Phantom ballplayer

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from Lou Proctor)
Brian Jeroloman spent a month with the 2011 Toronto Blue Jays without appearing in a game.

A phantom ballplayer is either a baseball player who is incorrectly listed in source materials as playing in a Major League Baseball (MLB) game, often the result of typographical or clerical errors, or a player who spent time on an MLB active roster without ever appearing in an MLB contest during his career. Most of the first form of phantom players date from the 19th or early 20th century, with at least one showing up as late as World War II.

A modern-day phantom ballplayer is generally caused by the player being removed from the active roster by a subsequent action (such as being optioned to a minor league team) or the team reaching the end of their season, and the player not having later opportunity to play in a major league game. Many of these phantom players were September call-ups in backup roles.

Phantoms who never were[edit]

Pete Compton of the St. Louis Browns, now credited with the plate appearance of "Lou Proctor"
  • Edward L. Thayer supposedly played one game for the 1876 New York Mutuals; he was listed in The Official Encyclopedia of Baseball as having been born in Mechanic Falls, Maine.[1]: 333  The player was actually George Fair, who adopted a pseudonym that, coincidentally, resembled the name of then-12-year-old Ernest Lawrence Thayer, who went on to become a poet and write "Casey at the Bat." (Some 19th and early 20th century players sometimes played under assumed names in an attempt to circumvent contractual obligations with another club.)
  • An outfielder named Turbot (no first name given) was listed in The Official Encyclopedia of Baseball as playing one game for the 1902 St. Louis Cardinals.[1]: 339  In the 1971 anthology This Great Game, writer and humorist Roy Blount Jr. included him on his "all-time fish team" (as turbot is also the name of a fish) and bemoaned that Turbot had been dropped from the encyclopedia; "I don't know what happened to him, but we need him in the outfield."[2]
  • Lou Proctor was listed as playing one game for the 1912 St. Louis Browns, drawing a walk in his only plate appearance. He appeared in The Official Encyclopedia of Baseball as a pinch hitter named "L. Proctor".[1]: 284  Research in the 1980s, however, revealed that the appearance belonged to the Browns' Pete Compton. According to legend, Proctor was a Western Union operator who inserted his name into the box score as a prank. However, whether Proctor existed—even as a prankish telegraph operator—is unknown.
  • A catcher named Deniens (no first name given) was listed in The Official Encyclopedia of Baseball as having played one game for the 1914 Chicago Chi-Feds of the Federal League.[1]: 125  Later research showed that the game was caught by the Chi-Feds third-string catcher Clem Clemens — historians reading a handwritten scorecard of the game had incorrectly deciphered "Clemens" as "Deniens".

Real players who never played[edit]

Research by the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR) has identified over 400 players who appeared on major league rosters, but did not appear in a major league game, since 1884.[3] A number of examples are presented here.

Pre-1950[edit]

  • Pitcher Bill Stewart was with the 1919 Chicago White Sox,[4] having been signed in December 1918,[5] but he suffered an arm injury falling down a flight of stairs while working as a census taker,[6] and was sent to the minor leagues in May 1919.[7] It is unclear whether he was on the team's active roster. Stewart went on to be an umpire in the National League and an ice hockey referee in the NHL.
  • First baseman Jeff Jones of Harvard was briefly with the 1920 Philadelphia Athletics in early July, but did not play before being assigned to the minor leagues.[8][9] He was recalled by the A's in late July, but again did not make a major-league appearance.[10][11] As with several other players of this era, it is not established if Jones was on the A's active roster during the season.
  • Outfielder Lou Almada[12] made the major league roster of the 1927 New York Giants out of spring training, but the Giants did not use him before they optioned him to the minor leagues.[13][14] In 1933, his brother Mel Almada became the first Mexican to play in the majors.
  • Minor league pitching legend Jake Levy[15] was reported in at least one contemporary account to have signed with the 1927 New York Giants in mid-September,[16] without getting into a game. Peter and Joachim Horvitz' The Big Book of Jewish Baseball list Levy's stint on the Giants bench as having occurred in 1932.[17] However, whether Levy spent any time at all on a Giants' active roster is a matter of dispute.
  • Al Olsen[18] is an unusual example of a verifiable real-life person who did not play in the major leagues, but was included in official major league records for many years. Olsen, a career minor league pitcher, was credited as appearing in the first game of a doubleheader on May 16, 1943, as a pinch hitter (walking, and then stealing a base) for the Boston Red Sox against the Chicago White Sox. However, research by SABR in the 1980s showed that while Olsen had been with the 1943 Boston Red Sox during spring training, he was sent to San Diego of the Pacific Coast League before the 1943 season began.[19][20] Olsen pitched on May 15 for San Diego, and given wartime travel restrictions, could not have arrived in Chicago for the game the following day. Olsen himself said, "It wasn't me. I was a left-handed pitcher. I couldn't hit my hat. Besides, I never played a game in the major leagues."[21] The pinch hitting appearance probably, but not definitely, belongs to Leon Culberson; it also could have been Johnny Lazor, who wore uniform number 14, the same number Olsen wore in spring training. Official records now credit Culberson with the walk and stolen base[22]—though Culberson himself swore he did not play in what would have been his major league debut game (he was the starting center fielder in the second game of the doubleheader, thus his debut date is not in question).[23]

