New York Giants rookie Cliff Melton strikes out 13 batters in his major league debut

On April 25, 1937, New York Giants rookie Cliff Melton becomes the first rookie to fan at least ten batters in his major league debut, finishing with 13 strikeouts in a complete-game loss to the Boston Bees at the Polo Grounds. The 25-year-old southpaw, who loses the 3-1 contest due to the weak defense of the Giants in the ninth inning, will hold the rookie record for K’s in his debut until Dodger freshman Karl Spooner whiffs 15 batters in his first major league start in 1954. He will also go on to win 20 games in his rookie season.