This Day in Baseball - The Daily Rewind

Join the Daily Rewind - Join.Classic Baseball Broadcasts - reconnect with baseball history.Mentioned in this episode:Classic Baseball Broadcasts

March 14, 2003 — Milwaukee Brewers TV/Radio play-by-play announcer Bob Uecker is chosen for induction into the broadcasters' wing of the Hall of Fame as the recipient of the Ford C. Frick Award. The 68-year-old former back-up catcher, who joined the Milwaukee broadcast crew in 1971, is best known for the humor he has brought to the game through his starring role in the cult movie Major League and the beer commercial in which the phrase Must be in the front row! has become a familiar cry in ballparks around the country.‘Must be in the front row! “- BOB UECKER, a quip from beer commercials which has a become a famous cry in ballparks around the country.Mentioned in this episode:Classic Baseball BroadcastsClassic Baseball Broadcasts

March 12, 1956 in Portland, OR . . . One of the most talented and complete players of the 1980s, Dale Murphy won two Most Valuable Player Awards and clubbed 398 homers while maintaining a squeeky-clean image. He was one of the most respected and popular stars of his era. He led the National League in homers, RBI, and slugging twice each. Though he declined rapidly late in his career, in his prime Murphy was compared to Joe DiMaggio, Willie Mays and Hank Aaron.Mentioned in this episode:Classic Baseball Broadcasts

Big John Mize won four National League home run titles, a batting title and three RBI crowns. He was revered by fans in St. Louis and New York, where he ended his career by playing on five World Series champions in his last seasons as a Yankee. In the 1952 Fall Classic against the Dodgers he belted homer sin games three, four and five, batting .400 with six RBI.Mentioned in this episode:Classic Baseball Broadcasts

Robert Arthur Elson (March 22, 1904 – March 10, 1981[1]) was a pioneering American sportscaster who was the voice of the Chicago White Sox for all or parts of four decades. Known as "The 'Ol Commander", he broadcast an estimated 5,000 major league baseball games. In his prime, was among the leading play-by-play men in the game. In 1979, he received the Ford C. Frick Award from the Baseball Hall of Fame for his excellence and longevity in the industry.Mentioned in this episode:Classic Baseball Broadcasts

Born: March 9, 1942 in Pueblo Nuevo, Cuba, Surrounded by superstars, Bert Campaneris was a key contributor to the great Oakland teams with his competitive spirit and superb play. His memorable debut with the Kansas City A's (July 23, 1964) included two home runs, one off the first major league pitch ever thrown to him. Bert became only the third player in big league history to hit two homers in his first game. He made headlines in one of club owner Charlie Finley's publicity stunts in 1965. On September 9, Campaneris played every position in a nine inning game.Mentioned in this episode:Classic Baseball Broadcasts

March 8, 1939 in Newark, NJ Pitcher, author, philosopher, and pundit, March 8, 1939 in Newark, NJ Pitcher, author, philosopher, and pundit, Jim Bouton bore little resemblance to the vast majority of players who performed in the major leagues before he joined the New York Yankees in 1962. One of the new breed of ballplayers that began entering the game during the 1960s, Bouton was not as hardened or rough around the edges as most of the players who preceded him. An intellectual at heart, Bouton preferred to discuss politics or journalism, rather than spend much of his free time hunting or chasing women. Bouton's cerebral nature endeared him to the New York media, with whom he shared an amicable relationship during his seven years in the big city. However, it also alienated him somewhat from many of his teammates, who resented the inordinate amount of time he devoted to conversing with the members of the press corps. Nevertheless, Bouton's teammates rarely expressed their dissatisfaction with him early in his career, when the righthander was one of the American League's finest pitchers bore little resemblance to the vast majority of players who performed in the major leagues before he joined the New York Yankees in 1962. One of the new breed of ballplayers that began entering the game during the 1960s, Bouton was not as hardened or rough around the edges as most of the players who preceded him. An intellectual at heart, Bouton preferred to discuss politics or journalism, rather than spend much of his free time hunting or chasing women. Bouton's cerebral nature endeared him to the New York media, with whom he shared an amicable relationship during his seven years in the big city. However, it also alienated him somewhat from many of his teammates, who resented the inordinate amount of time he devoted to conversing with the members of the press corps. Nevertheless, Bouton's teammates rarely expressed their dissatisfaction with him early in his career, when the righthander was one of the American League's finest pitchersMentioned in this episode:Classic Baseball Broadcasts

March 5, 1996 — The Veterans Committee elects four new members for the Hall of Fame, and just misses naming a fifth. The group elected includes fiery manager Earl Weaver, who had a .583 winning percentage in 17 seasons managing the Baltimore Orioles; pitcher Jim Bunning, who won 100 games in both leagues, including no-hitters in each circuit, one of them a perfect game; 19th-century manager Ned Hanlon, who won five National League pennants with the Baltimore Orioles (3) and Brooklyn (2), and Bill Foster, the top left-handed pitcher in the Negro Leagues. Nellie Fox receives the necessary 75% of the Committee's votes, but the rules allow just one modern player elected, and Bunning has more votes.Mentioned in this episode:Classic Baseball BroadcastsClassic Baseball Broadcasts

