All of these players were active in the 1960s or 1970s. All were journeymen, and all played for at least three franchises.
Besides the above, what is the more specific common thread that unites these players?
Congratulations to yippeeyappee! He identified (in just 28 minutes) that these players played for a 1960s or 1970s expansion franchise in its inaugural season, and are natives of that team’s state/province. Where there were multiple such players, these are the ones who played the most games in that season.
No players on the 1969 Royals or 1977 Blue Jays matched these criteria.
Looks like they all played for expansion franchises in their first year.
Beat me to that one…
First thing I noticed is that each of these players played for a franchise during its inaugural season. Furthermore, I think there are seven different inaugural seasons represented here by each player. I’d bet this is a part of the solution…
You guys are good.
But there’s something else that distinguishes these guys from others who also fit the inaugural season for an expansion team criteria.
Born in same state/province as expansion franchise? Fits for House, Cannizzaro, Raymond that I’ve checked…
They also all played for a franchise that relocated.
“Born in same state/province as expansion franchise”
And it also fits for Whitaker, Pearson, Pignatano and Warwick as well. I think you’ve got it.
I also have all 7 of their baseball cards, but not necessarily when they played for the expansion team.
Plus none of them has ever been in my kitchen.
Yippeeyappee has it.
Played for expansion franchise in its inaugural season, and a native of that team’s state/province. Where there were multiple such players, these are the one who played the most games in that season.
No players on the 1969 Royals or 1977 Blue Jays matched these criteria.
Just for laughs … Minnesota native Fred Bruckbauer pitched in one game for the (relocated) 1961 Twins.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/KC1/KC1196104250.shtml
Poor kid: Brought in to start the 4th inning with the team down 8-2, he faced 4 men and they all got on — Dick Howser doubled, Jay Hankins singled, Jerry Lumpe walked and Lou Klimchock doubled.
And that was his career. Sent down to AAA, had a poor year there, down to A the next year, pitched well for a few games and then I guess injuries hit him.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Fred%20Bruckbauer
One of 7 modern players to face at least 4 batters and get no outs.
Smells like the plot of my next screenplay; envisioning Costner in the lead