Major League Season Recap 1976

World Series – Cincinnati Reds NL over New York Yankees AL 4 games to 0

World Series MVP – Johnny Bench
Babe Ruth Award – Johnny Bench

ALCS New York Yankees over Kansas City Royals 3 games to 2 ALCS MVP –
NLCS Cincinnati Reds over Philadelphia Phillies 3 games to 0 NLCS MVP –

Awards –

Cy Young Award National League Randy Jones
Cy Young Award American League Jim Palmer

MVP Awards –
NL Joe Morgan
AL Thurman Munson

NL Rookie of The Year – Pat Zachary, metzgbu01
AL Rookie of The Year – Mark Fidrych

Roberto Clemente Award – Pete Rose

All-Star Game – July 13th 1976 – N.L. 7 over A.L. 1 , played at Veterans Stadium (NL)
AL Starter M. Fidrych NL Starter R. Jones MVP G. Foster

Sort bySearch Days, Events, Players Title (A - Z)Date (Newest)

January 4, 1976

1976 – Executives of the International Amateur Baseball Association meet in Mexico City to end a long-standing feud between delegations, creating in the process a new organization named the “Asociación Internacional de Beisbol Amateur”. With the United States returning to the IABA fold, after an absence of many years, the first AINBA World Championships are scheduled for Cartagena, Colombia. Manuel Gonzalez Guerra of Cuba is named the first AINBA president.

January 6, 1976

The Astros obtain Art Howe from the Pittsburgh Pirates to complete a deal the previous month for infielder Tommy Helms

January 9, 1976

1976 – Charles Ruppert, Giants vice president and son-in-law of Horace Stoneham, announces the sale of the team to a Toronto, ON group for $13.3 million. Outrage by the fans prompts San Francisco mayor George Moscone to get a preliminary injunction preventing the move.

January 14, 1976

WTCG-TV owner Ted Turner obtains 100% of the Atlanta Braves for $12 million

January 22, 1976

Robin Roberts and Bob Lemon are voted into the Hall of Fame

January 23, 1976

1976 – Brandon Duckworth is born in Salt Lake City, UT. He posts a 1-3 record in spot duty during the 2004 and 2005 campaigns. 

January 28, 1976

Pittsburgh Pirates signed pitcher Pascual Perez

February 2, 1976

Roger Connor and Fred Lindstrom and umpire Cal Hubbard inducted into the Hall of Famer

February 4, 1976

Andy Messersmith and Dave McNally Free Agency upheld by Federal Judge

February 6, 1976

American League grants the new expansion franchise in Seattle

February 9, 1976

Oscar Charleston is selected for the Hall of Fame by the Special Committee on the Negro Leagues

February 10, 1976

Lance Berkman is born in Waco, TX.

February 14, 1976

The Atlanta Braves send Valentine’s Day cards to their season-ticket holders and the media

February 17, 1976

Mike Scott of Pepperdine University pitches a 3 – 0 perfect game against California Lutheran University

February 23, 1976

1976 – Major League owners announce that spring training will not open until a new labor contract is agreed upon.

March 1, 1976

Chicago White Sox owner Bill Veeck opens training camp in Sarasota, Florida, but participation is limited to non-roster players because of the ongoing lockout.

March 2, 1976

Los Angeles Dodgers re-acquire second baseman Ted Sizemore from the St. Louis Cardinals for outfielder Willie Crawford

March 4, 1976

The San Francisco Giants are sold to businessmen Bob Lurie and Bud Herseth for an estimated $8 million

March 17, 1976

All clubs will comply within forty-eight hours to Commissioner Kuhn’s orders to open spring training camps as soon as possible, abruptly ending the 17-day work stoppage. The lockout, initiated by the owners over their concerns about free agency and the free-entry draft, will not impact the start of the regular season.

March 20, 1976

1976 – Leo Durocher, hired to manage the Taiyo Whales of the Japanese Central League, is sick with hepatitis and asks for a five-week delay in reporting. Durocher receives a telegram from the Taiyo Whales stating: “Since the championship starts in twenty days, it’s better if you stay home and take care of yourself for the remainder of the season.”

March 22, 1976

The California Angels’ groundskeeper finds hundreds of marijuana plants growing in the outfield at Anaheim Stadium

March 26, 1976

American League approves the sale of the Toronto Blue Jays to the Labatts Brewing Company

March 26, 1976

The American League votes to expand to Toronto, awarding a franchise to a group consisting of Labatt’s Breweries (45%), the Imperial Trust, Ltd (45%), and CIBC (10%), who will eventually purchase the rights for the team for $7 million. At first, the decision will appear in peril when President Gerald Ford attempts to put pressure on MLB to give the expansion franchise to Washington, D.C., which has been without a major league team since the Senators moved to Arlington, Texas to become the Rangers following the 1972 season.

March 28, 1976

Tom Seaver trade to Dodgers called off

April 1, 1976

After being released by the Padres, Bobby Tolan (.255, 5, 48), signs as a free agent with the Phillies.

