In the opener of a twin bill at Griffith Stadium, Indians’ hurler Bob Lemon helps his cause by hitting two home runs in a 7-5 victory over the Senators. Cleveland completes the sweep when Gene Beardon gets the victory in the Tribe’s 5-2 win in the nightcap.

In the opener of a twin bill at Griffith Stadium, Indians’ hurler Bob Lemon helps his cause by hitting two home runs in a 7-5 victory over the Senators. Cleveland completes the sweep when Gene Beardon gets the victory in the Tribe’s 5-2 win in the nightcap.

Larry Doby is thrown out trying to steal home with no outs with the bases loaded in the bottom of the eighth inning in a 7-3 loss to the Yankees at Cleveland Stadium. Tribe manager Lou Boudreau will fine his center fielder for the failed attempt to steal home and for taking several other unnecessary chances recently.

Larry Doby is thrown out trying to steal home with no outs with the bases loaded in the bottom of the eighth inning in a 7-3 loss to the Yankees at Cleveland Stadium. Tribe manager Lou Boudreau will fine his center fielder for the failed attempt to steal home and for taking several other unnecessary chances recently.

Jackie Robinson testifies in front of the House Committee on Un-American Activities, reading a carefully worded statement put together with the help of Dodger GM Branch Rickey. The Brooklyn second baseman’s statement makes it clear he disagrees with singer and actor Paul Robeson’s belief that American Negroes would refuse to fight in any war against Russia due to the country’s racial discrimination toward blacks.

Jackie Robinson testifies in front of the House Committee on Un-American Activities, reading a carefully worded statement put together with the help of Dodger GM Branch Rickey. The Brooklyn second baseman’s statement makes it clear he disagrees with singer and actor Paul Robeson’s belief that American Negroes would refuse to fight in any war against Russia due to the country’s racial discrimination toward blacks.

In the aftermath of the beanball wars, Spalding advertises a batting helmet with ear flaps in The Sporting News. Players express no interest, but next year the Brooklyn Dodgers will introduce a cap liner, which some batters start to use.

In the aftermath of the beanball wars, Spalding advertises a batting helmet with ear flaps in The Sporting News. Players express no interest, but next year the Brooklyn Dodgers will introduce a cap liner, which some batters start to use.

Jackie Robinson congratulates Stan Musial after his homerun in the 1949 All Star Game at Ebbets Field.

1949 All Star Game

The National League commits five errors, allowing the American League to record an 11 – 7 triumph in the All-Star Game at Ebbets Field. The contest marks the first appearance of black players in an All-Star Game: Jackie Robinson, Roy Campanella and Don Newcombe in the NL lineup, and Larry Doby among the AL stars.

The major league owners agree to install warning tracks made of cinder in front of outfield fences before the start of next season. The origin of the concept began at Yankee Stadium, where an actual running track, used in the ballpark’s track and field events, helped fielders know their proximity to the outfield fence when attempting to make a play.

The major league owners agree to install warning tracks made of cinder in front of outfield fences before the start of next season. The origin of the concept began at Yankee Stadium, where an actual running track, used in the ballpark’s track and field events, helped fielders know their proximity to the outfield fence when attempting to make a play.

Monte Irvin and Hank Thompson become the first black players for the New York Giants

Monte Irvin and Hank Thompson become the first black players for the New York Giants

On July 8, 1949, Monte Irvin and Hank Thompson, brought up from Jersey City three days earlier, become the first black players for the New York Giants. Irvin walks in a pinch-hitting appearance in the 8th for Clint Hartung, while Thompson goes hitless in a 4-3 loss to Don Newcombe of the Brooklyn Dodgers. The game marks…

At Crosley Field, Walker Cooper goes 6 for 7, including three home runs and three singles, five runs scored and ten RBIs, to power the Reds over the Cubs, 23 – 4. Cooper had just been acquired on June 13th from the Giants.

At Crosley Field, Walker Cooper goes 6 for 7, including three home runs and three singles, five runs scored and ten RBIs, to power the Reds over the Cubs, 23 – 4. Cooper had just been acquired on June 13th from the Giants.

The Dodgers increase their lead to two games over the Cardinals by winning the twin bill from the Phillies while the Redbirds, with Max Lanier dropping his first start since reinstatement, divide with the Cubs.

The Dodgers increase their lead to two games over the Cardinals by winning the twin bill from the Phillies while the Redbirds, with Max Lanier dropping his first start since reinstatement, divide with the Cubs.