The Harrisburg Alumni Association

Dave Machemer, seen here in a Richmond Times photograph from 2012, apparently is saying “Happy Birthday” – or not – to umpire Ramon DeJesus during an argument in a Class AA Eastern League game.

Today is DeJesus’ chance to return the favor – or not – as the former Richmond Flying Squirrels and onetime Harrisburg Senators manager celebrates his 75th birthday.

This year also marks the 48th anniversary of Machemer’s first game in the major leagues, where he becomes the first player in his debut to lead off a game with a home run.

For Machemer, that moment comes on June 21, 1978 as he bats first and plays second base for the California Angels.

He gives the Angels the fastest of all possible 1-0 leads when he drives Geoff Zahn's 3-2 fastball into the left-field bleachers at Minnesota’s old Metropolitan Stadium.