Cardinals pitching great Bob Gibson fans the Reds’ Cesar Geronimo to become the second hurler after Walter Johnson to strike out 3,000 batters. Geronimo will become Nolan Ryan’s 3,000th strikeout victim six years later. The Reds shrug it off, scoring six runs in the 1st inning and three in the 2nd on their way to a 12 – 7 win.
1974 – Bob Gallagher drives in Milt May in the bottom of the 12th for a 7-6 win over the Cubs. It rains indoors! Workers forget to replace some tiles in the Astrodome roof and an evening downpour creates puddles in right and center fields while showering a few lucky outfield ticket-holders who are handed plastic trash bags for shelter.
The Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates split a doubleheader marked by a free-for-all which is later credited with inspiring Pittsburgh and turning its season around. The fight starts after a 4th inning beanball when Jack Billingham plunks pitcher Bruce Kison, bringing both teams onto the field. When Sparky Anderson accidentally steps on Ed Kirkpatrick’s foot, the Buc catcher shoves the Reds manager, earning him a punch from the Reds’ Andy Kosco. Pedro Borbon pins Daryl Patterson, pulling his hair out and a piece of flesh.
In a split with the Milwaukee Brewers, the Texas Rangers’ Billy Martin is the first American League manager to be removed by umpires from two games in one day. Milwaukee wins 9 – 2 in game 1, with the Rangers winning the nitecap, 5 – 4.
On July 11, 1974, the San Diego Padres release Matty Alou, ending the career of the lifetime .307 hitter. Earlier in the season, Matty’s older brother, Felipe Alou, was released by the Brewers on April 29th, also ending his career.
On July 8, 1974, journeyman shortstop Jim Mason of the New York Yankees ties a major league record by swatting four doubles in a game against the Texas Rangers. Usually a light hitter, Mason will finish the season with only 18 doubles and a mediocre .250 batting average.
Oakland outfielder Claudell Washington, making his first start in the major leagues, strokes a single in the tenth inning to give the A’s a 4-3 victory over the Indians. The 19 year-old rookie’s walk-off hit spoils Gaylord Perry’s attempt to get a record-tying 16th consecutive victory this season.
In the opener of a doubleheader, Don Money sets a major-league record for consecutive errorless games at 3B with 78. The Brewers beat the Twins, 8 – 5, then lose 5 – 3. Money will end the season with just five errors, breaking George Kell’s record set in 1950. Money also holds the National League record with just 10 errors, set with the Phils in 1972.
In an 11 – 2 win over the Cards, the Reds’ Darrel Chaney hits a grand slam home run. Chaney will hit 14 homers in the majors, but the radio call on the slam will end up as his front door bell chime.
The Cubs snap Buzz Capra’s nine-game winning streak when the team beats the Braves at Wrigley Field, 4-3. The 26 year-old All-Star right-hander, who established a franchise mark for consecutive victories, will finish the season with a 16-8 record, posting a major league-leading ERA of 2.28.
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