Born: March 4, 1897 in San Francisco, CA, How did a baseball player named Lefty O'Doul become so popular in his native San Francisco that a bridge was named after him? The answer is complicated but legendary in the Bay Area. O'Doul began as a pitcher for the San Francisco Seals of the Pacific Coast League, working his way to the big leagues for brief stretches, but an arm injury forced him to concentrate on his hitting. At the age of 31, in 1928, he made it back to the majors as an outfielder with the New York Giants. The following year with the Phillies, the hard-hitting O'Doul smacked 254 hits and 32 homers, while batting .398 to win the first of his two batting titles. He topped the 200-hit mark twice more, and batted .300 or better six times in his “second career.” Lured by a fat contract to manage the Seals back in his home city, O'Doul took his career .349 batting mark and returned to the West Coast in 1937. He held that position for 15 seasons, managing some of the best players to come out of California.Mentioned in this episode:Classic Baseball Broadcasts

March 3, 1987, former Negro Leagues standout Ray Dandridge is elected to the Hall of Fame. Known for his power hitting ability and slick-fielding at third base, Dandridge starred for a number of Negro Leagues teams in the 1930s and 40s. He was the only player elected to the Hall of Fame by the Special Veterans Committee.Mentioned in this episode:Classic Baseball Broadcasts

February 25, 1972, the St. Louis Cardinals trade future Hall of Famer Steve Carlton to the Philadelphia Phillies for pitcher Rick Wise. The trade will prove to be one of the best in the history of the Philadelphia franchise, as Carlton will win an amazing 27 games for the last-place Phillies in 1972. During his career with the Phillies, Carlton will win 241 games and four Cy Young awards. Carlton will also help the Phils win 6 NL East crowns, 2 National League pennants, and the 1980 World Series.Join the Daily Rewind - Join.Classic Baseball Broadcasts - reconnect with baseball history.Mentioned in this episode:Classic Baseball BroadcastsClassic Baseball Broadcasts

February 24, 1986, Dick Williams resigns as manager of the San Diego Padres, eleven weeks after Padres executives attempt to buy out his contract, only to be thwarted by team owner Joan Kroc, and is replaced by Steve Boros. In 1985, Williams guided the Padres to a record of 83-79. The previous year, Williams led the Padres to their first post-season berth and World Series appearance and compiled a 337-311 (.520) record during his four seasons in San Diego.Join the Daily Rewind - Join.Classic Baseball Broadcasts - reconnect with baseball history.Mentioned in this episode:Classic Baseball BroadcastsClassic Baseball Broadcasts

February 23, 1929 in St. Louis, MO The Yankees' first black player, Elston Howard was forced to play the outfield through much of his first five seasons because Yogi Berra was behind the plate. By 1960, Howard was the starting catcher and Berra was more often in the field. Howard was an exceptional defensive catcher; his .993 career fielding average is one of the highest ever, and he pioneered the use of a hinged catcher's mitt that led to the modern one-handed catching techniques. He was also highly regarded as a handler of pitchers. He was named to the AL All-Star team nine consecutive years.Join the Daily Rewind - Join.Classic Baseball Broadcasts - reconnect with baseball history.Show Notes & Featured AudioGreatest Sports ThrillElston Howard Tops on SportsElston Howard over 100 GamesMentioned in this episode:Classic Baseball BroadcastsClassic Baseball Broadcasts

February 21, 1986, Rollie Fingers passes up an opportunity to return to the majors. Fingers is invited to spring training by the Cincinnati Reds, who ask him to shave off his handlebar mustache to comply with team rules. Fingers refuse to do so and decides to retire.The future Hall of Fame reliever, who leaves the game with 341 saves, had been offered a contract by Cincinnati's skipper Pete Rose after being released by the Brewers at the end of last seasonMentioned in this episode:Classic Baseball BroadcastsClassic Baseball Broadcasts

February 20, 1980 — The Oakland Athletics sign Billy Martin to a two-year contract for $125,000 as manager. Martin, who was fired by the Yankees only four months earlier, will popularize the notion of “Billy Ball” with the A's and lead the team to a split-season crown in 1981. He will compile a 215-218 record and destroy the young arms of several would be long term starting pitchers. His style also allowed Ricky Henderson to run free on the bases and set the all-time record for stolen bases in a season.Join the Daily Rewind - Join.Classic Baseball Broadcasts - reconnect with baseball history.Billy Martin Audio VaultMentioned in this episode:Classic Baseball BroadcastsClassic Baseball Broadcasts

February 19 1957 — The Kansas City Athletics ship pitchers Art Ditmar, Bobby Shantz, and Jack McMahan, and infielders Clete Boyer, Curt Roberts and Wayne Belardi to the Yankees. In return they receive pitchers Mickey McDermott, Tom Morgan, Rip Coleman and Jack Urban, OF Irv Noren, plus infielders Billy Hunter and Milt Graff.There entire interview can be found at Passed Ball PodcastJoin the Daily Rewind - Join.Classic Baseball Broadcasts - reconnect with baseball history.Notes & Featured AudioArt Ditmar Audio Vault1960 World Series 1958 World SeriesMentioned in this episode:Classic Baseball BroadcastsClassic Baseball Broadcasts

