, he appeared in just three major league games, posting a 4.66 ERA across 9⅔ innings before being traded back to the Mets in May 1984. He did not return to the majors. After suffering a serious elbow injury in 1986, he reinvented himself as a submarine-style reliever in 1987 with the Birmingham Barons, where he posted a 9–1 record and was named to the Southern League All-Star team. He retired after helping the Barons win the league championship. Over his minor league career, he earned five championship rings and three All-Star selections. Following baseball, he transitioned into a career in retail management. https://www.baseball-reference.com/req/202412180/images/headshots/2/25c6b94e_davis.jpg> From Lompoc's hills to the diamond's gleam, A pitcher chased a childhood dream. Drafted young in '79's bright light, The Mets believed in his future bright. A tall right-hander, six-foot-three, He toiled in farms, far from TV. Double-A's dust on well-worn shoes, He paid his dues, he paid his dues. Then Oakland came with Rule Five's call, A second chance to scale the wall. April 8th, the Red Sox came, Three scoreless frames—he staked his claim. No hits, no runs, a save secured, For a brief sweet spell, his spot assured. But fate moved fast, and on May's breath, He was traded back like a whispered death. To Jackson's mound he did descend, Still chasing innings that never bend. But arms aren't built for endless throws, And pain arrived where passion goes. In '86, the elbow screamed— A tear, a break, the end it seemed. But grit ran deep in this man's soul, And back he came with a brand-new role. A submarine, from down below, He changed his style, he changed his flow. With Birmingham, he found his spark, A 9–1 line, he left a mark. Though ERA told a different tale, The Barons won, he did not fail. An All-Star nod, a ring once more, And with that, he closed the door. Five rings, three nods, a winding road, The weight of dreams a heavy load. Not many pitch where legends morph— But one did once—____ __________.

Nick Morabito is correct! I've dropped a handful of hints so I let what we have sit for a while.

Desmond Lindsay is none of the guys above, but he is one of them! Another hint: This player is an American professional baseball pitcher currently in the San Francisco Giants organization. Born on September 1, 2000, in Bellaire, Texas, this player was a standout at St. Thomas High School in Houston, where he earned All-State honors and was recognized for his strong performances on the mound. Drafted by the New York Mets in the second round of the 2019 MLB Draft, he signed for $2.15 million, forgoing a commitment to Texas A&M. He debuted with the GCL Mets, pitching eight innings with a 3.38 ERA before the 2020 minor league season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In January 2021, this player was traded to the Cleveland Indians (now Guardians) as part of the high-profile deal that sent Francisco Lindor and Carlos Carrasco to the Mets. As a Guardians prospect, he spent time across various minor league levels, including Low-A Lynchburg and High-A Lake County, but struggled with consistency and injuries. He also pitched for Team Israel in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. After being released by Cleveland in May 2024, this player signed a minor league deal with the San Francisco Giants a few days later. Despite his challenges, this player remains a developing talent with a high-velocity fastball and a promising slider. https://www.baseball-reference.com/req/202412180/images/headshots/e/e04a43ca_milb.jpg> Also, here was a hint that was dropped a few days ago, but never got a response: This player was a right-handed pitcher who appeared in the major leagues from 1978 to 1982, primarily with the New York Mets and Milwaukee Brewers. A standout at Belmont University, where he still ranks among the program's all-time ERA leaders, he was drafted by the Mets in the second round of the 1974 MLB Draft. Initially a starter in the minors, he found success as a reliever, earning a call-up to the majors in 1978. He earned his first career win with the Mets but was traded to the Brewers after the 1979 season. After a couple of years in the minors, he returned to the majors in 1981 and played a key bullpen role for the 1982 Brewers, contributing during their run to the World Series. That season marked his most productive year, including six saves and a strong performance in the postseason, where he did not allow a baserunner in either of his two appearances. Following his release in 1983, he pitched in the farm systems of the Astros and Orioles before retiring in 1985 and transitioning into coaching. He has had an extensive coaching career spanning more than three decades, serving as a pitching coach and coordinator in several organizations, including the Twins, Brewers, Mariners, and Giants. As of 2019, he was the pitching coach for the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes in the Giants organization. https://www.baseball-reference.com/req/202412180/images/headshots/4/45822a1e_sabr.jpg> I'll add to it with this poem (crafted using the genius of ChatGPT): From hardwood courts in Mount Vernon's gym, To the mound where dreams begin to brim, He left Illinois with a pitch in his hand, And found himself in Belmont land. A Rebel in college, fierce and refined, His ERA etched in stats left behind, District's best in seventy-four— He craved the game, and wanted more. The Mets came calling in that year's draft, And through minor leagues he carved his craft. From starter's toil to reliever's art, He played each role with a lion's heart. In Tidewater's pen, he found his stride, A 1.64, the call-up wide. He faced the Bucs, his debut told, A single run, his story bold. That first win came in September's light, A Pirate silenced, a sweet respite. But New York's tale would soon be done, One win, seven losses, and he'd moved on. To Milwaukee's arms, a Brewer now, He waited two years to again take a bow. In ‘81, he pitched in fall, No runners reached—he answered the call. Then came '82, his peak so true, Five saves, a steady ERA he grew. In October's stage, he faced the fray, World Series lights, no hits gave way. But spring was cruel in ‘83, He left the Crew, and sought to be A part once more of the show he loved— With Tucson's team, he rose above. Houston's hopes, and Orioles' song, Yet the big league path stayed quiet long. So he turned to teach, to guide the flame, And helped the next to chase the game. From Macon's fields to Tacoma's rain, Through every stop, through loss and gain, He taught the fire behind each throw, The game he loved from long ago. In dugout shade and bullpen calls, He walked the minors' dusty halls. With every young arm shaped and starred, He passed the torch—_____ _______.

