Dave Stapleton, who
John McNamara did
not insert into Game Six of the 1986 World Series, turns 63 years old today. "Stapes" had been the late-inning defensive substitute in
every other post-season win that year. But McNamara—wanting to finish the World Series Championship with the "guys that brought us this far"—kept
Bill Buckner in the game at first base.
'Nuff Ced. Stapleton had a pretty decent career in
Carmine Hose—hitting .271 over seven seasons in Boston. Most people forget that—in 1980—Stapleton finished second in the American League Rookie-Of-The-Year voting (to
Smokin' Joe Charboneau). Happy birthday, Stapes!