February 18 1998 — Chicago Cubs broadcaster Harry Caray dies four days after collapsing at a Valentine's Day supper. Caray, age 84, after suffering a heart attack four days earlier while having Valentine's Day dinner with his wife, Dutchie. – 1957 All Star Game called by Harry Caray.From a compilation aired in 2016 from ESPN Classic, appearances from Harry Caray on Up Close with Roy Firestone.Show Notes & Featured AudioHarry Caray Game BroadcastsJoin the Daily Rewind - Join.Classic Baseball Broadcasts - reconnect with baseball history.Mentioned in this episode:Classic Baseball BroadcastsClassic Baseball Broadcasts

Originally aired February 17, 1970, this clip features coverage of Denny McLain, pitcher of the Detroit Tigers. This story covers the news of an impending article in Sports Illustrated regarding alleged activities of McLain consorting with gamblers.Join the Daily Rewind - Join.Classic Baseball Broadcasts - reconnect with baseball history.Audio Links & CreditsDenny McLain Games & InterviewsNews Report 30th WinMentioned in this episode:Classic Baseball BroadcastsClassic Baseball Broadcasts

February 16 2012 – Hall of Fame catcher Gary Carter dies of brain cancer in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. After becoming a perennial All-Star with the Montreal Expos, Carter led the New York Mets to a World Series title in 1986.Join the Daily Rewind - Join.Classic Baseball Broadcasts - reconnect with baseball history.Show Notes & Featured AudioGary CarterMontreal ExposMentioned in this episode:Classic Baseball BroadcastsClassic Baseball Broadcasts

February 15, 2005 Lawrence Ritter passed away. He was the author of Glory of Their times. The Glory of Their Times: A Timeless Baseball ClassicFew books in the vast library of baseball literature hold the revered status of The Glory of Their Times by Lawrence Ritter. Published in 1966, this groundbreaking work captures the essence of early 20th-century baseball through the voices of the men who played the game. Hailed as one of the greatest books ever written about baseball, it remains a cherished piece of sports history, offering readers an intimate look at the sport's formative years.Larry talks about his Dad and I talk about mine. Enjoy! Mentioned in this episode:Classic Baseball BroadcastsClassic Baseball Broadcasts

Tribute to Dick Allen - Listen to his classic homeruns

October 24, 1994 Atlanta Braves Pitcher Greg Maddux is named the National Leagues Cy Young award winner for the strike-shortened 1994 season. Maddux became the first player to win three consecutive Cy Young Awards in the National League and would add a 4th the following year. The 1994 Major League Players Association struck over their refusal to allow a league imposed salary cap. The 232 day strike halted the season with roughly 50 games left on each team's schedule and led to the cancellation of the World Series. Tony Gwynn was batting .394 with a legitimate chance to become the first .400 hitter since Ted Williams. San Francisco's Matt Williams, with 43 home runs, was on pace to at least tie Roger Maris's single season record of 61. And the doomed Montreal Expos, who in 2005 would become the Washington Nationals, had baseball's top record, 74-40 and would lose what would prove to be their only chance at the World Series. Other National League award winners included Houston Astros first baseman Jeff Bagwell who was MVP, and Los Angeles Dodger outfielder Raul Mondesi who was named Rookie of the year. The American League award winners were all unanimously selected. They included: Chicago White Sox first baseman Frank Thomas as MVP, Kansas City Royals pitcher David Cone as Cy Young, and Kansas City Royals designated hitter Bob Hamelin was Rookie of the Year.

October 23, 1993 The sixth game in the Toronto Blue Jays -- Philadelphia Phillies World Series was a rematch between Game 2 starters Terry Mulholland and Dave Stewart. Toronto scored in the bottom of the first on a Paul Molitor triple, Joe Carter sacrifice fly, and Roberto Alomar RBI single. Paul Molitor added a solo home run in the fifth inning while the Toronto fans were chanting "MVP" for Paul, bringing the score to 5--1 for Toronto. Ultimately, Molitor became the first player in World Series history to have at least two home runs, two doubles, and two triples.In the seventh inning, Philadelphia fought back with five runs to take a 6--5 lead. The big hit of the inning was a Lenny Dykstra three-run homer. The inning brought an end to Stewart's night, leaving the game with six innings pitched and four runs given up. Philadelphia closer, Mitch "Wild Thing" Williams came on to pitch the bottom of the ninth with his team clinging to a 6--5 lead. After beginning the inning by walking Rickey Henderson, Williams tried to counter Henderson's speed by using a slide-step pitching delivery. This was the first time in his career he used the slide step and his pitch speed may have been decreased as a result. The walk to Henderson was followed by a Devon White fly out and Paul Molitor would single, moving Henderson to second. Joe Carter came up next and with the count 2--2, he hit a three-run home run to win the game and the World Series crown. That pitch allowed Blue Jays radio announcer Tom Cheek the opportunity to utter his famous quote "Touch 'em all, Joe" when Joe Carter ended the series. Carter joined Bill Mazeroski as one of the only two players to win a World Series with a home run in the bottom of the ninth inning of the deciding game.

