1956 – The Hall of Fame announces special rules governing elections. Writers should vote every two years, alternating with the Veterans Committee; because of criticism, this will revert back in 1962. To be eligible, players must have been retired for five years.

Roberto Clemente saddles 13-and-0 Brooks Lawrence with his first defeat of the season as he powers Pittsburgh to a come-from-behind win over Cincinnati. Coming to bat in the 9th with two on, one out and the Bucs down by two, Clemente turns around the second pitch from Lawrence and deposits it into Crosley Field’s right-centerfield bleachers. The newly acquired 4 – 3 margin is now entrusted to Elroy Face, working his second inning of relief. Face makes it look easy, fanning Frank Robinson and Ed Bailey, then coaxing a game-ending grounder from pinch-hitter Smoky Burgess to pick up the win.

With the Reds’ 4-3 loss to the Pirates at Crosley Field, Brooks Lawrence’s 13-game winning streak comes to an end. Roberto Clemente’s three-run homer in the ninth inning proves to be the decisive hit.

Red Sox pitchers Tom Brewer and Bob Porterfield sweep the Athletics, 10 – 0 and 4 – 0.

The Tigers and Briggs Stadium are sold to a syndicate of 11, led by radio executives John Fetzer and Fred Knorr, for a record $5.5 million from Walter Briggs, Jr., after he was ordered by family estate administrators to sell the ownership inherited from his father. The deal includes an agreement to retain Briggs, who will also become the team’s general manager, as executive vice president, but the former owner, who wanted keep the team and ballpark, will resign from both posts at the start of next season.

Hank Aaron of the Milwaukee Braves hits in the second game of a doubleheader sweep of the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Braves winning, 3 – 2 and 4 – 1. This is the start of a 25-game hitting streak for Aaron, the longest of the season.

Wally Burnette of the Kansas City A’s shuts out the Washington Senators, 8 – 0, in his first start.