Ask The Experts
October 10, 2000

Our mailbox is always full of esoteric questions from our readers. So every week, we pass along some of their most interesting queries to baseball historians who know the answers.

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SPITBALLS
Q: When the spitball was outlawed, some pitchers were granted permission to throw spitballs for the rest of their careers. Who was the last one?
-- Richard Schultz
A: The spitball was once legal and used commonly. The pitch was banned before the 1920 season, but 17 pitchers who used it regularly were allowed to continue to do so until they retired. The last pitcher to employed the pitch was Burleigh Grimes, who retired in 1934 after 19 seasons.
Back to top-- Alex Friedman
THREE-PEAT
Q: What was the last baseball team to win three World Series in a row?
-- Lynne Smith
A: The Oakland Athletics of 1972-74 were the last team to win the World Series in three consecutive seasons.
Back to top-- Christos Plakas
WILD CARDS
Q: Can you tell me how many Wild Card teams have ever gone to the World Series? Have any of the Wild Card Teams ever won the World Series?
-- jfsunshine@hotmail.com
A: The 1997 Florida Marlins are not only the only Wild Card team ever to make it to the World Series, but they also won it.
Back to top-- Christos Plakas
PLAYOFF SOX
Q: How many times have the Red Sox won a World Series and in what years? Also when have they been in the playoffs?
-- Betty White
A: The Red Sox have had poor playoff success of late, much of which is attributed to the Curse of the Bambino. Here are the years they made the playoffs and World Series:

1999 Wild Card
1998 Wild Card
1995 Division Winner
1990 Division Winner
1988 Division Winner
1986 Division Winner, lost in World Series
1975 Division Winner, lost in World Series
1946 AL Pennant, lost in World Series
1918 AL Pennant, won in World Series
1916 AL Pennant, won in World Series
1915 AL Pennant, won in World Series
1912 AL Pennant, won in World Series
1903 AL Pennant, won in World Series
Back to top-- Christos Plakas
1959 A'S
Q: Who were the starters for the 1959 Kansas City A's?
-- Neva
A: The 1959 A's went 66-88. Here are their starters:

C: Frank House 1B: Ken Hadley 2B: Wayne Terwilliger SS: Joe DeMaestri 3B: Dick Williams OF: Roger Maris, Bill Tuttle, and Bob Cerv
Starters: Bud Daley, Ray Herbert, Ned Garver, Johnny Kucks
Back to top-- Christos Plakas
RODNEY SCOTT?
Q: What happened to Rodney Scott after he left the Montreal team?
-- Alicia Minley
A: Rodney Scott played for the Montreal Expos for three-and-a-half seasons before finishing up his career in 1982 with the New York Yankees. He also played for the Royals, A's, and Cubs.
Back to top-- Alex Friedman
LOSERS
Q: Which team holds the record for the longest losing streak?
-- DisplacedC@aol.com
A: The modern-day record for consecutive losses is 23, set by the Philadelphia Phillies of 1961.
Back to top-- Alex Friedman
NUMBERS
Q: Can you tell me who wore uniform #5 for the St. Louis Cardinals of 1930-1931?
-- S.M. Mayian
A: The St. Louis Cardinals started wearing numbers during the 1932 season. That year Ernie Orsatti wore the number 5.
Back to top-- Alex Friedman
LOU PINIELLA
Q: What teams and when has Lou Piniella managed?
-- Fred
A: Piniella managed the Yankees from 1986-88, the Reds from 1990-1992, and the Mariners from 1993-present.
Back to top-- Christos Plakas
THE SPLENDID SPLINTER
Q: Who is the only pitcher to strike out Ted Williams three times in one game?
-- Mike Flynn
A: Jim Bunning is the only pitcher to ever strike out the great Ted Williams three times in one game.
Back to top-- Christos Plakas
WHAT TEAM?
Q: What team and what year would have included players Willie Wilson, Randy Myers, Karl D. Rhodes and Rick Wilkins?
-- Denise Diantonio
A: Those four players were all members of the 1994 Chicago Cubs, who finished in last place, with a 49-64 record in a strike-shortened season.
Back to top-- Christos Plakas

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