Major League Season Recap 1970

World Series – Baltimore Orioles AL over Cincinnati Reds NL 4 games to 1

World Series MVP – Brooks Robinson
Babe Ruth Award – Brooks Robinson

ALCS Baltimore Orioles over Minnesota Twins 3 games to 0 ALCS MVP – 
NLCS Cincinnati Reds over Pittsburgh Pirates 3 games to 0 NLCS MVP –

Awards –

Cy Young Award National League Bob Gibson
Cy Young Award American League Jim Perry

MVP Awards –
NL Johnny Bench
AL Boog Powell

NL Rookie of The Year – Carl Morton
AL Rookie of The Year – Thurman Munson

Roberto Clemente Award –

All-Star Game – July 14, 1970 – N.L. 5 over A.L. 4 (12) , played at Riverfront Stadium (NL)
AL Starter Jim Palmer NL Starter Tom Seaver MVP – Carl Yastrzemski

Feeney assumes command of the National League.

Feeney assumes command of the National League.

Johnny Murphy Miracle Mets GM dies 3 months after the World Series

1970 – The Oakland Athletics trade catcher Phil Roof, outfielder Mike Hershberger and pitchers Lew Krausse and Ken Sanders to the Seattle Pilots for first baseman Don Mincher and infielder Ron Clark.

Curt Flood files a lawsuit challenging the reserve clause

Curt Flood files a lawsuit challenging the reserve clause

Ron Villone is born in Bergenfield, NJ. The much-travelled lefty posts an 11-13 record in two stints with Houston (2001, 2003). 

In the Puerto Rican Winter League, Fred Beene of Santurce pitches a 6 – 0 no-hitter over Arecibo.

Willie Mays Sport News

The Sporting News names San Francisco Giants outfielder Willie Mays as its “Player of the Decade” for the 1960s. Mays beats out the likes of Hank Aaron and Roberto Clemente in the voting.

Major league teams select a record 357 players in the January phase of the annual free agent draft, Chris Chambliss, Chris Speier and Fred Lynn,

Major league teams select a record 357 players in the January phase of the annual free agent draft, Chris Chambliss, Chris Speier and Fred Lynn,

Washington Senators select Bill Madlock in the 5th round of the 1970 amateur draft

Washington Senators select Bill Madlock in the 5th round of the 1970 amateur draft

Lou_Boudreau

Shortstop/Manager Lou Boudreau achieves election to the Hall of Fame

Phil Niekro

Phil Niekro is taken to a hospital to undergo an emergency appendectomy

Pitcher Miguel Fuentes, at age 20, is shot and killed during a bar fight in Loiza Aldea, Puerto Rico

Pitcher Miguel Fuentes, at age 20, is shot and killed during a bar fight in Loiza Aldea, Puerto Rico

Earle Combs Jesse Hainesare selected by the Special Veterans Committee to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Earle Combs Jesse Hainesare selected by the Special Veterans Committee to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Paul Edmondson and his girlfriend are killed in an automobile accident in San Barbara, California

Paul Edmondson and his girlfriend are killed in an automobile accident in San Barbara, California

The National League offices begin their move from Cincinnati, OH to San Francisco, CA. The transfer will be completed February 23rd.

Walter Cronkite on Denny McLain before SI Article comes out detailing his activites with gamblers

Walter Cronkite on Denny McLain before SI Article comes out detailing his activites with gamblers

Commissioner Bowie Kuhn announces the suspension of Detroit Tigers pitcher Denny McLain

ernie banks

Chicago Cubs great Ernie Banks is removed when the FBI arrests Lawrence Bankhead in Chicago

1970 – Experimental, lively X-5 baseballs are used in all spring training games played in Arizona and Florida. The results are inconclusive.

1970 – The Cleveland Indians and Seattle Pilots play an exhibition game with the experimental X-5 ball, which is reported to be five per cent livelier than a regulation ball. The Pilots beat the Indians, 19 – 14. One week later, Commissioner Bowie Kuhn orders the livelier ball to be discontinued.

Cleveland Indians and Seattle Pilots play an exhibition game with the experimental X-5 ball

1970 – In Arizona spring training, the Cleveland Indians lose Ken Harrelson when he fractures his leg; he will miss most of the season.

Al Lopez Day in Tampa bay

Al Lopez Day in Tampa bay

1970 – Commissioner Bowie Kuhn orders a halt to the use of X-5 balls, which are much too lively for major league play.

1970 – In this first (and last?) “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial All-Star Baseball Classic”, solo home runs by Ron Fairly of Montreal and Ron Santo of the Chicago Cubs, plus a three-run 8th-inning brings the East a 5 – 1 victory over the West. A crowd of 31,694 watches the charity game in Dodger Stadium. Proceeds go to the late Dr. King’s Southern Christian Leadership Conference and a memorial center planned for Atlanta. For this initial charity game, former New York Yankees great Joe DiMaggio manages the East, and ex-Dodger Roy Campanella, confined to a wheelchair since a 1958 auto accident, directs the fortunes of the West. Jim “Mudcat” Grant of Oakland sings the National Anthem in the pre-game program, and then becomes the victim of a four-hit uprising in the 8th inning that insures the outcome. Al Kaline of Detroit beats out an infield hit to open the frame and moves to second as Tommie Agee drives Hank Aaron to the left field wall. Kaline races home on Lou Brock’s double to left. Brock scores on Roberto Clemente’s double and Clemente comes home on Ken McMullen’s single.

Seattle Pilots only 1 year team in MLB History

Seattle Pilots only 1 year team in MLB History

In the last home opener at Crosley Field‚ the Reds top the Expos‚ 5 – 1‚ behind Jim Merritt. It is the first win for manager Sparky Anderson. The Reds have 3 homers in the 4th‚ when Lee May‚ Bernie Carbo and Bobby Tolan connect. It is Carbo’s first major league hit. Joe Sparma takes the loss.

In the traditional opener in Washington, DC‚ Detroit’s Mickey Lolich shuts out the Senators‚ 5 – 0. Dick Bosman is the losing pitcher.

A delayed President Richard Nixon is unable to throw the ceremonial first pitch in the Senators’ home opener at RFK Stadium. David Eisenhower, his son-in-law and the grandson of the former president, throws out the first pitch prior to Washington’s 5-0 loss to the Tigers.

A delayed President Richard Nixon is unable to throw the ceremonial first pitch in the Senators’ home opener at RFK Stadium. David Eisenhower, his son-in-law and the grandson of the former president, throws out the first pitch prior to Washington’s 5-0 loss to the Tigers.

Baseball returns to Milwaukee as Brewers play first home game

Baseball returns to Milwaukee as Brewers play first home game

Mets win their first opener at Forbes Field’s final Opening Day

Mets win their first opener at Forbes Field’s final Opening Day

“Where have you gone, Joe DiMaggio, A nation turns its lonely eyes to you (Woo, woo, woo), What’s that you say, Mrs. Robinson Joltin’ Joe has left and gone away, (Hey, hey, hey…hey, hey, hey).” – PAUL SIMON, song writer. 1970 On the Dick Cavett Show, Paul Simon tells Mickey Mantle the lyrics to Mrs. Robinson would have been ‘Where have you gone, Mickey Mantle’ but explains to his favorite player, “it’s about syllables, Mick. It’s about how many beats there are.” The songwriter’s well-known lyrics becomes, “Where have you gone, Joe DiMaggio, A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.

Wayne Simpson dazzles in debut

Wayne Simpson dazzles in debut

don_buford

Baltimore Orioles outfielder Don Buford slams home runs from both sides of the plate in a 13-1 rout

Indians players Bob Miller, Ted Uhlaender, Graig Nettles, and Dean Chance in 1970.

Indians players Bob Miller, Ted Uhlaender, Graig Nettles, and Dean Chance in 1970

Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle added to monument park

Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle added to monument park

1970 – Plaques honoring Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle are dedicated at Yankee Stadium. The plaques are located in center field and will eventually be moved to “Monument Park” beyond the left field fence when the stadium is renovated in the mid-1970s.

A’s use colored glasses in Finley Stunt

In their home opener at the Oakland Coliseum, a 2-1 victory over Milwaukee, the A’s use gold-colored bases. This colorful innovation introduced by team owner Charlie O. Finley will quickly be banned by the MLB’s Rules Committee.

