On the last day of the season in front of a crowd of a few hundred fans, Billy Martin elects not to use a designated hitter, allowing starting pitcher Ferguson Jenkins to bat for himself. Although Fergie, en route to his 25th win of the season, gets a hit in the Texas 2-1 victory over the Twins at Metropolitan Stadium, the Rangers manager’s refusal to use a DH prevents the position from being employed for the entire game, according to the rules.

On October 2, 1974 — On the last day of the season in front of a crowd of a few hundred fans, Billy Martin elects not to use a designated hitter, allowing starting pitcher Ferguson Jenkins to bat for himself. Although Fergie, en route to his 25th win of the season, gets a hit in the Texas 2-1 victory over the Twins at Metropolitan Stadium, the Rangers manager’s refusal to use a DH prevents the position from being employed for the entire game, according to the rules.

Sources:
National Pastime

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