This Day in Reds History: Klu comes up big

On this day in 1959, former Red Bill Gullickson was born in Marshall, MN. Gullickson came to Cincinnati from Montreal in a trade involving five other players in December of 1985. He had a good year with the Reds in 1986, going 15-12 with a 3.38 ERA (114 ERA+) in over 240 innings. After a more pedestrian first half in 1987, Cincinnati traded him to the Yankees for lefty Dennis Rasmussen in August of that year.

On this day in 1963, former Red Bill Hinchman died in Columbus, OH at the age of 79. Hinchman was a backup outfielder for Cincinnati in 1904 and 1905. His career occurred in such a low run-scoring environment that his slash line of .261/.336/.368 was good for an OPS+ of 118. For reference, Jay Bruce posted an OPS+ of 118 last year with the following line: .252/.327/.514.

On this day in 1966, former Red Derek Lilliquist was born in Winter Park, FL. He appeared five times in relief for Cincinnati in 1996. Lilliquist is currently the pitching coach for the Cardinals.

On this day in 1971, Reds Hall of Famer Ted Kluszewski walloped a 500-foot single to score three runs in the March of Dimes Old-Timers Game. Klu's big hit led the way for the National League, as the Senior Circuit seniors beat the American League, 5-3.

On this day in 1985, former Red Syl Johnson died in Portland, OR at age 84. The right-hander pitched in two games for the Reds in 1934.

On this day in 1988, former Red Bob O'Farrell died in Waukegan, IL at the age of 91. O'Farrell had a 21-year career as a catcher in the major leagues and played for Cincinnati in the first half of 1934.

Don, the Rebel without a Blog earned a point yesterday.

1) Ted Kluszewski played baseball and football for which college?

2) Today is a Hall of Famer's birthday. This player tallied 2987 hits in his career, which is the closest anyone is to 3000 without actually reaching the milestone. Who is he?