On June 4, 1974, the Cleveland Indians hold “Ten-Cent Beer Night” at Municipal Stadium. The promotion results in a near riot, as fans storm onto the field with the score tied in the ninth inning, prompting the umpires to forfeit the game to the Texas Rangers.
On May 1, 1974, Dock Ellis of the Pittsburgh Pirates hits three batters during the first inning of a game against the Cincinnati Reds. Ellis hits Pete Rose, Joe Morgan and Dan Driessen being his victims. Ellis, who admits to trying intentionally to hit each Reds batter that faced him, throws two pitches behind Tony…
On April 30, 1974, Nolan Ryan of the California Angels strikes out 19 batters in a 4-2 win over the Boston Red Sox. Ryan ties a record established by Hall of Famer Tom Seaver for the most strikeouts in a single game.
1974 – Cesar Cedeno drills two homers and drives in five to pace Houston past Atlanta, 7-0 . Claude Osteen, who was dealt by the Dodgers over the winter, scatters seven hits.
On April 9, 1974, San Diego Padres owner Ray Kroc criticizes his team over the public address system-during a game! “Ladies and gentlemen, I suffer with you,” Kroc says. “I’ve never seen such stupid baseball playing in my life.” The announcement occurs during San Diego’s 9-5 loss to the Houston Astros. Coincidentally, the “San Diego Chicken” makes its debut that day.
On April 8, 1974, Atlanta Braves superstar Hank Aaron makes baseball history when he breaks Babe Ruth’s career record for home runs with a blast off Al Downing of the Dodgers.
At Veterans Stadium, Phillies third baseman Mike Schmidt hits a ninth inning two-run home run off Tug McGraw to beat the Mets on Opening Day, 5-4. The walk-off homer is the first of the league-leading 36 dingers the third baseman will hit this season.
On April 4, 1974, Atlanta Braves slugger Hank Aaron blasts an historic three-run home run against Cincinnati Reds pitcher Jack Billingham on Opening Day. The home run is the 714th of Aaron’s Hall of Fame career, tying him with the legendary Babe Ruth for the most home runs in major league history.
On April 3, 1974, the Los Angeles Dodgers make one of the best trades in franchise history, acquiring minor league infielder-outfielder Pedro Guerrero from the Cleveland Indians for pitcher Bruce Ellingsen. The 17-year-old Guerrero will make his major league debut in 1978 and will compile 100-RBI seasons for the Dodgers in 1982 and ‘83…
On March 26, 1974, the Boston Red Sox release two future Hall of Famers. Designated hitter Orlando Cepeda and shortstop Luis Aparicio are both given their unconditional releases. Aparicio, who elects to retire, finishes his career with 2,677 hits and 506 stolen bases and will enter the Hall of Fame in 1984. The sore-kneed Cepeda…
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