5-01-1884 – MOSES FLEETWOOD WALKER, a catcher for the AMERICAN ASSOCIATION TOLEDO BLUE STOCKINGS, is the first black player to appear in a MLB game, in a game against the LOUISVILLE ECLIPSE.
5-01-1891 – Opening Day for LEAGUE PARK, the new home for the CLEVELAND SPIDERS, sees them defeat the visiting CINCINATI REDLEGS, 12-3, with CY YOUNG being the winning pitcher, before a capacity crowd of over 9000.
5-01-1901 – HERM McFARLAND of the
CHICAGO WHITE SOX hits the first grand slam in AMERICAN
LEAGUE history in a game in which the DETROIT TIGERS committed 12
errors.
5-01-1906 – PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES LHP
JOHN LUSH threw their second no-hitter of the 20TH
century, 6-0, at the BROOKLYN DODGERS, striking out 11 and walking
three. They wouldn't achieve another for 58 years.
5-01-1920 – At the POLO GROUNDS, BABE RUTH connects for his 50TH career home run, his first as a member of the NEW YORK YANKEES.
5-01-1920 – The longest game by innings in MLB history was played to a 1-1 tie over 26 innings by the BROOKLYN ROBINS at the BOSTON BRAVES in which LEON CADORE pitched the complete game, as did JOE OESCHGER, while CHARLIE PICK established a new MLB mark for going hitless in one game as he is 0-11 in this marathon.
5-25-1925 – In a game against the WASHINGTON SENATORS, 17-year-old rookie catcher JIMMIE FOXX pinch hits a single in his first at-bat in the majors.
5-01-1926 – At the age of 19, LEROY "SATCHEL" PAIGE made his professional debut pitching for Chattanooga in the NEGRO SOUTHERN LEAGUE, downing Birmingham, 5-4.
5-01-1951 – OF MINNIE MINOSO makes his CHICAGO WHITE SOX debut, becoming the first black player in the franchise history of the club, hitting a home run in his initial at-bat off VIC RASCHI of the NEW YORK YANKEES. He had made his MLB debut with the CLEVELAND INDIANS on 4-19-1949. RANDY GUMPERT gives up the first major league home run to MICKEY MANTLE in this 8-3 loss to the "Bronx Bombers".
5-01-1959 – At the age of 39, CHICAGO WHITE SOX pitcher EARLY WYNN tosses a one-hitter, striking out 14, hitting a double and a home run, in defeating the BOSTON RED SOX, 1-0.
5-01-1960 – The new scoreboard explodes for the first time at COMISKEY PARK when AL SMITH hits a two-run home run off JIM BUNNING in the first game of a doubleheader.
5-01-1966 – SAM McDOWELL pitched his second consecutive one-hitter for the CLEVELAND INDIANS.
5-01-1969 – The HOUSTON ASTROS, no-hit the previous day by JIM MALONEY of the CINCINNATI REDS, bounce back behind the strong pitching of DON WILSON, who strikes out 13 while no-hitting the losers, 4-0.
5-01-1991 – NOLAN RYAN throws his seventh career no-hitter in a 3-0 win over the TORONTO BLUE JAYS at ARLINGTON STADIUM. His seven no-hitters are a MLB record and at 44 years, 3 months and 1 day, he is the oldest pitcher ever to throw a no-hitter.5-01-1991 - RICKEY HENDERSON surpassed LOU BROCK as the MLB career stolen base leader with his 939th SB, as his OAKLAND ATHLETICS downed the NEW YORK YANKEES by a 7-4 final.
5-01-1992 – OAKLAND ATHLETICS OF RICKEY HENDERSON stole his 1000TH career base in the first inning of a 7-6 win over the DETROIT TIGERS at TIGER STADIUM.
5-01-1993 – IF JEFF CONINE hit the first grand slam for the FLORIDA MARLINS in their franchise history at JOE ROBBIE STADIUM, off DAVID NIED of the visiting COLORADO ROCKIES.
5-01-1998 – OF DEVON WHITE hit the first leadoff home run in ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS franchise history off JAVIER VAZQUEZ of the MONTREAL EXPOS.
5-02-1876 – The first home run, an inside-the-park drive, in NATIONAL LEAGUE history came off the bat of 2B ROSS BARNES of the CHICAGO WHITE STOCKINGS against WILLIAM "CHEROKEE" FISHER in a 15-9 victory at the CINCINNATI RED STOCKINGS. Barnes also tripled, singled, stole two bases and scored four runs.
5-02-1877 – JAMES "PUD" GALVIN became the first pitcher to throw a 1-0 no-hitter and hit a home run for the only run in the contest.5-02-1917 – CINCINNATI REDS RHP FRED TONEY was the winning pitcher in the only double no-hit game ever pitched in the majors, facing JAMES "HIPPO" VAUGHN of the CHICAGO CUBS at WRIGLEY FIELD. For 9 innings neither man allowed a hit, then in the top of the 10th, the Reds finally scored a run on an infield single by JIM THORPE. In the bottom of the 10th, Toney again held the Cubs hitless, outdueling Vaughn, 1-0.
5-02-1920 – The first game in the history of the NATIONAL NEGRO BASEBALL LEAGUE is played in Indianapolis, Indiana, between the hometown INDIANAPOLIS ABCs and the visiting CHICAGO GIANTS, who come up losers, 4-2, in the contest.
5-02-1923 – WALTER JOHNSON achieves his 100TH career shutout, as his WASHINGTON SENATORS downed the NEW YORK YANKEES, 3-0, while in the same contest EVERETT SCOTT appeared in his 1,000TH consecutive game, a record for that time.
5-02-1929 – At 500 Norton Street, the inaugural game was played at RED WING STADIUM in Rochester, built at a cost of $ 415,000 by the parent ST. LOUIS CARDINALS. Before a crowd of 14885, Rochester was shutout 3-0 on a two-hitter by ED HOLLEY of Reading.
5-02-1930 – In a WESTERN LEAGUE game at Des Moines against Wichita, the first professional contest under permanent light standards was played. It also was the first national radio hookup for a broadcast of a nocturnal contest.
5-02-1939 – The 2130 consecutive games played streak of LOU GEHRIG comes to an end when he does not make an appearance in a 22-2 win for his NEW YORK YANKEES at the DETROIT TIGERS, as BABE DAHLGREN plays 1B and contributes a double and a home run. Gehrig never played again. Quote: "Joe, I'm out of the lineup. I'm just not doing the team any good."
5-02-1954 – At SPORTSMAN'S PARK, 8-year-old NATE COLBERT sees ST. LOUIS CARDINALS legendary slugger STAN MUSIAL hit five home runs in a double header against the NEW YORK GIANTS in a doubleheader, then 18 years later he will become the only other major leaguer to duplicate this effort. ( see 8-01-1972 )
5-02-1956 – CHICAGO CUBS 3B DON HOAK set a NATIONAL LEAGUE record by striking out six times in a game (17 innings), all against different pitchers.
5-02-1970 – C TIM McCARVER and his replacement, C MIKE RYAN, both suffer a broken left hand in the sixth inning of a 7-1 loss at the SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS. Reserve IF JIM HUTTO finished the game behind the plate for his PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES.
5-02-1984 – 1B ANDRE THORNTON drew 6 bases on balls in one game for his CLEVELAND INDIANS.
5-02-1997 – JEFF JUDEN had 4 RBI against the CINCINNATI REDS to tie the MILWAUKEE BREWERS club record for a pitcher, held previously by RHP GEORGE LAUZERIQUE since 4-12-1970 in a 16-2 rout of the CHICAGO WHITE SOX, however he came up the loser on this day, 8-5.