1950s[edit]

Bill Sharman, who was briefly on the roster of the 1951 Brooklyn Dodgers
  • Outfielder Bill Sharman spent time on the roster of the 1951 Brooklyn Dodgers when he was called up in mid-September;[24] he did not appear in a game. Sharman is often cited as the only player to be ejected from an MLB game without playing in one, when umpire Frank Dascoli cleared the entire Dodgers bench for arguing with a call at home plate on September 27, 1951.[25] However, Sharman was not ejected; those who had to leave the bench were still eligible to be brought into the game. Sharman is far more notable as a professional basketball player and coach than as a baseball player; he is one of the few individuals to be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as both a player and a coach.
  • Bruce Swango was a high school pitcher signed by Paul Richards for the Baltimore Orioles for $36,000 in 1955. He was required to be placed on the Orioles' 25-player active roster because of the bonus rule at the time. He never appeared in a MLB game during his two months with the ballclub before being released.[26][27] He spent the remainder of his professional baseball career in the minors.[28]

1960s[edit]

1970s[edit]

1980s[edit]

1990s[edit]

2000s[edit]

  • Outfielder Luke Wilcox[76] was briefly called up by the 2000 New York Yankees, July 13–16,[77][78] but did not appear in a game. He wore number 50 with the Yankees.
  • Catcher César King[79] spent five days on the 2001 Kansas City Royals active roster, May 19–23,[80][81] without making an appearance.
  • Pitcher Jeff Urban[82] was on the 2003 San Francisco Giants active roster on April 26–30 and again on August 1–2. He did not make an appearance during either stint.
  • Catcher David Parrish,[83] son of Tiger great Lance Parrish, was called up by the 2004 New York Yankees for three days without making an appearance, after regular catcher Jorge Posada was hit in the face with a ball during a game. Parrish wore number 57 during his short stint as a Yankee.
  • Pitcher Cory Morris[84] was on the active roster of the 2006 Baltimore Orioles on April 9–12, without making an appearance.
  • Catcher Tim Gradoville[85] was on the 2006 Philadelphia Phillies active roster for 18 days in September without making an appearance.
  • Pitcher Tim Lahey was on the active roster of the 2008 Philadelphia Phillies for the first six days of the season without making an appearance. Lahey spent his entire six-year minor league career pitching for the Minnesota Twins organization. However, in a five-month period from December 2007 to April 2008, he was selected by the Tampa Bay Rays in the Rule 5 draft, sold by the Rays to the Chicago Cubs, released by the Cubs, signed by the Phillies (where he was briefly on their active roster), and then returned to the Twins under conditions of the Rule 5 draft. Lahey managed to do all this without throwing a regular season pitch for anyone other than Minnesota farm teams.
  • Pitcher Luis Muñoz[86] spent two games on the active roster of the 2008 Pittsburgh Pirates in July without making an appearance. His fate was probably sealed before he arrived, with Pirates general manager Neal Huntington saying of his call-up to the majors: "I would not anticipate Luis being here for an extended period of time. It was a step short of desperation."[87] Two days after his arrival, Munoz was removed from the Pirates roster and designated for assignment. He was eventually sent to the farm system of the Seattle Mariners.

2010s[edit]

Shawn Zarraga was briefly on the active roster of the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2016.

2020s[edit]

