An impressive rookie in 1970, the hard-throwing Cain recorded 12 victories and 156
strikeouts, but was hindered thereafter by injuries and control problems.
(CC)
FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY
»May 30, 1970: Detroit's Les Cain walks the first three batters, gives up a single and then newly acquired Roberto Pena smacks an inside-the-park grand slam to help the Brewers beat Detroit, 9–7. Jim Northrup and Al Kaline collide going after Pena's ball.
»May 23, 1971: With 53,337 on hand Mickey Lolich and Les Cain, with three innings from Joe Niekro, notch shutouts as the Tigers sweep a doubleheader from the Senators 5–0 and 11–0. The loser in the opener is Denny McLain, making his first appearance in Detroit since being traded. Al Kaline and Norm Cash each hit 2-run homers off Denny, with Cash adding another pair, one with the sacks full, in the nitecap.
»September 25, 1971: With rookie C Tim Hosley hitting two homers and driving in five runs, the Tigers trip the Yankees, 10–7. Les Cain pitches six innings for the win. Cain finishes with a 10–9 record with 145 innings, but contends he is forced to pitch by Manager Billy Martin while Cain has a sore arm. Cain later claims that it did permanent damage to his arm and he sues the Tigers. In a landmark decision, the Michigan Bureau of Workman's Compensation will order the Tigers to pay Cain $111 a month for the rest of his life. A lump sum payment was later agreed upon.
BALLPLAYERS | TEAMS | CHRONOLOGY | TODAY | BOOKS | NEWSLETTER | ERRATA | FAQ