Jim Maloney tears achillies

Jim Maloney tears achillies

Bud Harrelson of the New York Mets hits a home run in the 1st inning of a 6 – 0 win over the Phillies. The homer is one of only seven in Harrelson’s 16-year career and the only one he will ever hit at Shea Stadium.

Nolan Ryan strikes out 15 batters and pitches a one-hitter as the New York Mets defeat the Philadelphia Phillies, 7 – 0, at Shea Stadium. It is the first shutout of Ryan’s career.

Denny Doyle’s first-inning single is the only hit allowed by Nolan Ryan when he blanks the Phillies at Shea Stadium, 7-0. The 23 year-old right-hander ties the Mets’ mark established by Jerry Koosman’s 1968 mark with 15 strikeouts, but Tom Seaver will break the short-lived record, whiffing 19 Padres later in the week.

4/21/1970: The Dodgers were in Montreal to play the Expos at Jarry Park in an afternoon contest. Willie Crawford smacked a three-run homer for Los Angeles in the first inning. Adolfo Phillips hit a homer in the bottom of the first and another in the third. Andy Kosko added a homer for LA in the third. These four round-trippers were lost when the game was called after a 70-minute rain delay in the bottom of the third with the Dodgers ahead, 7-3.

Tom Seaver the franchise

Tom Seaver ties NL record by striking out 19

Tom Seaver the franchise

Tom Seaver ties NL record by striking out 19

Willie Stargell hits homerun out of Forbes Field

Willie Stargell hits homerun out of Forbes Field

Earl Wilson nearly scores after striking out

1970 – Chicago Cubs outfielder Billy Williams becomes the first player in National League history to play 1,000 consecutive games in the 9 – 2 loss to the Atlanta Braves at Fulton County Stadium.

Wes Paker completes cycle in 10th driving in winning runs for Dodgers

Wes Paker completes cycle in 10th driving in winning runs for Dodgers

A record 30 home runs are hit by National League players in seven games, including two apiece by each of five players. The 20 MPH wind at Wrigley Field produces nine homers as the Cubs defeat the Reds, 10 – 7, snapping the Reds’ win streak at eight games. Hal McRae and Tony Perez have a pair for the Reds, while Billy Williams has two for Chicago.

Hoyt Wilhelm of the Atlanta Braves becomes the first pitcher in major league history to appear in 1,000 games

Hoyt Wilhelm of the Atlanta Braves becomes the first pitcher in major league history to appear in 1,000 games

At Wrigley Field, Pete Rose clubs a 2-run homer off Fergie Jenkins in the 9th inning, as the Reds overcome the Cubs, 7 – 6.

Hoyt Wilhelm becomes the first major league pitcher to appear in 1000 games. The 47 year-old Braves’ knuckleballer will end his 21-year career in 1972 with 1070 appearances.

Ernie Banks of the Chicago Cubs becomes the ninth player to join the 500-home run club

Ernie Banks of the Chicago Cubs becomes the ninth player to join the 500-home run club

After going 0-4 on Opening Day, Rico Carty proceeds to get a hit in 31 straight games. This season’s batting champ’s sixth-inning RBI single at Crosley Field sets the record for the longest hitting streak for the Braves since the franchise relocated to Atlanta.

At Fenway Park, Carl Yastrzemski belts a Dean Chance pitch out of the park to the right of the flag pole. Only Jimmie Foxx (twice) and Bill Skowron had previously done it. Ray Culp is the 6 – 2 winner over Cleveland.

Bill Mazeroski’s 9th-inning pinch-single paves the way for a Pirate win, 4 – 3, over the Expos. It is Maz’s first pinch-hit in his career, which began 14 years earlier.

The Reds’ Jim McGlothlin shuts out the Braves, 2 – 0, stopping Rico Carty’s 31-game hitting streak in the process. Carty batted .451 (51 for 113) during the streak, which started April 8th.

Rico carty

Atlanta Braves star Rico Carty Hitting Streak comes to an end at 31 games

Hank Aaron becomes the first major league player to reach 3000 hits and 500 homeruns

Hank Aaron becomes the first major league player to reach 3000 hits and 500 homeruns

St. Louis Cardinals star Curt Flood against Major League Baseball begins its hearing in federal court

St. Louis Cardinals star Curt Flood against Major League Baseball begins its hearing in federal court

The lawsuit filed by former St. Louis Cardinals All-Star Curt Flood against Major League Baseball begins its hearing in federal court. Judge Irving Ben Cooper presides over the case, which will reach the Supreme Court and result in the upholding of baseball’s reserve clause.

Ray Schalk dies in Chicago, Illinois, at the age of 77. An excellent defensive catcher, Schalk played in the 1917 and 1919 World Series for the Chicago White Sox. In 1955, he gained induction into the Hall of Fame.

Hall of Fame catcher Ray Schalk dies at the age of 77

Hall of Fame catcher Ray Schalk dies at the age of 77

One big hit, one big drop, two wild pitches and one bad hop are what it takes for Pittsburgh to prevail, 3 – 2, in 14 innings over Philadelphia. The big hit is Roberto Clemente’s 3rd-inning triple, a 440-plus-footer off Forbes Field’s left-centerfield light tower, which drives in Freddie Patek with the tying run. In the 8th, John Briggs drops a fly ball hit by Al Oliver, which allows Matty Alou to score the tying run. Alou will also score the game-winner six innings later, courtesy of two consecutive wild pitches by Dick Selma, the latter featuring the aforementioned bad hop, off the cement beneath the backstop screen, which allows Alou to score the walk-off tally from second.

A generous Mel Stottlemyre hands out 11 walks to Washington in 8 1/3 innings, but the Senators are unable to score. Steve Hamilton gets the last two outs to preserve the 2 – 0 win. The 11 walks in a shutout ties Lefty Gomez, who did complete his 1941 shutout. Danny Cater’s two-run homer in the 5th accounts for the scoring off Dick Such, making his first major league start.

In Houston, Reds pitcher Jim McGlothlin fires a two-hitter as Cincy wins, 3 – 0. Joe Morgan and Jesus Alou have the only hits for the Astros.

San Francisco Giants fire manager Clyde King after a heartbreaking 17-16

San Francisco Giants fire manager Clyde King after a heartbreaking 17-16

The San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants battle for 15 innings, with San Diego winning, 17 – 16. Nate Colbert leads the Padres with five hits and four runs batted in. A 15th-inning home run by Steve Huntz‚ one of 9 homers in the game‚ ends the 5:29 affair. Giants manager Clyde King is fired following the loss; Charlie Fox is named as the new skipper.

Dick Allen belts two homers to drive in all the runs as the Cardinals beat the Phillies‚ 3 – 1. Bob Gibson allows 4 hits and strikes out 16.

After a 17-16, 15-inning loss, the Padres replace manager Clyde King with Charlie Fox, their Phoenix PCL affiliate skipper. San Francisco, with a 19-23 record at the time of the Goldsboro, NC native’s dismissal, recovers to go 14 games over .500, finishing third under their new field boss.

With the wind blowing out at Wrigley Field‚ the Pirates come from 4 runs down to defeat the Cubs‚ 13 – 6. Willie Stargell has 3 homers and just misses a 4th when his drive bounces off the bleacher railing for a double. Willie adds a single for 15 total bases as he drives in 7 runs.

Cleveland’s Tony Horton hits 3 home runs versus New York‚ but the Yankees win anyway, 8 – 7, in 11 innings.

Denis Menke Houston Astros Signed Autographed 3x5 Photo Card W/coa

Astros erupt for seven runs in the bottom of the eighth to surprise the Reds, 10-7

The Orioles’ Mike Cuellar strikes out 4 batters consecutively in the 4th inning of a 2 – 0 win over California. He allows 4 hits and Boog Powell supplies the offense with a two-run homer.

The Reds strand 16 runners in the first 8 innings against the visiting Expos‚ but win‚ 6 – 4‚ on Bobby Tolan’s 9th-inning homer. The Expos have never won a game at Crosley Field.

All-Star voting is returned to the fans, as computerized punch-card ballots appear in stores and ballparks coast to coast. Since 1958 the All-Star squads had been selected by managers, coaches, and players.

Paul Blair is hit in face by Ken Tatum

Paul Blair is hit in face by Ken Tatum

Luis Aparicio and Walt Williams of the Chicago White Sox each collect five hits in a 22 – 13 rout of the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Williams also scores five times. Chicago (24) and Boston (16) collect 40 hits, one short of the American League record for two teams in a regular game set in 1950.

