Knowing your limitations

Dave Cole

The saddest day in the remarkably unremarkable six-year career in the majors of Dave Cole comes 70 years ago today as the Chicago Cubs sell the onetime Boston Braves pitcher to the Philadelphia Phillies.

“That's too bad,” Cole says at the time of being sent to the Phillies. “They’re the only team I can beat.”

Cole is right there as four of his six career victories come against the Phillies, including two in 1954 during Cole's one and only season with the Cubs in 1954.

The prophetic Cole promptly goes 0-3 with the Phillies in 1955 before they ship him to the Brooklyn Dodgers, who then promptly send him to the minors.

Alas, Cole never again pitches in the majors.