October 22, 2000 Game Two of the "Subway Series" between the Mets and Yankees brought with it the long awaited matchup of Yankee Pitcher Roger Clemens against Mets Catcher Mike Piazza. Earlier in the year during regular season Interleague play, Clemens beaned Piazza with a fastball giving him a concussion and sending him to the disabled list. Their Game 2 matchup would not disappoint. In the first inning, Clemens quickly dispensed with the first two batters and Piazza's name was announced sending the 56,069 in attendance crazy. Clemens fired two quick strikes, then one out of the strike zone. The fourth pitch came inside and Piazza made contact shattering the bat and sending the ball foul. The pointed barrel of the bat bounced toward Clemens who fielded the wooden shard as if it were a grounder, then turned and threw the fragment sidearm toward Piazza on the first baseline. The barrel of the bat spun and skittered in front of Piazza who stood stunned, staring at Clemens, before stepping across the baseline toward the pitcher. Clemens raised his hand to the ump for a new ball as the two came face to face. The benches emptied but no punches were thrown as the two players were separated. Piazza would later hit a home run off reliever Jeff Nelson, but the Yankees would come away with a 6--5 win. After the game, Clemens would claim he did not see Piazza running and threw the bat because of nervous energy and mistakenly charged the incoming broken bat, believing it to be the ball. This win for the Yankees would extend their World Series winning streak to 14 consecutive games.

October 21, 1998 - The New York Yankees close out their historic season with 3 - 0 victory against the San Diego Padres, sweeping San Diego in four games to win their record 24th World Series championship. Andy Pettitte, who struggled mightily throughout the regular season secured the victory with 7 1/3 strong innings. With the Yankees clinging to a 3--0 lead in the eighth, the Padres were able to load the bases against Yankee's reliever Jeff Nelson. Yankees closer, Mariano Rivera came in and shut down Jim Leyritz, known for his clutch postseason home runs, to end the threat and went on to pitch a scoreless ninth inning to end the Series. Yankee first baseman Scott Brosius sensed as the ninth inning began that he would make the final play, and in fact did. The Padres pinch-hitter Mark Sweeney grounded to third base, and after Brosius threw to first for the final out, he raised his hands into the air. Mariano Rivera, the Yankees' closer, dropped to his knees as the other Yankees piled on around him. Scott Brosius was named Series MVP on the strength of the 2 home runs he hit in Game 3, including one off of Padres closer Trevor Hoffman to give the Yankees a 3-0 Series lead.The Game Four victory gave the Yankees 125 wins against 50 losses for a .714 winning percentage, the best in the majors since their Murderers' Row club of 1927, as their American League record of 114 regular-season victories were the most ever for a major league champion team at that time.October 21, 1975, Carlton Fisk of the Boston Red Sox powers a dramatic 12th- inning home run to complete one of the most memorable games in World Series history. Playing in Game Six, Fisk homers off the foul pole at Fenway Park, giving the Red Sox a 7-6 win over the Cincinnati Reds. The Red Sox had trailed in the eighth inning, when Bernie Carbo hit a three-run, pinch-hit homer to tie the game at 6.In 2002 this event, seen by a record-75.9 million viewers, will be chosen as one of baseball's most memorable moments.

October 20, 2004 Game 7 of the ALCS began at 8:30 in the evening at Yankee Stadium. After winning the first three and loosing the next three, the Yankees were sending Kevin Brown to the mound to face Derek Lowe for the Red Sox. Johnny Damon, suffering through a 3 for 29 slump decided to play aggressively leading off the game with a single to left and a stolen base, but was thrown out at home trying to score on a Manny Ramirez base hit. The very next pitch, however, was lined into the right-field bleachers by David Ortiz to give Boston a 2--0 advantage. In the second inning, the Sox loaded the bases against Brown, causing Yankees manager Joe Torre to remove him and put in Javier Vázquez to face Johnny Damon. Damon hammered Vázquez' first pitch into the right-field seats for a grand slam. The rout was on. Damon, who also added an upper deck two-run blast in the fourth, had three hits in the game. Boston also enjoyed a solid performance from their starting pitcher, Derek Lowe, who allowed only one run and one hit in six innings of work, and was never even intended to be a starter in the postseason. He pitched game seven on just two days of rest. Pedro Martinez relieved Lowe in the seventh inning, receiving loud chants of "Who's Your Daddy?" which intensified as he gave up two runs. He eventually raised the velocity of his fastball to the mid-90s and shut down the rally. At 12:01 a.m., on October 21, Rubén Sierra hit a groundball to second baseman Pokey Reese, who threw to first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz to finish the unprecedented comeback. "Not many people get the opportunity to shock the world. We came out and did it," Boston first baseman Kevin Millar said. "You know what? We beat the Yankees. Now they get a chance to watch us on the tube."The Red Sox won 10--3 and became the first team in Major League Baseball history to win a seven-game series after losing the first three games.

