Braves Manager : Fredi Gonzalez

The Braves have a new manager this year. Fredi Gonzalez has taken the helm after 21 years with Bobby Cox. Gonzalez was the manager of the Florida Marlins from 2007-2010

Fredi Gonzalez doesn't have a MLB card as he never made it past AA. He appeared on a regional card for the Greensboro Hornets in 1983 where he played with future big leaguer Roberto Kelly.

 

In 1992 Kelly was an All Star for the New York Yankees. Also in 1992 fellow Yankee, Steve Howe was banned for life (only to be reinstated) for substance abuse.

 

Coming off his Rookie of the Year season, Howe and bullpen mate Jerry Reuss were part of the 1981 World Series Champion Dodgers.

Ten years earlier Reuss pitched for the 1971 St. Louis Cardinals where Joe Torre was having an MVP season.

In 1962 a young Joe Torre caught for the veteran pitcher Lew Burdette on the Milwaukee Braves.

In 1965 Burdette made 7 appearances for the Cubs before being dealt to the Phillies. During that time he was teammates with Ron Santo.

From Fredi Gonzalez to Ron Santo in 6 degrees after a short stint in the minors.

Another Day Another Near-Perfect Game

June 3rd 1995, Pedro Martinez pitched 9 perfect innings with no run support from his fellow Montreal Expos. In the top of the 10th the Expos finally broke the tie, but Pedro gives up a leadoff double to San Diego Padres left fielder Bip Roberts and Mel Rojas closes the game.

Pedro's 1995 teammate, Roberto Kelly ruined Dave Stieb's 1989 bid for a perfect game with a double of his own with 2 outs in the 9th.

 In 1989 Kelly played for the Yankees along with Hall of Famer Dave Winfield who once got the better of No-Hit-King Nolan Ryan who made sure it never would happen again. Just ask Robin Ventura.

In 1980 Winfield played with Gene Tenace on the San Diego Padres. Tenace caught a 1970 no hitter from Vida Blue and in 1975 caught 6 innings of another Oakland A's no hitter in which 4 pitchers contributed.

In 1973 Tenace caught for Ken Holtzman. In 1976 Holtzman had his 3rd no hit bid broken up with 2 outs in the 9th.

In 1969 Holtzman pitched his 1st no hitter for the Chicago Cubs. His 3rd baseman? Ron Santo.

Pedro Martinez to Ron Santo in 5 degrees.