1970 – In the June draft‚ the Padres select high school catcher Mike Ivie as the number-one pick and sign him in 3 days to a $100‚000 contract. He’ll play in the major leagues 11 years but catch only 9 games in the Bigs because of a phobia about throwing the ball back to the pitcher. Choosing next‚ the Indians take Stanford P Steve Dunning‚ who will debut in the majors in 10 days. He’s just the second player drafted who will skip the minors. Catchers Barry Foote (Expos) and Darrell Porter (Brewers) go next.

1970 – Vic Davalillo of the St. Louis Cardinals, pinch-hitting for Bob Gibson, gets a record-tying two hits in the 7th inning of a 10 – 7 win over the San Diego Padres. St. Louis scores seven runs after San Diego had built a 7 – 1 lead against Gibson. Davalillo assumes he receives credit for two pinch hits, and that his 23rd pinch hit on August 31 ties the record of Dave Philley. Davalillo will finish the year with 24 pinch safeties, but a rule difference between the American League and National League will cost him a pinch hit today.

Vic Davalillo gets two hits during the seventh inning of the Cardinals’ 10-7 comeback victory over San Diego at Busch Stadium. The first of the Venezuelan outfielder’s two singles comes when he leads off the frame as a pinch hitter for Bob Gibson.

6/11/1970: Frank Howard was rained out of a 2 run homer in Kansas City. It came in the first inning off Bill Butler with 1 out. The game was called in the top of the second.

Dock Ellis of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches a no-hitter despite giving up eight walks

Dock Ellis of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches a no-hitter despite giving up eight walks

1970 – Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Dock Ellis no-hits the San Diego Padres, 2 – 0. Ellis receives all his support on two home runs by Willie Stargell. Ellis will later claim that he was suffering from the after-effects of his previous night’s LSD trip while pitching this gem.

Giants legend Willie Mays (615) and Ernie Banks of the Cubs (504) both hit home runs making it the first time two big leaguers with 500 home runs do it in the same game.

Giants legend Willie Mays (615) and Ernie Banks of the Cubs (504) both hit home runs making it the first time two big leaguers with 500 home runs do it in the same game.

Autographed Brooks Robinson Photograph - 16x20 HOF 1983 Grey Jersey - PSA/DNA Certified

Brooks Robinson of the Baltimore Orioles collects the 2,000th hit of his career

1970 – Brooks Robinson’s 2,000th major league hit is a big one – a 3-run homer off Washington’s Joe Coleman in the 5th inning. The drive snaps a 2 – 2 tie, and the Orioles hang on for a 5 – 4 victory.

At Cleveland Stadium, Detroit’s shortstop Cesar Gutierrez goes 7 for 7 with six singles and a double to tie a record set in 1892, in a 12-inning, 9 – 8 nitecap win. Mickey Stanley’s home run wins it for the Tigers. Gutierrez, wearing #7, starts the game hitting .218, and was 0 for 18 before today. Gutierrez will collect just seven hits in all of 1971, and hit .235 with just 128 hits for his career.

Cesar “Coco” Gutierrez becomes the first modern day player to go 7-for-7 in a game

Cesar “Coco” Gutierrez becomes the first modern day player to go 7-for-7 in a game

Rod Carew, batting .376 for the Twins, injures his right knee during an attempted double play when Milwaukee’s Mike Hegan slides into him. The injury will require surgery and sideline him until September. Harmon Killebrew’s 5th-inning homer with two on enables the Twins to beat the Brewers, 4 – 3, behind Jim Kaat.

Reggie Jackson Oakland A's

Reggie Jackson, Sal Bando and Ted Kubiak hit 3 straight homeruns for A’s

In the last game ever played at Crosley Field, Lee May and Johnny Bench hit back-to-back home runs in the 8th off Juan Marichal to give the Reds a 5 – 4 win. After the game, home plate is presented to Mayor Eugene Ruehlman and is flown by helicopter to the Reds’ new home, Riverfront Stadium.

Tony Horton crawls back to dugout after fouling out vs the Folly Floater

Tony Horton crawls back to dugout after fouling out vs the Folly Floater

bobby murcer

Bobby Murcer ties record with 4 homeruns in a double header

Behind the Red Sox, 7 – 0, after five innings, the Orioles tie the game in the 9th on a Merv Rettenmund home run and a double by Andy Etchebarren. The Orioles finally win it when they score six runs in the 14th inning.

1970 – Frank Robinson belts two successive grand slams during a 12 – 2 Oriole romp over the Senators, just the 7th major leaguer to ever accomplish the feat. Dave McNally, the winning pitcher, Don Buford and Paul Blair trot home ahead of him on each blow. They will be Robby’s only grand slams for the O’s.

Frank Robinson

1970-06-26

For the third time in their careers, Pete Rose and Bobby Tolan combine to belt lead-off homers for the Reds. This time Houston’s Don Wilson is the victim. Tony Perez hits his 27th homer, off Wilson, in the top of the 9th for a 3 – 2 Reds win.

Pittsburgh Pirates play their final two games at venerable Forbes Field

Pittsburgh Pirates play their final two games at venerable Forbes Field

A sellout crowd of 51,050 is on hand for the dedication of Cincinnati’s Riverfront Stadium, rushed to completion so the Reds can host the All-Star game. There is no electricity in the refreshments areas, and the scoreboard occasionally misfires, but Hank Aaron doesn’t misfire as he hits the park’s first home run off Cincinnati starter Jim McGlothlin in the 1st inning. The Braves win, 8 – 2.

The Braves ruin the debut of Riverfront Stadium, defeating the Reds, 8-2. In the first inning, Hank Aaron hits the park’s first home run off Cincinnati’s starter Jim McGlothlin.

Hank Aaron of the Atlanta Braves belts the first home run in Cincinnati’s new ballpark

Hank Aaron of the Atlanta Braves belts the first home run in Cincinnati’s new ballpark

Doug Rader pins down Dodger first baseman Wes Parker as exotic entertainer Morganna dashes out to kiss Parker during a game at Dodger Stadium . Pitcher Denny Lemaster is the one who deserves a smooch. He scatters six hits in a 6-2 Houston win, contributing two hits and two RBIs of his own. 

The Reds top the Braves, 9 – 2, as Tommy Helms becomes the first Red player to go deep at Riverfront Stadium. Helms’s homer, which hits the LF pole just above the wall, is his only one of the year.

The return of Denny McLain following his suspension is witnessed by a gathering of 53,863 fans and 71 writers. He is knocked out of the box in the 6th inning, but the Tigers rally to beat the Yankees in the 11th, 6 – 5.

The Cards trade Ted Abernathy, acquired May 29, to the Royals for P Chris Zachary. Abernathy will go 9-3 the rest of the year for Kansas City.

Cleveland edges the Orioles, 10 – 9, helped by Tony Horton, who hits for the cycle. Dennis Higgins is the winning pitcher.

Montreal’s John Bateman drives in a team-record seven runs to pace the Expos to a 13 – 10 win over the Cards. Bateman’s first hit is a grand slam in the Expos’ six-run 1st inning.

The Reds hand the Braves their 9th loss in 10 games, as Cincy wins, 2 – 1. Jim Merritt becomes the National League’s first 13-game winner and his batterymate Johnny Bench drives in both runs.

Detroit’s Joe Niekro no-hits the Yankees until Horace Clarke singles in the 9th inning. The Tigers win, 5 – 0. This is the third time in the month that Clarke has broken up a no-hitter, having spoiled bids by Kansas City’s Jim Rooker (June 4th) and Boston’s Sonny Siebert (June 19th).

At Connie Mack Stadium, the Phils break their scoreless streak of 53 innings and sweep two from the Mets, 6 – 1 and 3 – 2. With successive pinch hits by Tony Taylor, Ron Stone and Byron Browne, the Phils score six in the 8th inning to win the opener for Jim Bunning, then again come from behind to win the nitecap for Chris Short. The opener is the 6,000th game played at the ancient stadium.

