:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/14202787/20130218_kkt_ar5_145.0.jpg)
On this day in 1916, former Red Eddie Joost was born in San Francisco. Joost played well in Cincinnati to start his career, but couldn't hold down a starting job for more than a couple of years. He bounced around between the majors and the minors for a few seasons until joining the Philadelphia Athletics in 1947 at the age of 31. One could have been forgiven for questioning Connie Mack's decision to stick a 31-year old journeyman at shortstop to begin the season, but Joost had a good season and finished 11th in MVP voting. He batted only .206, but drew 114 walks.
Joost went on to garner MVP votes in four of the next five seasons as he kept walking and upped his batting average into the .250-.260 range. In 1949, Joost drew 149 walks, which was good for second in the league (thanks, Ted Williams). From 1949 to 1951, with Joost still at shortstop, the Athletics led the league in double plays each year with more than 200. Joost retired after the 1955 season.
On this day in 1969, the Reds selected Ken Griffey, Sr., Rawly Eastwick, and Don Gullett in the first year player draft. Cincinnati took Griffey in the 29th round, which has to be one of the greatest bargain picks in the history of the franchise.
On this day in 1974, the Reds picked Ron Oester in the ninth round of the first year player draft.
On this day in 1983, former Red Bill Bray was born in Virginia Beach, VA.
On this day in 1989, the Reds selected Trevor Hoffman in the 11th round.
On this day in 1998, Corky Miller signed with the Reds. The Angels had previously drafted Miller in the 23rd round of the 1994 draft, but the two sides could not come to an agreement, and Miller instead attended junior college before playing for the University of Nevada. Miller's abilities to handle a pitching staff and to help young players are well known; however, his penchant for drawing walks is often unmentioned. In 3776 career minor league plate appearances, Miller has walked 424 times for a rate of 11.2%.
On this day in 2002, Ryan Ludwick made his major league debut with the Texas Rangers at the age of 23. Ludwick replaced Rafael Palmeiro in right field to start the 10th inning. Palmeiro had hit for Gabe Kapler in the previous half-inning. The Rangers' manager at the time was none other than Jerry Narron.
On this day in 2008, the Reds drafted Justin Freeman, Dave Sappelt, Pedro Villarreal, and Yonder Alonso.
Also on this day in 2008, the Reds released Scott Hatteberg. He was hitting .173/.262/.231 on the season.