September 22, 1911: 511 Wins For Cy Young

     On September 22, 1911, the fans cheered "Old" Cy Young in Pittsburgh as they watched him lead his Boston Rustlers to a 1-0 victory over their hometown Pirates. The victory would be the 511th victory of Young's storied career and his last. He was 44 years of age when he locked down the historic win. No pitcher will ever come close to the mark. Along with the 511 wins, Young holds records for most complete games with 749, innings pitched with 7,356, career starts with 815, and most consecutive innings pitched without a hit with 25 and a third innings pitched of perfection during the 1904 campaign. Young also was a World Series champion, winning it as a member of the Boston Americans during the first ever World Series in 1903. He also had the distinction of being the first man to ever throw a pitch in the World Series. His accomplishments on the diamond have been forever immortalized with the award that bears his name, which goes to the best pitcher in both leagues each and every season. The award came to be one year after the legendary hurler of yesteryear passed away in 1955. He was also immortalized in The Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York in 1937. Surprisingly the man who won 511 games was a second ballot Hall of Famer.

If you would like to read more about the life and times of Denton True Young a.k.a Cy check this out: http://sabr.org/bioproj/person/dae2fb8a


Side notes: The Boston Rustlers are now the modern day Braves and the Boston Americans are now the modern day Red Sox.

September 28, 1938: Gabby Hartnett, and The Homer In The Gloaming

     On September 28, 1938, with the game about to be called by darkness at Wrigley Field in Chicago, player/manager Gabby Hartnett launched a solo shot to left that was lost in the night as it sailed over the wall in left to beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 6-5. The game was crucial, as it knocked the Pirates out of first, and would place the Cubs atop the standings where they would remain until season's end. The Cubs ended up being swept in the World Series by the New York Yankees. However, the ride to winning that National League Pennant would forever be remembered, and Hartnett's home run that came in the dark would become an immortalized moment known as the "homer in the gloaming."

     As the 37-year-old Hartnett circled the bases an eruption of more than 34,000 cheers filled the air. He was mobbed by his team, and the fans as well before the ushers on hand were able to get him away from the celebration. In an article that was published in the Spokesman Review on April 9, 1950, Hartnett looked back on the moment in great detail.  He began by saying "Do you know how you feel when you're real scared, or something big is going to happen? Well, that's how I felt for one terrific minute on my best day in baseball." It is an absolutely great piece of work that you can read here: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=vXpWAAAAIBAJ&sjid=oeUDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6740%2C4128911

You could also check out the SABR account of the game here: http://sabr.org/bioproj/topic/sep-28-1938-pittsburgh-5-chicago-cubs-6

Check out the box score here: http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CHN/CHN193809280.shtml

September 15, 1902: Tinker, Evers, and Chance Turn Their First Double Play

   

     On September 15, 1902, at the West Side Grounds in Chicago the famed combination of shortstop Joe Tinker, second baseman Johnny Evers, and first baseman Frank Chance executed their first double play, during what turned out to be a 6-3 for their Cubs win over the Cincinnati Reds. Over the next decade the three men locked down what was considered one of the best defensive infields of the era, as they were key pieces for the club that won the National League Pennant four times from 1906 to 1910, which included back-to-back World Series titles in 1907 and 1908. In 1910 they were forever immortalized in a poem written by Franklin P. Adams. A New Yorker, Adams watched the trio turn his fair share of double plays against his Giants. The poem goes as follows:

These are the saddest of possible words-

 "Tinkers to Evers to Chance."

Trio of bear cubs, and fleeter than birds, 

Tinkers and Evers and Chance.

Ruthlessly pricking our gonfalon bubble, 

Making a Giant hit into a double- 

 Words that are heavy with nothing but trouble,

"Tinker to Evers to Chance." 