Horace Clarke of the New York Yankees breaks up a no-hitter for the third time in a month

Horace Clarke of the New York Yankees breaks up a no-hitter for the third time in a month

Clyde Wright pitches a no-hitter immediately after being inducted into the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame

Clyde Wright pitches a no-hitter immediately after being inducted into the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame

At Chicago’s Wrigley Field, Gene Alley and Roberto Clemente each hit two homers to help the visiting Bucs outlast their hosts, 16 – 14. This slugfest also numbers a game-tying, 2nd-inning grand slam by Chicago’s Billy Williams among its 8 homers and 70 total bases. Mother Nature, however, has to get a good deal of credit for the day’s offensive production; clearly, the “Windy City” has earned its sobriquet today. “It blew fourteen miles per hour toward center,” reports The Chicago Tribune, “prompting Clemente to all but apologize for his first homer.” “I just tapped the ball,” Clemente tells The Post-Gazette. “There was no way that ball should have gone out of here. The wind was blowing to left, to center, to right. Everywhere it was blowing, it was for the hitter.”

In Boston, a Carl Yastrzemski homer in the opener and an unearned run in the nitecap provide the Red Sox with 2 – 1 and 5 – 4 wins over Cleveland. In the second game, Indians reliever Dean Chance is told to remove a tiny flag pin on his cap by umpire Ed Runge in compliance with a rule prohibiting glass buttons and metal objects on uniforms because of their glare.

Mike Lum hits three homers as the Braves beat the Padres, 8 – 1, in the first game of a doubleheader. The Braves continue hitting in game two to win, 9 – 4.

In pregame ceremonies, California’s Clyde Wright is inducted into the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Hall of Fame for his pitching while at Carson-Newman College. He then hurls a 98-pitch no-hitteragainst Oakland, winning, 4 – 0, in one hour and 51 minutes. Reggie Jackson’s 400-foot shot to dead center in the 7th is caught.

Angels southpaw Clyde Wright no-hits the visiting A’s at Anaheim Stadium, 4-0. ‘Skeeter’ accomplishes the task in one hour and 51 minutes, needing to throw only 98 pitches.

In the opener of a twin bill between Pittsburgh and Chicago, Roberto Clemente hits his 3rd and 4th Wrigley Field round-trippers in two games. The first blast puts Pittsburgh up, 2 – 1, in the 3rd, and the last provides the Pirates’ final two runs in the 10 – 6 win. With Clemente resting in the second game, the Cubs salvage the split, 7 – 2, behind Milt Pappas, with Pittsburgh falling half a game behind division-leading New York.

At Fenway Park, Tony Conigliaro and Billy Conigliaro homer for the Red Sox in a 5 – 1 win over the Indians. Sonny Siebert is the winner.

The Cards send three pinch hitters to the plate in the 8th inning and all three strike out. Steve Renko of the Expos fans 10 in the game, including Jim Beauchamp, Vic Davalillo and Leron Lee in the 8th, to give Montreal an 8 – 0 win.

Brothers Billy and Tony Conigliaro both hit home runs in the Red Sox’s 5-1 victory over the Tribe at Fenway Park. The Boston outfielders become the eighth different set of siblings to have homered in the same game, a feat which has occurred only 13 times in major league history.

Reds rookie Wayne Simpson (13-1) win his 10th straight, beating the visiting Astros, 3 – 1.

At Fenway Park, Boston’s John Kennedy makes his first at bat for the BoSox a memorable one when he pinch hits an inside-the-park homer. Kennedy bats for P Mike Nagy in the 5th inning of the 8 – 4 Boston win over the Indians.

Tommie Agee hits for the cycle to pace the Mets to a 10 – 3 win over the Cardinals. Jim McAndrew is the winning pitcher.

Brave Felix Millan goes 6 for 6 and collects 4 RBIs in a 12 – 4 victory over the Giants. He is the first Braves player to get 6 hits in one game.

At Wrigley Field, it’s all Ron Santo today. Ron’s 2-run homer in the opener gives the Cubs a 3 – 2 win over the Expos. In the nitecap, Santo drives in another eight runs on two homers and a bases-loaded walk as the Cubs win, 14 – 2.

Ron Santo drives in ten runs, helping the Cubs sweep a doubleheader against Montreal at Wrigley Field. The third baseman’s two-run homer in the opener gives the team a 3-2 victory, and his eight RBIs, that includes another two round-trippers, contribute to the club’s 14-2 rout in the nightcap.

Felix Millan of the Atlanta Braves goes 6-for-6 in a game against the San Francisco Giants

Roberto Clemente’s rooftop shot foils Philly, breaking a 2 – 2 tie as Pittsburgh prevails, 4 – 2. “Clemente’s homer,” reports the Pittsburgh Press, “a long blast to the roof of Connie Mack Stadium’s double-decked left field seats, was his fifth in the last five days. Clemente is on a 14 for 23 streak.”

Brooks Robinson cracks a 10th inning grand slam off New York’s Lindy McDaniel to give the Orioles a 6 – 2 win.

Rico Carty, the National League’s leading hitter, becomes the first player voted to play in the All-Star Game as a write-in candidate. The Braves outfielder’s name was left off the ballot that was drawn up by managers and general managers before the start of spring training.

Lew Krausse tosses the first shutout in Brewers’ history, blanking the White Sox at Milwaukee’s County Stadium, 1–0. The game’s lone run scores from second base on Joe Horlen’s errant throw fielding a sacrifice bunt, plating Mike Hegan, who had doubled to lead off the seventh inning.

Jim Ray Hart ties a modern major-league record with 6 RBIs in one inning (the 5th) with a three-run homer and a three-run triple; Hart is the first player in 59 years to accomplish the feat. The Giants score 11 in the frame. Hart also hits for the cycle as the Giants rout the Braves, 13 – 0. Gaylord Perry is the easy winner, posting San Francisco’s first shutout of the year. Perry will throw four more to lead the National League.

The Orioles again wait until the late innings to beat New York, this time striking in the 9th inning on a Frank Robinson home run and a two-out single by Don Buford. The O’s overcome an 8 – 6 deficit to win, 9 – 8.

Jim Ray Hart of the San Francisco Giants hits for the cycle and becomes the first National League player since Fred Merkle in 1911 to drive in six runs in one inning

Dalton Jones of the Tigers loses a grand slam against the Red Sox when he passes teammate Don Wert on the basepaths. Jones pinch hits for Jim Price and belts a 2-2 pitch from Vicente Romo into the RF upper deck for an apparent grand slam. However, he passes Wert between first and second and is called out, ending up with a three-RBI single.

In Atlanta, Chief Nok-a-homa is joined by his cousin, Chief Round-the-Horn. The duo fails to inspire the Braves, who lose to the San Francisco Giants, 7 – 6, in 11 innings.

On the first anniversary of his near-perfect game, Tom Seaver hits his first major league home run off Rich Nye of the Expos. Seaver goes on to pitch a complete game three-hitter for a 7 – 1 Mets win at Shea Stadium.

Dalton Jones of the Tigers loses a grand slam against the Red Sox when he passes teammate Don Wert on the basepaths. Jones pinch hits for Jim Price and belts a 2-2 pitch from Vicente Romo into the RF upper deck for an apparent grand slam. However, he passes Wert between first and second and is called out, ending up with a three-RBI single.

In Atlanta, Chief Nok-a-homa is joined by his cousin, Chief Round-the-Horn. The duo fails to inspire the Braves, who lose to the San Francisco Giants, 7 – 6, in 11 innings.

On the first anniversary of his near-perfect game, Tom Seaver hits his first major league home run off Rich Nye of the Expos. Seaver goes on to pitch a complete game three-hitter for a 7 – 1 Mets win at Shea Stadium.

7/9/1970: In the seventh inning at Tiger Stadium, Dalton Jones pinch hit for Jim Price with the bases loaded. Jones hammered the 2-2 pitch into the upper deck in right field for a grand slam. However, Jones passed Don Wert between first and second and was called out, thus ending up with a 3-RBI single. Vicente Romo has entered the game to face Jones.

The Padres launch four home runs in the 9th inning against Los Angeles, but the power display comes too late and the Dodgers win, 9 – 7. Wes Parker has two doubles and a triple for L.A. For the Padres, Ivan Murrell, Ed Spiezio and Dave Campbell hit solo homers off Bill Singer, and Cito Gaston connects for a two-run homer off Jose Pena. The barrage is one short of the record.

Reds SS Woody Woodward goes deep for his first and only major league homer, off Ron Reed in Atlanta. It comes in his 684th game. It is too little as the Braves top the Reds, 11 – 9. The Reds take the nitecap, 3 – 1, scoring two runs when Pat Corrales hits a long drive that glances off the glove of Hank Aaron and over the fence for a home run. Pete Rose is 5 for 5, all singles.