Today's hint: This player is an American professional baseball outfielder who became a free agent in 2025. A standout at Corona High School in California, this player was drafted by the New York Mets with the 69th overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft and signed for $850,000, foregoing his commitment to the University of Missouri. However, he did not play that year due to the cancellation of the minor league season during the COVID-19 pandemic. In January 2021, this player was traded to the Cleveland Indians (now Guardians) as part of the deal that sent Francisco Lindor and Carlos Carrasco to the Mets. He made his professional debut that year in the Arizona Complex League, batting .289 with strong on-base skills. Over the next few seasons, this player's offensive production declined. In 2022, he hit .226 in Single-A with Lynchburg, followed by a .180 average in 2023 at High-A Lake County. He returned to Lake County in 2024, hitting .202 over 28 games. This player was released by the Guardians on March 28, 2025. His career to date has been marked by promising tools but inconsistent performance at the plate. https://www.baseball-reference.com/req/202412180/images/headshots/4/4a120d30_milb.jpg>

I'd like to take credit for the tributes, but I use ChatGPT to write them.

Blade Tidwell is correct! Another hint: This player is a professional baseball outfielder in the New York Mets organization, known for his speed and high-contact hitting profile. Born in 2003 in McLean, Virginia, he was a standout player at Gonzaga College High School in Washington, D.C., where he won Gatorade Player of the Year honors in 2022. Drafted by the Mets in the second round that same year, he signed for $1 million, opting not to attend Virginia Tech. After a brief and rough debut in the Florida Complex League in 2022, this player rebounded in 2023 by hitting .306 across Rookie and Low-A levels. In 2024, he dominated both Low-A and High-A, slashing .312/.403/.398 with 59 stolen bases and earning Mets Organizational Player of the Year honors. He led all Mets minor leaguers in batting average, on-base percentage, and steals, and broke single-season franchise records with Brooklyn for hits (110) and steals (48). This player's strength lies in his elite speed and solid bat-to-ball skills. While he makes good swing decisions and contact, he hits the ball on the ground too often, limiting his offensive ceiling. His power is minimal, with only six home runs across 189 games in his career so far. Defensively, This player transitioned from shortstop to center field and has shown good range and improving instincts, although his arm remains below average. Concerns remain about his groundball tendencies, lack of power, and his struggles against left-handed pitching. However, his plus speed, strong plate discipline, and defensive potential keep him in the conversation as a future major leaguer, potentially as a speedy fourth outfielder. He opened 2025 with Double-A Binghamton and will aim to improve his performance against lefties and elevate the ball more consistently to enhance his value. https://www.baseball-reference.com/req/202412180/images/headshots/3/3d0538d2_milb.jpg>

