#366 Dan Schneider

If you take a peek behind Dan Schneider, you can see the distance from home plate to the outfield fence painted on the wall. Just a nifty little detail.

Fun facts about Dan Schneider:

-Born in Evansville, IL, Dan attended the University of Arizona before signing with the Braves in 1962.

-He was just 20 when he debuted for Milwaukee on May 12, 1963. He tossed a perfect inning in relief of Lew Burdette.

-In a rare start on August 4, 1963, Dan earned his first career win with six innings of scoreless ball against the Mets. He scattered seven hits and a walk, and the Braves won 2-1. The winning run scored on an errant pickoff throw by Roger Craig, who was saddled with his 20th loss.

-As a rookie he went 1-0 with a 3.09 ERA in 30 games, including three starts. He also allowed just two home runs in 43.2 innings.

-In two stints with the Braves in 1964, Schneider failed to replicate his first-year success. He would spend all of the following season in the minors.

-Resurfacing in Atlanta in the summer of 1966, Dan had a better go of it on the surface (3.42 ERA in 14 games). However, he was more lucky than he was good, as he allowed 35 hits in just 26.1 innings with a 1.52 WHIP.

-After beginning his career 0-for-16, the southpaw pitcher hit safely in three straight at-bats and four out of six in July 1966! His first two career hits came off of Hall of Famer Don Drysdale and All-Star Milt Pappas.

-Traded to Houston for the 1967 season, Dan finally had a full season in the majors. He pitched in 54 games out of the Astros bullpen, but was touched up for a 4.96 ERA. As late as June 25 his ERA stood at 1.80, but either he ran out of gas, the hitters caught up to him, or both: he gave up 18 earned runs in 18.2 innings in July and August to send his numbers sky-high.

-After a decent season back in AAA in 1968, the Astros put him on the opening day roster in 1969. He was scored upon in all six of his appearances, which was the final nail in the coffin for his big league career.

-Schneider played minor league ball through the end of the 1970 season and was through as a pro pitcher at age 27. In parts of five major league seasons he was 2-5 with a 4.71 ERA and two saves.