5-03-1894 – ROBERT VAVASOUR FERGUSON died at the age of 49 in Brooklyn, New York. Known by the nickname "Death to Flying Things" due to his ability to field and catch balls in an era when players did not wear gloves, he was considered to be baseball's first switch-hitter and one of the greatest player-manager of his era, playing from 1871-1884.
5-03-1936 – The NEW YORK YANKEES down the ST. LOUIS BROWNS, 14-5, as JOE DiMAGGIO made his major league debut with three hits.
5-03-1959 – CHARLIE MAXWELL, batting only .136 at that time, hit four consecutive home runs in a doubleheader win, helping his hapless 2-15 DETROIT TIGERS, under new Manager JIMMY DYKES in his first day as skipper, in sweeping the visiting NEW YORK YANKEES, 4-2 and 8-2, at BRIGGS STADIUM.
5-03-1977 – DAN MEYER of the DETROIT TIGERS reached base twice on catcher's interference in one game.
5-03-1978 – Believing that managing a Triple-AAA club would be the best way to achieve his goal of returning as a MLB manager, FRANK ROBINSON accepted the job to manage the ROCHESTER RED WINGS of the INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE, in what he called "the toughest decision I ever had to make." (see 4-28-1978)
5-03-1980 – FERGUSON JENKINS, of the TEXAS RANGERS, became only the fourth pitcher in MLB history to win 100 or more games in both the NL and AL, in beating the BALTIMORE ORIOLES, 3-2, at ARLINGTON STADIUM, and in reaching this milestone he joined CY YOUNG, JIM BUNNING and GAYLORD PERRY.
5-03-1998 – DAN WILSON hit an inside-the park home run for the SEATTLE MARINERS over the DETROIT TIGERS becoming only the second catcher ever to do so, and the first in team franchise history.
5-03-1998 – DAVID JUSTICE hit his 200TH home run for the CLEVELAND INDIANS over the TAMPA BAY DEVIL RAYS in The Tribe's 10-8 triumph and PAUL SORRENTO hit the first grand slam in TAMPA BAY DEVIL RAYS history off CHARLIE NAGY at JACOBS FIELD, totaling a career high 6 RBI on the night.
5-03-1999 – CREIGHTON GUBANICH of the BOSTON RED SOX hit a grand slam for his first hit in MLB in a 12-11, ten inning loss to the OAKLAND ATHLETICS, becoming only the fourth player ever to accomplish this feat and the first since C ORLANDO MERCADO of the SEATTLE MARINERS on 9-19-1982
5-04-1869 – The CINCINNATI RED STOCKINGS, baseball's first admittedly all-professional team with an annual payroll of $9,300, play their first game, defeating the GREAT WESTERNS, 45-9.
5-04-1871 – BOBBY MATHEWS of the FORT WAYNE KEKIONGAS squad shuts out the CLEVELAND FOREST CITYS, 2-0, in one of only 4 shutouts in 1987, and JIM WHITE makes the first hit, a double, in the first game played in the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION at Fort Wayne.
5-04-1939 – In his first at-bat in Detroit, BOSTON RED SOX OF TED WILLIAMS became the first player to ever hit a home run which totally cleared the roof over the right field seats at BRIGGS STADIUM.
5-04-1954 – The PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES and ST. LOUIS CARDINALS set a MLB record in using 42 players in one game, with the former winning the game 14-10 in 11 innings.
5-04-1955 – STEVE BILKO of the LOS ANGELES ANGELS in the PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE, hit a 552-foot home run against the OAKLAND OAKS at OAKLAND PARK.
5-04-1975 – On this date, BOB WATSON of the HOUSTON ASTROS, sensing baseball history, raced around the bases on MILT MAYS's home run and crossed home plate at CANDLESTICK PARK, at 12:32 pm, in time to score the 1,000,000TH run in MLB history, seconds ahead of DAVE CONCEPCION of the CINCINNATI REDS. The PHILADEPHIA NATIONALS' WES FISLER scored the first run on 4-22-1876.
5-04-1975 – REGGIE SMITH belted a home run from both sides of the plate in a game for his ST. LOUIS CARDINALS.
5-04-1980 – CHICAGO WHITE SOX 1B MIKE SQUIRES catches the final inning of an 11-1 loss to the MILWAUKEE BREWERS, becoming the first left handed catcher in the majors since DALE LONG in 1958.
5-04-1983 – C JOHNNY BENCH collects his 2000TH career hit, a single, off STEVE CARLTON in a 9-4 CINCINNATI REDS loss to the PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES.
5-04-1984 – In the top of the fourth at the HUBERT H. HUMPHREY METRODOME, OAKLAND ATHLETICS batter DAVE KINGMAN hit a ball into one of the roof vents, which never came down, that should have been a home run but instead was ruled a double.
5-04-1993 – JIM TATUM hit the first grand slam as a pinch-hitter in COLORADO ROCKIES franchise history off DAN PLESAC of the CHICAGO CUBS at WRIGLEY FIELD.
5-05-1876 – The first Opening Day at SPORTSMAN'S PARK in ST. LOUIS.
5-05-1891 – Opening Day for the CHICAGO COLTS at SOUTH SIDE PARK, sees them shut out the PITTSBURGH PIRATES, 1-0.
5-05-1904 – CY YOUNG, of the BOSTON RED SOX, pitched a perfect game, the first one in recorded AMERICAN LEAGUE history, against the PHILADELPHIA ATHLETICS, besting RUBE WADDELLL, 3-0, having pitched nine hitless innings in two previous outings, which ran his string of hitless innings to 18.
5-05-1912 – The first home run ever hit in NAVIN FIELD came off the bat of DEL PRATT of the ST. LOUIS BROWNS, took a fluke bounce which hopped through the side door of the left field scoreboard.
5-05-1922 – The construction contract for YANKEE STADIUM included the edict that the job must be completed "at a definite price" ($2.5 million), which it was, in just 284 days, in time for Opening Day on 4-18-1923 against the BOSTON RED SOX.
5-05-1925 – NEW YORK YANKEES SS EVERETT SCOTT sees his record-setting consecutive game streak end at 1307 as his skipper MILLER HUGGINS replaced him with PAUL "PEE WEE" WANNINGER. Ironically, LOU GEHRIG will begin his record consecutive games played streak on 1 June when he bats as a pinch hitter for him, too.
5-05-1927 – SS ED HOCK of Houston in the TEXAS LEAGUE made an unassisted triple play at Dallas.
5-05-1944 – When CHARLEY GRIMM was promoted to be Manager of the CHICAGO CUBS, CASEY STENGEL replaced him as Manager of the MILWAUKEE BREWERS in the AMERICAN ASSOCIATION.
5-05-1962 – BO BELINSKY pitched first no-hitter in LOS ANGELES ANGELS franchise history, defeating the BALTIMORE ORIOLES, 2-0 in Los Angeles.
5-05-1969 – Former RHP EDWARD VICTOR "EDDIE" CICOTTE, one of the banished "eight men out" of the 1919 CHICAGO WHITE SOX, died at the age of 84 in Detroit, Michigan. Lifetime in 14 seasons he had a 208-149 record with a 2.38 ERA, winning over 20 games three times.
5-05-1978 – STEVE ROGERS of the MONTREAL EXPOS gave up the 3000TH hit to PETE ROSE, 37, in his 9690TH at-bat in his 2370TH game, at RIVERFRONT STADIUM against the CINCINNATI REDS.
5-05-1995 – 34 years after DON ZIMMER became the NEW YORK METS first third baseman, EDGARDO ALFONZO became the 100TH player in their franchise history to cover the "hot corner."
5-05-2000 – Eighteen different players score runs for the TEXAS RANGERS in their 17-16 win over the OAKLAND ATHLETICS, to tie a MLB record.
