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This Day in Reds History: Vander Meer debuts

Johnny Vander Meer
Johnny Vander Meer
retro.cincinnati.com

On this day in 1901, former Red Taylor Douthit was born in Little Rock.

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On this day in 1902, former Red Ray Benge was born in Jacksonville, TX.

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On this day in 1910, former Red Lew Riggs was born in Mebane, NC. Riggs spent six seasons in the Queen City and was a starter for three of those six seasons.

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On this day in 1925, the Reds bought Hi "Hello and Welcome" Myers from the Cardinals.

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On this day in 1937, Johnny Vander Meer made his major league debut with the Reds against the Cardinals at Crosley Field. He pinch ran for Spud Davis, but did not pitch in the game. Vander Meer would make his big league pitching debut two weeks later against the Giants at the Polo Grounds. The Reds exploded for 11 runs against the Cardinals on April 22, but St. Louis put up 14 runs to pick up the victory. Hall of Famer Johnny Mize homered for St. Louis. Cincinnati's lead-off hitter for the game was one Jimmy Outlaw; what a name.

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On this day in 1959, former Red Terry Francona was born in Aberdeen, SD. Tito played for the Reds in just one season -- 1987 -- and struggled mightily. He hit .227 in 219 plate appearances. Francona didn't walk or hit for power either.

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On this day in 1982, Cincinnati signed left-hander Dave Tomlin, who is from nearby Maysville, KY.