In the 2nd inning of an eventual 7 – 3 win over the Orioles, the Tigers lay down a record-tying three sacrifice bunts.

In the second inning of an eventual 7-3 win over the Orioles, the Tigers lay down a record-tying three sacrifice bunts and score a run on a sac fly. Detroit muffs Cesar Gutierrez’ and Mickey Lolich’s attempts to give themselves up, resulting in both players advancing a runner and reaching first base without making an out.

Pete Rose crashes into Ray Fosse to score go ahead run in 1970 All Star Game

Pete Rose crashes into Ray Fosse to score go ahead run in 1970 All Star Game

In precisely the same spot as Exposition Park, the home of the Pirates from 1891 to 1909, Three Rivers Stadium makes its debut. Cincinnati first baseman Tony Perez hits the park’s first home run as the Pirates lose to the Reds, 3 – 2. The Pirates parade their new uniforms of stretchable cotton and nylon. Willie Stargell homers for the Bucs.

Chicago’s Ken Holtzman gives up two hits and two Astro runs – both unearned – and drops a 2 – 1 decision at Houston. Billy Williams makes a bid for a game-tying homer in the 9th but his long fly hits an Astrodome speaker and drops foul.

On precisely the same spot as Exposition Park, the home of the Pirates from 1891-1909, Three Rivers Stadium makes its debut. Cincinnati’s first baseman Tony Perez hits the park’s first home run as the Pirates lose to the Reds, 3-2.

Pittsburgh Pirates play their first game in Three Rivers Stadium

Pittsburgh Pirates play their first game in Three Rivers Stadium

Roberto Clemente, just a double shy of the cycle, scores the tying run, drives in the go-ahead run and keeps his team ahead with a crucial 9th-inning outfield assist, leading the Piratesto a 4 – 3 win over Cincinnati in a preview of the National League Championship Series. Clemente’s 150th career triple leads to the tying run in the 6th and his 400-foot first-pitch bomb over the right-centerfield fence off rookie Wayne Simpson unties it in the 8th. To keep it untied, Clemente puts down his bat and lets his arm do the talking as he guns down Tommy Helms at the plate in the 9th to seal the victory.

With the score tied at 5 – 5 and the bases loaded in the 10th inning, and no outs, Brewers manager Dave Bristol inaugurates the “Bristol Shift,” bringing OF Tommy Harper in between SS and 3B. Unperturbed, George Scott hits a sacrifice fly to win the game. Earlier in his career, as manager of the Reds, Bristol used a similar shift, called the Bristol Barricade, against Willie McCovey.

San Francisco Giants outfielder Willie Mays collects the 3,000th hit of his career

San Francisco Giants outfielder Willie Mays collects the 3,000th hit of his career

Milwaukee’s Ted Kubiak has seven RBIs – on a single, double and grand slam – to lead the Brewers to a 10 – 5 win over the Red Sox at Fenway Park. The Red Sox blow a 5 – 1 lead, reached when Carl Yastrzemski hits a 3-run homer and Reggie Smith a solo shot. Sparky Lyle is the loser, allowing one run.

San Francisco’s Willie Mays, at the age of 39, strokes a single off Montreal’s Mike Wegener for his 3,000th hit. Mays’ safety comes in his 2,639th game and he joins Hank Aaron, who stroked his 3,000th a month earlier. Aaron’s was hit in his 2,460th game. The Giants coast to a 10 – 1 victory.

Giants outfielder Willie Mays, in his 2,639th major league game, singles off of Expos right-hander Mike Wegener for his 3000th hit. The ‘Say Hey Kid’ reaches the milestone in the second inning of San Francisco’s 10-1 rout of Montreal at Candlestick Park.

Bill Singer of the Los Angeles Dodgers fires a no-hitter against the Philadelphia Phillies

Bill Singer of the Los Angeles Dodgers fires a no-hitter against the Philadelphia Phillies

With the score tied 1 – 1 in the 9th, Chicago’s Ken Holtzman walks Hank Aaron and Tommie Aaron homers for a 3 – 1 Braves victory.

In St. Louis, the Reds’ Lee May breaks a scoreless tie with a 10th-inning grand slam to account for all the scoring as the Reds win, 4 – 0, in the second game. The Reds also take the opener, 4 – 3.

The Dodgers’ Bill Singer, who a month earlier lost a no-hitter to Atlanta with two outs in the 9th, no-hits the Phillies, 5 – 0, giving up no walks. He strikes out 10 and makes two miscues, one a controversial throwing error that pulls 1B Wes Parker off the base. The Phillies’ players argue, contending the soft chopper by Don Money should be a hit. Singer had spent three weeks in the hospital in June for hepatitis.

Twenty-six year-old right-hander Bill Singer pitches the first Dodger no-hitter since Sandy Koufax’s departure when he keeps the Philadelphia batters hitless in a 5-0 victory at Chavez Ravine. The ‘Singer Throwing Machine,’ who spent 52 days on the disabled list earlier in the season recuperating from hepatitis, posts a 5-0 record along with a 1.84 ERA in July and will be named NL Player of the Month.

Twenty-six year-old right-hander Bill Singer pitches the first Dodger no-hitter since Sandy Koufax’s departure when he keeps the Philadelphia batters hitless in a 5-0 victory at Chavez Ravine. The ‘Singer Throwing Machine,’ who spent 52 days on the disabled list earlier in the season recuperating from hepatitis, posts a 5-0 record along with a 1.84 ERA in July and will be named NL Player of the Month.

clay kirby

Clay Kirby removed for a pinch hitter with a no hitter

1970 – Clay Kirby has a no-hitter going for eight innings, but with two outs in the 8th and trailing 1 – 0, Padres manager Preston Gomez lifts him for a pinch hitter, Cito Gaston. Gaston fails to get a hit off Mets starter Jim McAndrew, and reliever Jack Baldschun gives up two runs in the 9th. The Padres lose, 3 – 0. Gomez will repeat the controversial move on September 4, 1974.

Ignoring Clay Kirby’s bid for the Padres’ first no-hitter in the 259th of their existence, San Diego skipper Preston Gomez, with his club trailing the Mets, 1-0, in the eighth inning, decides to pinch hit for his starting pitcher. Reliever Jack Baldschun fails to keep New York hitless, yielding a leadoff hit to Bud Harrelson, and San Diego eventually loses the Jack Murphy Stadium contest, 3-0. (Ed. Note: The Padres remain the only franchise without a no-hitter. LP)

Ignoring Clay Kirby’s bid for a no-hitter, Padres manager Preston Gomez, with his club trailing the Mets, 1-0, in the eighth inning, decides to pinch hit for his starting pitcher. Reliever Jack Baldschun fails to keep New York hitless, yielding a leadoff hit to Bud Harrelson, and San Diego eventually loses the Jack Murphy Stadium contest, 3-0.

1970 – At Wrigley Field, Milt Pappas shuts out the Reds in a Cubs 1 – 0 win. It is the only shutout of the year against the Reds, tying the National League record. Jim McGlothlin takes the loss.

Pittsburgh Pirates hold “Roberto Clemente Night”

Pittsburgh Pirates hold “Roberto Clemente Night”

For the 4th time in his career, Billy Williams has the only hit(s) for the Cubs, as he connects safely twice against the Braves’ Phil Niekro. Each time previously, Williams also had multiple-hit games to spoil no-hitters. Niekro coasts to a 9 – 0 victory over Fergie Jenkins.

At Pittsburgh on Roberto Clemente night, the night’s honoree gets a pair of hits but leaves after suffering a cut left knee making a sliding catch on the gravel warning track. Dock Ellis goes all the way allowing four hits as the Pirates trounce the Astros, 11 – 0.

Hall beats Hall as the Orioles reliever Dick Hall tops the Twins’ Tom Hall, 6 – 5. Dick singles in the 8th for his first hit of the year and Don Buford follows with a game-winning home run.

Chicago’s Bill Melton ties the major-league record by striking out seven times in a doubleheader split with Detroit. Melton will strike out his first three times up in his next game, in Baltimore on the 28th, before flying out in the 9th. The Sox win the opener today, 5 – 2, with six straight singles and five runs in the 9th. The Tigers win the nitecap, 5 – 4, in the 9th when Don Wert draws a walk from Wilbur Wood with the sacks full.

In a surprise move, the Mets’ Tommie Agee steals home with the bases loaded in the 10th to give the Mets a 2 – 1 win over the visiting Dodgers. Agee bunts and reaches base on an error, steals second base with two outs and goes to third on the throw. After two walks he takes home to pin the loss on Jim Brewer.