  • Infielder Jeison Guzmán† was added to the major league roster by the Royals on August 11, 2020, and was optioned on August 14, without appearing in a game.[115] He remained in the Royals organization during 2021, then in played in the Arizona Diamondbacks organization during 2022 until being released mid-season.[116]
  • Pitcher Trey Supak† was added to the major league roster by the Brewers on August 31, 2020, but was optioned down the next day without appearing in a game. He was removed from the Brewers’ 40-man roster on September 14.[117] He is currently in the Oakland Athletics organization and not on the 40-man roster.
  • Pitcher Jasseel De La Cruz† was promoted to the major leagues by the Braves on September 15, 2020, but was optioned down the next day without appearing in a game. On May 8, 2021, De La Cruz was recalled to the majors, but was again optioned down on May 10 without making an appearance.[118]
  • Pitcher Steven Fuentes† was promoted to the major leagues by the Washington Nationals on April 20, 2021, but was optioned down on April 30 without appearing in a game.[119] On October 13, Fuentes was outrighted off of the 40-man roster.[120]
  • Outfielder Corey Bird was promoted to the major leagues by the Miami Marlins on July 28, 2021, but was designated for assignment on July 30 without appearing in a game.[121] After temporarily retiring after the 2021 season, Bird signed with the Charleston Dirty Birds of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball in June 2022 but later retired once again.[122]
  • Catcher Gianpaul González was promoted to the major leagues by the Cleveland Indians on August 31, 2021, but was optioned down on September 2 without appearing in a game.[123] González was later designated for assignment and removed from the 40-man roster.[124]
  • Pitcher Miguel Romero† was promoted to the major leagues for the first time on September 8, 2021 by the Oakland Athletics,[125] but was optioned down on September 21 without appearing in a game.[125]
  • Pitcher Jeff Singer† was selected to the major league roster by the Phillies on April 12, 2022,[126] but was designated for assignment on April 13 without appearing in a game.[127]
  • Outfielder Donovan Casey† was promoted to the major league roster by the Nationals on April 15, 2022,[128] but was optioned down to Triple-A on April 20 without appearing in a game for the big league club.[129]
  • Catcher Ronaldo Hernández† was promoted to the major league roster by the Red Sox on April 19, 2022,[130] then returned to Triple-A the following day without appearing in a game.[131] He was also recalled by the Red Sox for their game of August 1, but again did not appear, and was optioned back to Triple-A the next day.[132]
  • Catcher Alex Hall† was summoned from High-A to the major league roster by the Brewers on June 2, 2022, in an emergency situation as primary catcher Omar Narváez tested positive for COVID-19 two hours before the Brewers' game against the Padres. Hall was called up because he played for the closest minor league affiliate to the Brewers, the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers.[133] He was designated for assignment the next day.[134]
  • Infielder Will Toffey† was promoted to the major league roster by the Phillies on July 13, 2022,[135] but was designated for assignment, cleared waivers, and was returned to Triple-A the next day without appearing in a game.[136]
  • Pitcher Carlos Espinal† was selected to the major league roster by the New York Yankees on August 1, 2022, but did not make an appearance before being sent down to the minors the following day. He was removed from the 40-man roster on August 8.[137]
  • Pitcher Parker Bugg† was promoted to the major league roster by the Miami Marlins on August 14, 2022,[138] but was designated for assignment two days later without appearing in a game.[139] Bugg was outrighted Triple-A and elected free agency following the season.
  • Pitcher Connor Grey† was promoted to the major league roster by the Mets on August 22, 2022, but was optioned back to Triple-A five days later without appearing in a game. He was designated for assignment on September 1, 2022 and outrighted to Triple-A three days later.[140]
  • Pitcher Chris Muller† was promoted to the major leagues by the Tampa Bay Rays on May 12, 2023, but went unused out of the bullpen before he was optioned back to Triple-A Durham on May 15.[141] He was released by the Rays on May 29.[142]
  • Pitcher Roddery Muñoz† was promoted to the major leagues by the Atlanta Braves on June 6, 2023. However, he went unused out of the bullpen and was optioned to Triple–A two days later.[143]
  • Pitcher Sean Reynolds† was promoted to the major leagues by the Miami Marlins on July 7, 2023. He went unused out of the bullpen was optioned to Triple–A on July 10.[144]
  • Pitcher Norwith Gudiño† was promoted to the major leagues by the Boston Red Sox on July 22, 2023 as the 27th man for the team's doubleheader. He went unused out of the bullpen and was returned to Triple–A the next day.[145] He was removed from the roster on July 25,[146] and released on July 31.[147]
  • Pitcher Josh Simpson† was promoted to the major leagues by the Miami Marlins on September 12, 2023. He went unused out of the bullpen and was optioned to Triple–A on September 17.[148]
  • Pitcher Landon Knack† made the Los Angeles Dodgers' Opening Day roster in 2024. However, after not pitching in the club's two games against the San Diego Padres as part of the MLB World Tour, he was optioned to Triple–A on March 22.[149]

denotes an active professional baseball player who could lose phantom status if he returns to the major leagues and appears in a game

Honorable mentions[edit]

Baseball-Reference.com maintains lists of players who have appeared in only a single major league game; as of July 2018, there are nearly 1,000 batters and over 500 pitchers listed.[150] This section includes some examples, along with several other notables.