October 19, 2004 --The Yankees hold a 3-2 lead over the Red Sox in the ALCS with Game 6 to be played at Yankee Stadium. The starting pitchers were Curt Schilling of the Red Sox and Jon Lieber of the Yankees. Schilling pitched with a torn tendon sheath in his right ankle, which was sutured in place in an unprecedented procedure by Red Sox team doctors. The game was scoreless till the fourth inning when Sox second baseman Mark Bellhorn hit a shot into the leftfield stands. The ball struck a fan in the chest and dropped back onto the field, where Left field umpire Jim Joyce signaled that the ball was still in play. After a discussion with Sox Manager Terry Francona, the umpires huddled and overruled the call giving Bellhorn a three run homer and the Sox a 4-0 lead. Despite his injury, Shilling provided seven strong innings giving up only 1 run on a Bernie Williams homer before leaving the game completely exhausted and his sock soaked in blood. Bronson Arroyo would take over for Schilling in the eighth and give up a quick run on a Miguel Cairo double and a Derek Jeter single. With Alex Rodriguez up what followed was truly bizarre. ARod grounded a pitch back to Arroyo who scooped up the ball and ran down the first baseline to tag Rodriguez out, who slapped at Arroyo's arm and glove, knocking the ball loose. As the ball rolled down the baseline, ARod advanced to second and Jeter scored. The umpires huddled again and called Rodriguez out on interference and ordered Jeter back to first. Yankee Stadium erupted as fans rained debris onto the field prompting Francona to remove his players from the field for safety. The NYPD, in full riot gear, restored order and remained on the field for a full inning. Sox closer Keith Foulke would keep the Yanks off the board in the 9th and secure the game for Boston. The Red Sox, the 26th team in Major League Baseball playoff history to face a 3--0 series deficit, became the first to force a Game Seven.

October 18, 1977 With the Yankees up three games to two against the Dodgers, Reggie Jackson seizes control of the game, the series, and is crowned "Mr. October" when he hits three consecutive home runs in Game Six of the World Series. Jackson hit a two-run homer in the fourth on the first pitch he saw from starter Burt Hooton to give the Yankees the lead. Lou Piniella made it 5–3 by adding a sacrifice fly. Once again, in the fifth with a man on Jackson connected on the first pitch off Elias Sosa to make the score 7–3. Finally, in the eighth, Jackson strode to the plate, amid chants of "REG-GIE, REG-GIE, REG-GIE!", and drove the first Charlie Hough knuckleball he saw 475 feet into the stands. An inning later, Jackson had led the Yankees to an 8 - 4 victory and the World Championship over the Los Angeles Dodgers. He became only the second player in history to smash three home runs in a single Series game. In addition, five home runs in one Series and four consecutive blasts over a two game period in the Series were also unprecedented. October 18 2004 – Game 5 of the ALCS opens in Fenway Park with the Yankees leading the Series 3-1. After 8 innings, the game was tied at 4 and would remain knotted there till the 14th inning. Yankee Pitcher Esteban Loiza walks both Johnny Damon and Manny Ramirez, bringing Ortiz up with two outs. The previous night's hero did his job again. Singling to center on the 10th pitch of the at-bat to bring home Damon, Ortiz set off celebratory chants of “Who's Your Papi?”. After five hours, 49 minutes and 471 pitches, the Boston Red Sox outlasted the Yankees 5 – 4. Ortiz became the first player in history to hit two walk-off home runs during the postseason, and ended the longest game in ALCS history at 1:22 a.m. Mentioned in this episode:Join us!Join our weekly news letter, member community and family of Podcasts @ members.thisdayinbaseball.com

September 30, 1972 Roberto Clemente doubles off the Mets' Jon Matlack to become the eleventh major leaguer to collect 3000 hits. On hand for the event was Clemente's hero, Willie Mays, now a New York Met, who called Clemente "The Greatest". Sealing the mutual admiration Clemente was quoted saying ""Willie Mays is the greatest player I've ever seen. I never saw Joe DiMaggio play, but if Joe DiMaggio was better than Willie Mays, he belongs in heaven." Sadly, the Pirate right fielder's 3000th hit would be his last, as he would die on New Year's Eve in a plane crash while attempting to bring relief aid to earthquake-stricken Managua, Nicaragua.September 30, 1945 Hank Greenberg hits a pennant-winning grand slam on the final day of the season. The Tiger left fielder's ninth-inning 4 run bomb beats the Browns 6 - 3 clinching the American League flag for Detroit over the second-place Senators.September 30, 1962 Willie Mays' 47th home run, an 8th-inning blast off Dick Farrell, leads the Giants to a critical 2 - 1 win. They would all stay in the clubhouse after the win to hear the results of the Dodger game. The season would end in a tie which required a three game playoff to settle the pennant in the Giants favor.September 30, 1999 The largest regular-season crowd in Candlestick Park history, 61,389 fans, watch the Dodgers beat the home team 9 - 4 in the last baseball game to ever be played at the 'Point'. Giant greats help mark the occasion with Juan Marichal tossing out the ceremonial first pitch before the game and Willie Mays throwing out the ballpark's final pitch after the game.

