The Yankees trade Jerry Lumpe, Tom Sturdivant, and right-hander Johnny Kucks, the first player in franchise history to throw a shutout in Game 7 of the Fall Classic, to the A’s in exchange for Hector Lopez and Ralph Terry. In three years, Terry will become the only other Bronx Bomber hurler to pitch a shutout in the seventh game of a World Series.

ByTom

The Yankees trade Jerry Lumpe, Tom Sturdivant, and right-hander Johnny Kucks, the first player in franchise history to throw a shutout in Game 7 of the Fall Classic, to the A’s in exchange for Hector Lopez and Ralph Terry. In three years, Terry will become the only other Bronx Bomber hurler to pitch a shutout in the seventh game of a World Series.

In another of Bill Veeck’s stunts, 3′ 7″ Eddie Gaedel returns to a major league field along with three other midgets. Arriving by helicopter and dressed as Martians, the quartet drops onto the Comiskey Park infield and shakes hands with second baseman Nellie Fox and shortstop Luis Aparicio, giving them toy ray guns as the public announcer informs the 40,000 plus in attendance that the “extraterrestrials” have arrived to help the somewhat short keystone double play combo in their struggle with giant earthlings.

ByThis Day in Baseball

In another of Bill Veeck’s stunts, 3′ 7″ Eddie Gaedel returns to a major league field along with three other midgets. Arriving by helicopter and dressed as Martians, the quartet drops onto the Comiskey Park infield and shakes hands with second baseman Nellie Fox and shortstop Luis Aparicio, giving them toy ray guns as the public announcer informs the 40,000 plus in attendance that the “extraterrestrials” have arrived to help the somewhat short keystone double play combo in their struggle with giant earthlings.

Cubs rookie Dick Drott establishes a franchise record when he strikes out 15 batters en route to a complete-game victory over Milwaukee at Wrigley Field. The 20 year-old right-hander’s mark, accomplished in his seventh major league start, will be matched by Burt Hooton (1971) and Rick Sutcliffe (1984) and will remain the standard for a nine-inning game until Kerry Wood’s 20-K performance in 1998.

ByTom

Cubs rookie Dick Drott establishes a franchise record when he strikes out 15 batters en route to a complete-game victory over Milwaukee at Wrigley Field. The 20 year-old right-hander’s mark, accomplished in his seventh major league start, will be matched by Burt Hooton (1971) and Rick Sutcliffe (1984) and will remain the standard for a nine-inning game until Kerry Wood’s 20-K performance in 1998.

Bucketfoot Al Simmons one of baseballs greatest players dies at age 54

Bucketfoot Al Simmons one of baseballs greatest players dies at age 54

ByThis Day in Baseball

On May 26, 1956, former Philadelphia A’s star Al Simmons dies at the age of 54, 4 days after his 54th birthday and a year after his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame. After his playing days ended, Simmons served as a coach for Mack’s Athletics (1945–49) and the Cleveland Indians (1950). In early…

Reds starter John Klippstein, Hershell Freeman, and Joe Black combine to hurl 9 2/3 innings of hitless ball in a losing effort to Milwaukee. Frank Torre’s 11th inning walk-off single scoring Hank Aaron is the difference in the 2-1 defeat at County Stadium.

ByTom

Reds starter John Klippstein, Hershell Freeman, and Joe Black combine to hurl 9 2/3 innings of hitless ball in a losing effort to Milwaukee. Frank Torre’s 11th inning walk-off single scoring Hank Aaron is the difference in the 2-1 defeat at County Stadium.

Len Tucker

Cardinals sign their first black player when Fresno State College slugger Len Tucker

ByThis Day in Baseball

May 26, 1953, Six years after Jackie Robinson makes his major league debut, the Cardinals sign their first black player when Fresno State College slugger Len Tucker agrees to a $3,000 professional contract. The 23 year-old speedy outfielder plays exceptionally well in the minors for Peoria, Saskatoon, and Modesto, but never gets the called up…

The Philadelphia Athletics make some changes as a result of a front office coup. Connie Mack’s son, Earle, who has been assistant manager, assumes the duties of chief scout. Earle, who had hoped to succeed his father as manager, is replaced by Jimmy Dykes. Mickey Cochrane is named general manager.

ByBaseball

The Philadelphia Athletics make some changes as a result of a front office coup. Connie Mack’s son, Earle, who has been assistant manager, assumes the duties of chief scout. Earle, who had hoped to succeed his father as manager, is replaced by Jimmy Dykes. Mickey Cochrane is named general manager.