     You can feel the pain of being a Giants fan in that poem. The trio was elected into Baseball's Hall of Fame in 1946. Some have said that the poem made their induction into Cooperstown happen. Even if that is the case what they did on the diamond should not be forgotten, and when we hear those three names mentioned in reference to a play you know it was a beauty. Unless it happened against the club you had rooting interest in, and if that was the case you would know exactly how Mr. Adams felt when he saw Tinker fire over to Evers, who turned and fired to Chance.

The article in the photo appeared in the Baltimore American the following day. The trio appeared on the diamond two days earlier together, but it was this that saw their first twin killing turned. While the article does not mention the double play, I do look at it as a little piece of history knowing that it all started right there.

I really enjoyed this short video that has the poem being narrated: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPDhWFLIIQU

September 9, 1965: Sandy Koufax Achieves Perfection

     On September 9, 1965, at 9:46 p.m. in the City of Angels, Los Angeles, California, Sandy Koufax achieved perfection, by striking out Chicago Cubs pinch hitter Harvey Kuenn for the 27th out in a 1-0 win in front of 29,139 fans at Dodger Stadium. It was 27 up and 27 down for the lefty who had already thrown three no hitters in his career. The fourth was more than a no-no. It was perfect.

     Koufax and Dodgers needed perfection to beat the Cubs that day as their starter Bob Hendley delivered with a one hit performance of his own. The game's only run was unearned, as Lou Johnson worked a walk out of Hendley, then moved over to second on a sacrifice, before coming around to score on a wild throw. Johnson also broke up Hendley's bid for a no-no with a seventh inning double. While Hendley had misfortune, Koufax was dealing. Absolutely untouchable as he struck out 14 men, which included the last six men he faced. I consider the call by Vin Scully piece of art, as he painted a picture with words that is very easy to see in yourmind's eye. Truly a thing of beauty: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJdli-ONL-8

     The perfect game proved to be the last no-no in what was an illustrious career. Albeit short. The next year was his last despite the fact he would have been viewed in his proverbial prime. Arm problems had caught him at an early age. His four no-hitters stood as a record until Nolan Ryan surpassed him by throwing his fifth in 1981. Ryan holds the current record with seven.

Check out one of Sandy Koufax's legendary box score here: http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/LAN/LAN196509090.shtml

The amazing piece of sports art that is featured with today's fact can be found here: http://www.fascinationstart.com/artwork/Stephen_Holland_.sku19314 

September 8, 1939: Rapid Robert Becomes The Youngest 20 Game Winner

     On September 8, 1939, at the age of 20 years, 10 months, and 5 days old, Cleveland Indians legend Bob Feller became the youngest pitcher in the history of Major League Baseball to win 20 games. The youngster entered the record books in front of a crowd of just 598 people in St. Louis, as he led the way to a 12-1 victory by allowing just five hits, while his teammates pounded out 13 hits, and made the victory an easy one. Feller finished that season with a 24-9 record, and would reach the 20 win mark a total of six times in his career.

There is a very good possibility the 266 game winner would have won 300 games in his career had it not been for him losing three years due to his service to his country in World War II. Truly a legend of his time, Feller was inducted into Baseball's Hall of Fame in 1962. His record for being the youngest 20 game winner stood until Doc Gooden notched his 20th as a member of the Mets in 1985. Gooden was 20 years, 9 months, and 9 days old when he eclipsed the mark that had been set by the man they called "Rapid Robert" 75 years ago today.

Check out the box score here: http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/BOS/BOS193309081.shtml

September 7, 1980: Marcol's Blocked Kick Turn Into a Big Win For The Pack

 

   On September 7, 1980, tied 6-6 in overtime at Lambeau Field, Chester Marcol of the Green Bay Packers sent the crowd a home happy in an unorthodox way, as he stepped up to kick what looked like it would be a game winning 35 yard field goal, only to have it blocked by Chicago's Alan Page. The ball shot right back to Marcol and the kicker was off to the races. He broke free around the left end, and outran each and every Bears player, as they were stunned by the turn of events that led to a 12-6 win for The Pack. 