5-06-1915 – At the POLO GROUNDS, BOSTON RED SOX rookie pitcher BABE RUTH collected three hits, including his first major league home run, then two weeks later hit number two off NEW YORK YANKEES hurler JACK "CRAB" WARHOP, who had given up the first shot.
5-06-1930 – The ROCHESTER RED WINGS had a record attendance of 18600 in the club's Opening Day game in INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE play.
5-06-1953 – In his first major league start, ALVA LEE "BOBO" HOLLOMAN no-hits the PHILADELPHIA ATHLETICS, 6-0, though he will never pitch another complete game and will win just three games in his short one-year big league career.
5-06-1968 – SAM McDOWELL had 30 strikeouts in two consecutive games, 5-1 (16) and 5-6 (14).
5-06-1969 – BOB TAYLOR hit the first pinch-hit home run in the franchise history of the KANSAS CITY ROYALS in the ninth inning, with 2 on, off DICK RADATZ at TIGER STADIUM.
5-06-1970 – The MILWAUKEE BREWERS earn their first home win behind BOB BOLIN who fans 10 as the BOSTON RED SOX go down in defeat 4-3.
5-06-1998 – In just his fifth big league start, CHICAGO CUBS RHP KERRY WOOD fanned 20 HOUSTON ASTROS and allowed just one single in a complete-game 2-0 win at WRIGLEY FIELD, becoming just the second pitcher in MLB history to strike out as many batters as his age, joining 17-year-old BOB FELLER (9-13-1936).
5-07-1906 – RHP WILLIAM "WILD BILL" DONOVAN, of the DETROIT TIGERS, singled, stole second, third and home on a double steal, in downing the CLEVELAND INDIANS, 8-3. He also knocked out a triple, too.
5-07-1925 – SS GLENN WRIGHT of the PITTSBURGH PIRATES pulled off a game ending unassisted triple play against the ST. LOUIS CARDINALS, catching a line drive off the bat of JIM BOTTOMLEY, then doubled up JIMMY COONEY at second base, while tagging ROGERS HORNSBY coming from first base, in their 10-9 loss to the "Redbirds".
5-07-1940 – The BROOKLYN DODGERS become the first NATIONAL LEAGUE team to fly, when they travel by air to Chicago from St. Louis.
5-07-1956 – BILL WHITE, beginning a long career as a player, broadcaster and later NATIONAL LEAGUE president, homers in his MLB debut at-bat for his NEW YORK GIANTS in a 6-3 loss to the ST. LOUIS CARDINALS.
5-07-1957 – CLEVELAND INDIANS LHP HERB SCORE was hit in the left eye by a line drive off the bat of GIL McDOUGALD of the NEW YORK YANKEES, causing such serious injuries they ruined the career of this top pitcher hailed as a left-handed BOB FELLER.
5-07-1959 – The LOS ANGELES COLISEUM is jammed by 93103 fans on "Roy Campanella Day" for an exhibition game between the LOS ANGELES DODGERS and NEW YORK YANKEES as a benefit for the injured catcher, being the largest crowd in MLB history, which sees the visitors come away the 6-2 winners.
5-07-1970 – 1B WES PARKER is the only LOS ANGELES DODGERS batter in franchise history to hit for the cycle, accomplishing this feat at the NEW YORK METS, hitting a double, homer, single and finishing up with a triple, which enables his squad to win in the tenth inning.
5-07-1989 – Groundbreaking ceremonies are conducted for the construction of the new COMISKEY PARK.
5-07-1996 – The TAMPA BAY DEVIL RAYS announce they will become the first team in the "modern era" to host spring training in their home city in 1998, with the ST. LOUIS CARDINALS leaving to train in Jupiter, Florida, at the now under construction ROGER DEAN STADIUM.
5-07-1997 – The MILWAUKEE BREWERS and OAKLAND ATHLETICS played the longest 1-0 game in MLB history, with the contest lasting three hours and 20 minutes at COUNTY STADIUM.
5-07-1999 – Rookie OF BRUCE AVEN connects for the first pinch-hit grand slam in FLORIDA MARLINS franchise history, helping his side to a 6-3 win over the LOS ANGELES DODGERS.
5-08-1871 – The visiting BOSTON REDS demolish the ATLANTICS of BROOKLYN, 25-0, in the worst defeat in the history of the Brooklyn club.
5-08-1878 - In a game against the BOSTON RED STOCKINGS, SS PAUL HINES of the PROVIDENCE GRAYS, is credited with pulling off the first recorded unassisted triple play in MLB history. The deaf ballplayer was also credited with being the originator of the use of sunglasses, using them in the 1880s. With men on second and third in the eighth inning, Boston's JACK BURDOCK lines the ball over short. Providence SS PAUL HINES races in, catching the ball, touching third and to make sure, throws to 2B CHARLEY SWEASY on second base. This touches off a lively debate over whether the triple play was unassisted or not, a debate which continues even to this day, over 125 years later.
5-08-1926 – At FENWAY PARK wooden bleachers stood down the left field line in foul territory in the 1910s and 1920s, but burned down on this date and were not replaced, giving fielders the opportunity to snare fouls behind the third base grandstand.
5-08-1946 – ROY CAMPANELLA made his professional debut with Nashua in the Class-B NEW ENGLAND LEAGUE and had three hits in four trips, including a 2-run home run.
5-08-1947 – JIMMIE FOXX, Manager of St. Petersburg of the FLORIDA STATE LEAGUE, hung up his spikes after 24 years in organized baseball.
5-08-1966 – FRANK ROBINSON, playing with the BALTIMORE ORIOLES, is the only player to have ever hit a ball completely out of MEMORIAL STADIUM. In the second game of a doubleheader with the CLEVELAND INDIANS, he hit a LUIS TIANT offering over the left field stands and into the parking lot beyond, a drive measured at 451 feet on the fly which rolled to a stop 540 feet from home plate.
5-08-1966 – The ST. LOUIS CARDINALS closed old BUSCH STADIUM in a 10-5 loss to the SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS, then after the game a helicopter delivered home plate to BUSCH MEMORIAL STADIUM.
5-08-1968 – Before just 6298 fans at home, JIM "CATFISH" HUNTER pitched a perfect game for his OAKLAND ATHLETICS against the heavy hitting MINNESOTA TWINS, winning 4-0, being the first perfecto in the AMERICAN LEAGUE in 46 seasons.
5-08-1973 – RALPH MILLER, the last 19TH Century ballplayer, died at the age of 100 in Cincinnati, Ohio.
5-08-1980 – PETE FALCONE fanned the first 6 batters he faced in a game for his NEW YORK METS.
5-08-1984 – In a 5-0 win, MINNESOTA TWINS OF KIRBY PUCKETT became the ninth player in MLB history to go 4-for-4, all singles, in his first big league 9-inning game at the CALIFORNIA ANGELS.
5-08-2001 – RANDY JOHNSON struck out 20 CINCINNATI REDS, allowing just three hits with no walks, before departing with the score deadlocked at 1-1, with his ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS later going on to win in 11 innings, 4-3.
5-08-2003 – SAM LACY died at the age of 99 in Baltimore, Maryland. One of the most respected of sportswriters he was the first African-American to become a member of the BBWAA, continuing writing up until his death.
5-09-1912 – 3B ROY AKIN, of Waco in the TEXAS LEAGUE, executed an unassisted triple play on a squeeze bunt in the 1st inning against Houston. The previous season with Vernon of the PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE, he had lined into an unassisted triple killing.
5-09-1961 – In becoming the first and only major leaguer to do so, JIM GENTILE, of the BALTIMORE ORIOLES, clubbed consecutive grand slam home runs in the first and second innings of a 13-5 victory over the MINNESOTA TWINS, then was benched the next night.
