Bill Nicholson
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Bill Nicholson of the Chicago Cubs becomes the first major league player to hit a home run at Doubleday Field

On June 13 1940, In the inaugural Hall of Fame game, the Red Sox beat the Cubs at Doubleday Field, 10-9. Future Hall of Famer Ted Williams hits two home runs during the six-inning rain-shortened exhibition. Bill Nicholson of the Chicago Cubs becomes the first major league player to hit a home run at Doubleday Field in Cooperstown. @ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF90YWdzIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsiYmVmb3JlIjoiTGVhcm4gTW9yZSBhYm91dCB0aGUgdGVhbXMsIHBsYXllcnMsIGJhbGwgcGFya3MgYW5kIGV2ZW50cyB0aGF0IGhhcHBlbmVkIG9uIHRoaXMgZGF0ZSBpbiBoaXN0b3J5IGp1c3QgY2xpY2sgdGhlIHRhZ3MhICAiLCJhZnRlciI6IiIsImxpbmtfdG9fdGVybV9wYWdlIjoib24iLCJzZXBhcmF0b3IiOiIgfCAiLCJjYXRlZ29yeV90eXBlIjoicG9zdF90YWcifX0=@

Paul Dean debuts with the Giants

Paul Dean debuts with the Giants and beats the Cubs‚ 3 – 1‚ on 4 hits

On June 11, 1940 In the second of two games‚ Paul Dean debuts with the Giants and beats the Cubs‚ 3 – 1‚ on 4 hits. Joe Moore runs his hitting streak to 14 games when he belts an 8th inning homer off Claude Passeau. The Giants win the opener, 4 – 0, behind Bill Lohrman to pull within 1 1/2 games of the Reds and Dodgers. Bill Lee is the losing…

In Boston‚ the Red Sox chase Bob Feller‚ 9 – 2‚ on homers by Ted Williams and Joe Cronin

In Boston‚ the Red Sox chase Bob Feller‚ 9 – 2‚ on homers by Ted Williams and Joe Cronin

On June 11, 1940 In Boston‚ the Red Sox chase Bob Feller‚ 9 – 2‚ on homers by Ted Williams and Joe Cronin. Williams adds a triple‚ while Lou Finney has four hits including a pair of doubles. During the game‚ Tribe manager Oscar Vitt openly criticizes Feller‚ saying “Look at him. He’s supposed to be my ace. How am I supposed to win a pennant with…

Braves sign Spahn

Braves sign Spahn

On June 4, 1940, the Braves sign Warren Spahn, this South Park High School (Buffalo, NY) standout and he’ll make his major league debut in 1942 when he appears in two games as a 20 year-old for Boston before serving three years in the Army during World War II. He’ll become a Bronze Star and…

Carl Hubbell Faces the minimum 27 batters beating the Dodgers

Carl Hubbell Faces the minimum 27 batters beating the Dodgers

May 30, 1940 – Carl Hubbell of the New York Giants throws 87 pitches in a 7 – 0 one-hitter against the Brooklyn Dodgers. Hubell faces the minimum 27 batters, as Johnny Hudson, who singles for the only hit, is caught stealing. @ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF90YWdzIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsiYmVmb3JlIjoiTGVhcm4gTW9yZSBhYm91dCB0aGUgdGVhbXMsIHBsYXllcnMsIGJhbGwgcGFya3MgYW5kIGV2ZW50cyB0aGF0IGhhcHBlbmVkIG9uIHRoaXMgZGF0ZSBpbiBoaXN0b3J5IGp1c3QgY2xpY2sgdGhlIHRhZ3MhICAiLCJhZnRlciI6IiIsImxpbmtfdG9fdGVybV9wYWdlIjoib24iLCJzZXBhcmF0b3IiOiIgfCAiLCJjYXRlZ29yeV90eXBlIjoicG9zdF90YWcifX0=@

In the first night game played at the Polo Grounds, the hometown Giants beat Boston, 8-1

In the first night game played at the Polo Grounds, the hometown Giants beat Boston, 8-1

In the first night game played at the Polo Grounds, the hometown Giants beat Boston, 8-1. The Manhattan ballpark’s $125,000 lighting system works well, allowing the 22,260 patrons attending the game to follow the nocturnal contest without any difficulties.

Jimmie Foxx
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Jimmie Foxx hits grand slams on consecutive days joins elite group

On May 21, 1940, at Briggs Stadium in Detroit, future Hall of Famer Jimmie Foxx of the Boston Red Sox hits a grand slam home run for the second consecutive day. Foxx’s grand slam proves decisive, as the Red Sox defeat the Detroit Tigers, 11-8. Ted Williams, Bobby Doerr and Doc Cramer also homer for…

Autographed Jimmie Foxx Photo - BW 8 5x11 Graded Mint 9! #AC08252 - PSA/DNA Certified

Jimmie Foxx hits the longest home run in the history of Comiskey Park

On May 14, 1940, future Hall of Famer Jimmie Foxx hits what is believed to be the longest home run in the history of Comiskey Park. The Boston Red Sox’ slugger hits a titanic blast against Johnny Rigney that clears the left-field roof.  Lefty Grove picks up the win 7-6.  

crosley flooded

Flooding of the Ohio River causes cancellation of game between the Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals at Crosley Field

On April 23, 1940, flooding of the Ohio River causes cancellation of today’s game between the Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals at Crosley Field. Weather forecasters predict that the flood’s waters will reach as high as eight feet at the ballpark. The next day’s game will also be postponed.