Baseball Acropolis - Did You Know?

Did You Know?

Too many youngsters today aren’t aware of the ballplayers who

were of Greek descent and who played in the major leagues.

Here’s just a sample quiz and the answers are below:

1. Who was the first ever big leaguer of Greek descent?

2. Who was the first Greek born player to play in the majors?

3. Who was the first Greek American to win a World Series? When?

4. Who was the first Greek American to go to an All-Star game?

5. What Red Sox player did Ted Williams call the next Lou Gehrig?

6. Who was the first Greek American big league manager?

7. Who was the first & only Greek American umpire?

8. What Greek American won 200 games & pitched a no-hitter?

9. Who did Brooks Robinson call the greatest catcher in Orioles history?

10. Who is the all-time leader in lifetime homers among Greek Americans?

11. What Greek American was voted NCAA II Coach of the Century ?

ANSWERS:

1. Alex Kampouris – Debut: July 31, 1934 –Cincinnati Reds (from Athens)

2. Al Campanis – Debut: Sept.23, 1943 – Brooklyn Dodgers ( Kos )

3. Gus Niarhos – Debut: June 9, 1946 – Yankees 1949 – ( Peloponesos )

4. Billy Loes – 1957 Brooklyn Dodgers – ( Peloponesos )

5. Harry Agganis – Debut: April 13, 1954 ( Logganiko near Sparta )

6. Alex Grammas – Mil. Brewers ‘76-77 (Agios Demitrios near Sparta )

7. Chris Pelekoudas – Debut: 1960 in the NL ( Tripoli )

8. Milt Pappas – Debut: Aug. 10, 1957 ( Epiros )

9. Gus Triandos – Debut: August 13, 1953 ( Koronos, Messenia )

10. Eric Karros – Currently with the Oakland Athletics

11. John Scolinos – Cal Poly Pomona Baseball Coach of the Century.

WHO SAID GREEKS CAN’T PLAY BASEBALL ? YES, WE CAN !!