Tommy Agee steals home with two outs in the bottom of the tenth inning, giving the Mets a 2-1 walk-off victory over the Dodgers at Shea Stadium. After reaching on a fielder’s choice, the New York center fielder stole second and advanced to third on a wild pitch, before scoring the winning run with his thievery of home plate.

Tommy Agee steals home with two outs in the bottom of the tenth inning, giving the Mets a 2-1 walk-off victory over the Dodgers at Shea Stadium. After reaching on a fielder’s choice, the New York center fielder stole second and advanced to third on a wild pitch, before scoring the winning run with his thievery of home plate.

Boog Powell drives in six runs to lead the Orioles to an 11 – 1 win over the Twins. Boog hits a single and homer, both with the sacks full, and takes over the American League lead in ribbies with 86. Dave McNally loses his shutout on a homer by P Jim Perry.

Johnny Bench of the Reds and Orlando Cepeda of the Braves each collect three consecutive homers and seven RBIs during respective games with the Cardinals and Cubs. Bench hits all three off Steve Carlton and adds a single in the Reds’ 12 – 5 win over the Cards. Bench now has 33 homers and 95 RBIs to lead the majors. Cepeda collects his seven RBIs in the Braves’ 8 – 3 win over the Cubs in game 1. His first two are solo shots, and the third follows an intentional walk to Hank Aaron to load the bases. His last RBI comes on a single in the 9th. In the nitecap of the twinbill, Cepeda has three hits but the Cubs win, 7 – 6. Glenn Beckert, 2 for 3 in the opener, raps five straight hits in game two to lead Chicago.

Orlando Cepeda of the Atlanta Braves and Johnny Bench of the Cincinnati Reds each hit three consecutive home runs

Orlando Cepeda of the Atlanta Braves and Johnny Bench of the Cincinnati Reds each hit three consecutive home runs

Ford C. Frick, former sportswriter, league president, and co-founder of the Hall of Fame and Museum, is inducted into the Hall of Fame

Ford C. Frick, former sportswriter, league president, and co-founder of the Hall of Fame and Museum, is inducted into the Hall of Fame

The Expos beat the White Sox, 10 – 6, in the annual Hall of Fame Game, following the induction ceremonies for Lou Boudreau, Earle Combs, Ford Frick and Jesse Haines in Cooperstown.

The Yankees beat California, 5 – 2, behind Mel Stottlemyre, who is helped by Gene Michael in the 9th. With the score tied, Michael pulls the hidden ball trick on Angel pinch runner Jarvis Tatum. The Yanks score three in the 10th to win.

It’s a tough day for Angels C Tom Egan as he is charged with five passed balls, all with different pitchers. To make matters worse, the California backstop also commits an error, allowing the winning run to score in a 6 – 5 loss to the Yankees.

Donn Clendenon sets a club record by driving in seven runs as the Mets beat the Giants, 12 – 2. A sacrifice fly and a pair of three-run homers does it. Jim McAndrew is the winner.

Angels’ catcher Tom Egan has a tough day when he allows five passed balls. The California backstop to make matters worse also commits an error, allowing the winning run to score in a 6-5 loss to the Yankees.

Hank Aaron cracks two home runs and drives in five runs to lead the Braves to a 9 – 7 come-from-behind win over the visiting Cardinals. Hal King also homers to match three round trippers by St. Louis.

The Cubs purchase 1B/OF Joe Pepitone from the Astros. Pepitone will drive in 31 runs in his first 31 games for his new team.

Bruce Kison of Waterbury hits seven Pittsfield batters with pitchers before being removed in the sixth inning

At California, Boston’s Sonny Siebert beats the Angels, 2 – 0, on one hit, a 3rd-inning single by Jay Johnstone.

The Reds lose a doubleheader to the visiting Cubs, 7 – 1 and 11 – 7, and lose rookie star Wayne Simpson, who tears the rotary cuff in his pitching arm. Simpson will come back, but will never be the same, going 22-28 in the rest of his career.

After trailing 4 – 2, the Reds score four in the 8th to defeat the Cubs, 6 – 4. Johnny Bench and Ty Cline each drive in two runs in the 8th.

Willie Stargell’s three doubles and two home runs power the Pirates over the Braves, 20 – 10.

At Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, Pittsburgh left fielder Willie Stargell accumulates 14 total bases with three doubles and two home runs. The outfielder’s five extra-base hits power the Pirates past the Braves, 20-10.

At Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, Pittsburgh left fielder Willie Stargell accumulates 14 total bases with three doubles and two home runs. The outfielder’s five extra-base hits power the Pirates past the Braves, 20-10.

Willie Stargell ties a major league record by piling five extra-base hits against the Atlanta Braves

Willie Stargell ties a major league record by piling five extra-base hits against the Atlanta Braves

After attending a tryout camp, Frank White is signed by the Royals as an amateur free agent. The 19 year-old infielder, one of the few successful graduates from the Baseball Academy the team operated in the early 1970s, will play his entire 18-year career in Kansas City, having his number retired by the franchise in 1995.

Orioles score five times in the first inning and hold on to beat the Royals, 10-8. The win marks Baltimore's 23rd consecutive victory against Kansas City over two years, setting a major league mark.

Orioles score five times in the first inning and hold on to beat the Royals, 10-8. The win marks Baltimore’s 23rd consecutive victory against Kansas City over two years, setting a major league mark.

Tony Taylor hits a walk-off grand slam off of Mike Davison.

Tony Taylor hits a walk-off grand slam off of Mike Davison.

Bobby Tolan of the Reds celebrates his new son, born just before today’s game, by driving in the winning run in the 11th inning to beat the visiting Cubs, 4 – 3.

In their last meeting of the year, Baltimore defeats Kansas City, 10 – 8. It is the Orioles’ 23rd straight win over the Royals over a 2-year span, a major league mark.

In San Diego, the Reds stomp the Padres, 12 – 1.

At Minnesota, George Mitterwald leads off the bottom of the 14th with a home run to beat California, 2 – 1. Stan Williams (7-0) wins with two innings of work; Williams will be 10-1 for the year, all in relief.

For the second and last time in his career, Lou Brock steals home, teaming up with Joe Hague on a double steal in the 1st inning against the Mets in St. Louis. Nelson Briles wins, 3 – 0, stopping Tom Seaver’s nine-game win streak.

The Yankees, five years after the Mets bestow the honor to their first skipper, retire Casey Stengel’s uniform #37, during Old Timers Day at the Stadium. The ‘Old Perfessor’, who won seven World Series during his twelve-year tenure with the team, managed the Bronx Bombers from 1949 to 1960.

The New York Yankees honor Casey Stengel at Old Timers Day in Yankee Stadium. Stengel’s number 37 is retired, then the Baltimore Orioles beat the Yankees, 4 – 2.

Milwaukee reliever Dave Baldwin intentionally walks Boog Powell to load the bases and pitch to Don Buford. The Baltimore infielder promptly smacks a grand slam to give the O’s a 7 – 4 victory.

In Los Angeles‚ Tony Perez collects 6 RBIs on two homers and a single to lead the Reds to a 10 – 6 win over the Dodgers.

The Giants edge the Astros‚ 6 – 5‚ with the win going to reliever Don McMahon. Giants starter Skip Pitlock has his first and only major league homer (half his career hits)‚ an inside-the-park liner off Wade Blasingame.

The Yankees, five years after the Mets bestow the honor to their first skipper, retire Casey Stengel’s uniform #37, during Old Timers Day at the Stadium. The ‘Old Perfessor’, who won seven World Series during his twelve-year tenure with the team, managed the Bronx Bombers from 1949 to 1960.

As partial compensation for the loss of Curt Flood, who refuses to report to Philadelphia, the Cardinals send minor league prospect Willie Montanez to the Phillies. The former St. Louis outfielder takes exception to being traded without his consent, ultimately appealing his challenge of the reserve clause, unsuccessfully, to the U.S. Supreme Court.

At Three Rivers Stadium, Willie Stargell hits an 8th-inning homer into the 70-foot high right field upper deck, the first player to hit one up there. The pitch is served up by Mets reliever Ron Taylor. The next two hit up there will also be by Stargell, who will hit four of the first 7; Bob Robertson, Phillie Greg Luzinski, and Bobby Bonilla, in 1987, will also reach the seats. The Pirates win, 8 - 3. Nolan Ryan is the loser, allowing four runs in six innings, allowing three hits, walking seven and striking out 10.

