Happy birthday to Mike Loynd, who turns 46 today.
Loynd was a 7th round draft choice of the Rangers in 1986 out of Florida State University, who was called up to the majors in July, 1986, after just 5 professional games in AA.
Loynd had a big curve ball but not much else, and after winning his first major league game, a 6 inning outing where he K'd 6, walked just 1, and allowed 3 runs, it was largely downhill. He had a 4.68 ERA after his first six major league starts, but the league caught up with him pretty quick after that. Loynd was a swingman in 1987, posting a 6.10 ERA in 69 innings, and was traded to Houston on the eve of the 1988 season. Houston sent him to the minors, and Loynd never pitched in the major leagues again.