Moonlight Graham was featured in the 1989 film Field of Dreams.
  • Outfielder Moonlight Graham played one inning on defense for the 1905 New York Giants on June 29, his only major league appearance, and did not have a plate appearance.[151] His story was featured in the 1989 fantasy movie Field of Dreams, with Frank Whaley playing Graham as a young ballplayer and Burt Lancaster playing Graham as an older adult.
  • The Sporting Life of February 24, 1906, reported that pitcher Jimmy Whalen[152] sent in a contract to the New York Highlanders,[153] although it is unclear if Whalen made the team's active roster once the season was underway. Whalen never appeared in a major league game, although he won over 250 games in the minors.[154]
  • Most of the Detroit Tigers team for the game of May 18, 1912, consisted of players who were playing their first and only major league game — the Tigers had gone on strike, and an emergency squad of replacements had been hastily recruited from local amateurs, along with Tigers coaches, to allow the Tigers to field a team. Only Billy Maharg (a professional boxer) and Hughie Jennings (the Tigers' manager and a former player) ever again appeared in a major league game, one each, as courtesies. Jack Smith played two innings in the field but did not bat. Journalist Arthur "Bugs" Baer claims that he was on the team and eligible to play for the Tigers, but wasn't put in the game.[155]
  • Tom Burr, a pitcher, played one inning in center field for the New York Yankees on April 21, 1914. He had no fielding chances and the game was won before he came to bat. In October 1918, Burr died in France while serving in World War I.
  • Shortstop Frank Verdi played one inning on defense for the 1953 New York Yankees on May 10, his only major league appearance, and did not have a plate appearance.[156]
  • Pitcher John Hardin Oldham pinch ran for Ted Kluszewski on September 2 for the 1956 Cincinnati Redlegs. At the end of the inning, Oldham was replaced on defense by Rocky Bridges. Oldham warmed up in the bullpen multiple times during the 1956 season but was never called in to pitch.[157]
  • Pitcher Larry Yount, older brother of Hall of Famer Robin Yount, suffered an injury while throwing warmup pitches after being summoned as a reliever during a September 15 game for the 1971 Houston Astros.[158] He did not face a batter and did not appear in any other MLB game. Under MLB rules, Larry Yount is credited with an appearance in that game because he had been announced, despite not actually playing in the game.[159]
  • Infielder Gary Hargis made his lone MLB appearance as a pinch runner in an extra-innings game for the 1979 Pittsburgh Pirates on the next-to-last day of the season, September 29.[160][161]
  • Second baseman Bob Hegman played a single inning in the major leagues, as a defensive replacement for the 1985 Kansas City Royals on August 8.[160][162]
  • Pitcher Brian Mazone was to start a game for the 2006 Philadelphia Phillies on September 5,[163] but the game was rained out and the Phillies did not activate him to their roster. He spent the rest of his career, which ended in 2010, in the minors.[164] "That's a tough thing to shake", Mazone said. "I was getting called up by the Phillies in 2006 to make a start [replacing Randy Wolf], and the game got rained out and they sent me back down without activating me. Randy came up to me here and apologized. Not that he did anything wrong, he just felt bad."[165]
Marcus Walden was first listed on an MLB active roster in April 2014, but did not make his MLB debut until April 2018.
  • Infielder Mark Kiger never appeared in an MLB regular season game, but he holds the distinction of being the only player whose major league career consists only of postseason games. Kiger was activated by the 2006 Oakland Athletics for the ALCS due to an injury to Mark Ellis. Kiger made two one-inning defensive appearances during the series, without having a plate appearance, and without ever playing in another MLB game.[166] The only players to have made their major league debuts in the postseason are Kiger, Bug Holliday in the 1885 World Series, Adalberto Mondesí in the 2015 World Series, Alex Kirilloff in the 2020 American League Wild Card Series, and Shane McClanahan in the 2020 American League Division Series; the remaining four later played in regular-season major league games.
  • Some players have gone years between first being listed on an MLB active roster without playing (thus becoming phantoms), and eventually appearing in an MLB game (thus losing phantom status). Examples include:
    • Pitcher Jorge Comellas was promoted by the Washington Senators in September 1937 but did not appear in any games before the season ended. After pitching in the minors for seven additional seasons, he made the 1945 Opening Day roster of the Chicago Cubs and made his MLB debut on April 19.[167]
    • Pitcher Marcus Walden was promoted by the Toronto Blue Jays in April 2014 but did not appear in a game during his five-day stint. In 2018, he made the Opening Day roster of the Boston Red Sox and made his MLB debut on April 1.[168][169]
    • Pitcher Ryne Harper was promoted by the Seattle Mariners in May 2017 but did not appear in any games before being optioned back to the minor leagues. He made the 2019 Opening Day roster of the Minnesota Twins and made his MLB debut on March 31.[170]