5-09-1967 – ST. LOUIS CARDINALS OF ROGER MARIS, wearing # 9, stroked his first NATIONAL LEAGUE home run on the ninth day of the month, hitting seat # 9 in section # 9.
5-09-1973 – For the second time in his career, C JOHNNY BENCH hit three home runs off STEVE CARLTON, accumulating seven runs batted in to help his side defeat the PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES, 9-7.
5-09-1979 – Four bench-clearing brawls and two grand slam home runs off the bats of GARY MATTHEWS and JOHN MILNER highlight the PITTSBURGH PIRATES 17-9 victory over the ATLANTA BRAVES in which the substitute umpires ejected five players, four managers and a coach.
5-09-1984 – The longest game in AMERICAN LEAGUE history sees the CHICAGO WHITE SOX win, 5-4, over the MILWAUKEE BREWERS at COMISKEY PARK when HAROLD BAINES ends the two-day, 25-inning marathon with a home run.
5-09-1987 – At COMISKEY PARK, BALTIMORE ORIOLES 1B EDDIE MURRAY became the first major leaguer to hit home runs from both sides of the plate in consecutive games.
5-09-1995 – 1B PAUL SORRENTO hit the first grand slam for the CLEVELAND INDIANS in their new home at JACOB'S FIELD in downtown Cleveland, off DOUG LINTON.
5-10-1876 – Opening Day for the CHICAGO WHITE STOCKINGS at the 23rd STREET GROUNDS, saw them shutout the CINCINNATI RED LEGS 6-0.
5-10-1909 – In his first season in pro ball, RHP FEED TONEY, of Winchester, in the BLUE GRASS LEAGUE, pitched one of the epic games in organized baseball when he hurled a 17 inning no-hitter to defeat Lexington, 1-0, striking out 19 batters and walking only one.
5-10-1910 – 19-year-old CASEY STENGEL made his debut as a professional with the KANKAKEE KAYS of the NORTHERN ASSOCIATION, playing center field he had one hit, a single, and stole a base as his club was nosed out 3-2 by the JACKSONVILLE JACKS.
5-10-1927 – SS LEO DUROCHER of St. Paul in the AMERICAN ASSOCIATION, had only one chance, a putout in the seventh inning of a 14-inning contest .
5-10-1934 – After hitting two homers, two doubles, and driving in seven runs in a 13-3 defeat of the CHICAGO WHITE SOX, NEW YORK YANKEES 1B LOU GEHRIG removes himself from the contest after just five innings due to illness.
5-10-1962 – ROMAN MEJIAS hit the first-ever inside-the-park home run for the HOUSTON COLT .45s, off DON DRYSDALE of the LOS ANGELES DODGERS.
5-10-1967 – ATLANTA BRAVES RF HANK AARON hit a milestone home run off PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES RHP JIM BUNNING in the eighth inning of a 4-3 loss at CONNIE MACK STADIUM, the first and only inside-the-park home run of his 755 career total.
5-10-1970 – ATLANTA BRAVES reliever HOYT WILHELM became the first major league pitcher to appear in 1000 games.
5-10-1981 – CHARLIE LEA pitched a no-hitter for his MONTREAL EXPOS against the SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS.
5-10-1993 – ARMANDO REYNOSO hit the first home run in the franchise history of the COLORADO ROCKIES by a starting pitcher, in the fourth inning against TREVOR WILSON of the SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS.
5-11-1923 – PETE SCHNEIDER hits five home runs and a double, driving in 14 runs as his VERNON TIGERS totally destroy the SALT LAKE CITY BEES, 35-11, establishing several PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE records.
5-11-1949 – Scoring in every inning, the CHICAGO WHITE SOX defeat the BOSTON RED SOX, 12-8, in one of only five games in AMERICAN LEAGUE history where a team has tallied in every inning.
5-11-1970 – RAY CULP fanned the first 6 batters he faced in a game for the BOSTON RED SOX.
5-11-1971 – STEVE DUNNING, of the CLEVELAND INDIANS, became the last AMERICAN LEAGUE pitcher to hit a grand slam, off DIEGO SEGUI of the OAKLAND ATHLETICS, giving THE TRIBE a 5-0 lead, but the victory went to PHIL HENNIGAN as Cleveland won 7-5.
5-11-1980 – PETE ROSE stole 2B, 3B and home in a game for his PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES against the CINCINNATI REDS.
5-11-1998 – OF DAVE MARTINEZ hit the first lead-off home run for the expansion TAMPA BAY DEVIL RAYS off DAVE BURBA of the CLEVELAND INDIANS.
5-11-2000 – JASON GRILLI, 23, made his MLB debut, and in the same game JOE STRONG, 37, made his MLB debut, becoming the oldest player to do so since DIOMEDES OLIVO, playing for the PITTSBURGH PIRATES in 1960, who was over 41 years of age, plus, 3B MIKE LOWELL hit into a triple play, all for their FLORIDA MARLINS.
5-11-2000 – The MILWAUKEE BREWERS at CHICAGO CUBS, game lasted 4 hours 22 minutes, tying the MLB record for longest nine-inning game.
5-12-1935 – The SYRACUSE CHIEFS broke local attendance records with a crowd of over 12000 customers.
5-12-1938 – The CLEVELAND INDIANS manage just four hits off LEFTY GOMEZ of the NEW YORK YANKEES but they win 3-2 behind a five-hitter by BOB FELLER with LOU GEHRIG driving in both runs for the Bronx Bombers on a two-run home run.
5-12-1941 – After five years of being known as the BOSTON BEES, the NATIONAL LEAGUE franchise is once again called the BOSTON BRAVES.
5-12-1948 – BOSTON RED SOX games were first broadcast over television by WBZ-TV.
5-12-1955 – After walking the bases full in the bottom of the ninth inning, SAM "TOOTHPICK" JONES of the CHICAGO CUBS then strikes out DICK GROAT, ROBERTO CLEMENTE and FRANK THOMAS to preserve his 4-0 no-hitter against the PITTSBURGH PIRATES, in the first no-hitter ever thrown by a black pitcher in MLB history.
5-12-1966 – He was the first batter and
FELIPE ALOU hit the first two home runs for
the ATLANTA BRAVES in the Opening Game at the new ST. LOUIS CARDINALS
home, BUSCH STADIUM, but a bases-loaded single by LOU BROCK in the 12TH
inning gave his side a 4-3 victory which saw PHIL NIEKRO take the loss.
The old home plate from BUSCH STADIUM was delivered by helicopter and
transplanted before the game.
5-12-1969 – BOB GIBSON recorded 3 strikeouts on 9 pitches in one inning for his ST. LOUIS CARDINALS.
5-12-1970 – CHICAGO CUBS 1B ERNIE BANKS hit his 500TH career home run off PAT JARVIS of the ATLANTA BRAVES into the left field bleachers at WRIGLEY FIELD. OF RICO CARTY retrieved the ball after it bounced back onto the field, giving it to the batter. On hand to witness this historic moment was Umpire FRANK SECORY who was working the game on 9-20-1953 when "Mr. Cub" hit his first home run in the big leagues.
5-13-1929 – In the first game in MLB history in which players on both teams wear uniform numbers on the backs of their uniform tops, the CLEVELAND INDIANS down the NEW YORK YANKEES, 4-3, at LEAGUE PARK in Cleveland.
5-13-1952 – RHP RON NECCIAI of the BRISTOL TWINS in the APPALACHIAN LEAGUE, hurled a no-hitter over the WELCH MINERS, fanning a fantastic 27 batters, with one batter retired on a ground out. He set down 27 on strikes as the catcher missed a third strike and he fanned four in that inning.
