On April 11, 1962, the New York Mets play their first game-an 11-4 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals. Gil Hodges and Charlie Neal provide bright spots for the Mets, hitting the first two home runs in the new franchise’s history…
1962 – Hal Woodeshick and Dick Farrell combine for Houston’s first shutout, 2-0 over the Cubs. Hal Smith’s first-inning single plated the game’s only runs. This game also featured the franchise’s first rain delay – one hour and seven minutes.
Don Leppert, who went deep on the first pitch he saw in the major leagues playing for Pittsburgh, hits three homers in the Senators’ 8-0 victory over Boston at D.C. Stadium. The catcher’s solo shot in the fourth inning, three-run blast two frames later, and bases-empty blast in the eighth will account for twenty percent of his four-year career total of 15 round-trippers.
Are you interested in owning your own business but don’t know where to start? Contact Franchising Connection today for a free consultation and we will help you through your journey! On April 10, 1962, the Houston Colt .45s make their debut with an 11-2 win over the Chicago Cubs. Roman Mejias hits a pair of…
Wally Post hits the first home run in Dodger Stadium history, a two-out, three-run shot in the seventh inning off Johnny Podres that proves to be the difference in the Cincinnati’s 6-3 victory. The left fielder’s round-tripper to center field is a fair ball, unlike some others hit in the ballpark where the foul poles are discovered to be positioned in foul territory, requiring special permission from the National League to be recognized as fair during the first year in the team’s new home in Chavez Ravine.
On the heels of his career year in 1961, Roberto Clemente hits a game-winning grand slam on opening day for the Pirates. He lofts one of losing pitcher Jim Owens’ deliveries over the left-centerfield wall at a spot 406 feet from home plate. It will be the only Pirates Opening Day grand slam until Neil Walker hits one in 2011.
U.S. President John F. Kennedy throws out the first ball to open the baseball season at new District of Columbia Stadium. Despite rain, a record Washington crowd of 42,143 shows up to see Senators pitcher Bennie Daniels stop Detroit with a five-hit, 4 – 1 victory.
On the heel of his career season in 1961, Roberto Clemente closes out spring training with a flourish. Clemente, last year’s National League batting champion, leads all Pirates in the spring with 6 home runs, 15 RBI and a .343 average. Saving his best for last, he belts two homers into Frank D. Lawrence Stadium’s distant centerfield bleachers in the final spring scrimmage.
On April 2, 1962, the Minnesota Twins acquire first baseman Vic Power and pitcher Dick Stigman from the Cleveland Indians for pitcher Pedro Ramos. Power will bat .290 with 16 home runs and 63 RBIs for the Twins in 1962.
On April 1, 1962, the Detroit Tigers sign University of Detroit basketball star Dave DeBusschere. He will pitch effectively in 1962 and ‘63 with the White Sox, but will gain much more fame as a key member of the New York Knicks’ NBA championship teams of 1970 and ‘73…
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