April 2, 1976

Why was REGGIE JACKSON traded to Baltimore

April 3, 1976

Bobby Bonds suffers a fractured finger during an exhibition game with the Dodgers

April 5, 1976

Tom Seaver becomes first pitcher to earn $200,000 annually

April 5, 1976

First game played at the superdome

April 7, 1976

Joe Niekro strikes out 5 in one inning

April 9, 1976

Jim Palmer outduels Ferguson Jenkins 1-0 on opening day

April 9, 1976

The White Sox’s new owner Bill Veeck surprises the Opening Day crowd at Comiskey Park when he, Rudie Schaffer, and Paul Richards take the field wearing battered Continental Army uniforms to celebrate the nation’s bicentennial

April 10, 1976

Don Money walk off Grandslam reversed

April 12, 1976

The First Home Opener in LA Dodgers history rained out

April 14, 1976

Kingman hits 600 foot blast at Wrigley Field

April 15, 1976

New York Yankees defeat the Minnesota Twins, 11-4, in the first game at the newly renovated Yankee Stadium

April 17, 1976

At Yankee owner’s George Steinbrenner’s insistence, Thurman Munson is named the team captain

April 17, 1976

Mike Schmidt of the Philadelphia Phillies blasts four consecutive home runs in a wild 18-16 win over the Chicago Cubs

April 17, 1976

1976 – Ken Forsch has to save the Astros twice. Leading San Diego, 5-4 in the ninth, and the tying runner aboard, Forsch gets Ted Kubiak to ground to second for an apparent finish but catcher Cliff Johnson is ruled for interference. Kubiak is awarded first and Forsch must retire Merv Rettenmund, which he does on a fly to Greg Gross in right to seal the victory. 

April 22, 1976

It takes two days to accomplish the feat, but Tim Foli becomes the first Expo to hit for the cycle

April 24, 1976

Bert Campaneris of the Oakland A’s steals five bases in an 8-7 victory over the Cleveland Indians.

April 25, 1976

Monday saves the FLAG

May 2, 1976

Jose Cardenal goes 6 for 7 with four RBI, including a double and a home run, as the Cubs defeat the Giants, 6 – 5, in the 14-inning first game of a doubleheader.

May 4, 1976

1976 – The Illinois Legislature declares today “Rick Monday Day” to honor his patriotic gesture on April 25th of saving an American flag from being burned by two spectators at Dodger Stadium.

May 9, 1976

The Reds score another 14 runs to beat the Cubs, 14 – 2. Ken Griffey hits a grand slam, one of six homers hit by the Reds. Tony Perez has a pair with George Foster, Dan Driessen, and Pete Rose leaving the park as well.

May 9, 1976

White Sox P Wilbur Wood suffers a fractured kneecap in a 4 – 2 win over the Tigers. Wood will miss the rest of the season.

May 9, 1976

1976 – Houston catchers combine for the cycle during a 10-5 beating of St. Louis. Cliff Johnson pounds four hits (two singles, a double and a homer) before twisting his ankle. Backup Skip Jutze triples in the seventh. 

May 13, 1976

With 18 hits over 6 Games Brett raises average to .396

May 15, 1976

Mark Fidrych wins his first major league start, a complete-game two-hit, 2 – 1 victory over the Indians

May 15, 1976

At Cincinnati, the Mets’ Tom Seaver loses, 2 – 0, to the Reds as Santo Alcala pitches a four-hitter.

May 16, 1976

The Yankees send P Larry Gura to Kansas City for C Fran Healy. Healy’s best moments from now on will come in the radio booth, while Gura will help KC to the 1978 playoffs with a 16-4 record.

May 19, 1976

At Tiger Stadium, Carl Yastrzemski passes Boston legend Ted Williams for the most games played in a Red Sox uniform. Yaz makes the historic day memorable by going 4-for-4, including three home runs, in the team’s 9-2 victory in the Motor City.

May 20, 1976

Fisk and Pinella fight in the Bronx

May 22, 1976

Reggie Smith slams three homers and drives in five runs to give the Cardinals a 7 – 6 win over the Phillies. Smith’s third round-tripper is a solo shot with two out in the 9th inning off Tug McGraw to give Al Hrabosky the win.

May 22, 1976

Reggie Smith drives in five runs in the Cardinals’ 7-6 victory over Philadelphia at Veterans Stadium. The St. Louis switch-hitter’s third homer of the game, a two-out solo shot in the ninth, proves to be the difference.

May 24, 1976

Dennis Eckersley and Stan Thomas combine on a one-hitter as Cleveland stops the Orioles‚ 4 – 0.

May 24, 1976

Bert Campaneris steals five bases, one shy of the major league mark, in the A’s 12-7 victory over the Twins

May 26, 1976

In a scoreless game at Anaheim Stadium, Ken Brett of the Chicago White Sox has a no-hitter with two outs in the 9th inning when Jerry Remy of the California Angels hits a slow roller down the third base line. Third baseman Jorge Orta lets the ball roll and, in a controversial ruling, it’s scored as a hit, though many think it ought to be ruled an error. Brett then gives up a hit in the 10th to former teammmate Bill Melton but wins the game, 1 – 0, in 11 innings.

May 28, 1976

Ron LeFlore’s 31-game hitting streak comes to an end when Ed Figueroa and Tippy Martinez hold him hitless in four at-bats in Detroit’s 9-5 loss to the Yankees. The Tiger outfielder’s span of consecutive games with at least one hit, the longest American League hitting streak in 27 years, began on the final day of last season.

May 29, 1976

The Reds score 3 runs in the 9th to edge the Dodgers‚ 6 – 5. Ken Griffey’s two-run triple ties the game‚ and Joe Morgan’s single wins it.

May 29, 1976

1976 – Joe Niekro tags his brother Phil for a home run in a 4-3 victory at Atlanta. It is the only homer in Joe’s 21-season major league career (973 ABs). The seventh-inning blast comes on a knuckleball that Joe sends over the left field fence. Ken Boswellcontributes three hits, including the game-winner. 

May 29, 1976

Joe Niekro takes his brother Phil deep for only homerun of his career

May 30, 1976

The Astros bang out 25 hits, a franchise high, beating the Braves in the nightcap of an Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium twin bill, 16-5. Twenty-three of Houston’s safeties are singles, a National League record.

May 30, 1976

A shoving match, after a home-plate collision between Lou Piniella and Red Sox catcher Carlton Fisk, escalates into an ugly bench-clearing brawl. Yankee third baseman Graig Nettles and Boston’s Bill Lee fight so fiercely that the ‘Spaceman’ suffers a separation of his left shoulder, significantly affecting the remainder of his pitching career.