You can read all about this game here: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=1q8oAAAAIBAJ&sjid=rCsEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6656%2C3968746

August 30,1912: Earl Hamilton Records The First No-No in Browns/Orioles History

     On August 30, 1912, Earl Hamilton of the St. Louis Browns no-hit the Tigers in Detroit, as he led the way to a 5-1 win. The lone Tigers run came in the fourth when Ty Cobb worked a walk out of the lefty. That was followed by what looked to be a fielder's choice off the bat of Sam Crawford that turned into an error. An alert Cobb turned it into a run as he rounded the bags, and beat a late throw to the plate. While the shutout was erased, Hamilton's no-no remained intact, and at the end of that day he had recorded the first no-hitter in the history of the franchise that we all know today as the Baltimore Orioles.

     His 115-147 record might not impress some, but the fact is in many ways he was a victim of circumstance who played on some bad teams. His lifetime E.R.A of just 3.00 alone tells you that he was a quality pitcher, but as luck would have it even during a season that he held a 2.50 e.r.a., he still had a losing record (16-18). However, his career did span over 14 seasons and he had a no-hitter on his resume that would be remembered more than 100 years later, as we celebrate it today.

Check out Hamilton's career numbers here: http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hamilea01.shtml

August 29, 1977: Lou Brock Becomes The Stolen Base King

     On August 29, 1977, St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lou Brock became the all time stolen base leader, after swiping two bags against the Padres in San Diego. The legendary base burglar came into the contest one stolen base shy of Ty Cobb's record of 892, and by the seventh inning he hoisted second base over his head as baseball's king of thieves.

     Brock was off and running right out of the gate. He worked a walk out of San Diego's starter Dave Freisleben to lead off the contest, and moments later he made a break for second. San Diego's catcher Dave Roberts attempted to gun him down, but sailed his throw wide, so Brock had not only equalled the mark, he had also taken third on the error. It proved to be a spark for the Cardinals offense, as they went onto plate three runs in the inning that had saw their entire lineup take an at bat.

     The Friars bounced back with a couple of runs in the third to cut the lead to 3-2, and that is where the score sat when Brock came to the plate in the seventh. He had just watched his pitcher rap out a single, and was hoping for a few more sparks. Instead he hit into a fielder's choice that retired the pitcher, but it still gave him the opportunity to make history, and it was an opportunity that would not be wasted. Freisleben was still on the bump for San Diego, and this time Brock broke on his first pitch. Once again Roberts tried to gun him down, but the throw was off line, and Brock came sliding into second as the baseball's all time stolen base leader.

     Brock's first concern was Bill Almon. The San Diego shortstop had gotten spiked on the play, and Brock wanted to make sure he was not injured. Once he realized he was okay a mob of teammates formed around him. The base was uprooted and awarded to him, and he was given a microphone to address the cheering crowd. He reminded them to not just think of him on that day, but to think of Cobb as well. He had a great respect for the player who he had began chasing in 1962, and his words made it be known. The fans in San Diego made it be known that had great respect for Brock as well as they bestowed cheers upon him. It was an all around classy moment in time.

     After things settled down, Brock and company failed to scratch out a run in the inning, and the speedster was removed before the bottom of the frame began. The day was spoiled a bit thereafter, as Al Hrabosky served up a two run shot ot Mike Ivie in the eighth. The big blast proved to be all the Padres needed to win the game 4-3. However, it was still a day to be celebrated, as Brock's achievements were much bigger than the game that was played on the field that day.

     Like many who are in pursuit of a record, Brock was relieved to have it out of the way. He spoke of reaching a 1,000 stolen bases. It was a number that was not too far off, but it proved to be a number that he would not reach, as he played two more seasons, before retiring with 938 stolen bases. Brock's record stood until 1991 when it was surpassed by Rickey Henderson. While Brock's record did not stand the test of time, what he did on the diamond will not be forgotten, as he stands amongst those who are considered immortal in Cooperstown, New York.