Marc Kroon is correct! Another hint: This player was a right-handed outfielder who played parts of four MLB seasons between 1984 and 1988, appearing in 132 games with a .234 career batting average. Though his on-field career was modest, he played a part in two significant trades that helped shape the 1986 World Series. Originally drafted by the California Angels out of Troy High School, he opted to attend Cal State Fullerton before being selected by the New York Mets in the second round of the 1981 draft. After a strong showing in Triple-A in 1984, he debuted with the Mets later that year. Following a decline in performance in 1985, this player was included in a trade to the Boston Red Sox that brought Bobby Ojeda to New York—Ojeda would go on to play a key role in the Mets' 1986 championship. this player spent 1986 in the minors before being sent to Seattle as part of the deal that brought Dave Henderson and Spike Owen to Boston, both of whom played key postseason roles. He had brief stints with the Mariners and Twins, showing flashes of success in the minors but limited impact at the major league level. He retired after the 1989 season, having last played for the Portland Beavers. His brother, Jim, was also a professional player in the Twins' system. https://www.baseball-reference.com/req/202412180/images/headshots/2/204c6527_sabr.jpg>

Pete Schourek is correct! Another hint: This player, born in 1967 in Wisconsin, is a former MLB catcher, manager, and currently a coach with the San Diego Padres. He played eleven seasons in the majors for teams including the Astros, Cubs, Giants, and Rockies. Before his pro career, he excelled with Team USA, earning a silver medal at the 1987 Pan American Games and participating in multiple international tournaments. Drafted by the Astros in 1988, he made his MLB debut in 1991 and played until 2001. After retiring, this player transitioned to front office roles, working in player development for the Rangers and then as assistant GM for the Angels under Jerry Dipoto. In 2016, Dipoto—then Mariners GM—hired him as Seattle's manager. Despite no prior managerial experience, this player led the Mariners for nearly nine seasons, overseeing their long-awaited return to the playoffs in 2022 and securing their first playoff series win in over two decades. However, he was unable to sustain that momentum. A late-season collapse in 2024, after holding a 10-game division lead, led to his dismissal in August, marking the end of his tenure in Seattle. This player was known for his analytical approach and close alignment with Dipoto's vision. His managerial record stands at 668–624 with one postseason appearance. He joined the Padres in early 2025 as a special assistant in player development. Off the field, he is married to his high school sweetheart, Jill, and is the nephew of Creighton University's head baseball coach, Ed. https://www.baseball-reference.com/req/202412180/images/headshots/d/d3cd05ca_sabr.jpg>

Yeah, he is an astoundingly easily forgotten 1990s Mets pitcher, despite playing a few years with them (1991-1993 for those wondering).

Brandon Sproat is correct! Another hint: This player is a former Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher who played from 1991 to 2001 for the New York Mets, Cincinnati Reds, Houston Astros, Boston Red Sox, and Pittsburgh Pirates. Born in Austin, Texas, and raised in Falls Church, Virginia, he attended George C. Marshall High School before making his MLB debut in 1991. This player's career highlight came in 1995 when he had an outstanding season with the Cincinnati Reds, finishing with an 18-7 record and a 3.22 ERA. He was dominant in the postseason with a 1.26 ERA over two starts, though he went 0-1. That year, he was the runner-up for the National League Cy Young Award, finishing behind Greg Maddux. https://www.baseball-reference.com/req/202412180/images/headshots/8/883355b0_sabr.jpg>

Eric Ludwick is correct! Another hint: This player is a former American right-handed relief pitcher known for his powerful arm and late-career success in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). After being drafted 72nd overall by the New York Mets in 1991, he was traded to the San Diego Padres, where he debuted in the majors in 1995. This player also played briefly for the Cincinnati Reds but struggled to make a lasting impact in MLB, eventually retiring due to elbow surgeries and missing the 2001 and 2002 seasons. In 2005, This player resurrected his career in Japan with the Yokohama BayStars, where he quickly made headlines by breaking the NPB record for fastest pitch multiple times, becoming the first pitcher in league history to throw 100 mph. He recorded 26 saves that season and was seen as a surprise success story. Over the next two years, he continued to rank among the league's top closers. This player later joined the Yomiuri Giants, signing a lucrative deal and tying the Japanese record for saves by a foreign pitcher. In 2008, he led the Central League with 41 saves and continued to dominate through 2010. Despite saving 177 games in Japan, he was unable to land a contract for the 2011 season, which he attributed to reluctance from teams to allow a foreigner to surpass 200 career saves. He returned to the U.S. with a minor league deal from the San Francisco Giants and appeared in their Triple-A affiliate and in the Showtime series *The Franchise*, before retiring in 2012. Off the field, This player's son Matt is a professional baseball infielder in the Philadelphia Phillies organization. https://www.baseball-reference.com/req/202412180/images/headshots/6/61e151eb_davis.jpg>

