Ralph Kiner hits three consecutive homeruns  in a 12-7 win

 Ralph Kiner hits three consecutive homeruns in a 12-7 win

1947 – Ralph Kiner hits three successive home runs for the host Pittsburgh Pirates, in a 12 – 7 win over the Cardinals in a game in which the two clubs bang out a major-league record 10 homers (since topped). Two other Bucs, Hank Greenberg and Billy Cox, and one Cardinal, Whitey Kurowski, each contribute two home runs to set a major-league record for most players with two or more homers in a game. Kiner matches the major league mark of seven home runs in four games, six in three games, five in two games, and four in consecutive at bats. By the end of the month, Big Ralph will still trail Johnny Mize 39 to 43 in a head-to-head home run competition that will only be matched by Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle in 1961. Starters Roger Wolff and the Cards’ Ken Burkhart both exit in the 1st inning.

At Forbes Field, Jackie Robinson steals home in the Dodgers’ 4-2 victory over the Pirates. It is the Brooklyn infielder’s first thievery of the dish, something the rookie will accomplish 19 times during his ten-year career.

At Forbes Field, Jackie Robinson steals home in the Dodgers’ 4-2 victory over the Pirates. It is the Brooklyn infielder’s first thievery of the dish, something the rookie will accomplish 19 times during his ten-year career.

At Forbes Field, Jackie Robinson steals home in the Dodgers’ 4-2 victory over the Pirates. It is the Brooklyn infielder’s first thievery of the dish, something the rookie will accomplish 19 times during his ten-year career.

 Pete Reiser crashes into the fence and is knocked unconscious

 Pete Reiser crashes into the fence and is knocked unconscious

In the 5th inning at Ebbets Field‚ Dodgers OF Pete Reiser crashes into the fence and is knocked unconscious. He still manages to hold onto the long fly by Culley Rikard to help the Dodgers win over Pittsburgh, 9 – 4. In the clubhouse, a priest administers the last rites of the Catholic Church to Reiser‚ who will be hospitalized for 10 days.

bucky harris

Bucky Harris highlights 4 New managers in spring training 

New managers in spring training camps are Billy Herman with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Muddy Ruel with the St. Louis Browns, Bucky Harris with the New York Yankees, and Johnny Neun with the Cincinnati Reds. Neun ended 1946 as manager of the Yankees after both Joe McCarthy and Bill Dickey quit.

Hank Greenberg

Detroit Tigers sell star first baseman Hank Greenberg to the Pittsburgh Pirates

On January 18, 1947, the Detroit Tigers sell star first baseman Hank Greenberg to the Pittsburgh Pirates. In 1946, Greenberg led the American League with 44 home runs and 127 RBIs, but will slump to 25 home runs and 74 RBIs with the Pirates. Greenberg will retire after the 1947 season. Due to a misunderstanding…