Separated at Birth ('60s Version)

You read about this every once in awhile in the newspaper.  You know, two guys who last saw each other in the maternity ward 40-some years ago are made aware of each other through some odd circumstance, bond instantly at the airport where they meet, then stay up all weekend discovering how alike they are.  It invariably turns out that they both work, say, in law enforcement, are married to women named “Trixie,” root for the Packers, drink PBR, and named their kids “Crystal” and “Travis.” 

In all seriousness, twin studies like these have actually contributed tons to real research on the old nature vs. nurture question.  There is actually an international society, an academic journal, and multiple research programs devoted to twins in general and “twins reared apart” in particular.   And, yes, they really do find all sorts of interesting coincidences.

Now, I’m not sure how much our twins share apart from their uncanny resemblances, but if you want to get a paper published, I’m not about to stand in your way (just make sure you include me in the “thanks” section).  You’re welcome!

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Positively uncanny.

Ray Washburn pitched ten years, all but one of those as a starter for the Cards.  His best year was 1968, when he went 14-8, had a 2.26 ERA, tossed a no-hitter, and pitched in the World Series.

Don Lee bounced around for nine years and five clubs.  You’ve met him before, where we made fun of his lips.
 

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Downright eerie.

Fred Gladding was a fairly decent reliever. He too has made his mark in this blog – namely, for those totally awesome glasses.

Danny Coombs (as he was typically known) was best known for being 6’5” and from Maine.  His actual baseball career was pretty forgettable.
 

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Out-and-out bizarre.

Faye Throneberry (brother of Marv) was a backup outfielder for seven years.  Upon retirement, he “became a successful professional trainer of bird dogs. He handled Miller's Miss Knight, a pointer, to victory in the 1973 National Bird Dog Field Trial Championship” (Wikipedia)

Clint Courtney was a starting catcher for most of the ‘50s.   Overall, he got in 3000 at bats in over 11 years.  He’s generally regarded as the first major league catcher to wear glasses.  Interestingly, he was quite the brawler, and his nickname was “Scrap Iron.”

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I’m sorry to do this to you, John.  But if you were in a police lineup for this guy, I’m afraid you’d definitely be the guy I’d pick.

You’ve met John Bateman before, where we made fun of his headwear, and also shared his stats.  I’ll hold off on citing the other guy’s stats.
 

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Honestly, I really don’t have a thing for serial killers.  Put a swastika on Vic’s forehead, though, and these two are the same guy. 

Vic Davalillo (the guy on the left) was only 5’7” and 150 lbs.  Charles Manson (the guy on the right) was a mere 5’2” and 130 lbs.  I still think ol’ Charlie coulda taken him though.

More Vic here and here.

        

See, it’s not all about serial killers (though Spuds McKenzie was a pit bull … and pit bulls are known for attacking people … and killing them …).

Kevin, at his 1965 Topps blog, points out that there aren’t enough Bubbas in MLB history – a mere eight.  I couldn’t agree more.

Now, I’ve given you one as a freebie.  How many more can you name?  (answers at bottom of page) 
 

        

Well, yes, one of Peter Lorre’s most famous roles is the serial killer in Fritz Lang’s M.  He was in some other roles too, though, you know.

Would you believe you’ve met Hank before as well?  Don’t you remember? He was looking a little peaked?

I shared his basic stats there.  Wikipedia gives us a little more insight by saying that “his repertoire included a hard fastball, a solid curve and an excellent slider.” Hey, way to break out the ol’ thesaurus, Mr. Wikipedia author.
 

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As far as I know, Shrek never killed no one.

“Al Schroll.”  Rhymes with “troll.” ‘Nuff said. 

* - author has this card 



Can’t get enough?  Here are some more from the ‘50s and '70s.



The remaining seven Bubbas are: Floyd, Harris, Morton, Trammell (hey, I got one right!), Carpenter, and Crosby.