At Three Rivers Stadium, Willie Stargell hits an 8th-inning homer into the 70-foot high right field upper deck, the first player to hit one up there. The pitch is served up by Mets reliever Ron Taylor. The next two hit up there will also be by Stargell, who will hit four of the first 7; Bob Robertson, Phillie Greg Luzinski, and Bobby Bonilla, in 1987, will also reach the seats. The Pirates win, 8 – 3. Nolan Ryan is the loser, allowing four runs in six innings, allowing three hits, walking seven and striking out 10.

Jim Bunning of the Philadelphia Phillies earns his 100th National League win

With a 6-5 victory over the Astros, Phillies’ right-hander Jim Bunning becomes the first pitcher since Cy Young to win 100 games in both leagues. During his nine years with the Tigers, the future U.S. Senator compiled a 118-87 record in the American League.

With two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning, Carl Taylor’s walk-off grand slam caps a five-run rally, giving the Cardinals a dramatic comeback victory over San Diego, 11-10. The pinch-hitter delivers his ‘sayonora slam’ on the first pitch he sees from Ron Herbel.

Jim Bunning of the Phillies achieves his 100th National League win to go with his 100 victories in the American League, the first pitcher since Cy Young to accomplish the feat. Bunning beats the Astros, 6 – 5.

With a 6-5 victory over the Astros, Phillies’ right-hander Jim Bunning becomes the first pitcher since Cy Young to win 100 games in both leagues. During his nine years with the Tigers, the future U.S. Senator compiled a 118-87 record in the American League.

With two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning, Carl Taylor’s walk-off grand slam caps a five-run rally, giving the Cardinals a dramatic comeback victory over San Diego, 11-10. The pinch-hitter delivers his ‘sayonora slam’ on the first pitch he sees from Ron Herbel.

Curt Flood-the reserve clause

Judge Irving Cooper upholds baseball’s reserve clause in turning back the lawsuit filed by Curt Flood

1970 – Judge Irving Ben Cooper rules against Curt Flood in his antitrust suit. Cooper says “Decisions of the Supreme Court are not lightly overruled… We find no general or widespread disregard of the extremely important position the player occupies… Clearly the preponderance of credible proof does not favor elimination of the reserve clause.” However the judge says changes in the reserve clause should be made through negotiation, but denies Flood damages. Flood will appeal the decision to the Supreme Court, but in vain.

1970 – The Reds’ Jim Merritt strikes out 13 Mets en route to a 5 – 1 win in Cincinnati.

1970 – For a record-tying 4th time, Cesar Tovar has the Twins’ only hit, a single. This time Washington’s Dick Bosman is the pitcher, winning, 1 – 0.

1970 – In a 5 – 4 Reds win over the Phillies, Lee May drives in all the runs for Cincinnati. His second homer in the bottom of the 9th ties the game and his single in the 14th wins it. Pete Rose is 0-for-7 with five straight K’s. The Phils’ Billy Champion is the losing pitcher, but all is not lost for him: Champion picks up a Pacific Coast League win today as Eugene completes a suspended game in which he is the victor.

With the bases loaded and one gone in the bottom of the ninth with a 2-1 lead, Tom Seaver strikes out Bob Tillman for the apparent second out, but Jerry Grote’s passed ball allows Tony Gonzalez to score the tying run for the Braves. In his effort to cut down the runner at home, the Mets catcher overthrows Seaver, who is covering the plate, bringing in Rico Carty home from third base with the winning tally giving Atlanta a stunning 3-2 victory, thanks to the two runs being scored on a called third strike.

Reds right fielder Pete Rose goes 0-for-7, including striking out five consecutive times. The defending National League batting champ’s futility at the plate contributes to Cincinnati’s 5-4 loss to Philadelphia.

With the bases loaded and one gone in the bottom of the ninth with a 2-1 lead, Tom Seaver strikes out Bob Tillman for the apparent second out, but Jerry Grote’s passed ball allows Tony Gonzalez to score the tying run for the Braves. In his effort to cut down the runner at home, the Mets catcher overthrows Seaver, who is covering the plate, bringing in Rico Carty home from third base with the winning tally giving Atlanta a stunning 3-2 victory, thanks to the two runs being scored on a called third strike.

Reds right fielder Pete Rose goes 0-for-7, including striking out five consecutive times. The defending National League batting champ’s futility at the plate contributes to Cincinnati’s 5-4 loss to Philadelphia.

In a 5 – 3 Montreal win over the Astros, Bob Bailey hits one of the longest home runs in Astrodome history.

Down 3 – 0 in the 8th, the Brewers score four runs, three of them on a Danny Walton bases-loaded double, to beat the Indians, 4 – 3. Gus Gil’s single drives in the last run. The biggest crowd of the season, 44,387, is on hand for bat day, allowing Bernie Brewer to leave his perch in right field after 40 days. Bernie had vowed to stay there until the crowd topped 40,000, and when the attendance is announced, Bernie slides down his slide.

Milt Mason, who in late June had vowed not to leave his team-sponsored trailer on top of the County Stadium scoreboard until the Brewers drew a home crowd of 40,000, ends his 40-day boycott, descending from a 30-foot rope, when 44,387 fans show up for Bat Day. Before his death in 1973, the retired aviation engineer is recognized by the team as the original Bernie Brewer, and in tribute to the devoted fan, a costumed character with the same name becomes Milwaukee’s official mascot the same year.

Milt Mason, who in late June had vowed not to leave his team-sponsored trailer on top of the County Stadium scoreboard until the Brewers drew a home crowd of 40,000, ends his 40-day boycott, descending from a 30-foot rope, when 44,387 fans show up for Bat Day. Before his death in 1973, the retired aviation engineer is recognized by the team as the original Bernie Brewer, and in tribute to the devoted fan, a costumed character with the same name becomes Milwaukee’s official mascot the same year.

1970 – Fergie Jenkins homers and his teammates add another six as Chicago coasts over San Diego, 12 – 2. Jim Hickman (2), Glenn Beckert, Johnny Callison, Joe Pepitone, and Billy Williams also hit round trippers for Chicago. Six of the Cub homers are solo shots and San Diego adds a solo homer: the seven solo homers by two teams sets a National League record and ties the major league mark set on April 29, 1962.

1970 – The White Sox erupt for 11 runs on 10 hits in the 9th inning to defeat the Red Sox, 13 – 5.

Defensive replacement Chuck Hinton drives in the Indians’ winning run in the 10th as the Tribe tops the A’s, 6 – 5. The Indians hit four homers – one by Vada Pinson in the 1st and three consecutive homers by Duke Sims, Graig Nettles, and Eddie Leon in the 6th.

Johnny Bench has a 2-out, 2-run double in the 9th to give the Reds a 3 – 2 win over the Mets at Shea Stadium.

Hal Lanier’s 8th-inning single is the only hit Ken Holtzman allows in the Cubs’ 15 – 0 mauling of the Giants. Gaylord Perry gives up eight runs in 1 1/3 inning to seal the outcome for the Giants. Joe Pepitone and Billy Williamseach have a double, homer, and score three runs.

In a 16-inning game, the Pirates edge the Dodgers, 2 – 1. Roberto Clemente goes 5 for 7 with an RBI and run scored.

Don Gullett strikes out six straight batters and pitches four innings with no runners reaching base in beating the host Mets, 7 – 5. Gullett strikes out eight in the last four innings. The Reds win on Jimmy Stewart’s 3-run pinch homer off Tom Seaver.

Roberto Clemente of the Pittsburgh Pirates posts his second consecutive five-hit game

Roberto Clemente of the Pittsburgh Pirates posts his second consecutive five-hit game

1970 – Oakland tags Dave McNally for 10 hits but the Orioles ace still wins his 20th, 5 – 1, the 3rd straight year he’s reached the charmed circle.

1970 – In Minnesota, a bomb scare delays the game with Boston for 43 minutes in the 4th, but the only bomb is an 8th-inning homer by Tony Conigliaro to give the Sox a 1 – 0 win. The Sox end the game with a double play, a 1-6 force at second base, then a throw home to nab Tony Oliva trying to score. Ken Brett is the winner in relief over Tom Hall.

In the Reds' 6 - 5 win over the visiting Phillies, Jim Merritt notches his 20th win of the year. Jim Bunning takes the loss. Merritt is the first Reds lefty to win 20 since 1925, but will be 6-26 the rest of his career.

