The White Sox roll over the Browns‚ 16 – 2. Taffy Wright paces the 15-hit attack with two homers and a double to drive in 6 runs.
In New York, Les Brown and his Orchestra record “Joltin’ Joe” for Columbia Records. The song about Yankee outfielder Joe DiMaggio’s hitting streak will be played incessantly on radio stations across the country, eventually reaching number 12 on the charts.
August 8, 1940. After a Daily News story reported that the New York Giants’ bullpen had an awning, the Dodgers decided to bring their own awning to the Polo Grounds; it was supplied by Leffert’s Bar and Grill. Pictured are pitcher Hugh Casey, catcher Gus Mancuso and coach Charley Dressen.
1940 – At Fenway Park‚ 27-year-old Tiny Bonham makes his major league debut for the Yankees and loses‚ 4 – 1‚ to Fritz Ostermueller. Bonham‚ brought up to replace the sore-armed Lefty Gomez‚ will still end the season at 9-3‚ complete 10 games‚ and toss three shutouts. His ERA will be 1.90 but Bob Feller will lead the American League at 2.61, although some will consider Bonham the title holder.
The White Sox stop Boston’s winning streak of 12 games by pounding the Bosox‚ 13 – 0‚ after losing the opener‚ 7 – 6. The Red Sox win with 2 runs in the 9th. John Whitehead holds to the Red Sox to 4 hits in game 2‚ while Zeke Bonura provides a grand slam.
The East beats the West, 7 – 2, in the 1937 East-West Game. Barney Morris gets the win while Wild Bill Wright gets three hits, two runs and two RBI.
1936 – At the Olympics in Berlin‚ the announcement is made of the formation of the World International Baseball Federation‚ a 16-nation group‚ including Hawaii‚ to be headquartered in Miami.
On August 8, 1934, Hall of Fame manager Wilbert Robinson dies in Atlanta at the age of 71 after suffering a stroke. Robinson won a total of 1,399 games in 19 major league seasons. “Uncle Robbie” the jovial and bemused managed the Brooklyn franchise for 18 of those seasons, leading the team to National League…
A series of Midsummer Classic games is proposed by William Veeck, president of the Cubs. Although the idea receives some support, it will be 64 years before a team from the American League plays a club from the National League during the regular season.
1931 – The Washington Senators’ Bobby Burke no-hits the Boston Red Sox, 5 – 0, in Washington, walking five and striking out eight.
Enjoy our free trial and start listening to games, interviews and shows! Ruth, Mantle, Aaron, and Seaver!