On Opening Day, Mel Ott hits his 511th and final home run of his career in the Giants’ 8-4 victory over Philadelphia at the Polo Grounds, a ballpark in which he has hit 63% of his round-trippers. The 37 year-old player-manager, who has two hundred more homers than any other National Leaguer, will retire third on the all-time list, trailing only Babe Ruth (714) and Jimmie Foxx (534).

On Opening Day, Mel Ott hits his 511th and final home run of his career in the Giants’ 8-4 victory over Philadelphia at the Polo Grounds, a ballpark in which he has hit 63% of his round-trippers. The 37 year-old player-manager, who has two hundred more homers than any other National Leaguer, will retire third on the all-time list, trailing only Babe Ruth (714) and Jimmie Foxx (534).

ByTom

On Opening Day, Mel Ott hits his 511th and final home run of his career in the Giants’ 8-4 victory over Philadelphia at the Polo Grounds, a ballpark in which he has hit 63% of his round-trippers. The 37 year-old player-manager, who has two hundred more homers than any other National Leaguer, will retire third on the all-time list, trailing only Babe Ruth (714) and Jimmie Foxx (534).

“An Apology to Braves Fans – The management will reimburse any of its patrons for any expense to which they might have been put for necessary cleansing of clothing as a result of paint damage.” – LOCAL NEWSPAPER AD. As the result of the newly painted grandstand seats having not yet wholly dried, about 5,000 fans attending the Boston’s home opener against the Dodgers left Braves Field with green paint covering much of their clothing. The team takes out newspaper ads to apologize to the affected patrons, agreeing to reimburse any expense caused by the mishap, an offer that will cost the team $6,000, after it generates nearly 13,000 claims, including some from as far away as California and Nebraska.

ByTom

“An Apology to Braves Fans – The management will reimburse any of its patrons for any expense to which they might have been put for necessary cleansing of clothing as a result of paint damage.” – LOCAL NEWSPAPER AD. As the result of the newly painted grandstand seats having not yet wholly dried, about 5,000 fans attending the Boston’s home opener against the Dodgers left Braves Field with green paint covering much of their clothing. The team takes out newspaper ads to apologize to the affected patrons, agreeing to reimburse any expense caused by the mishap, an offer that will cost the team $6,000, after it generates nearly 13,000 claims, including some from as far away as California and Nebraska.

Bob Feller hurls first and only opening day no hitter

Bob Feller hurls first and only opening day no hitter

ByThis Day in Baseball

On April 16, 1940, Bob Feller of the Cleveland Indians hurls the first and only Opening Day no-hitter in major league history. Feller outduels Edgar Smith of the Chicago White Sox in winning a 1-0 decision at Comiskey Park. During one at-bat, White Sox star Luke Appling fouls off 15 straight pitches, but fails to get a hit.

With the band playing Jingle Bells at Boston’s Braves Field on a snowy day with near freezing temperatures, Babe Ruth makes his National league debut, hitting a homer and a single off Giants’ legend Carl Hubbell. The Braves beat New York, 4-2, but the team will go on to win only 37 more games this season.

With the band playing Jingle Bells at Boston’s Braves Field on a snowy day with near freezing temperatures, Babe Ruth makes his National league debut, hitting a homer and a single off Giants’ legend Carl Hubbell. The Braves beat New York, 4-2, but the team will go on to win only 37 more games this season.

ByTom

With the band playing Jingle Bells at Boston’s Braves Field on a snowy day with near freezing temperatures, Babe Ruth makes his National league debut, hitting a homer and a single off Giants’ legend Carl Hubbell. The Braves beat New York, 4-2, but the team will go on to win only 37 more games this season.

Yankees become first team to have numbers on back

ByThis Day in Baseball

On April 16, 1929, the New York Yankees become the first team to permanently feature numbers on the backs of their uniforms. The numbers correspond to each player’s position in the batting order. The numbers also allow fans and broadcasters to more easily identify the players. Future Hall of Famers Earle Combs, Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig wear #1, #3 and #4, respectively.

Earl Averill of the Cleveland Indians becomes the first American League player to hit a home run in his first major league at-bat 
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Earl Averill of the Cleveland Indians becomes the first American League player to hit a home run in his first major league at-bat 

ByThis Day in Baseball

Earl Averill of the Cleveland Indians becomes the first American League player to hit a home run in his first major league at-bat when he blasts an 0-and-2 pitch by Detroit Tigers pitcher Earl Whitehill in the Indians’ 5 – 4, 11-inning victory.