Happy Birthday - 4/20

Happy Birthday to ~

RHP Ricky Martinez (25)
Martinez, a former Cardinal farmhand, was picked up by Jeff Luhnow in the off-season. Originally signed by the Cardinals as a non-drafted free agent, Martinez played for Nova Southeastern University from 2007-2009. He split the 2012 season between the A and High A Cardinals affiliates and compiled a 5.91 ERA and a 1.686 WHIP with five saves in 38 appearances out of the bullpen.

Former Astros with birthdays today ~

RHP Jimmy Jones (49)
A first round draft pick by the Padres in 1982, Jones came to Houston as a free agent in 1991. In 1991 and 1992, he went 16-14 in 51 games (45 starts) with a 4.23 ERA and a 1.340 WHIP.

OF/1B/PH Tim Tolman (57)
Tolman played in 107 games spread out over 1981 through 1985 for Houston. Despite a .296 career minor league batting average, Tolman hit only .196 in his best season with the Astros.

RHP Jim Dickson (75)
Dickson pitched in 13 games for the Colt .45's in 1963 before being traded to the Reds in 1964 for Eddie Kasko.

MGR Preston Gomez (died January 13, 2009 at 85)
The Cuban born Gomez managed the Astros to an 81-81 record in 1974 but was replaced late in the 1975 season by Bill Virdon after he had managed the Astros to a 47-80 record in his second season.  Twice during his managerial career, he removed a starting pitcher for a pinch-hitter late in a game when the pitcher had a no-hitter going, with the Astros Don Wilson being one of them. Both of those games were lost.