All in a day’s work

Warren Spahn has a busy schedule 61 years ago today in Los Angeles.

First, the Milwaukee Braves’ left-hander spends the early part of the day in Hollywood, where he prepares for his first and only acting gig as he plays a German soldier in the TV series Combat!

Spahn, who is a big fan of the show, actually is a decorated World War II veteran who takes part in the six-week Battle of the Bulge in the winter of 1944-45, as well as the 18-day Battle at Remagen in March 1945.

Warren Spahn on Combat!

After wrapping up his cameo appearance on Combat! the 42-year-old Spahn heads to Dodgers Stadium, where he warms up for his 601st career start that replaces Pete Alexander atop the all-time National League list.

Spahn then throws a complete game, beating the Dodgers 6-1 before a Friday night crowd of 36,013 at Chavez Ravine en route to finishing the 1963 season with a 23-7 record.

Just because he can on this day in 1963, Spahn accounts for the Braves’ fourth run with a sacrifice fly off reliever Ken Rowe in the sixth inning and later doubles off reliever Larry Sherry to start a game-breaking, three-run rally in the ninth inning.

The 1963 season is the last great summer of Spahn’s Hall of Fame career.

He struggles to a 13-29 record over the next two years before leaving the majors after the 1965 season with a lifetime record of 363-245.