Calvin Ziegler is correct! It's not Drew Butera as he was a 5th round pick in 2005. Another hint: This player, born December 14, 1971, in Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played from 1996 to 1999 for the Oakland Athletics, St. Louis Cardinals, Florida Marlins, and Toronto Blue Jays. A tall right-hander at 6'5", he was drafted by the New York Mets in the second round of the 1993 MLB Draft after attending the University of Nevada-Las Vegas and playing summer ball with the Cape Cod League's Harwich Mariners. This player is perhaps best known for being part of a 1997 trade between Oakland and St. Louis that sent slugger Mark McGwire to the Cardinals. After his MLB stint, this player played two seasons in Japan with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in 2000 and 2001. He is also the older brother of former MLB outfielder Ryan. https://www.baseball-reference.com/req/202412180/images/headshots/f/ff1b916e_davis.jpg>

Tyler Walker is correct! Another hint: This player, born December 13, 1975, in Belton, South Carolina, is a former Major League Baseball catcher, first baseman, and designated hitter. He played eight seasons in the majors, primarily with the Minnesota Twins, and later with the Washington Nationals. Known more for his power hitting than defensive skills, he hit 60 home runs in 472 games and was notably the active player with the most plate appearances without a stolen base during his career. A standout at Clemson University, this player represented the U.S. in international play, winning a bronze medal at the 1996 Olympics and silver at the 1999 Pan American Games. Drafted by the Twins in 1997, he put up strong minor league numbers, but defensive struggles limited his role in the majors. His best MLB seasons came in 2003 and 2005, when he posted solid offensive numbers as a DH. This player joined the Nationals in 2006, a season marked by a tough moment in which he was removed mid-game as a catcher after struggling with multiple stolen bases allowed and errors, prompting an emotional press conference by manager Frank Robinson. He returned to the Twins briefly in 2007 and later played in the independent Atlantic League before retiring. Transitioning into coaching, this player joined the Nationals' minor league system in 2009, managing at several levels including Hagerstown, Potomac, Harrisburg, and currently Rochester. He also served as the Nationals' bullpen coach in 2014–2015. this player lives with his wife Holly and their five children. https://www.baseball-reference.com/req/202412180/images/headshots/a/a073b335_sabr.jpg>

Neal Musser is correct! Kevin Mulvey is correct! Another hint: This player, born on May 15, 1976, in San Francisco, California, is a former professional baseball relief pitcher. A right-handed thrower and batter, this player attended San Francisco University High School, where he was mentored by Duncan Lyon, and later played college baseball at the University of California, Berkeley. He made his Major League Baseball debut on July 2, 2002, with the New York Mets and played his final game on June 19, 2010, for the Washington Nationals. Over his MLB career, this player pitched for the Mets, San Francisco Giants, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Philadelphia Phillies, and Nationals. His standout season came in 2005 with the Giants when he stepped in as closer during Armando Benítez's injury absence, successfully converting 23 of 28 save opportunities. That year, he made history by becoming the first pitcher since the save became an official stat in 1969 to strike out three batters with the bases loaded and nobody out, earning a save without allowing a run. This player was traded to the Devil Rays in 2006, but a strained elbow led to Tommy John surgery that ended his season. He returned to the Giants in 2007 and pitched through the 2008 season. Briefly signed by the Seattle Mariners in 2009, he was released before the season began and soon after joined the Phillies. In 2010, he signed with the Nationals, posting a 3.57 ERA in a long relief role. After becoming a free agent, this player signed with the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League in 2011. https://www.baseball-reference.com/req/202412180/images/headshots/e/ecf6541c_sabr.jpg>

