On July 4, 1939, At Shibe Park, Boston Red Sox third baseman Jim Tabor four home runs in a doubleheader as Boston sweeps Philadelphia, 17 – 7 and 18 – 12. Three of his homers, including a record-tying two grand slams, come in the nightcap. It’s only the second time the feat has been accomplished,…
On July 4, 1939, the New York Yankees retire the uniform #4 of future Hall of Famer Lou Gehrig in emotional ceremonies at Yankee Stadium. For over 40 minutes, current and former Yankee greats, including Hall of Famer Babe Ruth, parade onto the field to honor the “Iron Horse.” Other former Yankee greats, such as pitcher Waite Hoyt, second baseman Tony Lazzeri, and outfielder Bob Meusel, also attend. Yankee manager Joe McCarthy presents Gehrig with a special silver trophy. Gehrig, in one of the most memorable speeches in baseball history, tells the 61,808 in attendance at the Stadium, “I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth.” Gehrig, who is stricken with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, will die from the muscular disease in 1941.
Cardinal first baseman Johnny Mize accumulates 13 total bases, hitting two home runs, a triple, and a double. The ‘Big Cat’s’ offensive output contributes to the Redbirds’ 5-3 win over the Cubs at Wrigley Field.
On July 3, 1939 At Briggs Stadium, Cleveland’s Ben Chapman ties the modern major-league record with three triples, as Bob Feller notches his 13th victory, 4 – 2 over host Tigers. The Cleveland center fielder’s trio of three-baggers will account for a third of his total for the season.The next American Leaguer with 3 triples…
On July 2, 1939 In a doubleheader with the Dodgers before 51,435 at the Polo Grounds, the fireworks start two days early. The Dodgers take a uneventful opener, 3 – 2, but in the 4th inning of the nitecap, Dodger player-manager Leo Durocher ends the inning by grounding into a double play and spikes 1B Zeke Bonura as he crosses the bag….
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