On April 30, 1974, Nolan Ryan of the California Angels strikes out 19 batters in a 4-2 win over the Boston Red Sox. Ryan ties a record established by Hall of Famer Tom Seaver for the most strikeouts in a single game.

During the game, after trying to lay down a bunt, Doug Griffin is knocked unconscious by a Nolan Ryan fastball, resulting in the Red Sox second baseman missing two months of the season with a concussion and suffering temporary hearing loss. The beaning, which most likely led to the premature end to the Boston infielder’s career, makes the Angel right-hander rethink his role as an intimidator on the mound.