May 30, 1976

The Astros set a team record with 25 hits in the nightcap of a doubleheader sweep of the Braves.

June 1, 1976

Minnesota Twins trade ace pitcher Bert Blyleven

June 2, 1976

6/2/1976: Atlanta’s Earl Williams lost two home runs to rain in a game at Fulton County Stadium. He led off both the second and third innings with homers to left off the Padres’ Alan Foster. The game was called in the bottom of the fourth with the Braves ahead 5-0.

June 4, 1976

Mets right fielder Dave Kingman, in the team’s 11-0 victory at Dodger Stadium, hits three home runs.

June 4, 1976

At Baltimore‚ the Twins edge the O’s‚ 8 – 6‚ as Minnesota’s Larry Hisle hits for the cycle.

June 4, 1976

Dave Concepcion has 5 hits as the Reds whip the host Cardinals‚ 11 – 2.

June 4, 1976

Pepe Mangual’s 9th-inning single is the only hit against Andy Messersmith‚ as the Braves down the Expos‚ 2 – 0.

June 6, 1976

1976 – After a storm drops seven inches of rain causing floods in Houston, twenty fans canoe to the Astrodome to get rain checks for the canceled game at the enclosed stadium.

June 7, 1976

1976 – In a 5 – 4 Pittsburgh Pirates win over the Cincinnati Reds, the two teams combine for seven solo home runs. Joe Morgan (twice) and Pete Rose homer for Cincy, while Al Oliver, Willie Stargell, Richie Zisk and Bill Robinson go deep for the host Pirates.

June 8, 1976

The Red Sox draft Dixie High School (St. George, UT) standout southpaw Bruce Hurst in the first round of the amateur draft, the twenty-second of 24 picks overall. Four of the first five selections, including top pick ASU’s Floyd Bannister, are also left-handed hurlers, and of the dozen hurlers selected, the southpaw from Utah will retire with the most career victories (145).

June 8, 1976

 Floyd Bannister of Arizona State University selected first in draft

June 11, 1976

Leading 4 – 3 in the last of the 11th‚ White Sox reliever Terry Forster gives up a 2-run pinch homer to Cleveland player-manager Frank Robinson‚ as the Tribe wins, 5 – 4. This is a turning point for the Sox‚ as they will go 37-75 for the rest of season and finish last.

June 11, 1976

The Cards score a 5-spot in the first inning against the Reds‚ and lead 7 – 2 going into the bottom of the 7th‚ only to lose, 8 – 7. Tony Perez ends the game with a 3-run homer off Al Hrabosky.

June 11, 1976

Jim Konstanty dies at the age of 59 in Oneonta, New York, located only 22 miles from Cooperstown

June 13, 1976

The Mets sweep the Giants in a twin bill at Candlestick Park, The Gaints pick up Darrell Evans in a trade

June 15, 1976

Oakland sells 3 Players – Bowie Kuhn voids the trades

June 15, 1976

First Rainout in Astrodome History

June 17, 1976

6/17/1976: Aurelio Rodriguez of the Tigers capped off a four-run top of the sixth inning with a two-run homer which tied the game with the Twins at 4-4. However, the game was called due to rain in the bottom of the frame before the Twins could complete their time at bat or score a run. The score thus reverted to the end of the fifth, giving Dave Goltz a shutout and the Twins 4-0 victory.

June 17, 1976

Dave Kingman hits a walk-off homer to give the Mets a 1-0 victory over the Dodgers

June 18, 1976

Hank Aaron hits his 750th career homer

June 18, 1976

Commissioner Bowie Kuhn voids the sales of Oakland A’s stars Vida Blue, Rollie Fingers, and Joe Rudi

June 21, 1976

Bert Blyleven hurls a one-hit shutout as the Rangers edge the A’s, 1 – 0. On the 26th, Blyleven will pitch another 1 – 0, one-hit victory, beating the White Sox in 10 innings.

June 21, 1976

George Brett Featured on SI for the first time

June 22, 1976

Fred Norman pitches a four-hitter as the Reds beat the visiting Dodgers, 6 – 0.

June 22, 1976

Randy Jones ties Christy Mathewson’s record by going 68 innings without a base on balls

June 23, 1976

Los Angeles Dodgers trade onetime Cy Young Award winner Mike Marshall to the Atlanta Braves

June 24, 1976

The Braves top the Expos, 2 – 1, but Rowland Office is collared after hitting safely in 29 straight games. Office hit .408 during the streak, which began on May 23rd.

June 25, 1976

In the Mets’ 7 – 4 win over the Cubs, Mike Phillips hits for the cycle to back Jon Matlack’s pitching.

June 25, 1976

At Arlington Stadium Ranger Toby Harrah becomes the only shortstop in major league history to go through an entire doubleheader without a fielding chance. At the plate, Harrah makes up for the inactivity, collecting six hits, including a grand slam in the opener and another round-tripper in game 2. The Rangers beat the White Sox in the first game 8 – 4, but lose the nightcap, 14 – 9.

June 26, 1976

Marty Pattin and Steve Mingori combine on a one-hit shutout beating Nolan Ryan 3-0

June 28, 1976

Boston’s Butch Hobson debuts at Fenway Park with a double off the CF wall and a rare inside-the-park homer, both off the Orioles’ Rudy May. Boston wins, 12 – 8.

June 28, 1976

Tigers rookie Mark “the Bird” Fidrych amuses a national television audience by talking to the baseball and pitching a complete game 7-hitter in a 5 – 1 win over the Yankees.

June 29, 1976

At Fenway Park, Rick Wise tosses his 2nd one-hitter this month as the Red Sox top the Orioles, 2 – 0. Paul Blair’s 6th-inning single is the only hit.

June 29, 1976

In San Diego, the Reds drop seven runs on the Padres in the top of the 14th to win, 12 – 5. Mike Lum starts the scoring with a pinch homer. The seven runs in the 14th is one shy of the National League mark, and has never been topped in the American League.

