At Philadelphia, the A’s Frank Baker hits for the cycle in a 5 – 1 win over the Yankees in game two of a doubleheader.

At Philadelphia, the A’s Frank Baker hits for the cycle in a 5 – 1 win over the Yankees in game two of a doubleheader.

ByThis Day in Baseball

On July 3, 1911 At Philadelphia, the A’s Frank Baker hits for the cycle in a 5 – 1 win over the Yankees in game two of a doubleheader.   @ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF90YWdzIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsiYmVmb3JlIjoiTGVhcm4gTW9yZSBhYm91dCB0aGUgdGVhbXMsIHBsYXllcnMsIGJhbGwgcGFya3MgYW5kIGV2ZW50cyB0aGF0IGhhcHBlbmVkIG9uIHRoaXMgZGF0ZSBpbiBoaXN0b3J5IGp1c3QgY2xpY2sgdGhlIHRhZ3MhICAiLCJhZnRlciI6IiIsImxpbmtfdG9fdGVybV9wYWdlIjoib24iLCJzZXBhcmF0b3IiOiIgfCAiLCJjYXRlZ29yeV90eXBlIjoicG9zdF90YWcifX0=@

William Howard Taft becomes the first U.S. President to throw out a ceremonial first pitch on Opening Day
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William Howard Taft becomes the first U.S. President to throw out a ceremonial first pitch on Opening Day

ByThis Day in Baseball

William Howard Taft becomes the first U.S. President to throw out a ceremonial first pitch on Opening Day. Attending the game in Washington, D.C., President Taft tosses the first ball to future Hall of Famer Walter Johnson, who pitches the first of his 14 Opening Day Washington games, striking out nine, en route to a 3 – 0 one-hit shutout against Eddie Plank and the Philadelphia Athletics. A double by Home Run Baker – caused by right fielder Doc Gessler tripping over a fan who had spilled out of overflow seating – spoils Johnson’s chance at an opening day no-hitter. Gabby Street is the Senators’ catcher, the only opener in which he catches for Johnson.

Frank Baker is born in Trappe, Maryland

Frank Baker is born in Trappe, Maryland

ByThis Day in Baseball

Frank Baker is born in Trappe, Maryland. A third baseman and left-handed hitter, Baker will guide the Philadelphia Athletics to three World Series championships. He will be nicknamed “Home Run” during the 1911 World Series, in which he will hit a go-ahead home run off Rube Marquard in Game Two and a 9th-inning game-tying home run off Christy Mathewson in Game Three. Baker will lead the American League in home runs for four consecutive seasons, twice lead the league in RBI, and bat .363 in six Series. Baker will earn Hall of Fame honors in 1955.