Today in sports history

Happy 40th birthday, former Indian Kent Mercker.

A native of Dublin, Ohio, Mercker pitched in 10 games for the Tribe in 1996. He pitched for nine teams in his 17-year career.

Yeah, I know, I'm reaching, but I'm looking for five-year increments, and it's hard on some dates. Five years ago today was the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster, but I don't know of any tie to sports. So it's probably best if I don't even mention it.