September 29, 1954 - Willie Mays makes his famous running catch off the bat of Vic Wertz in game one of the World Series. In the eighth inning with a 2-2 tie and men on 1st and 2nd, Wertz slammed a 420 foot shot to the cavernous center field of the Polo Grounds. Mays was playing shallow, since Giants pitcher Don Liddle was a groundball pitcher, and had to turn his back to the infield sprinting for the outfield wall. Mays made an over the shoulder catch and a quick turn firing the ball to the infield holding Larry Doby at 3rd base and preserving the tie. As much as has been made of the catch, Mays himself did not consider it the best defensive play he ever made.September 29, 1974 - Lou Brock steals his 118th and last base on the final day of the season setting the record for steals in a single season. Ricky Henderson would break that record in 1982 with 130 thefts.September 29, 1978 - Jim Rice doubles and singles against the Toronto Blue Jays in Fenway Park. Rice is the first American Leaguer to amass 400 total bases since Joe DiMaggio in 1937.September 29, 2004 - MLB officially announces that the Montreal Expos franchise will move to Washington, DC in 2005. Hours after this, the Expos play their final game in Montreal, a 9 - 1 loss to the Florida Marlins before a crowd of 31,395 at Olympic Stadium.September 29, 1957 Ted Williams becomes the oldest batting champ when the 39-year old finishes the season with a .388 average.

September 28, 1920 - A grand jury indicts eight members of the Chicago White Sox on charges of fixing the1919 World Series in the "Black Sox Scandal." It is the black eye on the sport that would lead to the banning of eight players. Eddie Cicotte and "Shoeless" Joe Jackson both confessed to accepting money from gamblers. Cicotte's second pitch of Game 1 of the 1919 World Series hit the Reds leadoff batter, which was the pre-arranged signal to the gamblers that the players had accepted the fix. Jackson and Cicotte would both recant their confessions after key evidence went missing from the Cook County courthouse. Years later, the missing confessions would reappear in the possession of Comiskey's lawyer.September 28, 1941 - Ted Williams of the Boston Red Sox goes 6 for 8 in a doubleheader against the Philadelphia Athletics to finish the season with a .406 batting average. No player has batted .400 since.September 28, 1974 - Nolan Ryan pitches his third of seven career no-hitters, striking out 15 batters and beating the Minnesota Twins, 4 - 0, at Anaheim Stadium. He also walks eight to run his season total to 202 bases on balls, joining Bob Feller in 1938 as the only pitcher to walk more than 200 in a season. Ryan will again top 200 in 1977.September 28, 2007 The Boston Red Sox clinch the AL East title, bringing to an end a streak of 9 consecutive division titles by the New York Yankees, dating back to 1998. The Yankees will not miss the post season however, having clinched the American League Wild Card.

September 26, 1961 In New York's 159th game, Roger Maris rips a Jack Fisher fastball into the RF seats at Yankee Stadium for his 60th home run. New York beats Baltimore 3 - 2. There are fewer than 8,000 fans on hand to view this historic event. The legitimacy of the record would be a hot topic of debate since the American League had been expanded from 8 to10 teams and the number of games played was increased by 8.September 26, 1998 Mark McGwire sends two balls the distance, collecting homers number 67 and 68 of the season. McGwire now stands alone as the single season home run king.. 48,212 fans would be on hand at Busch Stadium to witness McGwire's assault on history and the Cards lose 7 - 6 to Montreal.September 26, 1971 Willie Mays hits his 646th and last home run as a member of the San Francisco Giants. It comes in the Giants' 12-5 win over the Cincinnati Reds at Riverfront Stadium. September 26, 1955 - The Red Sox beat the Yankees 8-1 as Ted Williams goes 1-for-20. Williams finishes the season batting .356, well ahead of Al Kaline's .340, but does not have enough at bats to win the batting title due to the 71 times he walked. The same thing happened in 1954 when Williams was walked 136 times. A rule change would be made to recognize plate appearances, not times at bat.September 26, 1981 - At the Astrodome, Nolan Ryan becomes the first pitcher to throw five no-hitters, defeating the Dodgers, 5-0. Ryan had shared the record of four with Dodger great Sandy Koufax.

September 25, 1954 -- A crowd of 14,175 faithful Fenway fans pay tribute to retiring Red Sox outfielder Ted Williams who is playing his last game at home. The Splendid Splinter's retirement will only last until May when his divorce is finalized with his contract being excluded from the settlement. His true retirement from playing would come in 1960, which inspired an article by John Updike titled "Hub Fans Bid Kid Adieu". Updike accurately described the fans relationship with Williams when he said "The affair between Boston and Ted Williams has been no mere summer romance; it has been a marriage composed of spats, mutual disappointments, and toward the end, a mellowing hoard of shared memories." It was here that Updike referred to Fenway Park as "a lyric little bandbox of a ballpark".September 25, 1965 -- At age 34, Willie Mays becomes the oldest player to slug 50 home runs in a season. The Giants center fielder was also the youngest to accomplish the feat hitting 51 homers in 1955.September 25, 1968 - In Mickey Mantle's last appearance at Yankee Stadium, he slices a two-out first inning single off Cleveland's Luis Tiant, the only hit for the Yankees. Tiant tosses his 9th shutout of the year, tops in the American League, to win 3 - 0. El Tiante's ERA drops to 1.60; the previous low for an Indian pitcher was Stan Coveleski's 1.87 in 1917.September 25, 1985 -- Rickey Henderson steals his 75th base of the season in the Yankees' 10 - 2 win over Detroit, breaking the club record of 74 set by Fritz Maisel in 1914.