Check out the box score and Lou's career numbers:
http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SDN/SDN197708290.shtml
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/brocklo01.shtml

August 28, 1999: Watch Out Terry... Here Comes The Man In Black

     On August 28, 1999, Dale Earnhardt Sr. pushed Terry Labonte out of his way on the last lap of the Goody's Headache Powder 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway to earn what was considered a controversial win. While some fans cheered, many of them began to boo the man who had just claimed his ninth victory at the world famous short track. However, years later it was voted as one of the top moments at Bristol, and looking back at it now, knowing that it was his last win at the track, it almost seems fitting it ended the way it did. After all he was "The Intimidator."

Watch the wild finsish here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z37MdfrFJyw

August 27, 1977: Toby Harrah and Bump Wills Hit Back-To-Back Inside The Park Home Runs

     On August 27, 1977, in front of more than 30,000 at Yankee Stadium in New York, Texas Rangers teammates Toby Harrah and Bump Wills became just the second set of players in the history of Major League Baseball to hit back-to-back inside the park home runs.

     The Rangers were up 4-2 when the historic back-to-back homers happened in the seventh inning. Ken Clay was on in relief for the Yankees, and he gave up back-to-back one out singles before Harrah stepped to the dish, and gave one of his pitches a long ride into right. Lou Piniella went all out as he tried to make a leaping catch at the wall, only to crash into it, and fall to the ground, as the ball shot back toward the infield. The two men in front of Harrah crossed the dish, and before second baseman George Zeba get the ball into the catcher Harrah had scored.

     Moments later, Bump Wills stepped in and drove one to deep center. Mickey Rivers pursued, and even got a little bit of a glove on it, before it shot over his head, and off to his left. Wills kept his head down, and made the turn at third, before crossing the dish with his inside the parker. The inside the park shot was the second home run of the day for Wills, who went the more conventional route in the fourth inning by putting one over the fence.

    It was the first time since the feat was accomplished in the American League. The only other time it had been accomplished came during a National League contest at the Polo Grounds in New York when Marv Rickert and Eddie Waitkus of the Chicago Cubs did it in a game against the Giants. Pretty wild stuff. You can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzLqCC5eQbU

Check out the box score here: http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/NYA/NYA197708270.shtml

August 26, 1987: Molitor's Streak Stops at 39

      On August 26, 1987, Paul Molitor's 39 game hitting streak came to an end, with the Brewers slugger standing on deck in the 10th inning, as his teammate Rick Manning knocked in the game winning run during a 1-0 win over the Cleveland Indians at County Stadium in Milwaukee. The future Hall of Famer was held hitless in four trips to the plate by rookie hurler John Farrell who turned in a true gem though nine, before handing the ball over to Doug Jones as the game headed into extras. On the flip side Teddy Higuera matched Ferrell pitch for pitch, and he held onto the ball in the 10th, as he searched for his 13th win of the season. It is safe to say that hopes were high that Monitor would get his chance to bat after Higuera got his job done in the top of the 10th, but it just was not in the cards, as Jones hit a man, recorded an out, then put Dale Sveum on with a free pass to get to second baseman Juan Castillo. The Brewers skipper Tom Trebelhorn countered the move by calling on Manning to pinch hit for Castillo, and with Molitor looking on, Manning knocked in the Mike Felder to win it. It was a bittersweet ending the Brewers legend, as they won the game, while the streak came to a close. Even then he said he was cheering on Manning when he came into hit, as he put his team above his own accomplishments. The 39 games was just one shy of Ty Cobb's record of 40 that he had set in 1911. Today it stands as the seventh longest hitting streak in the history of Major League Baseball. When Molitor was asked about his accomplishment after the game he proclaimed that there would be a day when he was retired that he would look back on it fondly. Those days have come, and I am sure when he looks back he cracks a smile.

