The Giants score nine runs by the 3rd inning and young Jeff Tesreau holds on for an 11 – 8 win over the Cardinals. Christy Mathewson relieves in the 9th for New York. In the 7th inning, with a man on third, Tesreau grounds to SS Wally Smith, whose throw to first base hits umpire Brick Owens in the head, knocking him out. Owens’ wife, who is watching from the grandstand, faints. The runner is sent back to third base and Tesreau hits again. Owens is back at work the next day.

The Giants score nine runs by the 3rd inning and young Jeff Tesreau holds on for an 11 – 8 win over the Cardinals. Christy Mathewson relieves in the 9th for New York. In the 7th inning, with a man on third, Tesreau grounds to SS Wally Smith, whose throw to first base hits umpire Brick Owens in the head, knocking him out. Owens’ wife, who is watching from the grandstand, faints. The runner is sent back to third base and Tesreau hits again. Owens is back at work the next day.

The Pittsburgh Filipinos, of the newly formed United States League, open the season at vacant Exposition Park. The team is named after its veteran Deacon Phillippe, former Pirates star. The USL has promised not to sign current major leaguers, but will not last through June. It will form the basis for the following year’s Federal League, though.

The Pittsburgh Filipinos, of the newly formed United States League, open the season at vacant Exposition Park. The team is named after its veteran Deacon Phillippe, former Pirates star. The USL has promised not to sign current major leaguers, but will not last through June. It will form the basis for the following year’s Federal League, though.

Leading 18 – 5 after eight innings, Philadelphia Athletics pitchers give up a record 9th-inning outburst of 10 runs to the New York Highlanders before Eddie Plank stops them at 18 – 15.

Leading 18 – 5 after eight innings, Philadelphia Athletics pitchers give up a record 9th-inning outburst of 10 runs to the New York Highlanders before Eddie Plank stops them at 18 – 15.

At South End Grounds, the hometown Braves score ten runs in the first two innings and hold on to defeat the Superbas (Dodgers), 11-7. Brooklyn scores four runs in the bottom of the third to knock out Boston’s starter Buster Brown.

At South End Grounds, the hometown Braves score ten runs in the first two innings and hold on to defeat the Superbas (Dodgers), 11-7. Brooklyn scores four runs in the bottom of the third to knock out Boston’s starter Buster Brown.

George Sisler, a freshman at the University of Michigan, strikes out 20 in seven innings. Sisler will start his Hall of Fame career in 1915 with the St. Louis Browns, but will gain his fame as a hitter, not as a pitcher.

George Sisler, a freshman at the University of Michigan, strikes out 20 in seven innings. Sisler will start his Hall of Fame career in 1915 with the St. Louis Browns, but will gain his fame as a hitter, not as a pitcher.

George Sisler, a freshman at the University of Michigan, strikes out 20 in seven innings. Sisler will start his Hall of Fame career in 1915 with the St. Louis Browns, but will gain his fame as a hitter, not as a pitcher.

Fenway Park 1912
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Fenway Park Opens – Boston beats New York

On April 20, 1912 – The Boston Red Sox play the first game in the history of Fenway Park, after three previous attempts to play the opener have been rained out. Over 27,000 fans attended the opening, the Red Sox had “The Million Dollar” outfield of Duffy Lewis, Tris Speaker, and Harry Hooper. In 1912,…

Detroit Tigers christen Navin Field with a 6-5 win
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Detroit Tigers christen Navin Field with a 6-5 win

On April 20, 1912, the Detroit Tigers host their first game at Navin Field. The original opening day was to be April 18th but it was delayed, as was Fenway Park’s by multiple days of heavy rain. The starting lineups included three future members of Baseball’s Hall of Fame: charter member Ty Cobb, Wahoo Sam…

Walter Johnson

At Griffith Stadium James S. Sherman becomes the first U.S. Vice President to throw the ceremonial first pitch

At Griffith Stadium prior to the Senators’ 6-0 victory over the A’s, James S. Sherman becomes the first U.S. Vice President to throw the ceremonial first pitch on Opening Day. William Howard Taft does not attend the game, due to the death of Archibald Butt, a friend lost in the sinking of the Titanic.