5-13-1958 – In a 5-3 win at WRIGLEY FIELD, ST. LOUIS CARDINALS OF STAN MUSIAL, pinch-hitting in the sixth inning, doubled against the CHICAGO CUBS to collect his 3000TH career hit off MOE DRABOWSKY.
5-13-1989 – KIRBY PUCKETT, of the MINNESOTA TWINS, tied a MLB record with four doubles against the TORONTO BLUE JAYS, becoming the 35TH player to accomplish this, and the first since DAMASO GARCIA in 1986.
5-14-1878 – Opening Day for the CHICAGO WHITE STOCKINGS at LAKEFRONT PARK, saw them go down to defeat 5-3 to Indianapolis.
5-14-1892 – TOM DALY, of Brooklyn, hits the first pinch-hit home run in MLB history.
5-14-1893 – Opening Day for the CHICAGO COLTS at WEST SIDE GROUNDS, see them defeated 13-12 by the CINCINNATI RED LEGS
5-14-1935 – The first-ever night game was played at CROSLEY FIELD by the CINCINNATI REDS.
5-14-1967 – In becoming just the sixth batter to reach this plateau, MICKEY MANTLE strokes his 500TH home run off STU MILLER, helping his NEW YORK YANKEES defeat the BALTIMORE ORIOLES, 6-5.
5-14-1972 – In his triumphant return to New York, 41-year-old WILLIE MAYS hits his first home run as a member of the NEW YORK METS, giving them a 5-4 win against his long-time team, the SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS. It is the 647TH homer for the "Say Hey Kid."
5-14-1977 – JIM COLBORN throws the first no hitter by a KANSAS CITY ROYALS pitcher at ROYALS STADIUM as he shuts out the TEXAS RANGERS, 6-0.
5-14-1993 – JAY GAINER becomes only the 12TH player in MLB recorded history to ever hit a home run on the first pitch he sees, in his MLB debut with the COLORADO ROCKIES.
5-15-1862 – When WILLIAM H. CAMMEYER opened his new ballpark, UNION BASEBALL GROUNDS, paying customers (15 cents entry fee) made it possible for prominent New York and Brooklyn clubs to play for a share of the "gate money", signalling the beginning of the end of baseball as an amateur sport. "The Star Spangled Banner" was played for the first time at a sporting event marking the first time music had been played at a baseball game.
5-15-1901 – The WASHINGTON SENATORS defeated the BOSTON RED SOX, 4-0, as the first shutout in AMERICAN LEAGUE history is recorded.
5-15-1934 – The BUFFALO BISONS set an INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE record by hitting five homers in one inning, four of them in succession, in a contest against the ALBANY SENATORS
5-15-1934 – In his professional debut, PHIL CAVARETTA, playing with the PEORIA TRACTORS of the CENTRAL LEAGUE, hit for the cycle and stole a base.
5-15-1941 – The 56-game hitting streak of NEW YORK YANKEES OF JOE DiMAGGIO begins with a single off EDGAR SMITH in a 13-1 loss to the CHCAGO WHITE SOX at YANKEE STADIUM.
5-15-1960 – DON CARDWELL threw a no-hitter against the ST. LOUIS CARDINALS in his debut with the CHICAGO CUBS, becoming the first pitcher in MLB history to hurl a no-hitter in his first game for a club after being traded.
5-15-1960 – SS BILL LUCAS, brother-in-law of HENRY AARON, smashed three home runs, a double and single for ten RBI in a 19-9 pasting of the POCATELLO GIANTS by the BOISE BRAVES in the Class-C PIONEER LEAGUE.
5-15-1966 – DICK DRAGO and DARRELL CLARK pitched back-to-back no-hit games for ROCKY MOUNT of the CAROLINA LEAGUE, to win the twin-bill from Greensboro, 5-0 and 2-0, with both games lasting 7 innings.5-15-1973 - JEFF TORBORG caught the MLB record third no-hitter of his MLB career.
5-15-1977 – DH WILLIE HORTON becomes the first member of the TEXAS RANGERS to hit three home runs in a single game in a 7-3 victory against the KANSAS CITY ROYALS.
5-15-1981 – LEN BARKER pitched a perfect game for his CLEVELAND INDIANS, in a 3-0 win against the TORONTO BLUE JAYS at CLEVELAND STADIUM, becoming the first perfecto since pitcher's mounds were lowered and strike zones shrunk following the 1968 season.
5-15-1984 – MIKE SCHMIDT hit his 400TH career home run for the PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES.
5-15-1990 – PAUL MOLITOR scores his 1000TH run for the MILWAUKEE BREWERS at the CALIFORNIA ANGELS.
5-15-1991 – In the last time it happened in the HUBERT H. HUMPHREY METRODOME, PAUL MOLITOR becomes the fourth player for the MILWAUKEE BREWERS, and just the third designated hitter, joining ROBIN YOUNT and JOHN MAYBERRY, to ever hit for the cycle against the MINNESOTA TWINS, going 5-for-5 off KEVIN TAPANI.
5-15-1994 – ELLIS BURKS had the first inside-the-park home run in COLORADO ROCKIES franchise history off LHP JEFF FASSERO of the MONTREAL EXPOS.
5-16-1924 – Hall of Fame pitcher WILLIAM ARTHUR "CANDY" CUMMINGS died at the age of 75, in Toledo, Ohio.
5-16-1933 – WASHINGTON SENATORS rookie CECIL TRAVIS gets five hits in his major league debut, in a 12-inning game against the CHICAGO WHITE SOX.
5-16-1948 – DICK "KEWPIE" BARRETT, 41, the veteran pitcher threw a perfect seven inning game for Seattle against Sacramento, winning 3-0.
5-16-1962 – GIL HODGES had the first inside-the-park home run in NEW YORK METS franchise history at the POLO GROUNDS, against DICK ELLSWORTH of the CHICAGO CUBS.
5-16-1964 – RUSSELL "BUZZ" ARLETT, one of the greatest minor league sluggers, with 432 home runs, died at the age of 65 in Minneapolis.
5-16-1969 – SAN DIEGO PADRES OF AL FERRARA hit the first-ever pitch-hit home run at SAN DIEGO STADIUM of RAY WASHBURN of the ST. LOUIS CARDINALS.
5-16-1970 – A ninth inning pinch-hit single off the bat of BILL MAZEROSKI paves the way for a PITTSBURGH PIRATES win, 4-3, over the MONTREAL EXPOS, being his first-ever pinch hit of his distinguished MLB career.
5-16-1981 – CRAIG REYNOLDS drilled 3 triples in one game for his HOUSTON ASTROS, becoming only the seventh player in MLB history to ever accomplish this feat.
5-16-1986 – The first of only two batters in OAKLAND ATHLETICS franchise history to ever hit for the cycle was 2B TONY PHILLIPS at MEMORIAL STADIUM against the BALTIMORE ORIOLES
5-16-1998 – OF DEVON WHITE hit the first home run into the left field swimming pool in ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS franchise history off JASON SCHMIDT , then on 5-18 did it again with a shot off JON LEIBER, both of the PITTSBURGH PIRATES.
5-16-1998 – At BUSCH STADIUM, 1B MARK McGWIRE hit the longest measured home run, 545 feet, in ST. LOUIS CARDINALS franchise history, and holds every long distance record from 527 feet down through 485 feet in eight other home runs hit there.
5-17-1963 – In the third, fourth and fifth innings, BOB ALLISON became the first batter in the franchise history of the MINNESOTA TWINS to hit three consecutive home runs in one game, against the CLEVELAND INDIANS at METROPLOITAN STADIUM, in an 11-4 victory.