Check out the box score here: http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/MIL/MIL198708260.shtml

August 25, 1965: Bill Russell Gets Paid

     On August 25, 1965, Boston Celtics legend Bill Russell became the highest paid player in NBA history when he inked a deal that would pay him $100,001 per season over the next three years. The one dollar tacked on made him the highest paid man, as Wilt Chamberlain had held that distinction with a $100,000 contract of his own. As a fan it seems like athletes get into pissing contests, and this is a prime example of that as Russell needed that dollar just because. With that said, he had earned his pennies. The big man boldly predicted that he would lead the Celtics to an eighth straight championship title, and he backed it up by doing exactly that. Russell played through the '68-'69 season, and finished his career with 11 championships in 13 years of play. I have always found that it be an absolutely amazing accomplishment, and that alone makes him a true legend of the game.

     Just for curiosity's sake I looked at what $100,001 would equate to today, which would be a little more than $755,000. When you look at the money that is being thrown around today it seems like the Celtics made quite the deal for Bill Russell on that day in late August.

August 24, 1919: Ray Caldwell Gets Zapped In Cleveland

     On August 24, 1919, in his first start in an Indians uniform, hurler Ray Caldwell looked to be cruising to a 2-1 victory over the Philadelphia Athletics at League Park in Cleveland when the unthinkable happened, as a bolt of lightning struck the field right before he was set to face his last batter. The bolt knocked Caldwell out, while the thunder that followed knocked the cap off of the man coaching third as well as the catcher's mask who was waiting on Caldwell's delivery. The stunned crowd looked at Caldwell laying on the mound not knowing if he had survived the strike, but to their surprise he got up off the ground, and recorded the final out of the game. Absolutely amazing. I ran across this fact a few years ago. It was before I had extended my means of research, and I will not lie I was somewhat skeptical of the story. However, this account that is featured in the picture is confirmation, as it was printed the next day in the Pittsburgh Press. I did not doubt that it happened, I simply wondered if the tale had been told accurately, or if it had been stretched a bit. As it turns out the newspaper accounts from the following day (I found several) not only confirmed the story, they also made it that much more remarkable.  Caldwell won 134 games in his major league career. One of those wins involved some of the most unusual circumstances in the history of the game.

You can read about the life and times of Ray Caldwell here: http://sabr.org/bioproj/person/8311d756

August 23, 1952: Two Men Ejected In One At Bat

     On August 23, 1952, Cardinals hurler Al Brazle allowed just seven hits en route to a 3-1 victory over the New York Giants at Sportsman's Park in St. Louis. This game was rather unusual because in the seventh inning two players got tossed from the contest during the same at bat.  The unusual heave-ho as the papers of the day called it happen in the seventh inning when Bob Elliott was infuriated by a second called strike. The second baseman proceeded to kick dirt on umpire Augie Donatelli before the ump gave him the boot. Bobby Hoffman came into bat for Elliott, and when Donatelli called him out on the third strike Hoffman flew off the handle and was ejected as well. As it turned out an injured Davey Williams came into the contest, and knocked in the lone Giants run of the day in the ninth. After Brazle notched the last out of the game the reported crowd of 26,673 made their way out of the ballpark, and had more to talk about than just a win, as Elliott and Hoffman put on a quick show in the seventh.

Check out the box score here: http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SLN/SLN195208230.shtml

August 22, 1965: Marichal Attacks Johnny Roseboro With His Bat

     On August 22, 1965, one of the most famous brawls in the history of Major League Baseball took place during the third inning of a game that featured the Dodgers and Giants at Candlestick Park in San Francisco. The game that featured one of the greatest rivalries in baseball was sure to be a hotly contested tilt, with Sandy Koufax going against Juan Marichal. However, not one of the 42,807 in the stands, nor any of the men in the dugouts had any idea how hot things would get, as the game would be remembered for a vicious attack in which Marichal used his bat to beat the Dodgers catcher.

