Rookie Harry Steinfeldt, the “wonder from Wonderville,” replaces injured Bid McPhee at second base for the Cincinnati Reds, gets three hits against Louisville, and handles nine chances afield.
Jimmy Sheckard of the Brooklyn Bridegrooms hits a home run, two triples, and a single in a 9 – 6 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies. The eleven total bases by Sheckard will be the season’s one-game high mark.
Opening Day at Brooklyn’s new Washington Park attracts 15‚000 fans to see a 6-4 Brooklyn loss to Philadelphia. President Charles Ebbets and his young daughter‚ dressed in red‚ white‚ and blue‚ participate in the elaborate‚ patriotic pageantry. Veteran Sam Thompson hits the first HR in the new park‚ his last homer in the ML.
On April 24, 1898, Andy Cooper is born in Waco, Texas. One of the greatest southpaws in Negro league history, Cooper used a variety of pitches and speeds to confound batters. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2006.
On the same day, Ted Breitenstein of the Cincinnati Reds and Jay Hughes of the Baltimore Orioles each pitch no-hit ball games. Breitenstein’s gem is against the Pittsburgh Pirates, 11 – 0, and Hughes over the Boston Beaneaters, 8 – 0.
1898 – Cap Anson is released after 19 years as first baseman/manager with the Chicago National League teams. Strong-minded Cap, with a record of 1,288 victories and five NL pennants, was enormously popular in Chicago. Former infielder Tom Burns takes over as manager of the teams which is now dubbed the “Orphans” by reporters.
1897 – At the age of 38, Charles Ebbets, who “has handled every dollar” entering the Brooklyn Dodgers club’s treasury for the past 15 years, gains a controlling 80 percent interest in the team.
On October 3, 1897.00 1897 – Cap Anson closes out a remarkable 27-year career that started in the National Association in 1871. He hits two home runs against St. Louis. At age 46, he becomes the oldest player to homer in the majors.
Washington Senator (NL) right-hander Roger Bresnahan makes his major league debut, shutting out the St. Louis Browns, 3-0, en route to posting a perfect 4-0 record along with a 3.95 ERA this season. The 18 year-old’s pitching time on the mound will be short-lived when the ‘The Duke Of Tralee’ switches to behind the plate to start a Hall of Fame career as a catcher.
Philadelphia wins its tenth straight, defeating Pittsburgh, 13–6. The Phils are led by Sam Thompson who has a homer, triple and two singles.
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