On this day in 1964, A’s rookie Bert Campaneris hit 2 home runs in his Major League debut. Campy became one of the best players in the AL and a key component of the A’s who won the World Series in 1972, 1973 & 1974.
Campy hit .259 with 2,249 hits and 646 stolen bases. He also played in 37 post-season games from 1971-75 with the Oakland A’s.
We also remember Luis Aloma Barba who was born in Havana on this day in 1923. He was known as “Witto.”
Aloma made his major league debut with the Chicago White Sox in 1950.
Over the next four seasons, Aloma was 18-3 in four big league seasons and holds the highest career winning percentage (.857) among all pitchers with at least 20 decisions. He saved 15 and had a 3.44 career ERA.
Sadly, Aloma was forced to retire after the 1953 season due to chronic bursitis.
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