     Early on Marichal had made both Ron Fairly and Maury Wills hit the deck with brushback pitches, and when the hurler that had become known as the "Dominican Dandy" came to the plate in the third he was expecting to be brushed back. To his surprise Koufax threw a strike, then threw a ball down and in. The catcher Johnny Roseboro threw the ball right by Marichal's ear when he returned it to Koufax. Some say it brushed Marichal's ear, others say it was so close he felt the breeze of the ball fly past. Either way it goes, it caused a bomb to go off. Marichal turned said a few words to the backstop, and within seconds fists began to fly. Within seconds it was more than fists, as Marichal shocked everybody by using his bat as a weapon, and hit the catcher twice over the head with it. Before it could be broken up there was blood streaming down the head of Roseboro, and Marichal was ejected from the ball game. 

     Ultimately, the melee cost Marichal $1,750 and he was suspended for eight games as well. He was lucky that the punishment was not more severe. That $1,750 would be more than $13,000 today. I would imagine that a fine would be far heavier and a someone who chose to use a bat as a weapon might not find themselves on a major league diamond ever again after doing such a thing. Luckily for Marichal that was not the case. There was bad blood for many years between the two, but as they say time heals all wounds, and those wounds did heal. Some thought the incident was a primary reason why Marichal was snubbed by the Baseball Writers Association of America, and after it became known that they had became friends, those writers chose to forgive Marichal as well. It was a dark moment in the career of  Marichal. There were far brighter days which paved a road to Cooperstown. Although, that dark day is one day that will never be forgotten. 

     

August 21, 1977: Tom Terrific Returns To Shea

     On August 21, 1977, Tom Seaver returned to Shea Stadium in New York for the first time since being traded in mid June of that year. The former Mets ace was wearing the uniform of the Cincinnati Reds. The hurler kept his emotions in check, as he mowed down 11 of his former teammate en route to a 5-1 in front of the crowd of more than 46,000. Seaver not only led the way with his arm, but he also picked up a double in the contest, and scored two runs as well. Seaver had pitched those Mets to 189 regular season wins before the trade. He had also been a part of the "Miracle Mets" of '69, and would  forever be considered to be a hero amongst those who called the Mets their own.

Check out the box score here: http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/NYN/NYN197708210.shtml

August 20, 1945: Tommy Brown Becomes The Youngest Player To Go Boomskis In The Major Leagues

     On August 20, 1945, Brooklyn's Tommy Brown became the youngest player in the history of Major League Baseball to park one in the seats, during a 7-1 loss at Ebbets Field. The shortstop who was on the roster because of Pee Wee Reese's service in the military was just 17 years and 257 days old when he tallied the lone Brooklyn run of the game. Brown's seventh inning big fly was served up by Preacher Roe who would make a name for himself as a member of those Brooklyn Dodgers just a few years later. Roe gave up eight hits in the ballgame, with Brown's historic big fly being the only one that truly counted. On the other hand Preacher had an 11 hit attack working for him as he sailed to victory. The big highlight of the day for the Bucs was a two run shot by Babe Dahlgren in the first who set the tone for the day. While the Bucs cruised to victory the 17-year-old was presented with a box of cigars by one of the local sponsors. It had become a custom for them to give a box to any rookie that had hit his first big fly. When his skipper Leo Durocher caught wind of it he confiscated the cigars stating that the kid was too young to smoke. As one paper put it... only Leo... Brown's home run did not grab the headlines, as it was looked at as just a rookie going deep during a blowout. However it was truly historic as no one younger has yet to put one over the fence as a major leaguer. With the current structure of baseball, and the fact that players do not get called to duty, I do think it is safe to say that is one record that will stand the test of time.