    • Pitcher Daniel Camarena was promoted to the major leagues by the 2019 New York Yankees on July 6, 2019, but was optioned down the next day without appearing in a game.[171] During the 2021 season, his contract was promoted by the San Diego Padres and he made his MLB debut on June 19.[172]
    • Pitcher Domingo Acevedo was called up to the major leagues on July 21, 2018, for the 2018 New York Yankees, but was sent down to the minor leagues hours later without appearing in a major league game. Acevedo was removed from the Yankees' 40-man roster after the 2018 season. On June 21, 2021, his contract was purchased by the Oakland Athletics and he made his MLB debut.[173]
    • Infielder Drew Maggi was promoted to the major leagues by the Minnesota Twins on September 18, 2021, but was optioned down on September 20 without appearing in a game.[174] He eventually made his MLB debut on April 26, 2023, with the Pittsburgh Pirates.[175]
  • Makers of baseball cards have issued major league rookie cards featuring some players who never actually played in MLB. Two known examples are listed below. Starting in 2005, the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) required card manufacturers to limit rookie cards to players already added to an MLB active roster, or players who appeared in an MLB game during the prior season.[176] Note that card makers also issue cards of "future stars", "top prospects", or similar wording, which are not rookie cards and are speculative in nature.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d Turkin, Hy; Thompson, S. C. (1956). The Official Encyclopedia of Baseball. New York City: A. S. Barnes & Company. LCCN 56-5560.
  2. ^ Doris Townsend, ed. (1971). This Great Game. Prentice-Hall. p. 242. ISBN 0139190767.
  3. ^ Hickman, Bill (October 8, 2017). "Near Major Leaguers". SABR. Retrieved July 4, 2018 – via Google Docs.
  4. ^ "Kid Gleason Promises Chicago Fans the Pennant". Oakland Tribune. April 17, 1919. p. 12. Retrieved June 3, 2018 – via newspapers.com.
  5. ^ "Bill Stewart to Join White Sox". Fitchburg Daily Sentinel. Fitchburg, Massachusetts. December 14, 1918. p. 6. Retrieved June 3, 2018 – via newspapers.com.
  6. ^ Granillo, Larry (April 28, 2011). "Wezen-Ball: Bill Stewart, MLB Umpire & NHL Referee (and coach!)". baseballprospectus.com. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
  7. ^ "Umpire Card for Bill Stewart". The Sporting News. Retrieved June 3, 2018 – via Retrosheet.
  8. ^ "Harvard First Sacker Will Join Athletics". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. June 28, 1920. p. 15. Retrieved June 12, 2022 – via newspapers.com.
  9. ^ "Harvard Twirler Goes to Hanover in Trade". Harrisburg Telegraph. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. July 8, 1920. p. 13. Retrieved June 12, 2022 – via newspapers.com.
  10. ^ "Connie Mack Recalls Jones". The Evening Sun. Hanover, Pennsylvania. July 24, 1920. p. 3. Retrieved June 12, 2022 – via newspapers.com.
  11. ^ "(untitled)". The Evening News. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. August 2, 1920. p. 11. Retrieved June 12, 2022 – via newspapers.com.
  12. ^ "Lou Almada Minor Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  13. ^ "Giants 'Farm' Almada". Newspapers.com. May 18, 1927. Retrieved January 2, 2022.
  14. ^ "Baseball career info". Arizona Daily Star. 24 April 1968. p. 22.
  15. ^ "Jake Levy Minor Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  16. ^ "May Fill Bill". The Indianapolis Star. Central Press. September 13, 1927. p. 12. Retrieved June 1, 2018 – via newspapers.com.
  17. ^ Horvitz, Peter S.; Horvitz, Joachim (2001). The Big Book of Jewish Baseball: An Illustrated Encyclopedia & Anecdotal History. S.P.I. Books. ISBN 1561719730.
  18. ^ "Al Olsen Minor Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  19. ^ "Brown to Quit Baseball After Boston Failure". Harrisburg Telegraph. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. AP. April 23, 1943. p. 18. Retrieved May 31, 2018 – via newspapers.com.
  20. ^ "Al Olsen Minor League Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved May 31, 2018.
  21. ^ Berkow, Ira (1990-01-31). "Sports of the Times; The Ghost Who Batted For Boston". The New York Times. Retrieved 2011-10-05.
  22. ^ "Chicago White Sox 4, Boston Red Sox 2 (1)". Retrosheet. May 16, 1943. Retrieved May 31, 2018.
  23. ^ "Boston Red Sox 4, Chicago White Sox 2 (2)". Retrosheet. May 16, 1943. Retrieved May 31, 2018.
  24. ^ "Brooklyn Recalls Bill Sharman, Lembo". Elmira Advertiser. Elmira, New York. AP. September 19, 1951. p. 8. Retrieved June 1, 2018 – via newspapers.com.
  25. ^ "This Caused Rhubarb". Brooklyn Daily Eagle. September 28, 1951. p. 18. Retrieved June 1, 2018 – via newspapers.com.
  26. ^ Deford, Frank. "Best Damn Team in Baseball," Sports Illustrated, April 12, 1971. Retrieved May 13, 2023.
  27. ^ Wood, Phil. "Richards' influence on baseball philosophy still resonates today," Washington Examiner, Saturday, September 12, 2009. Retrieved May 13, 2023.
  28. ^ Bruce Swango – Baseball Reference. Retrieved May 13, 2023.
  29. ^ a b "Series Lineups". Arizona Daily Star. Tucson, Arizona. October 7, 1964. p. 37. Retrieved June 29, 2018 – via newspapers.com.
  30. ^ "Frick Announces Series Eligibles". The Morning Call. Allentown, Pennsylvania. AP. September 25, 1964. p. 39. Retrieved July 6, 2018 – via newspapers.com.
  31. ^ "Ike Futch Minor Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  32. ^ "Sports (column)". El Paso Herald-Post. June 27, 1966. p. 17. Retrieved June 6, 2018 – via newspapers.com.
