Jeff Kent hits two round-trippers to become the all-time home run leader of second basemen. The Astros infielder records his 278th dinger and 302nd overall to break Ryne Sandberg’s major league record established in 1997.
Ichiro Suzuki, with the second of his two singles, a ground ball through the box, makes history, breaking the major league record for hits in a single season. The third-inning historic safety by the Mariner outfielder from Japan surpasses George Sisler’s 84 year-old mark of 257 hits established in 1920 with the St. Louis Browns. He will finish the season with 262 hits.
When he whiffs Albert Pujols in the 3-2 loss to the Cardinals, Ben Sheets breaks the Brewers’ single-season strikeout record. The 26 year-old Louisiana native surpasses Teddy Higuera’s mark of 240 established in 1987.
2004 – Connecting off Jake Peavy’s 3rd-inning slider at SBC Park, Barry Bonds hits his 700th career home run. The historic homer touches off a fireworks display and the unfurling of a gigantic light-tower banner featuring Babe Ruth and Hank Aaron, the two other players to reach the milestone.
Pitching a perfect bottom of the ninth inning, John Smoltz establishes the franchise record with his 142nd save in a Braves uniform. The right-handed reliever surpasses Gene Garber as Atlanta beat the Dodgers in Los Angeles, 6-5.
Greg Maddux wins his 300th career game
The long-anticipated trade of Nomar Garciaparra is finally accomplished as the Red Sox shortstop is traded to the Cubs in a four-team deal which includes the Twins and Expos. Chicago first acquires shortstop Orlando Cabrera from the Expos for shortstop Alex Gonzalez, relief pitcher Francis Beltran and minor leaguer Brendan Harris. They then pry 1B Doug Mientkiewicz from the Twins for minor league southpaw Justin Jones. Finally, Chicago flips its two new acquisitions to the Bosox for Garciaparra, prospect Matt Murton and cash.
In front of thousands of fans outside Kauffman Stadium and those viewing the ceremony inside the ballpark on the JumboTron, the Royals unveil a bronze statue of Frank White, depicting the eight-time Gold Glove second baseman sailing over the bag to complete a double play. The detailed sculpture, created by Harry Weber of St. Louis, joins those of founders Ewing and Muriel Kauffman and Hall of Fame infielder George Brett as the third statue honoring the accomplishments of individuals within the franchise.
On July 25, 2004, a record number of Hall of Famers return to Cooperstown to witness the Induction of Dennis Eckersley and Paul Molitor. In all, 53 living Hall of Fame members are on hand for the ceremony. Molitor, a member of the 3,000 hit club, and Eckersley, who appeared in the most games of…
2004 – Another saga is added to the Red Sox-Yankee rivalry as a bench-clearing brawl breaks out after Red Sox starter Bronson Arroyo hits Alex Rodriguez, who hit last night’s game-winning home run, with a pitch. As A-Rod stares out at the mound on his way to first base, Boston’s catcher Jason Varitek, after a verbal exchange, pushes the All-Star third baseman in the face, causing a series of fights with players in both team’s dugouts and bullpens involved.
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