Billy Smith died. https://www.newsweek.com/sports/mlb/mlb-news-astros-pitcher-whose-career-was-interrupted-strike-passes-away-2058969 Who was Billy Smith? Billy Lavern Smith (1954–2025) was a right-handed pitcher who played briefly in Major League Baseball for the Houston Astros during the 1981 season. Drafted in the 14th round by the Astros in 1977, he spent four years in the minors primarily as a starter before being called up in 1981. He debuted on June 9 against the Phillies, allowing two earned runs in two innings, including a home run to Bob Boone. After the player strike, Smith became a key part of Houston’s bullpen during the second half of the season, earning his only career save on August 12 and his only win on August 29 with seven scoreless innings in his only career start. He finished the season with a 1–1 record and a 2.41 ERA in nine games, and made a brief postseason appearance in the NL Division Series, retiring Dusty Baker on a groundout. Smith returned to the minors in 1982 but struggled with a 7.15 ERA, marking the end of his professional career. A tall pitcher at 6'7", Smith played college baseball at Sam Houston State and Wharton County Junior College. He should not be confused with another Billy Smith who played as a position player in the National League the same year. Nate Oliver died. https://dodgers.mlblogs.com/former-dodger-nate-oliver-singer-ella-fitzgerald-passes-528ec674e640 Who was Nate Oliver? Nathaniel "Pee Wee" Oliver (1940–2025) was a professional baseball player who spent seven years in the major leagues during the 1960s, mostly with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Signed by the Dodgers in 1959, he worked his way through the minors before making his MLB debut in 1963. That year, the Dodgers won the World Series, although Oliver did not appear in the series. His most productive MLB season came in 1964, when he batted .243 over 99 games. He later played for the San Francisco Giants, New York Yankees, and Chicago Cubs, finishing his career in 1969. Known primarily as a second baseman, Oliver was a light hitter with speed and defensive versatility. After his playing career, Oliver managed and coached in various minor league systems, including stints with teams affiliated with the Angels and Cubs, and served as a bunting instructor with the Chicago White Sox. He also managed the Saskatoon Legends in the Canadian Baseball League in 2003. Oliver was part of a baseball family; his father, Jim Oliver Sr., played in the Negro Leagues, and his brother Jim also played professionally. James Oliver Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, was named in honor of his father. Nate Oliver passed away on April 5, 2025. Tony Blanco died. https://www.foxnews.com/sports/ex-mlb-player-tony-blanco-credited-saving-friend-before-dying-dominican-republic-roof-collapse Who was Tony Blanco? Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera (1980–2025) was a Dominican professional baseball player known for his power hitting and versatility at first base, third base, and the outfield. He briefly played in Major League Baseball with the Washington Nationals in 2005, appearing in 56 games. Blanco had a much more prolific career in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball, where he played eight seasons with the Chunichi Dragons, Yokohama DeNA BayStars, and Orix Buffaloes. He was a four-time All-Star and three-time Best Nine Award winner, leading the Central League in home runs and RBIs in both 2009 and 2013. Overall, he hit 181 home runs in NPB with a .272 average. Blanco began his professional career in the Boston Red Sox system and was later traded to the Cincinnati Reds. After a strong minor league run and a standout season with the Tulsa Drillers in 2008, he transitioned to NPB where he found significant success. He was also known for his performance in the Dominican Winter League. Blanco died at age 44 during the Jet Set nightclub roof collapse in Santo Domingo on April 8, 2025. He reportedly died while saving fellow former player Esteban Germán. Also killed in the tragedy were former MLB player Octavio Dotel and Nelsy Cruz, sister of Nelson Cruz. Blanco’s legacy continues through his son, Tony Jr., a minor leaguer in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. Also, who was Octavio Dotel? Octavio Eduardo Dotel Díaz was a Dominican professional baseball pitcher who played 15 seasons in Major League Baseball from 1999 to 2013. A right-hander known for his power arm and strikeout ability, Dotel played for a record 13 MLB teams during his career, including notable stints with the Houston Astros, Oakland Athletics, St. Louis Cardinals, and Detroit Tigers. Signed by the New York Mets in 1993, he made his MLB debut in 1999 and earned a postseason win in the NLCS that same year. Though he started his career as a starter, he transitioned into a reliable reliever and closer, finishing with 109 saves and a 10.8 K/9 rate—then the best for any right-handed pitcher with over 900 innings. Dotel was a key bullpen piece for the Astros in the early 2000s, helped the Cardinals win the 2011 World Series, and represented the Dominican Republic in the 2013 World Baseball Classic, becoming one of the few players to win both a World Series and a WBC title. He had a journeyman career marked by injuries, including Tommy John surgery, but continued to contribute effectively for various clubs. After retiring in 2014, he held the MLB record for most teams played for until it was surpassed in 2019. Off the field, Dotel's life had moments of tragedy and controversy. His father was murdered shortly after he signed his first professional contract. In 2019, he was briefly caught up in a high-profile criminal investigation in the Dominican Republic, though most charges were dropped. He passed away tragically on April 8, 2025, at age 51, due to injuries sustained in a nightclub roof collapse in Santo Domingo that claimed over 100 lives.