July 1, 1976

The Indians paste the Toledo Mud Hens, 13 – 1, in an exhibition game in Toledo. Manager Frank Robinson, hitting as the DH, flies out to CF and, while returning to the dugout, exchanges angry words with Hens P Bob Reynolds. Suddenly, Robby flattens Reynolds with a right-left combination and is quickly ejected from the game.

July 2, 1976

The Astros outslug the Reds, 10 – 9, in 14 innings, collecting 25 hits for the second time in five weeks. Pete Rose has five hits for the Reds.

July 2, 1976

Cesar Cedeno collects 1000 career hit leading Houston sweep past Reds in doubleheader

July 3, 1976

The Tigers’ rookie sensation Mark Fidrych shuts out the Orioles, 4 – 0, for his 8th straight victory.

July 4, 1976

Tim McCarver losses grand slam when he passes teammate Garry Maddox on the basepaths

July 6, 1976

Houston’s J.R. Richard allows 10 walks but no runs in shutting out the Mets, 1 – 0, in 10 innings. Starter Jon Matlack is the losing pitcher.

July 7, 1976

The Reds come back from a three-run deficit to beat the Expos, 4 – 3. Cincy scores three in the 9th, with two scoring on Cesar Geronimo’s triple.

July 8, 1976

Randy Jones sets NL win mark at All Star Break with 16

July 8, 1976

At Fenway Park, the Red Sox beat the Twins, 8 – 4, as their attendance reaches 1,007,491. It’s the earliest date in club history they’ve topped the million mark.

July 9, 1976

Boston Red Sox owner and president Tom Yawkey dies.

July 9, 1976

Before 53,328 in Cincinnati, the Pirates score two runs in the 10th on a Richie Zisk homer and take an 11 – 9 lead, only to lose to the Reds, 12 – 11. George Foster’s single scores the tying and winning runs.

July 9, 1976

Larry Dierker tosses the fifth no-hitter in Houston Astros history

July 11, 1976

In Boston’s 6 – 4 win over the Twins at Fenway Park, Minnesota CF Lyman Bostock drops Carl Yastrzemski’s long fly ball to deep center after a bucket of popcorn falls in his eyes.

July 11, 1976

In a pre-game promotion at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, 34 couples are married at home plate. The nuptials are then followed by Championship Wrestling in an evening billed as “Headlocks and Wedlocks.” The Braves then pin a 9 – 8 loss on the Mets.

July 11, 1976

Hank Aaron becomes the oldest major leaguer (42 years, 5 months, 7 days) to hit a walk-off homer

July 11, 1976

34 couples are married at home plate at Atlanta’s Fulton County Stadium

July 12, 1976

A tentative agreement between the players and owners on labor contracts is reached. The formal agreement will be announced August 9th.

July 13, 1976

The National League emerges victorious in the annual All-Star Game at Veterans Stadium, 7 – 1. George Foster, one of seven Reds position players on the squad, homers, drives in three runs, and is named the game’s MVP. Rookie Mark Fidrych gives up two runs and takes the loss. It is the NL’s 13th win in the last 14 games.

July 13, 1976

The last segment of Connie Mack Stadium, formerly known as Shibe Park, is demolished when the corner tower and its domed cupola of the A’s and Phillies’ former home is torn down. In 1991, the Deliverance Evangelistic Church, an independent Pentecostal congregation, will construct a church building on the site.

July 13, 1976

1976 – Cesar Cedeno becomes the first Houston player to homer in an All-Star Game . His two-run shot off Frank Tanana caps a 7-1 National League win in Philadelphia. Ken Forsch pitches a scoreless ninth to finish the game 

July 17, 1976

Walter Alston wins his 2,000th game as Dodger manager.

July 18, 1976

After Boston drops eight of its last 11 games, the fifth-place Red Sox (41-45) fire Darrell Johnson, replacing their manager, who led the team to the American League pennant last season, with third-base coach Don Zimmer. Although last year’s AL’s champs, posting a mediocre 41-45 record and trailing the division-leading Yankees by 13 games, climbed above the .500 mark earlier in the month, they couldn’t overcome their poor start, when they lost 15 of their first 21 decisions.

July 18, 1976

1976 – Ed Herrmann goes 7-for-10 with a homer and seven RBIs in a twinbill sweep of the Expos, 7-6 and 10-1. Herrmann is a perfect 5-for-5 in the ten-inning opener. Greg Gross gets four hits to pace a 22-hit assault in the nightcap. Dan Larson tosses a complete game victory in his major league debut. 

July 19, 1976

1976 – The Mets’ Dave Kingman tears ligaments in his thumb diving for a ball in a 4 – 2 loss to the Braves. Kingman, who already has 32 home runs for the season, will hit only five more after being sidelined for six weeks.

July 19, 1976

Red Sox hire Don Zimmer as manager

July 20, 1976

Hank Aaron blasts the final home run of his legendary career

July 20, 1976

Mark Fidrych throws his twelfth complete game in his 13th start of the season, a streak that includes three 11-inning contests. The 21 year-old Tiger rookie right-hander from Massachusetts gives up ten hits, defeating Minnesota at Metropolitan Stadium, 8-3.

July 21, 1976

Montreal trades OFs Jim Dwyer and Pepe Mangual to the New York Mets for OF Del Unser and INF Wayne Garrett.

July 21, 1976

The Mets lose to the Reds, 4 – 0, on Fred Norman’s four-hitter.

July 23, 1976

The Angels fire manager Dick Williams. Norm Sherry takes over the reins.

July 23, 1976

Sadaharu Oh, joining Babe Ruth and Hank Aaron, becomes the third professional to hit 700 home runs. The 33 year-old Yomiuri Giants’ slugger, who will finish his career with 868 career homers, is the first player to accomplish the feat in Japan.