5-17-1963 – At COLT STADIUM RHP DON NOTTEBART hurled the first no-hitter for the HOUSTON COLT .45s in club history, a 4-1 victory against the PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES.
5-17-1970 – HANK AARON becomes the ninth major leaguer to reach the 3000 hits level after scratching out a single off CINCINNATI REDS reliever WAYNE SIMPSON.
5-17-1979 – The CHICAGO CUBS have been involved in two of the highest scoring games in MLB debut, the second of which was a 23-22 loss to the PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES at WRIGLEY FIELD, in a 50-hit slugfest in which the 11 home runs hit tied a MLB mark. (see 8-25-1922)
5-17-1996 – C DAVID NILSSON sets MILWAUKEE BREWERS history when he hit two home runs in the sixth inning against the MINNESOTA TWINS, becoming the first to do so for the Brewers, the 29TH player in MLB history, and the 12TH in the AMERICAN LEAGUE to accomplish this feat.
5-17-1998 – NEW YORK YANKEES LHP DAVID WELLS tosses only the 14TH regular-season perfect game in the history of MLB, the first-ever by a Yankees pitcher, a 4-0 win over the MINNESOTA TWINS before nearly 50000 fans at YANKEE STADIUM.
5-18-1938 – In one of the greatest battles ever staged, 19-year-old RHP VIRGIL TRUCKS pitched a 1-0, no-hit game against the EVERGREEN GREENIES for the ANDALUSIA BULLDOGS in the ALABAMA - FLORIDA LEAGUE, striking out 19 batters. FRANCIS MANHEIM, his opponent, yielded only one safety, a single by Trucks, in the 9th inning, who later scored to register the 1-0 triumph.
5-18-1947 – Former MLB first baseman HAL CHASE, known as "Prince Hal," died at the age of 64 in Colusa, California.
5-18-1956 – MICKEY MANTLE belted a home run from both sides of the plate in the same game.
5-18-1961 – RYNE DUREN tied a MLB record by striking out four in the seventh inning of a 6-4 loss to the CHICAGO WHITE SOX by his LOS ANGELES ANGELS.
5-18-1968 – 1B FRANK HOWARD belted his tenth home run of the week for his WASHINGTON SENATORS.
5-18-1968 – BILL MAZEROSKI of the PITTSBURGH PIRATES played in his 392ND consecutive game, a record in the NATIONAL LEAGUE for second basemen, in an 8-3 loss to the CINCINNATI REDS.
5-18-1979 – A third umpires strike from Opening Day won major concessions for their union, including a substantial salary increase based on years of service.
5-18-1998 – MIKE BLOWERS is the second of the only two batters in OAKLAND ATHLETICS franchise history to ever hit for the cycle, at COMISKEY PARK against the CHICAGO WHITE SOX.
5-19-1957 – DICK WILLIAMS, of the BALTIMORE ORIOLES, hit a ninth inning, game-tying solo home run against Chicago's PAUL LaPLUME seconds before 10:21pm, a time set as a curfew so that the WHITE SOX could catch their train out of Baltimore...if Williams had done anything else, Chicago would have won, however, the game was replayed from the beginning and Baltimore came out the winners.
5-19-1961 – OF DAN DOBBEK hit the first grand slam for the MINNESOTA TWINS at METROPOLITAN STADIUM, against the KANSAS CITY ATHLETICS in the third inning.
5-19-1962 – STAN MUSIAL hits a ninth inning pinch-hit single, for career hit number 3431, during an 8-1 win over the LOS ANGELES DODGERS by his ST. LOUIS CARDINALS, in surpassing the recognized long-standing record held by HONUS WAGNER.
5-20-1871 – HARRY WRIGHT relieved BOSTON RED STOCKINGS pitcher AL SPALDING in the eighth inning of a NATIONAL ASSOCIATION game against the PHILADELPHIA ATHLETICS with the score 10-7 in their favor, and over two innings held on for the win, 11-8, in the first recognized instance of a relief pitcher garnering a "save" in a professional game.
5-20-1941 – GEORGE JUMONVILLE, a lifetime .125 hitter with no home runs, pinch-hits for his PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES against the ST. LOUIS CARDINALS, smashing a home run that sends his squad on their way to a 6-4 win.
5-20-1948 – JOE DiMAGGIO strokes four extra base hits for the fourth time in his career as he hits for the cycle for the second time in his career, in a 13-2 drubbing of the CHICAGO WHITE SOX by his NEW YORK YANKEES. "The Yankee Clipper" had two home runs, a triple, double and single, driving in 6 runs.
5-20-1962 – KEN HUBBS collected 8 singles in a doubleheader for his CHICAGO CUBS, at the PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES, going 3-for-3 in the first game then 5-for-5 in the nightcap.
5-20-1967 – JACK HAMILTON is one of only two NEW YORK METS pitchers to ever hit a grand slam, doing so at SHEA STADIUM off AL JACKSON of the ST. LOUIS CARDINALS.
5-20-1970 – ROD CAREW was the first batter in MINNESOTA TWINS franchise history to hit for the cycle, in a 10-5 victory at the KANSAS CITY ROYALS.
5-20-1973 – A Sunday doubleheader with the MINNESOTA TWINS attracts 55555, a COMISKEY PARK attendance record.
5-20-1983 – In striking out four batters in a 5-0 loss to the SAN DIEGO PADRES, STEVE CARLTON moves past WALTER JOHNSON into second place, with 3511 Ks on the career all-time strikeout list.
5-20-1991 – JEFF REARDON records his 300TH career save as his BOSTON RED SOX downed the MILWAUKEE BREWERS by a 3-0 score.
5-20-1991 – JAMES EDWARD "PETE" RUNNELS died at the age of 63. He was the AMERICAN LEAGUE batting champion with his BOSTON RED SOX in 1960 and 1962.
5-21-1880 – In RIVERSIDE PARK in Albany, LIPMAN PIKE hits a ball over the wall and into the river. Right fielder LON KNIGHT starts after the ball in a boat but soon gives up. Few parks have ground rules about giving the batter an automatic home run on a ball hit over the fence.
5-21-1920 – MOSES "LEFTY" GOMEZ made his professional debut with Martinsburg in the BLUE RIDGE LEAGUE, holding Hagerstown to six hits and four walks, fanning 10, but losing, 4-1.
5-21-1923 – Colonel JACOB RUPPERT bought out his partner Colonel HUSTON for the sum of $1,500,000 to take controlling interest in the NEW YORK YANKEES.
5-21-1952 – PEE WEE REESE reached base safely 3 times in one inning for his BROOKLYN DODGERS.
5-21-1952 – Continuing his sensational strikeout performance, RHP RON NECCIAI of the BRISTOL TWINS in the APPALACHIAN LEAGUE fanned 24 KINGSPORT CHEROKEES batters.
5-21-1966 – HENRY AARON hit the first pinch-hit home run in ATLANTA BRAVES franchise history against the CHICAGO CUBS.
5-21-1970 – LHP STEVE CARLTON struck out 16 PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES batters over eight innings, but his ST. LOUIS CARDINALS still lose, 4-3, in the ninth inning. In two days, his teammate BOB GIBSON also fanned 16 members of the PHILLIES.
5-21-1975 – The slow starting "Big Red Machine" entered the day with a 20-20 mark, five games out of first place, but the CINCINNATI REDS then knock off the NEW YORK METS starting a 41-9 stretch, going on to finish at 108-54, 20 games ahead of the LOS ANGELES DODGERS.
5-21-1995 – The CHICAGO CUBS won their 9000TH game at the LOS ANGELES DODGERS in a 2-1 victory in 13 innings, holding the distinction of having won more games than any other one-city professional franchise.
