John Bateman

Started as a diary of the 1966-68 Astros as seen through the eyes of the late John Bateman. Chronicled 1969-1972 Expos, and 1972 Phils.

[John Bateman @JohnnyBateman7]

60 years ago today

[John Bateman @JohnnyBateman7]

https://t.co/Rx30HWsZVT

[John Bateman @JohnnyBateman7]

On this day in 1966 I hit my first homerun off Dick Ellsworth. It was the first of four that I would hit off him in 1966. Had another On June 12 and hit two more on August 9. Four out my 17 homeruns that year! I cried myself to sleep when he was traded to Boston of the A.L.

[John Bateman @JohnnyBateman7]

Warren Spahn won 363 games and hit 35 HRs, including at least one every year between 1948-1964. I hit .364 against him in 11 at bats.

[John Bateman @JohnnyBateman7]

It was Carpin's only win as an Astro. He hated my guts, by the way.

[John Bateman @JohnnyBateman7]

On this day in 1966 Frank Carpin was the winning pitcher vs. the Cubs without throwing a pitch.
With 2 outs in top of 13th Beckert & Phillips stole 2nd and 3rd. Phillips was then was caught stealing home. Wynn knocked in Morgan to win in bottom of 13th. @blummer27

[John Bateman @JohnnyBateman7]

@KFord1957 Joe Morgan told me in 1967 that Roberts was working in the Phillies organization in 1967. I assumed it was in the front office. Turns out he was pitching for the Reading minor league club that season.

[John Bateman @JohnnyBateman7]

On this day in 1966, I caught Robin Roberts' 45th and final shutout of his career versus the Cubs in the Astrodome.

[John Bateman @JohnnyBateman7]

Gene Mauch was ejected 43 times as a manager. Only five as a player.

[John Bateman @JohnnyBateman7]

@CarsonTeel @Montreal_Expos Probably not your grandfather's favorite photo of himself. That was in 1969. Here's the slimmed down 1970 version.

[John Bateman @JohnnyBateman7]

Bateman, Brand, and Staub

[John Bateman @JohnnyBateman7]

Wonderful work by Montreal based artist Dariush Ramezani @dariushcomics

[John Bateman @JohnnyBateman7]

@DangerousThinkg @kmcatmull

[John Bateman @JohnnyBateman7]

(17 years ago today) And with 160 games to go, Geoff Blum is batting .429 @blummer27

[John Bateman @JohnnyBateman7]

Clemente’s salaries & averages 1960-69
1960 17.5K .314 Charlie Neal 24K 1961 17.5K . 351 1962 26K .312 Wally Moon 42K 1963 26K .320 Hal Smith 26K 1964 26K .339 1965 34K .329 1966 40K .317 1967 40K .357 Roseboro 48K 1968 45K .291 Javier 45K 1969 45K .345 Wynn 47.5K

[John Bateman @JohnnyBateman7]

Most Homeruns hit in Jarry Park
Fairly 58
Bailey 52
Staub 40
Jorgensen 34
Bateman 23

[John Bateman @JohnnyBateman7]

Only five Astros catchers have had 30 hits in a month.

Biggio 3, Diaz 2, Bateman 1, Brand 1, Eusebio 1

[John Bateman @JohnnyBateman7]

I caught Don Nottebart more than any catcher he played with. He threw two shutouts in his career. I caught both of them as a rookie in 1963, including his no-hitter. The first in franchise history.

[Jim Koenigsberger @Jimfrombaseball]

"This fellow is just a real fine catcher — I’m really impressed with the job he’s doing.”
HOF Robin Roberts
John Bateman received the ceremonial first pitch at Expos inaugural home opener from Quebec Premier Jean-Jacques Bertrand,

[John Bateman @JohnnyBateman7]

You can look it up.

[John Bateman @JohnnyBateman7]

Batting Average vs. Bob Gibson
John Bateman .266
Frank Robinson .229
Ernie Banks .229
Rusty Staub .224
Orlando Cepeda .222
Hank Aaron .215
Duke Snider .212
Roberto Clemente .208
Willie Mays .196