Milt Pappas, born Miltiades Stergios Papastergios on May 11, 1939, in Detroit, Michigan, embarked on a professional baseball career that spanned over a decade and a half. He was a right-handed pitcher who made his Major League Baseball debut with the Baltimore Orioles at the young age of 18. Pappas quickly established himself as a reliable starting pitcher, known for his control and ability to keep hitters off balance.

During his tenure with the Orioles, Pappas became an integral part of the team's pitching rotation. He consistently delivered solid performances, helping the Orioles to become competitive in the American League. In 1962, he was selected for the All-Star Game, a testament to his growing reputation as a dependable pitcher. Pappas earned another All-Star selection in 1965, further cementing his status as a valuable asset to the Orioles.

In December 1965, Pappas was involved in one of the most talked-about trades in baseball history. The Orioles traded him, along with Jack Baldschun and Dick Simpson, to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for Frank Robinson. This trade proved to be a turning point for both teams, as Robinson went on to win the Triple Crown and the American League MVP award in 1966, leading the Orioles to their first World Series title. Meanwhile, Pappas continued to perform well for the Reds, though the trade remained a topic of discussion among baseball enthusiasts.

Pappas spent two seasons with the Reds before being traded to the Atlanta Braves in 1968. His time with the Braves was relatively short, but he continued to demonstrate his pitching skills. In 1970, Pappas found a new home with the Chicago Cubs, where he experienced a resurgence in his career. He achieved a personal milestone on September 2, 1972, when he pitched a no-hitter against the San Diego Padres. This remarkable feat was a highlight of his career and showcased his enduring talent on the mound.

Throughout his career, Pappas was known for his excellent control, rarely issuing walks and maintaining a low earned run average. He finished his career with a record of 209 wins, 164 losses, and an ERA of 3.40. Pappas retired from professional baseball in 1973, leaving behind a legacy of consistency and reliability as a starting pitcher.

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