  33. ^ "Maurice Ogier Minor & Winter Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  34. ^ "Twins Reactivate Kaat; Send Ogier To Farm System". Anderson Herald. Anderson, Indiana. UPI. May 2, 1968. p. 15. Retrieved June 1, 2018 – via newspapers.com.
  35. ^ "Lee Robinson Minor & Mexican Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  36. ^ "Dukes, LA swap men". The Arizona Republic. UPI. May 12, 1974. p. D-2. Retrieved June 14, 2018 – via newspapers.com.
  37. ^ "Rick Rhoden Answers Call". Albuquerque Journal. Albuquerque, New Mexico. July 4, 1974. p. E-8. Retrieved March 16, 2017 – via newspapers.com.
  38. ^ "Dukes Collect Some World Series Cash". Albuquerque Journal. Albuquerque, New Mexico. November 21, 1974. p. D-11. Retrieved June 14, 2018 – via newspapers.com.
  39. ^ "Ed Kurpiel Minor & Mexican Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  40. ^ "Cards Recall Trio from Tulsa Team". The Southern Illinoisan. Carbondale, Illinois. September 12, 1974. p. 16. Retrieved June 6, 2018 – via newspapers.com.
  41. ^ "Davis May Minor Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  42. ^ "Transactions". The Town Talk. Alexandria, Louisiana. April 26, 1977. p. B-3. Retrieved June 14, 2018 – via newspapers.com.
  43. ^ Gelfand, M. Howard (May 19, 1977). "Moves mean 'wasted year' for pitcher May". Minneapolis Tribune. p. 1D. Retrieved June 14, 2018 – via newspapers.com.
  44. ^ "Tom McGough Minor & Mexican Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  45. ^ "Pat Cristelli Minor Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  46. ^ "Ed Ricks Minor & Mexican Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  47. ^ "Harry Saferight Minor Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  48. ^ "Pirates call up 8". The Morning Call. Allentown, Pennsylvania. September 1, 1979. p. 4. Retrieved June 6, 2018 – via newspapers.com.
  49. ^ "Duane Dewey Minor Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  50. ^ "Russ Stephans Minor Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  51. ^ "Mark Leonette Minor Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  52. ^ "Transactions". The Pantagraph. Bloomington, Illinois. July 3, 1987. p. B2. Retrieved June 14, 2018 – via newspapers.com.
  53. ^ "Sanderson back". Journal Gazette. Mattoon, Illinois. July 7, 1987. p. B-1. Retrieved June 14, 2018 – via newspapers.com.
  54. ^ "Bill Merrifield Minor Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  55. ^ "Merrifield assigned to instructional camp". Rocky Mount Telegram. Rocky Mount, North Carolina. September 12, 1987. p. 9. Retrieved June 1, 2018 – via newspapers.com.
  56. ^ Dodd, Rustin (4 June 2016). "Royals' Whit Merrifield is taking his family along on big-league journey". Kansas City Star. Retrieved 2 September 2017.
  57. ^ Perrotto, John (1 September 2017). "Rumors and Rumblings – Merrifield fulfills father's dream". Fanrag. Retrieved 2 September 2017.
  58. ^ "Joe Law Minor Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  59. ^ "Frequent flier". The Philadelphia Inquirer. July 12, 1988. p. 2-D. Retrieved June 14, 2018 – via newspapers.com.
  60. ^ "Transactions". Los Angeles Times. August 9, 1988. p. 34. Retrieved June 14, 2018 – via newspapers.com.
  61. ^ "Transactions". Los Angeles Times. August 11, 1988. p. 58. Retrieved June 14, 2018 – via newspapers.com.
  62. ^ Villa, Walter (August 16, 2016). "Law follows, eclipses father's baseball career". MLB.com. Retrieved August 7, 2022.
  63. ^ "Armando Moreno Minor Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  64. ^ "Transactions". The Indianapolis Star. August 4, 1990. p. D-4. Retrieved July 4, 2018 – via newspapers.com.
  65. ^ "Transactions". The Indianapolis Star. August 6, 1990. p. B-4. Retrieved July 4, 2018 – via newspapers.com.
  66. ^ "Terrel Hansen Minor, Mexican & Independent Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  67. ^ "Flashes". New York Daily News. May 2, 1992. p. 36. Retrieved July 4, 2018 – via newspapers.com.
  68. ^ "Bruce Dostal Minor Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  69. ^ "Transactions". Chicago Tribune. June 11, 1994. pp. 3–7. Retrieved July 4, 2018 – via newspapers.com.
  70. ^ "Notes". Chicago Tribune. June 15, 1994. pp. 4–7. Retrieved July 4, 2018 – via newspapers.com.
  71. ^ "Dark Side of the Moonlight". The Church of Baseball. June 21, 2010. Retrieved July 4, 2018.
  72. ^ Martinez, Michael (June 7, 1995). "Chimelis leaves Giants as a pariah". The Times. Shreveport, Louisiana. Knight Ridder. p. 3C. Retrieved July 4, 2018 – via newspapers.com.
  73. ^ "Jesus Martinez Minor Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  74. ^ "Transactions". Tampa Bay Times. September 3, 1996. p. 6C. Retrieved July 4, 2018 – via newspapers.com.
  75. ^ Stephen, Eric (December 29, 2016). "Remembering the Dodgers who didn't play". SB Nation. Retrieved June 3, 2018.
  76. ^ "Luke Wilcox Minor Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  77. ^ Kimmerly, Geoff (July 15, 2000). "St. Johns native gets call up to Yankees". Lansing State Journal. Lansing, Michigan. p. C1. Retrieved June 29, 2018 – via newspapers.com.
  78. ^ "Yankees recall Bellinger, send Wilcox to Columbus". The Post-Star. Glens Falls, New York. July 17, 2000. p. C5. Retrieved June 29, 2018 – via newspapers.com.