In the Reds’ 6 – 5 win over the visiting Phillies, Jim Merritt notches his 20th win of the year. Jim Bunning takes the loss. Merritt is the first Reds lefty to win 20 since 1925, but will be 6-26 the rest of his career.

1970 – Mike Cuellar wins his 20th game for Baltimore, defeating the A’s, 6 – 4. Chuck Dobson is the loser, giving up four runs in 2+ innings.

Juan Marichal

Juan Marichal of the San Francisco Giants defeats the Pittsburgh Pirates, 5-1, for the 200th win of his career

Cleveland and California split a pair, with the Angels taking the opener, 3 – 2 and the Tribe the nitecap, 5 – 1. Cleveland’s Tony Horton plays his last professional game. The 25-year-old budding star, despondent over a batting slump and fans’ booing, will be hospitalized for depression.

Jerry Reuss allows two hits and the Cards beat the host Dodgers, 1 – 0, when Joe Torre belts a 9th inning home run off Don Sutton. It is Reuss’ second two-hitter this month, having beaten the Expos 4 – 0 on August 9.

Houston’s Wade Blasingame continues his mastery of the Mets, winning 2 – 1, his second victory over New York since being recalled from the minors. His record against the Mets is 9-0. Tom Seaver takes the loss.

The Giants’ Juan Marichal beats the Pirates 5 – 1 for his 200th ML win. Marichal joins Jim Bunning as the only active pitchers with 200 wins.

Tony Horton unexpectedly takes himself out of the lineup during the fifth inning of the second game of a doubleheader against California. The game will prove to be his last in the major leagues, as a deep slump and the constant harassment from the Cleveland fans take a personal toll on the promising 25 year-old first baseman.

Mickey Mantle returns to the New York Yankees as their first base coach

The Reds trip the Expos, 4 – 3, as Pete Rose collects his 1,500th career hit. Lee May’s 2-run homer in the 11th snaps a 2 – 2 tie.

1970 – In the first of two at Chicago, the Red Sox roll to a 22 – 11 win over the White Sox. This is the 10th time in history that the Red Sox have scored 20 or more runs. Ken Brett is the victor.

1970 – The Red Sox take an 8 – 1 lead at Fenway Park‚ but Detroit rallies to win, 10 – 9. The Sox take the lead on a Mike Andrews homer and a grand slam by Tony Conigliaro. The Tigers then use the long ball as well‚ collecting 4 homers‚ including a grand slam by Jim Price‚ to win. Daryl Patterson is the winner over Sonny Siebert.

Billy Williams of the Chicago Cubs sets a National League record by playing in his 1,117th straight game

In the first six innings, Indians starter Sam McDowell walks six Nats batters, five intentionally. Three of the intentional passes go to Frank Howard in his first three at bats, twice when he leads off the inning. McDowell moves to 1B in the 6th inning, with two on and no outs, and Dean Chance comes in, allowing both runners to score. McDowell comes back to the mound to finish, losing 4 – 1 to Dick Bosman.

Detroit’s Gene Lamont homers in his first major league at bat, but the Red Sox this time hold the lead and beat the Tigers, 10 – 1, in the nitecap. Cal Koonce is the complete game winner, adding two RBI with his second hit of the year. The Tigers win the opener, 6 – 4, scoring two unearned runs in the 8th.

That old black magic works for Gary Nolan as he outpitches Juan Marichal to beat the Giants, 2 – 0. Before the game Reds teammate Angel Bravo gives Nolan a rubber ball to carry during the game, assuring him that he’ll pitch a low-hit game as a result. Nolan allows three hits.

Billy William's streak ends at 1117 games

Billy William’s streak ends at 1117 games

Cubs outfielder Billy Williams asks to sit out, thus ending his National League record for consecutive games played at 1,117. Steve Garvey will better the mark in 1983.

The Twins’ Leo Cardenas hits a Wally Bunker pitch in the 8th inning off the foul pole, but the umpires rule it a foul ball. Manager Bill Rigney and Bob Allison argue that is should be a homer and get tossed for their efforts. Cardenas then strikes out. Phil Roof and Roberto Pena homer to lead the Brewers to an 8 – 3 victory.

Cubs’ outfielder Billy Williams asks to be benched, thus ending his National League record for consecutive games at 1,117, a mark Steve Garvey will better in 1983 when he plays in 1,207 straight contests. During the streak, Chicago’s future Hall of Famer will be dubbed the ‘Iron Man’, authoring a book with that title in 1970.

Cubs’ outfielder Billy Williams asks to be benched, thus ending his National League record for consecutive games at 1,117, a mark Steve Garvey will better in 1983 when he plays in 1,207 straight contests. During the streak, Chicago’s future Hall of Famer will be dubbed the ‘Iron Man’, authoring a book with that title in 1970.

1970 – Blue Moon Odom yields 2 hits and smashes a home run as the Athletics beat the Royals‚ 7 – 1. Reggie Jackson and Gene Tenace also homer for the A’s.

Brant Alyea drives in all seven Twins runs on two homers in game 1, then drives in two more in the nitecap as the Twins sweep the Brewers, 7 – 6, and 8 – 3. Stan Williams (9-0) wins his 9th straight to set a Twins record. In game 2, Hal Haydel makes his first major league appearance a good one, pitching five innings of relief to win, and also hitting his first big league home run.

Houston sweeps a doubleheader from San Diego, 10 – 5 and 9 – 4. In the first game Astro Bob Watson and Padre Ramon Webster each hit grand slams.

The White Sox use a major-league record 41 players in a doubleheader with Oakland, but lose both games, 7 – 4 and 7 – 5.

Commissioner Bowie Kuhn suspends Detroit Tigers pitcher Denny McLain for the third time on the season

Commissioner Bowie Kuhn suspends Detroit Tigers pitcher Denny McLain for the third time on the season

Pitching in his second major league game, Reds rookie Milt Wilcox pitches a 5 – 0 shutout over the Dodgers in Los Angeles.

California’s Alex Johnson becomes the 3rd player in history to put one into the CF bleachers at Comiskey Park when he connects in the 6th against Chicago’s Billy Wynne in a 2 – 1 loss in eight innings. The Sox also win the opener, 11 – 4, to break their eight-game losing streak. Bill Melton leads the 5-homer offense with a pair and five RBIs.

Cleveland whips the Senators, 13 – 4. Frank Howard, with no walks today, hits two homers for Washington. Cleveland pitchers will walk Howard 30 times this season, 12 intentionally.

Lee May hits a 1st-inning grand slam off Joe Moeller, and the Reds roll to a 13 – 4 win over the host Dodgers.

Sonny Siebert and Jim Palmer each pitch 12 innings, but Eddie Watt gets the win for Baltimore by pitching the 13th in the 3 – 2 win. Boston’s Sparky Lyle is the loser, giving up hits to the two batters he faces.

Twenty-one-year-old Vida Blue, recalled from the minors just eight days earlier, hurls a one-hit shutout as the A’s beat the Royals, 3 – 0. Pat Kelly’s 8th-inning single is the only hit off the fireballing lefty.

At Wrigley Field, the Pirates lead the Cubs, 2 – 1, with two outs and no one on in the 9th when Willie Smith hits a routine fly to Matty Alou. Alou drops it and three singles later the Cubs have a 3 – 2 win. The victory puts the Cubs a game behind the Bucs and a half-game behind the Mets.

Kansas City sweeps a pair from Oakland, winning both by 8 – 7 scores. In the 11-inning opener, A’s SS Bert Campaneris sets an American League record by participating in six double plays. It will be tied in the National League.

The White Sox hire manager Chuck Tanner from the Pacific Coast League. He replaces Don Gutteridge, who had been fired on September 3. Coach Bill Adair ran the team in the interim.

Ken Holtzman wins his 15th, and the Cubs top the Cardinals, 5 – 3. Chicago moves into 3rd place, just a game behind the first-place Mets and Pirates.

1970 – Clyde Wright joins Dean Chance (1964) as the Angels’ second twenty-game winner as he beats the Twins, 5 – 1. Bert Blyleven, 19-year-old rookie, ties an American League record by striking out the first six batters. He strikes out 10 in 6 2/3 innings.

“Sudden Sam” McDowell wins his 20th game as the Indians beat the Tigers, 6 – 2. Joe Niekro (12-13) is the loser.