The formerly first-place Pirates make a rash decision to replace their skipper Bill Virdon with Danny Murtaugh

The formerly first-place Pirates make a rash decision to replace their skipper Bill Virdon, after the team drops three of four to St. Louis to fall three games back in the standings. The bespectacled manager, who led the club to a division title last year, will be replaced with Danny Murtaugh, the man whom he had replaced prior to the 1972 season.

Thurman Munson of the New York Yankees collects the only hit of the game against Nolan Ryan

Thurman Munson of the New York Yankees collects the only hit of the game against Nolan Ryan

On August 29, 1973, Thurman Munson of the New York Yankees collects the only hit of the game against Nolan Ryan. Munson’s first inning pop fly drops between two California Angels fielders. In a questionable scoring decision, Munson’s short outfield popup is ruled a base hit. Ryan allows no hits the rest of the way…

1973 – In a 10 – 1 win over the Royals, Oriole Paul Blair hits an inside-the-park grand slam off Paul Splittorff. Amos Otis and Steve Hovley collide in midair while chasing Blair’s ball to help the O’s win their 13th straight.

1973 – In a 10 – 1 win over the Royals, Oriole Paul Blair hits an inside-the-park grand slam off Paul Splittorff. Amos Otis and Steve Hovley collide in midair while chasing Blair’s ball to help the O’s win their 13th straight.

1973 – In a 10 – 1 win over the Royals, Oriole Paul Blair hits an inside-the-park grand slam off Paul Splittorff. Amos Otis and Steve Hovley collide in midair while chasing Blair’s ball to help the O’s win their 13th straight.

The A’s even the score with the Yankees, reaching closer Sparky Lyle and Tom Buskey for six runs in the top of the seventh inning. Oakland scores the eventual winning runs in the team’s 13-12 victory in the next frame, when New York commits its fifth error of the game.

The A’s even the score with the Yankees, reaching closer Sparky Lyle and Tom Buskey for six runs in the top of the seventh inning. Oakland scores the eventual winning runs in the team’s 13-12 victory in the next frame, when New York commits its fifth error of the game.

During the Old Timers’ Game played at Yankee Stadium, Mickey Mantle homers off his old teammate and best buddy, Whitey Ford. After launching a shot that lands foul in the upper deck, the slugger sends the southpaw’s next pitch over the fence, much to the delight of the large crowd gathered for the festivities.

During the Old Timers’ Game played at Yankee Stadium, Mickey Mantle homers off his old teammate and best buddy, Whitey Ford. After launching a shot that lands foul in the upper deck, the slugger sends the southpaw’s next pitch over the fence, much to the delight of the large crowd gathered for the festivities.

During the Old Timers’ Game played at Yankee Stadium, Mickey Mantle homers off his old teammate and best buddy, Whitey Ford. After launching a shot that lands foul in the upper deck, the slugger sends the southpaw’s next pitch over the fence, much to the delight of the large crowd gathered for the festivities.

Orlando Cepeda at the end of his career ties record for 4 doubles in a game
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Orlando Cepeda at the end of his career ties record for 4 doubles in a game

On August 8, 1973, At Royals Stadium, Red Sox DH Orlando Cepeda collects four doubles in the team’s 9-4 win over the Royals. The Red Sox’ designated hitter, running on bad knees near the end of an outstanding career, ties a major league record with the four two-baggers. Luis Tiant is the winning pitcher. ‘Cha Cha’,…

Braves knuckleballer Phil Niekro no-hits the Padres, 9 – 0, It’s the first no-hitter thrown by a Braves hurler since the team shifted to Atlanta in 1966.

Braves knuckleballer Phil Niekro no-hits the Padres, 9 – 0, It’s the first no-hitter thrown by a Braves hurler since the team shifted to Atlanta in 1966.

Braves knuckleballer Phil Niekro no-hits the Padres, 9 – 0, and improves his record to 11-4. He walks three and strikes out four in recording the first no-hitter by the franchise in Atlanta. Ralph Garr has three hits, three runs, and a steal, and Paul Casanova records an inside-the-park homer on a long fly ball missed by LF Gene Locklear.