In the first night game played at the Polo Grounds, the hometown Giants beat Boston, 8-1. The Manhattan ballpark’s $125,000 lighting system works well, allowing the 22,260 patrons attending the game to follow the nocturnal contest without any difficulties.
The Cleveland Indians beat the St. Louis Browns, 3 – 2, in the first night game played at Sportsman’s Park before 24,827. Bob Feller beats Elden Auker and adds a home run as well.
In front of just 793 paid customers in St. Louis‚ the Browns trip the Senators‚ 8 – 7‚ in 12 innings. Jimmy Bloodworth’s 2-run homer gives the Nats the lead in the top of the 12th‚ but the George McQuinn’s second homer of the day‚ a single‚ and a triple by Rip Radcliff‚ who scores on a sac fly, gives St. Louis the win over Sid Hudson.
On May 21, 1940, at Briggs Stadium in Detroit, future Hall of Famer Jimmie Foxx of the Boston Red Sox hits a grand slam home run for the second consecutive day. Foxx’s grand slam proves decisive, as the Red Sox defeat the Detroit Tigers, 11-8. Ted Williams, Bobby Doerr and Doc Cramer also homer for…
5/21/1940: Frankie Hayes of the Athletics hit a grand slam off Browns pitcher Bob Harris in the top of the fifth inning. The game was rained out after 4-1/2 innings with Philadelphia leading 6-0.
The Phils sign pitcher Cy Blanton when he is made a free agent by the Pirates on orders from Commissioner Landis.
Tiger slugger Pinky Higgins hits three consecutive home runs at Briggs Stadium. The third baseman’s offensive output contributes to Detroit’s 10-7 victory over Boston.
1B Art Mahan and 2B Ham Schulte establish themselves as regulars at their positions with the Phillies. Fewer than a dozen players have been 120-or-more-game regulars in their only season in the major leagues, and the Phillies, again locked in last place, have two of them in one season. Neither Phillie will hit .250, but Schulte will top second basemen in fielding.
In the Pirates’ 5 – 2 loss to the Giants, only three Bucs bat in the 2nd, but all reach base. Maurice Van Robays singles and is picked off; Vince DiMaggio walks and is forced at 2B by Frankie Gustine, who is caught stealing.
On May 14, 1940, future Hall of Famer Jimmie Foxx hits what is believed to be the longest home run in the history of Comiskey Park. The Boston Red Sox’ slugger hits a titanic blast against Johnny Rigney that clears the left-field roof. Lefty Grove picks up the win 7-6.
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