July 23, 1976

Orioles outfielder Reggie Jackson, tying an American League record shared by five players, hits a home run in his sixth consecutive game. The 13th inning round-tripper off Danny Frisella does not help in the Birds’ 4-3 loss to the Brewers, who scored two runs in the top of the frame in the Memorial Stadium contest.

July 24, 1976

1976 – At Comiskey Park, the Twins roll over the White Sox, 17 – 2. Lyman Bostock is 4 for 4, hitting for the cycle.

July 25, 1976

1976 – Bo McLaughlin, in his second big league start, fires a ten-inning six-hit shutout to nip the Giants, 1-0. Houston manages just four hits off Ed Halicki but Greg Gross doesn’t need one to chase home pinch-runner Wilbur Howard with a sacrifice fly to send the fans home happy.

July 26, 1976

For the second consecutive game, Cincinnati’s Pete Rose hits a leadoff homer, this one his club-record 693rd extra-base hit. Rose jump starts the Reds to a 9 – 3 win over the visiting Giants.

July 26, 1976

7/26/1976: Pirate Dave Parker hit a solo homer off Cardinal John Denny in the top of the second inning with one out. It was the only run of a game called in the middle of the fourth inning due to rain.

July 26, 1976

1976 – As it ought to be. The 1,000th game in Astrodome history is a 7-0 shutout over San Diego as Larry Dierker spins a two-hitter. Bob Watson paces the offense with a home run and three runs batted in. 

July 28, 1976

Blue Moon Odom throws a combine 1 hitter vs A’s – it will be his last victory

July 30, 1976

In an International League game in Memphis, TN, the Blues’ Art Gardner hits a 3rd-inning shot off the CF wall and, while Syracuse OF Rick Bladt searches for the ball, Gardner circles the bases for an inside-the-park home run. When Bladt can’t find the ball, the umpires rule the hit is only a double.

July 30, 1976

The Reds do all their scoring in the first three innings to beat Houston, 13 – 8, in the first of two. Cincy adds a 4 – 2 win in the nitecap to sweep as Johnny Bench hits his 250th homer.

July 31, 1976

Reds reserve outfielder Ed Armbrister collects four hits, including two homers, as the Reds pummel the Astros, 12 – 1. Armbrister’s two homers are half his career total and his only two for the year.

August 3, 1976

At Candlestick Park, Jack Billingham’s 3-hitter gives the Reds a 9 – 0 win over the Giants.

August 5, 1976

8/5/1976: Montreal’s Wayne Garrett homered off Oscar Zamora of the Cubs in the bottom of the first with no one on base in the second game of a doubleheader. The game was rained out after an inning and a half.

August 7, 1976

One strike away from throwing a no-hitter, Steve Luebber gives up a single to Roy Howell, who advances to third base on an error in center field by Lyman Bostock. The 27 year-old right-hander will yield another hit and a run before being replaced on the mound by reliever Bill Campbell in the Twins’ 3-1 victory over Texas at Arlington Stadium.

August 8, 1976

Chicago White Sox become the first team in major league history to wear short pants in a game

August 8, 1976

Padres rookie Butch Metzger (10-0) is credited with a 4 – 3 victory over the Astros‚ his 10th win without a defeat. With a victory in each of the previous two seasons as well‚ Metzger’s mark of 12-0 to start a career matches Hooks Wiltse‚ in 1904. Metzger will lose his last four decisions this year.

August 9, 1976

Bob Lemon, Robin Roberts, Oscar Charleston, Roger Connor, Cal Hubbard and Fred Lindstrom are inducted into the Hall of Fame

August 9, 1976

John Candelaria becomes the first Pirate since 1907 to throw a no-hitter in Pittsburgh

August 9, 1976

Cesar Cedeno hits for his second career cycle during a 13-4 thrashing of the Cardinals. He triples of Bob Forsch in the first, then belts his 16th homer before drilling a double. His single comes in a seven-run eighth that caps a five-RBI night. Winning pitcher Dan Larson chips in two hits of his own. 

August 10, 1976

Jim Palmer one-hits the Twins, as the O’s win, 2 – 0. Mike Cubbage’s single in the 2nd is the only hit.

August 11, 1976

At Wrigley Field‚ the Cubs take a 10 – 1 lead after 3 innings‚ only to lose to the Reds‚ 13 – 10. Cincy scores 2 runs in the 6th‚ 4 in the 7th helped by a Johnny Bench 3-run homer‚ one in the 8th and 2 runs in the 9th. Ken Griffey’s 2-run homer in the 9th ties the game. The Reds continue scoring with 3 in the 10th off Bill Bonham to hand the win to Pat Zachry.

August 12, 1976

At Philadelphia‚ the Braves edge the Phils‚ 4 – 3‚ pinning the loss on Jim Lonborg. Atlanta pitcher Frank LaCorte wins his first big league game after 9 losses.

August 12, 1976

The Reds go long at Wrigley Field‚ scoring 7 runs in the 8th and 9th to beat the Cubs‚ 8 – 3. George Foster hits back-to-back homers with Joe Morgan in the 8th and repeats it with Johnny Bench in the 9th.

August 12, 1976

The Directors of the new American League franchise in Toronto announce the team will be known as the Blue Jays. The selection is made from a list of ten names presented by a 14-member jury that garnered their nominations from the 4,000 suggestions and 30,000 entries submitted in a “Name the Team” contest held by the club.

August 13, 1976

Toronto announces the team name

August 14, 1976

1976 – The Orioles sweep two from the White Sox, 8 – 6 and 6 – 5. The O’s are paced by grand slams off the bats of Reggie Jackson and Lee May.

August 15, 1976

1976 – On Bud Harrelson’s wedding day, he scores the only run as the Mets nip the Reds, 1 – 0. He gets married a few hours after the game.