September 24, 1998 Red Sox reliever Tom Gordon records his 42nd consecutive save establishing a major league record. Boston clinches the AL wild card spot behind a pair of homers and four runs scored by Nomar Garciaparra. Author Stephen King would later write a novel titled The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon, referring to his outstanding 1998 season with Boston and solidifying Gordon's place as a New England folk hero.September 24, 1931 Lefty Grove wins his 31st, beating the Red Sox 9 - 4, his 11th straight win over the Red Sox stretching back to May 26, 1930. Since July 25, 1930, Grove's record is 46 - 4, the best 50 decision streak in the century.September 24, 1940 - George Caster of the Philadelphia Athletics allows six home runs in one game against the Boston Red Sox. One of these bombs came courtesy of Jimmie Foxx and it would be the 500th of his career.September 24, 1979 Pete Rose singles in the Phillies' 7 - 2 loss to the Cardinals giving him 200 hits in a season for the 10th time. He breaks the major league record of nine formerly held by Ty Cobb.September 24, 2002 Thanks to Jason's two home runs in the Yankees 6-0 whitewash of the Devil Rays, the Giambi brothers pass the DiMaggio boys for the highest single-season total for homers by two brothers with 60, 40 of which came off Jason's bat. The DiMaggio's went yard 59 times in 1937, 46 of them belonging to Joe.

September 23, 1908 Giants Pitcher Christy Mathewson and Cubs P Three Finger Brown battlein one of the most controversial game ever played. The score is 1-1 with two outs in the last of the 9th, when Fred Merkle's failure to touch second after an apparent game - winning hit by Al Bridwell costs the Giants a 2 - 1 win. The ump calls Merkle out and rules the game a tie.The base running gaffe, referred to as “Merkle's Boner”'is often blamed for the Giants loosing the pennant.September 23, 1905 Eighteen year old Detroit rookie Ty Cobb, hits his first home run, an inside - the park blow, off Cy Falkenberg, in an 8 - 5 loss at Washington.September 23, 1965 - A 20-game winner in 1964, Larry Jackson loses his 20th game of 1965,as the Phillies sweep a twin bill from the Cubs. Jackson is the first pitcher since Murry Dickson of the 1951-1952 Pirates to follow a 20 - win season with 20 losses.September 23, 1983 Steve Carlton becomes the 16th pitcher in major league history to win 300 games and the Phillies inch closer to the National League East title with a 6 -2 win over the Cardinals.September 23, 1998 Sammy Sosa breaks an 0 for 21 slump, hitting his 64th and 65th homeruns as the Cubs build a 7 - 0 lead over the Brewers. With his eight total bases, “Slammin' Sammy ” has now topped the 400 mark for the season.

On July 31, 2003 the Montreal Expos retired number 8 as a tribute to Gary Carter, their first player to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. During his 12-year tenure with the Expos, Carter was selected to the National League All-Star team 7 times and won 3 Gold Glove Awards. After the Expos moved to Washington, D.C. to become the Washington Nationals following the 2004 season, a banner displaying Carter's number along with those of other Expos stars Andre Dawson, Tim Raines and Rusty Staub was hung from the rafters at the Bell Centre, home of the NHL's Montreal Canadiens. This Day In Baseball - Learn more about the players, teams and seasons Classic Broadcasts are old-time broadcasts that have been put together from various sources. Many are found on the Internet Archives in a raw form. If you wish to take a deeper dive, that includes:Scorecards, Rosters, Newspaper Clippings. All members can jump over to : www.vintagebaseballreflections.com and join the membership platform

On July 31, 1978, Pete Rose of the Cincinnati Reds extends his hitting streak to 44 games, tying Willie Keeler's National League record set 81 years ago. Rose singles against Hall of Famer Phil Niekro in Cincinnati's 3-2 win over the Atlanta Braves.Classic Broadcasts are old-time broadcasts that have been put together from various sources. Many are found on the Internet Archives in a raw form. If you wish to take a deeper dive, that includes:Scorecards, Rosters, Newspaper Clippings. All members can jump over to : www.vintagebaseballreflections.com and join the membership platform

July 24, 1983 - Phil Rizzuto calls the At Bat when Goose Gossage faces George Brett with Two outs in the 9th Classic Broadcasts are old-time broadcasts that have been put together from various sources. Many are found on the Internet Archives in a raw form. If you wish to take a deeper dive, that includes:Scorecards, Rosters, Newspaper Clippings. All members can jump over to : www.vintagebaseballreflections.com and join the membership platform

July 19, 1982 - Tony Gwynn First Hit

Don Mattingly homers in eighth straight gameOn July 18, 1987, At Arlington Stadium, With his home run leading off the top of the fourth inning off Jose Guzman New York Yankees first baseman Don Mattingly ties a major league record when he homers in his eighth consecutive game. Mattingly connects in a 7-2 loss to the Texas Rangers, matching a 31-year-old record set by Dale Long set in 1956.Classic Broadcasts are old-time broadcasts that have been put together from various sources. Many are found on the Internet Archives in a raw form. If you wish to take a deeper dive, that includes:Scorecards, Rosters, Newspaper Clippings. All members can jump over to : www.vintagebaseballreflections.com and join the membership platformThis Day In Baseball - Learn more about the players, teams and seasons