  79. ^ "Cesar King Minor & Independent Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  80. ^ "Game Notes". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. May 20, 2001. p. D9. Retrieved June 29, 2018 – via newspapers.com.
  81. ^ "Transactions". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. May 24, 2001. p. D7. Retrieved June 29, 2018 – via newspapers.com.
  82. ^ "Jeff Urban Minor & Independent Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  83. ^ "Dave Parrish Minor, Fall & Independent Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  84. ^ "Cory Morris Minor, Fall & Independent Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  85. ^ "Tim Gradoville Minor Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  86. ^ "Luis Munoz Minor, Winter & Independent Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  87. ^ "Pirates promote Munoz; Cleveland claims Bulllington." www.post-gazette.com, 2008-07-10. Retrieved 2013-01-07.
  88. ^ "Tom Cochran Minor, Independent & Winter Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  89. ^ "Major League Spinners". MiLB.com. Lowell Spinners. Archived from the original on July 20, 2018 – via Wayback Machine.
  90. ^ "Jose Yepez Minor, Independent & Winter Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  91. ^ "Mariners Sox Roster & Staff – Transactions". MLB.com. June 2011. Retrieved June 1, 2018.
  92. ^ "Mariners Sox Roster & Staff – Transactions". MLB.com. July 2011. Retrieved June 1, 2018.
  93. ^ Bastian, Jordan (March 19, 2013). "Jeroloman out to shed 'phantom ballplayer' label". MLB.com.
  94. ^ "Jason Rice Minor, Winter & Fall Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  95. ^ "Athletics Sox Roster & Staff – Transactions". MLB.com. September 2011. Retrieved June 1, 2018.
  96. ^ "Dodgers Sox Roster & Staff – Transactions". MLB.com. April 2012. Retrieved June 1, 2018.
  97. ^ "Dodgers Sox Roster & Staff – Transactions". MLB.com. May 2012. Retrieved June 1, 2018.
  98. ^ "Frank De Los Santos Minor, Winter & Independent Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  99. ^ "White Sox Roster & Staff – Transactions". MLB.com. May 2014. Retrieved June 1, 2018.
  100. ^ "Tim Berry Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  101. ^ "Orioles Roster & Staff – Transactions". MLB.com. June 2014. Retrieved December 16, 2019.
  102. ^ "Yankees Roster & Staff – Transactions". MLB.com. July 2015. Retrieved June 1, 2018.
  103. ^ "Chris Jones Minor, Fall & Winter Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  104. ^ "Angels Roster & Staff – Transactions". MLB.com. May 2016. Retrieved July 4, 2018.
  105. ^ "Angels Roster & Staff – Transactions". MLB.com. June 2016. Retrieved July 4, 2018.
  106. ^ "Braves Roster & Staff – Transactions". MLB.com. July 2016. Retrieved July 4, 2018.
  107. ^ Hummer, Steve (July 3, 2016). "Braves, Marlins get extra body for Sunday night game". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved July 4, 2018.
  108. ^ "Dodgers Roster & Staff – Transactions". MLB.com. August 2016. Retrieved June 1, 2018.
  109. ^ Hoch, Bryan (May 23, 2018). "Germany, Australia ... now Yanks for Bollinger: Wide-traveling left-hander joins club vs. Rangers at Globe Life Park". MLB.com. Retrieved May 23, 2018.
  110. ^ Franko, Kyle (May 29, 2018). "Ryan Bollinger still relishing unexpected call to Yankees". The Trentonian. Retrieved June 3, 2018.
  111. ^ Mark Polishuk (July 18, 2019). "Minor MLB Transactions: 7/18/19". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved July 18, 2019.
  112. ^ "Transactions". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Retrieved 12 October 2022.
  113. ^ "Transactions". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Retrieved 12 October 2022.
  114. ^ "Bo Takahashi Stats, Fantasy & News". MLB.com. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  115. ^ "Jeison Guzmán Stats, Fantasy & News". MLB.com. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  116. ^ "Jeison Guzmán Stats, Fantasy & News". MiLB.com. Retrieved August 7, 2022.
  117. ^ "Trey Supak Stats, Fantasy & News". MLB.com. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  118. ^ "Jasseel De La Cruz Stats, Fantasy & News". MLB.com. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  119. ^ "Steven Fuentes Stats, Fantasy & News". MLB.com. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  120. ^ "Nationals Outright Three Players". MLB Trade Rumors. 13 October 2021. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  121. ^ Treacy, Jim (31 July 2021). "Corey Bird "DFA'D" hours before playing Yankees". Wsaz.com. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  122. ^ "Dirty Birds sign former Marshall star Corey Bird". 22 June 2022.
  123. ^ "Gianpaul Gonzalez". MLB.com.
  124. ^ "Indians Activate Aaron Civale From Injured List". MLB Trade Rumors. 7 September 2021. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  125. ^ a b "Athletics' Miguel Romero: Recalled by Oakland". CBSSports.com. 8 September 2021. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  126. ^ Steve Adams (April 13, 2022). "Phillies Designate Phillies Select Jeff Singer". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved April 14, 2022.
  127. ^ Steve Adams (April 14, 2022). "Phillies Designate Jeff Singer For Assignment". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved April 14, 2022.
  128. ^ "Nationals' Donovan Casey: Officially recalled by Nationals". 15 April 2022.
  129. ^ "Nationals' Donovan Casey: Sent down Wednesday". 20 April 2022.