August 16, 1976

With the help of three picked-off Oakland runners at first base, the first such occurrence in the American League since 1910, the Brewers beat Oakland, 4 – 3. Another oddity happens when Oakland’s Billy Williams is called out on strikes after refusing to enter the batter’s box. He is then thrown out of the game.

August 16, 1976

Lou Brock collects five hits in a losing cause as the Cardinals fall to the Padres, 11 – 7.

August 17, 1976

After stroking a one-out single in the tenth inning, George Brett steals second base and advances to third base on a throwing error by Cleveland catcher Rick Cerone. With Dave Nelson at bat, the Kansas City third baseman steals home, giving the team a 4-3 walk-off victory over the Tribe at Royals Stadium.

August 18, 1976

In the Yankees’ 8 – 6 win over the Rangers, Roy White homers from each side of the plate.

August 18, 1976

The Angels nip the Tigers, 5 – 4 in 11 innings. Nolan Ryan works the first 10, fanning 17.

August 20, 1976

1976 – Winning 8 – 1 over the Pirates, the Dodgers reach two million in attendance. The Phils will match that tomorrow and the Reds will hit the mark on the 22nd.

August 20, 1976

1976 – Dan Larson does it all. The young righty tosses a five-hitter to beat Philadelphia, 8-3. At the plate, he gets three hits and drives in four. His three-run triple in the fourth breaks the game open. Wilbur Howard also contributes three hits. 

August 22, 1976

1976 – Bert Campaneris collects five hits in leading the A’s to a 7 – 6, 11-inning win over the Red Sox.

August 24, 1976

At Tiger Stadium, Bill Freehan hits his 200th and final home run in a 12 – 7 loss to the White Sox. The Detroit catcher will finish his career with 100 homers hit at home with the other 100 dingers hit on the road.

August 24, 1976

“Mariners” is selected from 15,000 contest entries as the new Seattle franchise’s nickname.

August 25, 1976

1976 – The Yankees edge the Twins, 5 – 4, in a 19-inning marathon. Grant Jackson is the winner over Pete Redfern.

August 29, 1976

1976 – In 15 innings, the Reds beat the Phillies, 6 – 5. Cincy ties the game in the 9th when Pete Rose scores from second base on a Bob Boone passed ball. Both teams score in the 13th before Ken Griffey drives home the winner in the 15th.

August 30, 1976

 Jim Rice clouts a 5th-inning home run against Texas, the 100th homer for the 31st straight year

August 30, 1976

The A’s purchase veteran Willie McCovey from the Padres.

September 1, 1976

1976 – Red Sox pitcher Fergie Jenkins rips his Achilles tendon covering first base in the 5th inning against the Rangers. Jenkins (12-11) is through for the year. Tom Murphy relieves and pitches 4 2/3 innings of hitless ball to earn the 3 – 0 victory at Fenway Park.

September 1, 1976

1976 – Bo McLaughlin blanks the Phillies, 1-0, as the club notches their sixth straight complete-game to tie a team record. McLaughlin surrenders six hits. A solo shot by Cliff Johnson off Jim Kaat provides the game’s only tally. 

September 3, 1976

The Brewers crush the Tigers and Mark Fidrych, 11 – 2, as Mike Hegan hits for the cycle and drives in six runs.

September 3, 1976

Rangers catcher Jim Sundberg records three assists in the 5th inning of a 4 – 1 win over the Royals. He becomes only the 7th perpetrator of this feat in major league history.

September 4, 1976

1976 – The Reds’ Pat Zachry gives up a pair of singles in the 2nd in pitching a 5 – 1 two-hitter against the Braves.

September 5, 1976

Phillies pitcher Larry Christenson belts two homers and pitches a 3 – 1 win over the Mets

September 5, 1976

Reds’ infielder Joe Morgan becomes the first second baseman in 26 years to drive in 100 runs when his third-inning single off Dick Ruthven plates Pete Rose and Ken Griffey in the team’s 6-4 victory in Atlanta. The last second sacker to reach the plateau was Bobby Doerr, who accomplished the feat in 1950 with the Red Sox.

September 6, 1976

Dodgers catcher Steve Yeager is seriously injured when the jagged end of a broken bat strikes him in the throat

September 6, 1976

California’s Frank Tanana strikes out 15 batters in 10 innings but is not involved in a decision. Oakland wins in the 11th‚ 2 – 1.

September 6, 1976

The Reds take a comfortable 8 – 0 lead over the Astros‚ and then hang on to win‚ 9 – 8.

September 7, 1976

Ken Boswell’s bases-loaded triple keys an eight-run seventh inning as the Astros wrench the Big Red Machine, 10-5. Cliff Johnson adds a two-run double. Starter Joe Sambito gets the win. 

September 8, 1976

1976 – In a twinbill, the Expos’ Joe Kerrigan wins a pair from the Cardinals with two innings of relief work in both games, for the first two wins of his career. Montreal wins, 7 – 5 and 8 – 7.

September 9, 1976

At Texas, Rod Carew hits a pinch grand slam in the 7th for the Twins, as Minnesota wins, 6 – 0. It is Carew’s 3rd grand slam of the year. Dave Goltz twirls the shutout.

September 9, 1976

George Brett is 5 for 5 to lead the Royals to a 6 – 5 win over the Angels in 10 innings.

September 10, 1976

1976 – Nolan Ryan hurls a 3-hit, 3 – 2, victory for California, fanning 18 White Sox batsmen. Bart Johnson is the losing pitcher.

September 11, 1976

Minnie Minoso participates in his fourth major league decade

September 12, 1976

DH Minnie Minoso singles for the White Sox against the Angels’ Sid Monge. Said to be 53, Minoso is considered the oldest player ever to collect a hit in the major leagues

September 14, 1976

At Memorial Stadium, Dennis Martinez makes his major league debut, pitching 5.2 innings of shutout baseball in relief to get the win in the Orioles’ 9-7 victory over the Tigers. The Granada native, who will win 245 games, is the first person from Nicaragua to appear in a major league game.

