chief bender

Future Hall of Fame hurler Chief Bender makes outfield debut and hits 2 inside the park homeruns

ByThis Day in Baseball

On May 8, 1906, At Huntington Avenue Baseball Grounds, Philadelphia A’s manager Connie Mack inserts pitcher Chief Bender into left field because of a rash of injuries to his regular outfielders. Making his outfield debut in the sixth inning, Bender responds by hitting two inside-the-park home runs, of Philadelphia’s 11-4 victory over Boston. The Hall…

At Pittsburgh’s Exposition Park, the Pirates become the first team to cover the grass to prevent it from getting wet during a rain storm. A canvas tarp is used to keep the infield dry for tomorrow’s contest against the Cubs.

ByTom

At Pittsburgh’s Exposition Park, the Pirates become the first team to cover the grass to prevent it from getting wet during a rain storm. A canvas tarp is used to keep the infield dry for tomorrow’s contest against the Cubs.

Recovering from a case of diphtheria contracted before the season, Christy Mathewson makes his first appearance of the year for the New York Giants. He pitches seven solid innings against the Boston Beaneaters, allowing seven hits before being relieved by Joe McGinnity, who allows three runs in the 9th inning to turn a 4 – 3 lead into a 6 – 4 defeat.

ByBaseball

Recovering from a case of diphtheria contracted before the season, Christy Mathewson makes his first appearance of the year for the New York Giants. He pitches seven solid innings against the Boston Beaneaters, allowing seven hits before being relieved by Joe McGinnity, who allows three runs in the 9th inning to turn a 4 – 3 lead into a 6 – 4 defeat.

At Brooklyn’s Washington Park, Philadelphia southpaw John Lush strikes out 11 batters en route to throwing a 6-0 no-hitter against the Superbas, a team that will become known as the Dodgers in 1911. There will not be another no-hitter by a Phillies pitcher until Jim Bunning’s perfect game against the Mets in 1964.

ByTom

At Brooklyn’s Washington Park, Philadelphia southpaw John Lush strikes out 11 batters en route to throwing a 6-0 no-hitter against the Superbas, a team that will become known as the Dodgers in 1911. There will not be another no-hitter by a Phillies pitcher until Jim Bunning’s perfect game against the Mets in 1964.

1906 – It’s the only time two player-managers steal home on the same day, though not in the same game. Chicago Cubs pilot Frank Chance steals in the 9th inning to give Chicago a 1 – 0 win over the Cincinnati Reds, and Fred Clarke matches him in the Pittsburgh Pirates’ 10 – 1 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals.

ByTom

1906 – It’s the only time two player-managers steal home on the same day, though not in the same game. Chicago Cubs pilot Frank Chance steals in the 9th inning to give Chicago a 1 – 0 win over the Cincinnati Reds, and Fred Clarke matches him in the Pittsburgh Pirates’ 10 – 1 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals.

A new baseball rule puts the umpire in sole charge of all game balls. The home team manager previously had some say as to when a new ball was introduced.

ByBaseball

A new baseball rule puts the umpire in sole charge of all game balls. The home team manager previously had some say as to when a new ball was introduced.

Patsy Dougherty leads the Highlanders over the Americans

Patsy Dougherty leads the Highlanders over the Americans

ByBobby

Patsy Dougherty of the New York Highlanders, catcher Charlie Graham, and umpire Jack Sheridan await George Winter’s pitch during a game at Boston’s Huntington Avenue Grounds, April 17, 1906. The 17,697 fans in attendance see New York go on to defeat the Americans, 4-3. Dougherty, batting leadoff, goes 2-for-5 with two RBI and a double;…

Johnny Bates of the Boston Beaneaters becomes the first modern player to hit a home run in his first major league at-bat

Johnny Bates of the Boston Beaneaters becomes the first modern player to hit a home run in his first major league at-bat

ByTom

1906 – Johnny Bates of the Boston Beaneaters becomes the first modern player to hit a home run in his first major league at-bat, when he connects in the 2nd inning against Brooklyn Superbas pitcher Harry McIntire. Pitcher Irv Young allows only one hit, a double by Harry Lumley, as Boston beats Brooklyn, 2 – 0.

Little Poison Lloyd Waner - Traded twice in 1941

future Hall of Famer Lloyd “Little Poison” Waner is born in Harrah, Oklahoma

ByThis Day in Baseball

On March 16, 1906, future Hall of Famer Lloyd “Little Poison” Waner is born in Harrah, Oklahoma.  Although Waner weighs only 150 pounds in his prime, he can hit for average, steal bases, field and throw as a center fielder, and beat opponents in countless ways. He does not draw many walks or hit for much…

1906 – Rookie owner Charles W. Murphy puts the last pieces of a Chicago Cubs dynasty in place, trading rookie infielder Hans Lobert and pitcher Jake Weimer to the Cincinnati Reds for third baseman Harry Steinfeldt. Not a heavy hitter, Steinfeldt completes the Frank Chance-Johnny Evers-Joe Tinker infield with more than adequate defense.

ByTom

1906 – Rookie owner Charles W. Murphy puts the last pieces of a Chicago Cubs dynasty in place, trading rookie infielder Hans Lobert and pitcher Jake Weimer to the Cincinnati Reds for third baseman Harry Steinfeldt. Not a heavy hitter, Steinfeldt completes the Frank Chance-Johnny Evers-Joe Tinker infield with more than adequate defense.