  130. ^ Cotillo, Chris (April 19, 2022). "Could Boston Red Sox's future at catcher be on display in next few days with Connor Wong, Ronaldo Hernández in majors?". masslive.com. Retrieved April 19, 2022 – via MSN.com.
  131. ^ Cotillo, Chris (April 20, 2022). "Christian Vázquez activated by Boston Red Sox after one day on COVID list; Ronaldo Hernández sent back to WooSox". masslive.com. Retrieved April 19, 2022 – via MSN.com.
  132. ^ "Red Sox Roster & Staff – Transactions". MLB.com. Boston Red Sox. August 2022. Retrieved August 2, 2022.
  133. ^ McCalvy, Adam (June 2, 2022). "For High-A catcher Alex Hall, a g'day". MLB.com. Retrieved June 3, 2022.
  134. ^ "Tweet". Twitter.com. June 3, 2022. Retrieved June 3, 2022.
  135. ^ "Phillies add 2 new players for final game in Toronto". 13 July 2022.
  136. ^ "Phillies Activate Brogdon, Romero; Toffey Outrighted". 15 July 2022.
  137. ^ "Yankees' Carlos Espinal: Outrighted to minors". cbssports.com. 8 August 2022. Retrieved 2023-05-13.
  138. ^ Hnatiuk, Aileen (14 August 2022). "Parker Bugg receives MLB call-up to the Miami Marlins". WGNO.com.
  139. ^ "Marlins' Parker Bugg: Dropped from 40-man roster". CBSSports.com. 16 August 2022.
  140. ^ "Mets designate Connor Grey for assignment". September 2022.
  141. ^ "Rays' Chris Muller: Sent back to Triple-A". cbssports.com. 15 May 2023. Retrieved 2023-05-17.
  142. ^ "Chris Muller: In search of new organization". cbssports.com. Retrieved 2023-05-29.
  143. ^ "Braves' Roddery Muñoz: Sent back to Triple-A". cbssports.com. Retrieved June 11, 2023.
  144. ^ "Marlins' Sean Reynolds: Headed back to minors". cbssports.com. 10 July 2023. Retrieved July 12, 2023.
  145. ^ "Norwith Gudiño Stats, Fantasy & News". milb.com. Retrieved July 25, 2023.
  146. ^ "Red Sox Reinstate John Schreiber". mlbtraderumors.com. 25 July 2023. Retrieved July 25, 2023.
  147. ^ "Norwith Gudiño: Released by Boston". cbssports.com. August 2023. Retrieved August 1, 2023.
  148. ^ "Marlins' Josh Simpson: Back to minors". cbssports.com. Retrieved September 17, 2023.
  149. ^ "Landon Knack Stats, Age, Position, Height, Weight, Fantasy & News". MLB.com.
  150. ^ "Cup of Coffee Players". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved July 24, 2018.
  151. ^ "Moonlight Graham Stats". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved June 5, 2018.
  152. ^ "Jimmy Whalen Minor & Independent Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  153. ^ "CONTENTdm". Digital.la84.org. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  154. ^ "Jimmy Whalen Minor & Independent Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved June 1, 2018.
  155. ^ Jerome Holtzman (January 24, 1995). "REPLACEMENT TEAM IN COBB'S DAY LACKED SOMETHING: QUALITY". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved February 5, 2020.
  156. ^ "New York Yankees 7, Boston Red Sox 4". Retrosheet. May 10, 1953. Retrieved July 14, 2018.
  157. ^ Box score for Oldham's MLB appearance
  158. ^ "Astros' Rookie in 'Brief' Stint". Odessa American. Odessa, Texas. AP. September 16, 1971. p. 1-B. Retrieved May 31, 2018 – via newspapers.com.
  159. ^ "Atlanta Braves 4, Houston Astros 2". Retrosheet. September 15, 1971. Retrieved May 31, 2018.
  160. ^ a b Walker, Ben (June 25, 2005). "Hollywood did not invent Moonlight Graham". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. AP.
  161. ^ "Chicago Cubs 7, Pittsburgh Pirates 6". Retrosheet. September 29, 1979. Retrieved June 6, 2018.
  162. ^ "Kansas City Royals 10, Detroit Tigers 3 (1)". Retrosheet. August 8, 1985. Retrieved July 24, 2018.
  163. ^ Miller, Stephen (September 6, 2006). "Rain washes out Mazone's shot". The Morning Call. Allentown, Pennsylvania. p. C1. Retrieved May 31, 2018 – via newspapers.com.
  164. ^ "Brian Mazone Minor, Independent & Winter League Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved May 31, 2018.
  165. ^ http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090320&content_id=4040698&vkey=n[dead link]
  166. ^ "Mark Kiger". Retrosheet. Retrieved July 6, 2018.
  167. ^ "Jorge Comellas". Society for American Baseball Research. Retrieved March 14, 2022.
  168. ^ "Blue Jays recall Wagner, demote Walden". ESPN. April 9, 2014. Retrieved May 27, 2019.
  169. ^ Drellich, Evan (March 26, 2018). "Surprise! Poyner and Walden make Red Sox pitching staff". NBC Sports. Retrieved May 28, 2019.
  170. ^ "Mariners promote righty Harper, option Whalen". MLB.com. Retrieved May 28, 2019.
  171. ^ "Daniel Camarena Stats, Fantasy & News". MLB.com. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  172. ^ "Padres' Daniel Camarena: Unsteady in big-league debut". CBS Sports. 20 June 2021.
  173. ^ "Domingo Acevedo". Retrosheet. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
  174. ^ "Twins make roster moves". MLB.com. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  175. ^ Sullivan, Becky (2023-04-27). "After 1,154 games in the minor leagues, Drew Maggi makes his MLB debut". NPR. Retrieved 2023-04-27.
  176. ^ "Ten Baseball Card Blunders". Dacardworld.com. January 3, 2008. Retrieved June 13, 2021.
  177. ^ "1973 Topps: Rookie Catchers". Psacard.com. Retrieved June 13, 2021.
  178. ^ "George Pena Minor, Mexican & Winter Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved June 13, 2021.
  179. ^ "1975 Topps: Rookie Pitchers". Psacard.com. Retrieved June 12, 2021.
  180. ^ "Juan Veintidos Minor & Mexican Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved June 13, 2021.

Further reading[edit]