September 16, 1976

In the 11th inning at Veterans Stadium, Rick Joseph hits a walk-off grand slam in the Phillies’ 8-4 victory over the Dodgers. Two batters are walked intentionally by Ron Perranoski to face the weak hitting Philadelphia pinch hitter, who responds with his first career home run, which will be his only round-tripper this season.

September 17, 1976

At Milwaukee’s County Stadium, 40,383 fans are on hand to celebrate “Hank Aaron Day.” Among those gathered are commissioner Bowie Kuhn and Jack Ford, representing his father Gerald. Hank goes hitless in five at-bats, and the first-place Yankees spoil the night by winning, 5 – 3, in 11 innings. Graig Nettles hits a solo homer in the 11th for the game winner, and an insurance run scores on a suicide bunt. Ed Figueroa tallies his 19th win, and the Yanks pad their lead to 11 games.

September 17, 1976

Shades of 1964. In Chicago, the faltering Phils lose to the Cubs, 4 – 3, when Champ Summers scores with two out in the 12th.

September 17, 1976

The Pirates top the Mets, 4 – 1, for their 18th win in 22 games. Doc Medich (7-11) picks up the victory. Since August 24th, the Bucs have shaved 12 1/2 games off the Phillies’ lead.

September 18, 1976

Frank Robinson of the Cleveland Indians makes his final major league appearance as a player

September 18, 1976

The Phillies finally win, topping the host Cubs, 4 – 1, as Jay Johnstone leads with four hits. It is the first-place Phillies’ 6th win in their last 24 games.

September 18, 1976

Tom Seaver cuts down the Pirates for the second time in six days, this time winning 6 – 2 at Shea Stadium. Dave Kingman belts his 35th homer and Ed Kranepool adds another for the Mets.

September 19, 1976

1976 – Catfish Hunter notches his 200th career victory as the Yankees stop Milwaukee, 2 – 1. Since 1901, only Christy Mathewson and Grover Cleveland Alexander have hit the 200 mark before their 31st birthday, but arm trouble will limit Catfish to 224 wins. He’ll win 17 this year, after five straight 20-win seasons.

September 21, 1976

1976 – In Los Angeles, the Reds clinch the National League West title with a 9 – 1 pasting of the Dodgers.

September 22, 1976

Right-hander Don Sutton goes the distance to become a twenty-game winner for the first and last time when the Dodgers beat the Giants at Candlestick Park, 3-1. The future Hall of Famer will compile a 324-256 (.559) record during his 23-year career in the bigs.

September 23, 1976

The end of an era. Judge Roy Hofheinz agrees to sell most of his Astrodom

September 24, 1976

1976 – Chicago Cub Bill Madlock suffers bruises and a slight concussion when he is mugged in New York City. Chicago then gets mugged by the Mets, 4 – 3.

September 26, 1976

The Phillies clinch the division during the last big league games at Jarry Park,

September 28, 1976

At Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, Giants hurler John Montefusco no-hits the Braves, 9-0. The ‘Count’ is almost perfect, giving up just a leadoff walk to Jerry Royster in the fourth inning.

September 29, 1976

Los Angeles Dodgers name Tommy Lasorda as manager, replacing the retired Walter Alston.

September 30, 1976

1976 – The Chicago White Sox try a different approach against California, using a lineup in numerical order by field position. The batting order is: Brian Downing – 2: Lamar Johnson – 3: Bill Stein – 4: Kevin Bell – 5: Bucky Dent – 6: Alan Bannister – 7: Chet Lemon – 8: Jerry Hairston – 9. Finishing off the lineup is 53-year-old DH Minnie Minoso. The Angels are unimpressed, winning, 7 – 3.

October 2, 1976

In his final start of the season, rookie right-hander Mark Fidrych earns his 19th victory, beating Milwaukee at County Stadium, 5-1. The five-hit complete game takes only one hour and 46 minutes to play.

October 2, 1976

J.R. Richard becomes a twenty-game winner on the last day of the season

October 3, 1976

Hank Aaron Singles in last at bat

October 3, 1976

10/3/1976 After being at the Dodger’s helm for 23 years, Walter Alston’s managerial career comes to an end when the team drops a 3-2 decision to the Padres, finishing the campaign ten games behind the Reds. During his tenure, which began in Brooklyn in 1954, the skipper known as Smokey to his players compiles a 2040-1613 (.523) record en route to capturing seven pennants and four World Series titles.

October 3, 1976

Kansas City’s George Brett edges his Royals teammate Hal Mcrae (.333 vs .332) for the American League crown

October 9, 1976

Bob Moose dies on his birthday in an automobile accident in Martin’s Ferry, Ohio

October 10, 1976

The Royals gain their first postseason victory in franchise history when they beat the Yankees in Game 2 of the ALCS

October 12, 1976

1976 – The Cincinnati Reds score seven times in the final three innings to secure a 7 – 6 win and complete a sweep of the Phillies in the National League Championship Series.

October 14, 1976

The Yankees dramatically win their 30th pennant on Chris Chambliss’ home run in the bottom of the ninth inning

October 16, 1976

In Game 1 of the World Series Dan Driessen becomes the first National League player to be used as a designated hitter in the Reds 5-1 win

October 17, 1976

Cincinnati win Game 2 of the World Series 4 – 3 on Tony Perez walk off

October 19, 1976

Cincinnati Reds take a commanding 3-0 in the World Series 

October 19, 1976

The Boston Globe uses aerial photography to measure the exact distance of the left field wall at Fenway Park from home plate. The distance: 304.779 feet. Art Keefe and writer George Sullivan measured it this month at 309 feet, four inches.

