The Milwaukee Braves trade slugger Frank Thomas to the New York Mets for a player to be named later (Gus Bell) and a reported $125,000.

The Milwaukee Braves trade slugger Frank Thomas to the New York Mets for a player to be named later (Gus Bell) and a reported $125,000.

The Milwaukee Braves trade slugger Frank Thomas to the New York Mets for a player to be named later (Gus Bell) and a reported $125,000.

Frank Thomas delivers a walk off win for the Braves

Frank Thomas delivers a walk off win for the Braves

August 12, 1961 – With the Braves losing to the Cubs, 6-5, with two out in the ninth inning, left fielder Frank Thomas smashed a three-run homer off Dick Drott to give Don McMahon and the Braves a walkoff 8-6 victory at County Stadium. [jetpack_subscription_form title=”Join the Community” subscribe_text=”We bring you cool stories about the…

harvey haddix

Pittsburgh Pirates acquire pitcher Harvey Haddix

On January 30, 1959, the Pittsburgh Pirates acquire pitcher Harvey Haddix, catcher Smoky Burgess, and infielder Don Hoak (photo)from the Cincinnati Reds for third baseman Frank Thomas, infielder-outfielder Jim Pendleton, outfielder Johnny Powers and pitcher Charles “Whammy” Douglas-cash. The deal will turn out to be one on the worst in Cincinnati history. Frank Thomas (no,…

Two Triples and one Triple Play, courtesy of Roberto Clemente and Eddie O’Brien 

Two Triples and one Triple Play, courtesy of Roberto Clemente and Eddie O’Brien 

1956 – Two Triples and one Triple Play, courtesy of Roberto Clemente and Eddie O’Brien respectively. These, along with the first home runs of the spring for Frank Thomas and Jack Shepard, are the highlights of Pittsburgh’s exhibition win over Detroit, a somewhat slovenly 10 – 5 affair. For sheer novelty, O’Brien’s spectacularly unsuccessful 6th-inning sacrifice attempt is hard to top. Les Biederman of the Pittsburgh Press reports: “O’Brien tried to bunt but popped the ball to pitcher Bill Black, who threw to first and the relay went to second base in time for the first triple play of the exhibition season.” Going from the ridiculous to the sublime, there’s Clemente, who, in Fort Myers as in Forbes Field, has quickly established himself as the fan favorite. By far the most incendiary of today’s highlights are Clemente’s two two-run triples. “Clemente brought down the house when he twice tripled with two aboard,” writes Biederman, “and the 1,289 fans gave him the glad hand.”

Toothpick Sam Jones of the Chicago Cubs becomes the first black pitcher in major league history to throw a no-hitter

Toothpick Sam Jones of the Chicago Cubs becomes the first black pitcher in major league history to throw a no-hitter and he does it in the hardest way. In the 9th inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Jones walks the bases full and then strikes out Dick Groat, Roberto Clemente and Frank Thomas in a row to preserve his 4 – 0 victory. It is also the first no-hitter at Wrigley Field in the last 38 years. Unfortunately only 2,918 fans are on hand to witness the double milestone.