In the aftermath of the beanball wars, Spalding advertises a batting helmet with ear flaps in The Sporting News. Players express no interest, but next year the Brooklyn Dodgers will introduce a cap liner, which some batters start to use.
The major league owners agree to install warning tracks made of cinder in front of outfield fences before the start of next season. The origin of the concept began at Yankee Stadium, where an actual running track, used in the ballpark’s track and field events, helped fielders know their proximity to the outfield fence when attempting to make a play.
The National League commits five errors, allowing the American League to record an 11 – 7 triumph in the All-Star Game at Ebbets Field. The contest marks the first appearance of black players in an All-Star Game: Jackie Robinson, Roy Campanella and Don Newcombe in the NL lineup, and Larry Doby among the AL stars.
On July 8, 1949, Monte Irvin and Hank Thompson, brought up from Jersey City three days earlier, become the first black players for the New York Giants. Irvin walks in a pinch-hitting appearance in the 8th for Clint Hartung, while Thompson goes hitless in a 4-3 loss to Don Newcombe of the Brooklyn Dodgers. The game marks…
Dave Koslo hits the first two home runs of his career while beating the Phils, 11 – 3, at the Polo Grounds.
At Crosley Field, Walker Cooper goes 6 for 7, including three home runs and three singles, five runs scored and ten RBIs, to power the Reds over the Cubs, 23 – 4. Cooper had just been acquired on June 13th from the Giants.
The Dodgers increase their lead to two games over the Cardinals by winning the twin bill from the Phillies while the Redbirds, with Max Lanier dropping his first start since reinstatement, divide with the Cubs.
On July 3, 1949 Giants P Monte Kennedy hits a grand slam and shuts out the Dodgers, 16 – 0. Source Baseball Reference July 3
Enjoy our free trial and start listening to games, interviews and shows! Ruth, Mantle, Aaron, and Seaver!