At Huntington Avenue Grounds, Boston Red Sox centerfielder Tris Speaker pulls off his second unassisted double play, the gem occurring in the 2nd inning against the Philadelphia Athletics. Speaker snares a low line drive and beats baserunner Harry Davis back to second base. The game goes 11 innings with the Athletics prevailing, 5 – 3. Eddie Plank is the starter and winner over Eddie Cicotte.
The Boston Doves and Philadelphia Phillies combine for a major-league record fewest at-bats by two teams in a nine-inning game: 48 (25 for the Doves, 23 for the Phils). Boston wins, 3 – 0. The mark will be tied next year and topped in the American League in 1964.
In front of 19,867 of the Tribe’s faithful, Detroit right-hander Ed Willett spoils the team’s debut in League Park, blanking Cleveland, 5-0. The ballpark, located at E. 66th and Lexington Avenue, will serve as the franchise’s full-time home until the club moves during the 1932 season to Municipal Stadium.
On April 20, 1910, Addie Joss of the Cleveland Naps pitches his second career no-hitter. A busy Joss helps himself by recording 10 fielding assists during the 1-0 victory over the Chicago White Sox.
William Howard Taft becomes the first U.S. President to throw out a ceremonial first pitch on Opening Day. Attending the game in Washington, D.C., President Taft tosses the first ball to future Hall of Famer Walter Johnson, who pitches the first of his 14 Opening Day Washington games, striking out nine, en route to a 3 – 0 one-hit shutout against Eddie Plank and the Philadelphia Athletics. A double by Home Run Baker – caused by right fielder Doc Gessler tripping over a fan who had spilled out of overflow seating – spoils Johnson’s chance at an opening day no-hitter. Gabby Street is the Senators’ catcher, the only opener in which he catches for Johnson.
Red Ames of the New York Giants pitches hitless ball for six innings but loses to the Boston Doves, 3 – 2, in 11 innings. Chick Evans, in relief of Al Mattern, is the winning pitcher.
In the season opener before 25,000 at New York’s Hilltop Park, the Boston Red Sox sport laced collars, the last major league team to wear a collar. Boston sends the New York Highlanders into extra innings before the game is called at the end of 14 innings with the score, 4 – 4. Ed Cicotte starts for Boston, with Joe Wood relieving in the 8th inning. Hippo Vaughn goes all the way for New York, retiring Boston batters in the 4th and 12th innings on four pitches. He needs just three pitches in the 10th.
Frank Smith pitches a one-hitter in the season opener to give the Chicago White Sox a 3 – 0 victory against the St. Louis Browns. Ray Demmitt’s single is the only hit for St. Louis. By season’s end the American League will see 13 one-hitters – a league record.
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Fred Beebe fires a three-hitter in stopping the Chicago Cubs, 1 – 0, in 10 innings. Wildfire Schulte has all three Chicago hits. Beebe was acquired in February from the Cardinals, along with Alan Storke, in exchange for Miller Huggins, Rebel Oakes, and Frank Corridon.
Paddy O’Connor at spring training in Hot Springs, Arkansas – 1910. [jetpack_subscription_form title=”Join the Community” subscribe_text=”We bring you cool stories about the game, players, ballparks and the people that shaped the game!” subscribe_button=”Join us!” show_subscribers_total=”1″] Subscribe to our Podcast The Daily Rewind on Apples Podcast | Spotify | Google | Stitcher And connect with us…
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