You need to download more RAM.

Aaron Ledesma is correct! (But he's not the guy in the D-Backs hat mentioned above). Ledesma became a real estate guy following his playing career and has signed a couple times through the mail for me. Another hint: This player, born in Otterbein, Indiana, is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played briefly for the Kansas City Royals. A standout at Benton Central Junior-Senior High School, he was drafted by the New York Mets in the second round of the 1999 MLB Draft and spent six years in their minor league system before moving through several organizations, including the Arizona Diamondbacks and Houston Astros. He made his MLB debut on April 21, 2007, and appeared in 17 games that season, posting a 4.38 ERA. Though he made just one major league appearance in 2008, this player had strong performances in Triple-A, including a 0.49 ERA with Omaha in 2007. Internationally, he contributed to Team USA's victory in the 2007 Baseball World Cup. His professional career concluded in 2010 with the independent Lancaster Barnstormers. After retiring, this player returned to his hometown and works on his family's farm. https://www.baseball-reference.com/req/202412180/images/headshots/a/aa0fb28a_davis.jpg>

Matt Reynolds is correct! He was one of those guys who had a high average and/or OBP in the low minors once or twice that I hope would eventually make it. It was cool when he randomly returned with NY in 2022 after disappearing for a while. Another hint: This player, born in New Jersey in 1985, is a former MLB pitcher and current head baseball coach at Villanova University. After excelling at Bishop George Ahr High School and Villanova—where he once threw a no-hitter—he played summer ball with the Harwich Mariners in the Cape Cod League. Drafted in the second round by the New York Mets in 2006, this player began his pro career in the minors, where he showed promise, including a standout season in Binghamton and an appearance in the 2007 Futures Game. In 2008, he was traded to the Minnesota Twins as part of the Johan Santana deal, then moved to the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2009. His MLB career was brief, totaling 10 games across two seasons with a 0–3 record and a 7.90 ERA. Following injuries and declining performance, he retired in 2012 after a short return to the Mets organization. This player transitioned to coaching, becoming Villanova's pitching coach in 2013 and head coach in 2016. Despite challenges rebuilding the program, he has steadily led the team through multiple seasons, achieving modest improvement and stability over time. https://www.baseball-reference.com/req/202412180/images/headshots/d/dfc75f7e_davis.jpg>

I have to catch up on last week's games so I had no idea he got the win yesterday. J.T. Scotch is correct. Another hint: This player is an American professional baseball infielder born on December 3, 1990, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. A former standout at Bishop Kelley High School, he went on to play college baseball at the University of Arkansas, where he was a consistent contributor over three seasons. Drafted by the New York Mets in the second round of the 2012 MLB Draft, this player moved through the minors and made his major league debut in 2016 after being notably added to the Mets' 2015 postseason roster without prior MLB experience. He spent parts of three seasons with the Mets, showing defensive versatility by playing multiple infield and outfield positions. Following his time with New York, this player had brief stints with the Washington Nationals, Kansas City Royals, and Chicago White Sox, primarily serving as a depth infielder and organizational player. In 2022, he joined the Cincinnati Reds, where he enjoyed one of his most active MLB seasons, appearing in 92 games. After another brief stretch in 2023 with the Reds, he elected free agency. This player then signed with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp of Nippon Professional Baseball in late 2023. However, his time in Japan was short-lived due to a shoulder injury that led to season-ending surgery and his release in June 2024. Known more for his utility and adaptability than for offensive production, this player has built a career as a journeyman infielder, contributing to several organizations across both MLB and NPB. https://www.baseball-reference.com/req/202412180/images/headshots/5/5ae83298_mlbam.jpg>