On June 4, 1907 George Washington was born. No, not that George Washington, obviously, but the brief career of the man born Sloan Vernon Washington does give us a chance to discuss the many players christened wholly or in part for our nation’s leaders.

On May 27, 1969, Todd Hundley was born. What does this have to do with Richard’s high school theory on playing right field and the error total of the 2006 Mets? Read on to find out.

On May 20, 1963, David Wells was born. What does he have in common with Ray Oyler and Ned Williamson? Read to find out, but here’s a hint: It’s something he doesn’t have in common with Barry Bonds and Jason Giambi

On May 17, 1963 Don Nottebart threw the first no-hitter in the history of the Houston franchise. The final score, however, reflected not only Nottebart’s pitching abilities, but also the defense he had playing behind him, and prompted memories of other “flawed” no-hitters.

On May 10, 2000, Ricky Bones suffered a back injury that forced him to miss his start for the Florida Marlins. Bones’ injury came in the clubhouse before the game and is one of the many bizarre misfortunes that have struck down ballplayers over the years.

On April 23, 2007 Richard watched the New York Mets host the Colorado Rockies. As this game shows us, baseball history is all around, even when the action is live in front of you.

On April 15, 1976, the Cubs hosted the Mets at Wrigley Field. That game would end with 17 runs allowed, just one of a crazy week of games at the ballpark in Chicago’s North Side.

On April 10, 1897, Ross Youngs was born. By the time he was 21, he was a major league regular. Just more than 10 years later, Youngs was dead. In that short time, however, he managed to construct a career deemed worthy of the Hall of Fame.

On April 1, 1996 the Mets rallied to beat the Cardinals 7-6 on Opening Day. That’s not all of the story, nor the only oddity about the first day of the season that Richard turned up this week.

Part II: Ticker tape this autumn? No reason why not