Homerun added to Ruth total – then taken away

On April 26, 1969, the Baseball Records Committee decides to give Babe Ruth credit for one more home run – for a total of 715 – during his career. The committee rules that one of Ruth’s home runs had been incorrectly ruled a triple. The committee will later reverse its decision, returning Ruth to a total of 714 home runs.

Jack Hiatt

Jack Hiatt drives in seven runs in a 12-8 victory over the Houston Astros

On April 25, 1969, San Francisco Giants catcher Jack Hiatt drives in seven runs in a 12-8 victory over the Houston Astros. Hiatt’s outburst includes a two-run homer in the first inning and a game-winning grand slam in the 13th inning. Usually a light hitter, Hiatt will finish the season with only 34 RBIs and…

Reggie Jackson brawls with twins after he hits homers in his first two at bats

Reggie Jackson brawls with twins after he hits homers in his first two at bats

April 24, 1969 – After hitting home runs in his first two at-bats of the game against Dave Boswell, Reggie Jackson led off the 5th inning to face Twins reliever Dick Woodson. After throwing his first pitch high and tight, but behind Jackson, and with his second pitch sailing about four feet over Reggie’s head,…

Bill Stoneman of the Montreal Expos pitches a 7 – 0 no-hitter against the Philadelphia Phillies in only the ninth game of the Expos’ existence

Bill Stoneman of the Montreal Expos pitches a 7 – 0 no-hitter against the Philadelphia Phillies in only the ninth game of the Expos’ existence

At Connie Mack Stadium, Bill Stoneman of the Montreal Expos pitches a 7 – 0 no-hitter against the Philadelphia Phillies in only the ninth game of the Expos’ existence. Rusty Staubhits a home run with three doubles and three RBI to pace Stoneman’s gem.

1969 – Roberto Clemente’s first hit of the season easily escapes the friendly confines of Wrigley Field. “Clemente, who had been 0 for 12,” writes Bill Christine of the Pittsburgh Press, “attempted to add some adrenalin to the Pirate attack in the 1st inning when he blasted a Joe Niekro fastball out in the street beyond left field.” The first-frame bomb, however, yields but a short-lived lead. “Billy Williams,” writes Lee Jenkins of the Chicago Daily Defender, “showing off his recently acquired ability to go with the pitch, slammed one into the left field bleachers in the 1st and rookie Don Young performed the same feat good for 2 runs in the 2nd to more than counteract Clemente’s tremendous shot over the left-field stands.” Additional adrenalin – accounting for Pittsburgh’s remaining three runs – is supplied by Clemente’s 5th-inning, bases-loaded single, whereby he will significantly enhance Niekro’s understanding of the phrase “dangerous hitter.” Jenkins writes: “Clemente fired a shot through the middle that knocked Niekro down and raced to second base when Young tried for a one-handed scoop and the ball got through for a two-base error with three runs counting.” By the 7th inning, the Cubs have finally wised up. Jenkins continues: “Hank Aguirre knocked off five Pirates before pinch-hitter Jose Pagan lashed a single to lead off the 7th and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Clemente was given an intentional walk after he refused to bite at three Aguirre wide ones. But the crafty veteran fanned Willie Stargell to escape.”

1969 – Roberto Clemente’s first hit of the season easily escapes the friendly confines of Wrigley Field. “Clemente, who had been 0 for 12,” writes Bill Christine of the Pittsburgh Press, “attempted to add some adrenalin to the Pirate attack in the 1st inning when he blasted a Joe Niekro fastball out in the street beyond left field.” The first-frame bomb, however, yields but a short-lived lead. “Billy Williams,” writes Lee Jenkins of the Chicago Daily Defender, “showing off his recently acquired ability to go with the pitch, slammed one into the left field bleachers in the 1st and rookie Don Young performed the same feat good for 2 runs in the 2nd to more than counteract Clemente’s tremendous shot over the left-field stands.” Additional adrenalin – accounting for Pittsburgh’s remaining three runs – is supplied by Clemente’s 5th-inning, bases-loaded single, whereby he will significantly enhance Niekro’s understanding of the phrase “dangerous hitter.” Jenkins writes: “Clemente fired a shot through the middle that knocked Niekro down and raced to second base when Young tried for a one-handed scoop and the ball got through for a two-base error with three runs counting.” By the 7th inning, the Cubs have finally wised up. Jenkins continues: “Hank Aguirre knocked off five Pirates before pinch-hitter Jose Pagan lashed a single to lead off the 7th and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Clemente was given an intentional walk after he refused to bite at three Aguirre wide ones. But the crafty veteran fanned Willie Stargell to escape.”

Montreal Expos host their first game north of the border

On April 14, 1969, the expansion Montreal Expos host their first game north of the border, marking the first time a regular season major league game is played outside of the United States. 29,417 fans came to see the Expos win their debut at Jarry Park, edging the St. Louis Cardinals, 8-7. Montreal moundsman Larry…

Seattle Pilots Play First Home Game in Sicks Stadium
| | |

Seattle Pilots Play First Home Game in Sicks Stadium

Interested in exploring FRANCHISING? We will help you through your journey visit us @ www.franchisingconnection.com PODCAST On Friday afternoon April 11, 1969, Major League Baseball came to Seattle with the American League expansion Seattle Pilots debuting at Sick’s Stadium. After near misses with Indians and A’s considering a move to the Pacific Northwest Seattle finally…

Lou Piniella was the first batter in Kansas City Royals history.

Lou Piniella was the first batter in Kansas City Royals history.

Lou Piniella was the first batter in Kansas City Royals history. On April 8, 1969, he led off the bottom of the first inning against left-hander Tom Hall of the Minnesota Twins and doubled to left field. He finished the season with a team-leading .282 batting average, winning the AL Rookie of the Year Award….

The Pilots make their major league debut, defeating the Angels at Anaheim Stadium, 4-3. Scoring all of their runs in the top of the first inning, Seattle’s leadoff hitter Tommy Harper starts the game with the franchise’s first hit, and then crosses the plate with its first run, when Mike Hegan, the next batter, hits the first homer in team history.

The Pilots make their major league debut, defeating the Angels at Anaheim Stadium, 4-3. Scoring all of their runs in the top of the first inning, Seattle’s leadoff hitter Tommy Harper starts the game with the franchise’s first hit, and then crosses the plate with its first run, when Mike Hegan, the next batter, hits the first homer in team history.