     Brown spent a total of nine years on the big league diamond. He was just 16-years-old when he made his debut. By the age of 26 his days in the majors were behind him. According to his SABR bio he played minor league ball for a number of years, before going to work for a factory that made glass for Ford where he worked 35 years before retiring. He is retired now, and calls Brentwood, Tennessee home. I bet he has quite a few tales worth telling from his days on the diamond. Check out the bio here:
http://sabr.org/bioproj/person/7913ae6c

Check out the box score here: http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/BRO/BRO194508200.shtml

August 19, 1951: Eddie Gaedel Steps To The Plate

     On August 19, 1951, Bill Veeck, the owner of the St. Louis Browns staged one of the greatest publicity stunts in the history of baseball when he signed a 3 foot 7 inch Eddie Gaedel to pinch hit to lead off the second game of a doubleheader against the Detroit Tigers at Sportsman's Park in St. Louis. After the Browns dropped the first game by the score of 5-2, Veeck wheeled a big birthday cake onto the field to commemorate the organization's 50th years in St. Louis. To the delight of the crowd out popped the little man wearing the digits 1/8 on his back. When the little man started to head to the plate to bat, the Tigers catcher Ed Hurley immediately questioned the umpire, before Bill Veeck produced a contract, and the ump chose to let him take the historic at bat. Veeck had instructed Gaedel to crouch as low as he could, so that he could work a walk out of starter Bob Cain. The strategy worked, as Cain sailed four high ones that sent Gaedel trotting to first He was lifted for a pinch runner, and ultimately the Tigers knocked off the Browns 6-2, but the day would be a day that would not be forgotten.

     The article I included with the picture was featured in The Florence Times out of Florence, Alabama. It came out just a couple days after the historic game. I got a kick out of how Gaedel talked about dreaming of the day when he could induce a bases loaded walk. The powers that be squashed those dreams citing the best interests of baseball. However, he did appear in other promotional stunts, before passing away in 1961. If you would like to read more about Eddie Gaedel give this a look: http://sabr.org/bioproj/person/fa5574c8

Check out the box score here: http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SLA/SLA195108192.shtml

August 18, 1965: Hank Aaron, and The Home Run That Never Was

     On August 18, 1965, with the score tied 3-3, during the eighth inning of a contest against the Cardinals in St. Louis, Milwaukee Braves slugger Hank Aaron belted an eighth inning home run that landed on the roof of the pavilion in right. However, umpire Chris Pelekoudas called the future Hall of Famer out, saying that he had stepped out of the box before he pounced on the  pitch that was thrown by Curt Simmons. The call sent the Braves skipper Bobby Bragan into an outrage that not only got him ejected from the game, it also led the game to being played under protest. Ultimately the Braves prevailed 5-3 as pinch hitter Don Dillard parked a two run shot in the seats in the ninth, but the home run that never was, was a home run to be remembered. Had it counted the magic number would be 756.

Check out the box score here: http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SLN/SLN196508180.shtml

August 17, 1904: Tannehill No-Hits The White Sox

     On August 17, 1904, Jesse Tannehill of the Boston Americans turned in a no-hit performance at Chicago's South Side Park. The no-no was just the second in the history of the franchise that would become known as the Red Sox, and had it not been for a hit batsman, and a free pass it would have been the second perfect game in the history of the organization. Cy Young had the honor of becoming the first man to achieve those feats earlier that season. Including both Young, and Tannehill, 18 men have thrown no-hitters as a member of the Boston Red Sox. Tannehill was the first lefty to achieve the feat. The man who stood at just 5' 8" and weighed 150 pounds spent 15 years on the big league diamond. During that time he won 197 games, recorded six 20 win seasons, and had a lifetime e.r.a. of 2.80. He wore the uniforms of the Cincinnati Reds, Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and the Washington Senators. He was a part of three pennant winners, and had one achievement that every big league pitcher dreams of, which came on this day 110 years ago.

If you would like to know more about the life and times of Jesse Tannehill  give this a look: http://sabr.org/bioproj/person/03425a5e 

Here is the story about Cy Young's 1904 perfecto: http://tinyurl.com/kng4fdf