1976 – On a cold Sunday night, the Cincinnati Reds gang up on pitcher Catfish Hunter for three runs, but the Yankees battle back to tie it up. With two outs in the 9th inning, Yankees shortstop Fred Stanley throws Ken Griffey’s easy grounder into the dugout. A walk and a Tony Perez single follow and Cincinnati wins Game 2 of the World Series, 4 – 3.
In Game 1 of the World Series against the Yankees, Dan Driessen, batting fifth in the Reds lineup, becomes the first National League player to be used as a designated hitter. The DH was not employed before this year’s Fall Classic, although the concept had been adopted and used in the American League since 1973.
The Yankees dramatically win their 30th pennant on Chris Chambliss’ home run in the bottom of the ninth inning. The first baseman’s walk-off solo shot beats the Royals in Game Five and the deciding contest of the ALCS, 7-6.
1976 – The Cincinnati Reds score seven times in the final three innings to secure a 7 – 6 win and complete a sweep of the Phillies in the National League Championship Series.
The Royals gain their first postseason victory in franchise history when they beat the Yankees, 7-3, in Game 2 of the ALCS. Kansas City southpaw Paul Splittorff, pitching 5.2 innings in relief, is credited with the victory.
On the way home from his party, Pirates reliever Bob Moose dies on his birthday in an automobile accident in Martin’s Ferry, Ohio. The 29-year-old, who no-hit the Mets in 1969, played his entire nine-year career with Pirates, compiling a 76-71 record along with an ERA of 3.50.
On October 3, 1976, Hank Aaron comes to bat for the final time facing Tiger hurler Dave Roberts. The Milwaukee Brewers’ 42-year-old DH scratches out an infield single before leaving the game for a pinch-runner. Aaron drives in his 2,297th run as the sixth-place Brewers lose to the Tigers 5 – 2. Ironically, Aaron,…
On October 3, 1976.00 After being at the Dodger’s helm for 23 years, Walter Alston’s managerial career comes to an end when the team drops a 3-2 decision to the Padres, finishing the campaign ten games behind the Reds. During his tenure, which began in Brooklyn in 1954, the skipper known as Smokey to his…
test On October 3, 1976 On the last day of the season, Kansas City’s George Brett and Hal McRae and Minnesota’s Rod Carew are separated by .001 for the batting title. Brett, who goes 3-for-4 , edges his Royals teammate (.333 vs .332) for the American League crown with the deciding hit, an inside-the-park home…
In his final start of the season, rookie right-hander Mark Fidrych earns his 19th victory, beating Milwaukee at County Stadium, 5-1. The five-hit complete game takes only one hour and 46 minutes to play.
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