July 17, 1990, Twins turn two triple playsClassic Broadcasts are old-time broadcasts that have been put together from various sources. Many are found on the Internet Archives in a raw form. If you wish to take a deeper dive, that includes:Scorecards, Rosters, Newspaper Clippings. All members can jump over to : www.vintagebaseballreflections.com and join the membership platformThis Day In Baseball - Learn more about the players, teams and seasons

July 17, 1966 Rusty Staub and Felix Mantilla spark a three-run rally.(1:12, Kiner - Mets)

On July 14, 1968, Houston Astros righthander Don Wilson strikes out 18 Cincinnati Reds during a 5-4 win. Wilson whiffs Johnny Bench for his 18th strikeout to tie, what was then, the major-league record held by Bob Feller and Sandy Koufax . Wilson (6-11) also ties the major-league record with eight strikeouts in a row, striking out the side in the first three innings; a one-out walk to Alex Johnson in the 1st is the only interruption. Wilson also fans the side in the 5th. It is part of a rain-soaked 6-1 nightcap that completes a doubleheader sweep in Cincinnati. Ron Brand scored Denis Menke for a 5-4, ten-inning victory in the opener.Listen to Don strikeout Bench to close out the gamehttps://thisdayinbaseball.com/don-wilson-strikes-out-18-cincinnati-reds-to-tie-record/Classic Broadcasts are old-time broadcasts that have been put together from various sources. Many are found on the Internet Archives in a raw form. If you wish to take a deeper dive, that includes:Scorecards, Rosters, Newspaper Clippings. All members can jump over to : www.vintagebaseballreflections.com and join the membership platform

During the 1961 All Star in the 9th inning Stu Miller comes in to replace Sandy Koufax who just gave a hit up to Roger Maris, the NL up 3-2. Miller face Colovaito is blown off the mound. Listen to the full game on Vintage Baseball Reflections.

July 11, 1967 Mike Cuellar fans Brooks Robinson in the 1967 All-Star Game.The Audio Was supplied by Astrodaily.com Classic Broadcasts are old-time broadcasts that have been put together from various sources. Many are found on the Internet Archives in a raw form. If you wish to take a deeper dive, that includes:Scorecards, Rosters, Newspaper Clippings. All members can jump over to : www.vintagebaseballreflections.com and join the membership platformAstros History - Astros HistoryThis Day In Baseball - Learn more about the players, teams and seasons

The 1967 All Star Game featured 24 future Hall of Famers and in the 15th inning two of them squared off, Perez vs Jim Hunter, Perez gets the better of him knocking a blast over the 375 ft mark in Left Centerfield giving the NL a 2-1 lead and eventual win. It was the longest AS game in history until 2008.

July 9 1946 Ted Williams Homers off Rip Sewell Blooper in All Star GameAt Fenway Park in Boston Ted Williams, playing in the All-Star Game, homers on the famed blooper pitch thrown by Rip Sewell of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Williams finishes the game with two home runs, two singles, and a record-setting five RBIs in the American League's 12-0 win.Classic Broadcasts are old-time broadcasts that have been put together from various sources. Many are found on the Internet Archives in a raw form. If you wish to take a deeper dive, that includes:Scorecards, Rosters, Newspaper Clippings. All members can jump over to : www.vintagebaseballreflections.com and join the membership platform

On July 2 , 1976 -- Cesar Cedeno drives in both game-winners in a doubleheader sweep of Cincinnati. Cesar goes 7-for-11 in the twinbill, including a single that is his 1,000th career hit . His two-run bomb in the 14th off Rich Hinton wins the opener, 10-8. The 25 hits collected in the game ties a team record set just months earlier. Cedeno delivers an eighth-inning double off Fred Norman to plate the winning run in the 3-2 nightcap. Sources:Astro Daily

April 28, 1965 Mets announcer Lindsay Nelson calls the game from the Dome's ceilingThe Audio Was supplied by Astrodaily.com Classic Broadcasts are old-time broadcasts that have been put together from various sources. Many are found on the Internet Archives in a raw form. If you wish to take a deeper dive, that includes:Scorecards, Rosters, Newspaper Clippings. All members can jump over to : www.vintagebaseballreflections.com and join the membership platformAstros History - Astros HistoryThis Day In Baseball - Learn more about the players, teams and seasons

April 24, 1966 Willie Mays ties Mel Ott with his 511th homerun The Audio Was supplied by Astrodaily.com Classic Broadcasts are old-time broadcasts that have been put together from various sources. Many are found on the Internet Archives in a raw form. If you wish to take a deeper dive, that includes:Scorecards, Rosters, Newspaper Clippings. All members can jump over to : www.vintagebaseballreflections.com and join the membership platformAstros History - Astros HistoryThis Day In Baseball - Learn more about the players, teams and seasons

Classic Broadcasts are old-time broadcasts that have been put together from various sources. Many are found on the Internet Archives in a raw form. If you wish to take a deeper dive, that includes:Scorecards, Rosters, Newspaper Clippings. All members can jump over to : www.vintagebaseballreflections.com and join the membership platform