Friday Historical Fungoes: Ozzie, Big Daddy and Polly

• Fifty years ago today, Ozzie Virgil, acquired from the New York Giants in January, became the first black player to appear in a Tigers game. According to Baseball-Reference.com, the versatile Dominican played every position but pitcher during his nine major league career. Of course, the Tigers were the second-to-last team in the majors to have a black player. Shameful, really.

• On this date in 1990, Cecil Fielder hit three home runs in a game, as Detroit beat the Indians 6-4. Fielder became the fourth American League player to have two three-homer games in a season.

• And, three years ago today the Tigers acquired Placido Polanco from the Philadelphia Phillies for reliever Ugueth Urbina and utility infielder Ramón Martinez. Talk about a steal.

Have a great weekend.