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1976 – Joe Niekro tags his brother Phil for a home run in a 4-3 victory at Atlanta. It is the only homer in Joe’s 21-season major league career (973 ABs). The seventh-inning blast comes on a knuckleball that Joe sends over the left field fence. Ken Boswellcontributes three hits, including the game-winner. 

1976 – Joe Niekro tags his brother Phil for a home run in a 4-3 victory at Atlanta. It is the only homer in Joe’s 21-season major league career (973 ABs). The seventh-inning blast comes on a knuckleball that Joe sends over the left field fence. Ken Boswellcontributes three hits, including the game-winner. 

Signed Frank Robinson Photograph - 8x10 Beckett BAS #B26564 - Beckett Authentication
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Frank Robinson 11th man to enter into 500 Homerun Club

  On September 13, 1971, At Memorial Stadium, Frank Robinson of the Baltimore Orioles rips home runs in each game of a doubleheader against the Detroit Tigers to become the 11th man to enter the 500-home run club. Robinson’s 500th was a ninth-inning three-run homer off Fred Scherman, who pitches 8 2/3 innings in relief…

Denny McLain‚ making his first appearance in Detroit since being traded

Denny McLain‚ making his first appearance in Detroit since being traded

With 53‚337 on hand, Mickey Lolich and Les Cain‚ with 3 innings from Joe Niekro‚ notch shutouts as the Tigers sweep a doubleheader from the Senators, 5 – 0 and 11 – 0. The loser in the opener is Denny McLain‚ making his first appearance in Detroit since being traded. Al Kaline and Norm Cash each hit two-run homers off Denny‚ with Cash adding another pair‚ one with the sacks full‚ in the nitecap.

Horace Clarke of the New York Yankees breaks up a no-hitter for the third time in a month

Horace Clarke of the New York Yankees breaks up a no-hitter for the third time in a month

On July 2, 1970, Horace Clarke of the New York Yankees breaks up a no-hitter for the third time in a month. With a ninth-inning single against the Detroit Tigers, Clarke breaks up the no-hit efforts of right-hander Joe Niekro. Earlier in the month, the switch-hitting Clarke spoiled no-hit bids by Jim Rooker of the…

ernie banks 1500 RBI

Cubs rout Padres 19-0 as Ernie Banks drives in 7 and reaches 1500 RBI’s

On May 13, 1969, Ernie Banks of the Chicago Cubs drives in seven runs and reaches the 1,500-RBI milestone in a 19-0 shellacking of the expansion San Diego Padres. Hard-throwing right-hander Dick Selma earns the win as the Cubs tie a modern-day record for the most one-sided shutout in National League history. Selma allowed just…

1969 – Roberto Clemente’s first hit of the season easily escapes the friendly confines of Wrigley Field. “Clemente, who had been 0 for 12,” writes Bill Christine of the Pittsburgh Press, “attempted to add some adrenalin to the Pirate attack in the 1st inning when he blasted a Joe Niekro fastball out in the street beyond left field.” The first-frame bomb, however, yields but a short-lived lead. “Billy Williams,” writes Lee Jenkins of the Chicago Daily Defender, “showing off his recently acquired ability to go with the pitch, slammed one into the left field bleachers in the 1st and rookie Don Young performed the same feat good for 2 runs in the 2nd to more than counteract Clemente’s tremendous shot over the left-field stands.” Additional adrenalin – accounting for Pittsburgh’s remaining three runs – is supplied by Clemente’s 5th-inning, bases-loaded single, whereby he will significantly enhance Niekro’s understanding of the phrase “dangerous hitter.” Jenkins writes: “Clemente fired a shot through the middle that knocked Niekro down and raced to second base when Young tried for a one-handed scoop and the ball got through for a two-base error with three runs counting.” By the 7th inning, the Cubs have finally wised up. Jenkins continues: “Hank Aguirre knocked off five Pirates before pinch-hitter Jose Pagan lashed a single to lead off the 7th and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Clemente was given an intentional walk after he refused to bite at three Aguirre wide ones. But the crafty veteran fanned Willie Stargell to escape.”

1969 – Roberto Clemente’s first hit of the season easily escapes the friendly confines of Wrigley Field. “Clemente, who had been 0 for 12,” writes Bill Christine of the Pittsburgh Press, “attempted to add some adrenalin to the Pirate attack in the 1st inning when he blasted a Joe Niekro fastball out in the street beyond left field.” The first-frame bomb, however, yields but a short-lived lead. “Billy Williams,” writes Lee Jenkins of the Chicago Daily Defender, “showing off his recently acquired ability to go with the pitch, slammed one into the left field bleachers in the 1st and rookie Don Young performed the same feat good for 2 runs in the 2nd to more than counteract Clemente’s tremendous shot over the left-field stands.” Additional adrenalin – accounting for Pittsburgh’s remaining three runs – is supplied by Clemente’s 5th-inning, bases-loaded single, whereby he will significantly enhance Niekro’s understanding of the phrase “dangerous hitter.” Jenkins writes: “Clemente fired a shot through the middle that knocked Niekro down and raced to second base when Young tried for a one-handed scoop and the ball got through for a two-base error with three runs counting.” By the 7th inning, the Cubs have finally wised up. Jenkins continues: “Hank Aguirre knocked off five Pirates before pinch-hitter Jose Pagan lashed a single to lead off the 7th and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Clemente was given an intentional walk after he refused to bite at three Aguirre wide ones. But the crafty veteran fanned Willie Stargell to escape.”

Pittsburgh’s Dock Ellis pitches a complete game win over the Cubs, winning 5 – 1. Joe Niekro allows four runs to take the loss. Cubs reliever Jophery Brown goes two innings, allowing the other run, in his only major league appearance. His next appearance will be in the opening scene of the movie Jurassic Park when he is eaten by a raptor. Brown tossed two no-hitters in the minors, losing them both.

Pittsburgh’s Dock Ellis pitches a complete game win over the Cubs, winning 5 – 1. Joe Niekro allows four runs to take the loss. Cubs reliever Jophery Brown goes two innings, allowing the other run, in his only major league appearance. His next appearance will be in the opening scene of the movie Jurassic Park when he is eaten by a raptor. Brown tossed two no-hitters in the minors, losing them both.

It’s been a bad week for the Cubs, but they end their scoreless streak at 48 innings, tying a major league mark set in 1906, beating the Reds, 3 – 2, behind Joe Niekro. George Culveris the losing pitcher, allowing the Cubs’ first score in the 3rd inning when he gives up a walk with the sacks full. The five straight shutout losses also tie a league mark. The streak started on June 15th, the final eight innings of a loss to Atlanta and continued with the following games: a 1 – 0 loss to Phil Niekro in 11 innings; a 1 – 0 loss to the Cards’ Nellie Briles; a 4 – 0 one-hittertossed by Steve Carlton and a 1 – 0 loss to Bob Gibson. During the drought, Fergie Jenkins allows one run in 18 innings but is charged with a loss and a no-decision.

On June 21, 1968 It’s been a bad week for the Cubs, but they end their scoreless streak at 48 innings, tying a major league mark set in 1906, beating the Reds, 3 – 2, behind Joe Niekro. George Culveris the losing pitcher, allowing the Cubs’ first score in the 3rd inning when he gives up a walk with the…