October 21, 1976

Cincinnati Reds win the World Series, completing a four-game sweep of the Yankees. It is the Reds’ second straight World Championship. 

November 2, 1976

San Diego left-hander Randy Jones (22-14, 2.74) captures the National League’s Cy Young Award

November 2, 1976

Amazingly, it takes 15 years for Houston to garner a vote in the Cy Young Award balloting. The vote goes to J.R. Richard, who has a 20-win season, but he is well behind San Diego’s Randy Jones in the returns. 

November 4, 1976

Three Future Hall of Famers are featured in The first mass-market free agent re-entry draft is held at the New York Plaza Hotel.

November 5, 1976

The A’s send manager Chuck Tanner To Pittsburgh for.Manny Sanguillen

November 5, 1976

For the second consecutive season, Jim Palmer (22-13, 2.51) is the recipient of the American League Cy Young Award

November 5, 1976

The Mariners and Blue Jays each select thirty players in the expansion draft. Seattle picks Royals’ outfielder Ruppert Jones, and Toronto selects Orioles’ shortstop Bob Bailor as their team’s respective first picks.

November 6, 1976

relief pitcher Bill Campbell becomes the first free agent to sign a contract with a new team

November 9, 1976

Oakland A’s give future Hall of Famer Billy Williams his unconditional release

November 16, 1976

California signs free agent Don Baylor to a six-year, $1.6 million deal

November 16, 1976

Thurman Munson wins the 1976 AL MVP

November 17, 1976

Yankee catcher Thurman Munson wins 1976 AL Most Valuable Player

November 18, 1976

1976 – The New York Yankees sign free agent pitcher Don Gullett for $2 million. Gullett will have a 14-4 record next season, but spend most of the next three seasons on the disabled list.

November 19, 1976

Milwaukee Brewers sign free agent third baseman Sal Bando to a multi-year contract

November 23, 1976

Pitcher Larry Dierker and infielder Jerry DaVanon are traded to St.Louis for catcher Joe Ferguson

November 24, 1976

California Angels sign free agent second baseman Bobby Grich

November 24, 1976

Bob Kennedy is named head of baseball operations for the Chicago Cubs. His first move is to inform Jim Marshall he is fired as manager and Salty Saltwell, after a year as general manager, is named secretary and director of park operations. Herman Franks, briefly a Cubs coach under Leo Durocher, will be named the new manager. Ironically, Durocher turned down an offer to manage the Cubs for the 1977 season.

November 24, 1976

Joe Morgan outpoints Cincinnati Reds teammate George Foster to win his second straight National League MVP Award. Morgan hit .320 with 27 home runs, 111 RBI, 113 runs, 60 stolen bases, and led the NL in slugging percentage (.576) and OPS (1.020). Foster finished with 29 home runs and led the league in RBI (121).

November 29, 1976

New York Yankees ink free agent outfielder Reggie Jackson

December 2, 1976

1976 – Former Pittsburgh Pirates manager Danny Murtaugh dies at the age of 59. Murtaugh, who had retired from managing after the 1976 season, had suffered a heart attack three days before his death. Known as “The Irishman,” Murtaugh had led the Pirates to World Championships in 1960 and 1971.

December 4, 1976

1976 – Aurelio Rodriguez becomes the first American League 3B since 1959 to beat out Brooks Robinson for the Gold Glove Award. Other newcomers on The Sporting News fielding team include 3B Mike Schmidt, OF Dwight Evans, and C Jim Sundberg, who will combine to win 24 awards.

December 6, 1976

The Red Sox trade 1B Cecil Cooper to the Brewers for 1B George Scott and OF Bernie Carbo.

December 7, 1976

1976 – The Seattle Mariners make their first-ever trade. Grant Jackson goes to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Craig Reynolds and Jimmy Sexton.

December 8, 1976

The Indians trade OF George Hendrick to the Padres for three players.

December 8, 1976

The Cubs acquire OF Greg Gross from Houston for infielder Julio Gonzalez. Then in a three-team deal, the Cubs also get OF Jim Dwyer from the Mets for 1B Pete LaCock. LaCock then goes to Kansas City for OF Sheldon Mallory who goes to New York.

December 9, 1976

1976 – The Rangers trade Jeff Burroughs to the Braves for five players and an estimated $250,000.

December 10, 1976

The Expos send Andre Thornton, whose average slumped 100 points to .194, to the Indians for P Jackie Brown. A great pickup for the Tribe, Thornton will lead the club in home runs seven times as a 1B/DH.

December 10, 1976

Pittsburgh Pirates traded outfielder Richie Zisk and pitcher Silvio Martinez to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for pitchers Goose Gossage and Terry Forster

December 10, 1976

Texas Rangers shortstop Danny Thompson dies from leukemia

December 14, 1976

San Diego Padres sign veteran free agents Rollie Fingers and Gene Tenace

December 15, 1976

1976 – Pirate free agent Richie Hebner signs with the Phillies.

December 16, 1976

The Reds swap popular 1B Tony Perez and P Will McEnaney to the Expos for pitchers Woodie Fryman and Dale Murray.

December 16, 1976

Court proceedings in Charlie Finley’s $10 million damage suit against Commissioner Bowie Kuhn begin in Chicago

December 19, 1976

A single-engine plane crashes into the upper deck of Baltimore’s Memorial Stadium

October 3, 1990

George Brett becomes the only player to win three batting crowns in three different decades (1976-.333; 1980-.390)

October 19, 2019

1976 – The Astros host an exhibition game at the Louisiana Superdome, a 12-5 win over Minnesota, before just over 10,000 fans. Cliff Johnson stars with three hits, including a homer. Not built for baseball, New Orleans’ new dome creates a few problems such as a concrete warning track and football sidelines down the third base line. Hitters complain about poor visibility, causing an auxilliary scoreboard to be shut off.

September 26, 2022

Red faber passes away