5-21-1997 – ROGER CLEMENS earned his 200TH career victory, leading the TORONTO BLUE JAYS past the NEW YORK YANKEES, 4-1.
5-22-1952 – SHIBE PARK saw the last inside-the-park home run by a PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES pitcher when LHP CURT SIMMONS accomplished this feat against the PITTSBURGH PIRATES.
5-22-1962 – ROGER MARIS drew 4 intentional walks in one game for his NEW YORK YANKEES, tying a MLB record, after not having been purposely passed during his record setting 61 home run season in 1961.
5-22-1976 – REGGIE SMITH hit three home runs, two right-handed and the other left-handed, driving in five runs in a 7-6 victory for his ST. LOUIS CARDINALS over the PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES, with the third homer coming with two outs in the ninth inning breaking a 6-6 tie.
5-22-1983 – CLIFF JOHNSON of the TORONTO BLUE JAYS hit his 18TH career pinch-hit home run, the drive coming off TIPPY MARTINEZ of the BALTIMORE ORIOLES, which tied him with JERRY LYNCH for all-time career pinch-hit home run honors.
5-22-1990 – ANDRE DAWSON of the CHICAGO CUBS was intentionally walked five times by the CINCINNATI REDS to break a record shared by ROGER MARIS and GARRY TEMPLETON. The REDS issued seven intentional passes altogether which tied the record previously set by the HOUSTON ASTROS in 1984, however the CUBS went on to win the contest 2-1 in 16 innings.
5-23-1901 – NAP LAJOIE of the PHILADELPHIA ATHLETICS was the first batter to be intentionally walked with the bases loaded.
5-23-1961 – NORM CASH, STEVE BOROS, and DICK BROWN hit consecutive home runs for their DETROIT TIGERS in a 5-2 win over the MINNESOTA TWINS.
5-23-1963 – Former MLB outfielder CLIFFORD CARLTON "GAVVY" CRAVATH, known as "Cactus," died at the age of 82 in Laguna Beach, California.
5-23-1969 – MICKEY LOLICH notched 16 strikeouts in a nine-inning game for his DETROIT TIGERS against the CALIFORNIA ANGELS.
5-23-1979 – AL OLIVER hit three home runs in one game for his TEXAS RANGERS.
5-24-1928 – When the NEW YORK YANKEES played the PHILADELPHIA ATHLETICS on this date, thirteen future HALL of FAME members appeared in this game - TY COBB, TRIS SPEAKER, MICKEY COCHRANE, AL SIMMONS, EDDIE COLLINS, LEFTY GROVE and JIMMIE FOXX for the ATHLETICS, and EARL COMBS, LEO DUROCHER, BABE RUTH, LOU GEHRIG, TONY LAZZERI and WAITE HOYT for the YANKEES. The A's had more Hall of Famers, 7 to 6, but the YANKEES were the winners, 9-7.
5-24-1935 – The first ever night game in MLB history is played by the CINCINNATI REDLEGS at CROSLEY FIELD, with the PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES going down to defeat, 2-1, before a crowd of 20422. President FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT threw the switch at the White House to turn on the lights.
5-24-1936 – NEW YORK YANKEES 2B TONY LAZZERI holds the franchise record of 11 RBI in a game at the PHILADELPHIA ATHLETICS.
5-24-1940 – The CLEVELAND INDIANS edge the ST. LOUIS BROWNS, 3-2, in the first night game at SPORTSMANS PARK before 24827, their largest crowd since 1922, with BOB FELLER beating ELDON AUKER and his first big league home run is the winning margin.
5-24-1964 – The longest "measured" home run ever hit in MEMORIAL STADIUM was a 471 foot drive off the bat of HARMON KILLEBREW, on an offering by MILT PAPPAS, over the hedge in left-center field, which exceeded by two feet the only other blast that has ever cleared the hedge, being a 469 foot shot by JOHN "BOOG" POWELL, off BOSTON RED SOX pitcher DON SCHWALL on 6-22-1962.
5-24-1951 – The CLEVELAND INDIANS whip the WASHINGTON SENATORS, 16-0, behind a 2-hitter of BOB FELLER, with LARRY DOBY hitting a homer and totaling 4 runs batted in to lead the Tribe.
5-24-1970 – TONY HORTON hit three home runs for his CLEVELAND INDIANS against the NEW YORK YANKEES.
5-24-1984 – JACK MORRIS led the DETROIT TIGERS to their 17TH consecutive road win, setting an AMERICAN LEAGUE record, allowing only four hits as he downed the CALIFORNIA ANGELS, 5-1.
5-25-1935 – The first home run ever hit over the right field roof of FORBES FIELD, home of the PITTSBURGH PIRATES, was also the final one in the long career of BABE RUTH, his 714TH, against GUY BUSH.
5-25-1937 – The career of future Hall of Fame catcher MICKEY COCHRANE ends tragically as he is severely beaned by NEW YORK YANKEES hurler BUMP HADLEY. Near death at first, the DETROIT TIGERS catcher / manager spent over six weeks in hospital and never takes to the field again as a player.
5-25-1938 – A second inning single off the bat of 2B BOBBY DOERR of the BOSTON RED SOX is the only hit allowed by BOB FELLER, as KEN KELTNER slams three home runs in their CLEVELAND INDIANS 11-0 shutout win.
5-25-1951 – In his MLB debut, NEW YORK GIANTS OF WILLIE MAYS goes 0-for-5 against the PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES, but does make three superb plays in the field.
5-25-1966 – CURT FLOOD hit the first grand slam at BUSCH MEMORIAL STADIUM, the new home of his ST. LOUIS CARDINALS.
5-25-1969 – At SAN DIEGO STADIUM, OF NATE COLBERT hit the first-ever grand slam for his SAN DIEGO PADRES off DON NOTTEBART of the CHICAGO CUBS.
5-25-1981 – BILL STEIN sets an AMERICAN LEAGUE record with his seventh consecutive pinch hit, breaking the mark of BOB JOHNSON of the BALTIMORE ORIOLES.
5-25-1982 – FERGUSON JENKINS becomes only the seventh pitcher in MLB history to strikeout 3000 batters in the CHICAGO CUBS 2-1 loss at JACK MURPHY STADIUM in San Diego.
5-26-1916 – OF BENNY KAUFF of the NEW YORK GIANTS is picked off first base three times in one game, though his squad goes on to down the BOSTON BRAVES, 12-1.
5-26-1949 – JACKIE JENSEN, a University of California football star and great all-around athlete signed a contract with the OAKLAND OAKS of the PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE.
5-26-1959 – Although not feeling well, PITTSBURGH PIRATES starter HARVEY HADDIX pitches 12 perfect innings, retiring 36 consecutive batters, losing 1-0 to the MILWAUKEE BRAVES in the 13TH inning, with the heartbreaking winning run scoring on an error in the 13TH inning by 3B DON HOAK, a sacrifice, an intentional walk and a home run off the bat of 1B JOE ADCOCK, for an apparent 3-0 win, which is scored a double after he passes HENRY AARON on the basepaths who has left the playing field. This makes the hard-luck Bucs starter the ninth pitcher to lose a no-hitter in extra innings. For the winners, LEW BURDETTE goes all 13 innings for his eighth win, scattering 12 hits. (see 5-27-1959)
5-26-1977 – RICKEY HENDERSON of the MODESTO A's of the CALIFORNIA LEAGUE steals seven bases to tie the minor league mark, going on to total 96 SBs over 134 games.
5-27-1959 – NATIONAL LEAGUE President WARREN GILES rules that the final score of the HARVEY HADDIX perfect game loss should actually be 1-0, since both runners HENRY AARON and JOE ADCOCK were ruled out, after the former left the playing field with the latter passing him on the basepaths, being credited with a double rather than a home run.
