Facts, Trivia, Memories and More about Rick Rhoden

June 11, 1988: When the Yankees acquired Rick Rhoden, he was known not only as a pretty good starting pitcher, but very well known as one of the best hitting pitchers in the game. So, leave it to the always unorthodox Billy Martin to decide to pencil Rhoden in to the 7th spot in the lineup as the DH on a warm Saturday afternoon in June. While the first plate appearance resulted in a routine grounder to third, the second paid off. The Yankees trailed the Orioles and starter Jeff Ballard, 3-0 heading into the bottom of the fourth inning. After Bobby Meacham grounded out to start the frame, Dave Winfield followed with an infield single to start the rally. Jack Clark then followed with a walk. Back-to-back singles by Jay Buhner and Gary Ward plated two runs and put runners on first and third with one out. Up stepped Rhoden who lofted a fly ball to deep right for a game tying sac fly. The Yankees would add five more in the bottom of the fifth and go on to win 8-6, earning their 37th win of the year and stay in first place. John Candelaria improved to 8-2, Ballard was pegged with the loss and Dave Righetti picked up his 10th save of the year.