On July 12, 1921, Babe Ruth of the New York Yankees hits his 137th career home run, moving past fellow Hall of Famer Roger Connor on the all-time list. Connor hit 136 home runs during his career-all during the 19th century.
In a late-developing barn burner between bottom feeders, the last place Bucs waste one of the longest home runs of Ralph Kiner’s career by blowing a 9th-inning lead to the next-to-last Reds, giving up 6 runs in the top of the frame. However, displaying great resilience, they come all the way back, scoring six and winning, 10 – 9, as Clyde McCullough lines one off pitcher John Hetki to score Wally Westlake with the game-ending tally. The Post-Gazette’s Jack Hernon recalls fondly the game’s initial eight innings: “It was a good game to watch for eight innings as Ralph Kiner gave Bill Werle a 4 – 2 lead over Ewell Blackwell with a two-run homer in the 5th inning. The ball left the field slightly to the left of the light tower near dead center field and carried far into Schenley Park. It was one of Kiner’s longest homers.” Researcher Bill Jenkinson places it at 480 feet.
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August 15, 1950