5-27-1960 – BALTIMORE ORIOLES C CLINT COURTNEY becomes the first to use the oversized knuckleball catchers mitt to handle pitches thrown by his battery mate HOYT WILHELM.
5-27-1968 – San Diego is awarded a NATIONAL LEAGUE franchise during owners meetings in Chicago.
5-27-1972 – DEL CRANDALL is named as Manager of the MILWAUKEE BREWERS upon the dismissal of DAVE BRISTOL.
5-27-1972 – In a game at METROPOLITAN STADIUM against the MINNESOTA TWINS, TEXAS RANGERS 3B TOBY HARRAH became the first player in franchise history to successfully steal home.
5-28-1941 – In the first night game played at GRIFFITH STADIUM, the NEW YORK YANKEES hang on to defeat the WASHINGTON SENATORS, 6-5, then five years to the date in the first night contest played there, the SENATORS will win the game 2-1 in YANKEE STADIUM.
5-28-1946 – The first night game is played at YANKEE STADIUM and the hometown team suffer a 2-1 loss to the visiting WASHINGTON SENATORS before a crowd of 49917.
5-28-1956 – 1B DALE LONG belted a home run in his eighth consecutive game for the PITTSBURGH PIRATES, establishing a MLB record, finishing the season with a total of 27. This record was equaled by 1B DON MATTINGLY in 1987.
5-28-1957 – By unanimous vote, NATIONAL LEAGUE owners grant permission for both the BROOKLYN DODGERS and NEW YORK GIANTS to relocate to the West Coast.
5-28-1958 – BUFFALO BISONS 1B LUKE EASTER walloped a 520-foot home run against the HAVANA SUGAR KINGS.
5-28-1959 – KENNTH PENNER, who won 330 games in the minor leagues from 1913 through 1943, died at the age of 63 in Sacramento, California.
5-28-1973 – LOS ANGELES DODGERS RHP ANDY MESSERSMITH struck out 6 consecutive batters at the start of a game against the PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES.
5-28-1986 – JOE COWLEY fanned the first 7 batters he faced in a game for his CHICAGO WHITE SOX.
5-28-1988 – JACK McKEON is named as Manager of the SAN DIEGO PADRES, replacing LARRY BOWA.
5-28-2001 – TONY PEREZ is named as Manager of the FORIDA MARLINS, replacing JOHN BOLES.
5-29-1872 – The first game played in Chicago since the great fire is played on the new grounds of the Chicago Base Ball Association before an enthusiastic crowd of over 4000 who see the BALTIMORE LORD BALTIMORES defeat the CLEVELAND FOREST CITYS, 5-3.
5-29-1951 – WILLIE MAYS is lost to the NEW YORK GIANTS for the next two years while serving in the United States Army, but upon his return in 1954 he goes on to be named the NL MVP and helps his team to triumph in the World Series.
5-29-1955 – On option from the NEW YORK YANKEES, DON LARSEN provided nearly the whole show as his DENVER BEARS walloped the SACRAMENTO SAINTS, 11-4, blasting two long home runs, including a grand slammer, smashing two more balls off the outfield fence for a double and single, in addition to scattering nine hits.
5-29-1962 – JOHN "BUCK" O'NEIL, previously a scout with the CHICAGO CUBS, becomes the first black coach in the major leagues after accepting a position with the big club.
5-29-1966 – EDDIE MATHEWS hit the first inside-the-park home run in ATLANTA BRAVES franchise history against the CHICAGO CUBS at WRIGLEY FIELD.
5-29-1972 – Former MLB catcher MOE BERG died at the age of 70 in Belleville, New Jersey. During World War II he served as an OSS agent and was known to speak as many as 16 different languages.
5-29-1974 – BRADFORD G. CORBETT and his investor group purchases the TEXAS RANGERS from ROBERT E. SHORT, selecting former NEW YORK YANKEES IF, now DR. BOBBY BROWN as the team president.
5-30-1894 – BOSTON BEANEATER BOBBY LOWE became the first to hit four home runs in one game, in a 20-11 over the CINCINNATI REDS.
5-30-1927 – CHICAGO CUBS SS JIMMY COONEY pulled off an unassisted play against the PITTSBURGH PIRATES. After snaring a line drive off the bat of PAUL WANER, he steps on second to force his brother, LLOYD WANER, then tags CLYDE BARNHART approaching from first for the third out. (see 5-31-1927)
5-30-1934 – LOU FRIERSON, of Paris in the WEST TEXAS LEAGUE, hit five home runs in a game at his hometown ballpark.
5-30-1935 – Playing for the BOSTON BRAVES LF BABE RUTH went hitless in one at-bat against the PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES at the BAKER BOWL, in the last major league game for the great "Bambino."
5-30-1943 – Play in the ALL-AMERICAN GIRLS PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL LEAGUE officially began with the SOUTH BEND BLUE SOX playing at the ROCKFORD PEACHES and the KENOSHA COMETS at the RACINE BELLES.
5-30-1956 – MICKEY MANTLE smacked a PEDRO RAMOS pitch high off the YANKEE STADIUM right field facade coming within two feet of leaving the ballpark, something never done on a fair ball in stadium history.
5-30-1966 – DENNY McLAIN tossed his second one-hitter of the month, with the only safety being a fifth inning double off the bat of PHIL ROOF for his KANSAS CITY ATHLETICS, as the DETROIT TIGERS win by a 5-2 result.
5-30-1970 – ROBERTO PENA slugs the first grand slam, coming on an inside-the-park homer, in MILWAUKEE BREWERS franchise history off LES CAIN of the DETROIT TIGERS.
5-30-1972 – SKIP LOCKWOOD hurls a one-hitter against the NEW YORK YANKEES in the game DEL CRANDALL took over as skipper of the MILWAUKEE BREWERS.
5-30-1976 – Hall of Fame outfielder MAX CAREY died at the age of 85 in Miami Beach, Florida. His real name was MAXIMILIAN CARNARIUS.
5-30-1977 – MIKE IVIE laced two doubles in one inning for his SAN DIEGO PADRES.
5-30-1982 – FLOYD RAYFORD is replaced in the BALTIMORE ORIOLES lineup by CAL RIPKEN JR to start the most famous streak in professional sports. (see 9-6-1995)
5-31-1927 – DETROIT TIGERS 1B JOHNNY NEUN pulled off an unassisted triple play against the CLEVELAND INDIANS. He nabbed a line drive off the bat of HOMER SUMMA, then tagged CHARLIE JAMIESON off first, then ran down GLENN MYATT before he could return to second base. It was the 7TH unassisted triple play in MLB history. (see 5-30-1927)
5-31-1955 – 18-year-old pitcher STAN WILLIAMS equaled a PIEDMONT LEAGUE record, set by JOHNNY VANDER MEER in 1937, when he struck out 20 batters in a 5-2 victory for the NEWPORT NEWS DODGERS over the LYNCHBURG CARDINALS.
5-31-1959 – CHARLIE MAXWELL hit 4 home runs in a doubleheader for the DETROIT TIGERS against the NEW YORK YANKEES.
5-31-1975 - HOUSTON ASTROS 1B/C CLIFF JOHNSON had two hits in one inning as a pinch-hitter, an eighth inning double and home run, at the PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES, tying a MLB record.
5-31-1977 – JOE FRAZIER is dismissed as Manager of the NEW YORK METS being replaced by JOE TORRE as player-manager.
5-31-1997 – 1B ANDRES GALARRAGA of the COLORADO ROCKIES hit the longest home run against the FLORIDA MARLINS at PRO PLAYER PARK off KEVIN BROWN, measured at 529 feet.
