Jim Bunning first pitcher since cy young to record 1000 strikeouts in both leagues
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Jim Bunning first pitcher since cy young to record 1000 strikeouts in both leagues

On April 14, 1968, Jim Bunning records the 1,000th strikeout of his National League career. The Pittsburgh Pirates’ right-hander becomes the first pitcher since Cy Young to record 1,000 K’s in both the National and American leagues.

Roberto Clemente shines on opening day despite Pirates loss and guns down rookie Hal King  
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Roberto Clemente shines on opening day despite Pirates loss and guns down rookie Hal King  

1968 – Roberto Clemente’s opening day optical illusion goes for naught as Pittsburgh’s newly acquired answer to its pitching problem, Jim Bunning, fresh off his career year with Philadelphia, provides an unwelcome harbinger of what will be a very trying season and, in so doing, marks the beginning of the distinctly mediocre final phase of his Hall of Fame career. But it’s just another day at the office for Clemente, as he provides one of those signature moments when, as Frank Robinson recalls, “You’d watch him and find yourself saying to the guy next to you, ‘Did you see that?'” Unfortunately, Bunning, Juan Pizarro and Ron Kline combine to squander Pittsburgh’s 4 – 2 advantage in the final frame, thus leaving Clemente’s magical moment (and his 3rd-inning, tie-breaking homer) somewhat adrift: “Rookie Hal King couldn’t believe Roberto Clemente caught his long fly down the right field line for the third out in the 2nd inning,” writes Les Biederman in the Pittsburgh Press. “King had just turned second base when he heard the crowd groan and saw the Pirates running off the field. He stopped, gave a bewildered look and kept glancing down the right field line to see how it was possible.”

The Yankees set a new American League record for most homers in a season as they split a doubleheader in Detroit

The Yankees set a new American League record for most homers in a season as they split a doubleheader in Detroit

The Yankees set a new American League record for most homers in a season as they split a doubleheader in Detroit, winning 11 – 1 and losing 4 – 2. Circuit blows by Bill Skowron and Yogi Berra in the opener help Whitey Ford win his 24th and increase New York’s homer total to 222. This breaks the old mark set by the 1947 Giants and tied by the 1956 Reds. Norm Cash and Steve Boros homer in the nitecap to back Ron Kline’s 7-hitter.

Pirates manager Danny Murtaugh rejects the A’s offer to deal Roger Maris for shortstop Dick Groat

Pirates manager Danny Murtaugh rejects the A’s offer to deal Roger Maris for shortstop Dick Groat

After Pirates manager Danny Murtaugh rejects the A’s offer to deal Roger Maris for shortstop Dick Groat, Pittsburgh obtains Gino Cimoli along with Tom Cheney from the Cardinals for right-hander Ron Kline. Maris, who goes to the Yankees, will enjoy the first of his two consecutive MVP years in New York, but Groat will play a key role for the World Champion Bucs next season, and he will also be named the most valuable player of his league.

Hank Aaron and Eddie Mathews and outfielder Wes Covington hit back-to-back-to-back home runs against Ron Kline of the Pittsburgh Pirates

Hank Aaron and Eddie Mathews and outfielder Wes Covington hit back-to-back-to-back home runs against Ron Kline of the Pittsburgh Pirates

Interested in exploring FRANCHISING? We will help you through your journey visit us @ www.franchisingconnection.com On May 31, 1958, future Hall of Famers Hank Aaron and Eddie Mathews and outfielder Wes Covington hit back-to-back-to-back home runs against Ron Kline of the Pittsburgh Pirates, powering the Milwaukee Braves to an 8-3 win. Aaron, Mathews and Covington…

Vada Pinson connects on Grandslam in his second game
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Vada Pinson connects on Grandslam in his second game

VINTAGE BASEBALL MEMORABILIA Vintage Baseball Memorabilia April 18, 1958 – In his 2nd major league game‚ Vada Pinson‚ 19 (Total Baseball will list Pinson’s birth year as 1938: Macmillan and Bill James Abstract will list it as 1936) belts a grand slam in the 3rd inning off Ron Kline to account for all the Reds…

Dodgers P Don Newcombe beats the Pirates, 10 – 1, and blanks Dale Long in 4 at-bats‚ stopping his home run streak. Newk has a three-run double off Ron Kline in the 2nd to help clinch his 7th win.
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Dodgers P Don Newcombe beats the Pirates, 10 – 1, and blanks Dale Long in 4 at-bats‚ stopping his home run streak. Newk has a three-run double off Ron Kline in the 2nd to help clinch his 7th win.

Dodgers P Don Newcombe beats the Pirates, 10 – 1, and blanks Dale Long in 4 at-bats‚ stopping his home run streak. Newk has a three-run double off Ron Kline in the 2nd to help clinch his 7th win.