willie mccovey

San Francisco Giants trade three-time home run champion Willie McCovey

1973 – The Chicago Cubs trade six-time 20-game winner Ferguson Jenkins to the Texas Rangers for third baseman Bill Madlock and utility man Vic Harris. Meanwhile, the San Francisco Giants trade three-time home run champion Willie McCovey, a Giant since 1959, together with minor leaguer Bernie Williams,to the San Diego Padres for pitcher Mike Caldwell.

After waiting three hours to begin the game due to rain, the Reds beat San Francisco at Riverfront Stadium, 6-3

After waiting three hours to begin the game due to rain, the Reds beat San Francisco at Riverfront Stadium, 6-3

After waiting three hours to begin the game due to rain, the Reds beat San Francisco at Riverfront Stadium, 6-3. At the end of the contest, the Cincinnati fans are treated to the nation’s earliest Independence Day celebration, when the team begins launching fireworks at two o’clock in the morning. (Our thanks to NPC editor Steve Basford, who attended this game and stayed for the fireworks, for sharing this fact!)

Don McMahon comes out of retirement to go 4-0 with 1.48 ERA

Don McMahon comes out of retirement to go 4-0 with 1.48 ERA

On June 25, 1973, the San Francisco Giants activate pitching coach Don McMahon. Remarkably, the 43-year-old will go 4-0 with six saves and a spectacular ERA of 1.48. Despite his surprising success as a reliever, the Giants will release McMahon on October 9. @ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF90YWdzIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsiYmVmb3JlIjoiIiwiYWZ0ZXIiOiIiLCJsaW5rX3RvX3Rlcm1fcGFnZSI6Im9uIiwic2VwYXJhdG9yIjoiIHwgIiwiY2F0ZWdvcnlfdHlwZSI6InBvc3RfdGFnIn19@ Game ticket & learn more about the players, teams, stadiums and…

Bobby Bonds leads off with a home run his 22nd leadoff home run, breaking Lou Brock’s National League record.

Bobby Bonds leads off with a home run his 22nd leadoff home run, breaking Lou Brock’s National League record.

On June 20, 1973, At Candlestick Park, Bobby Bonds leads off with a home run off Don Gullett, but the Reds put up 6 in the 4th and the Giants lose the game, 7 – 5, to the Reds. It is Bonds’s 22nd leadoff home run, breaking Lou Brock’s National League record. Bonds will hit…

pete rose

Pete Rose collects his 2000 hit

On June 19, 1973 Pete Rose collects his 2000 hit, The Cincinnati infielder, known as ‘Charlie Hustle’, reaches the milestone with a single against San Francisco in the Reds’ 4-0 victory at Candlestick Park. Rose’s goes 4-5, and Fred Norman (3-7) picks up the win. @ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF90YWdzIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsiYmVmb3JlIjoiIiwiYWZ0ZXIiOiIiLCJsaW5rX3RvX3Rlcm1fcGFnZSI6Im9uIiwic2VwYXJhdG9yIjoiIHwgIiwiY2F0ZWdvcnlfdHlwZSI6InBvc3RfdGFnIn19@ Game ticket & learn more about the players, teams,…

Cardinals ace Bob Gibson makes his 242nd consecutive start a new 20th century record, passing that of Red Ruffing

Cardinals ace Bob Gibson makes his 242nd consecutive start a new 20th century record, passing that of Red Ruffing

In a 9 – 7 losing effort against the Giants, Cardinals ace Bob Gibson makes his 242nd consecutive start. It is a new 20th century record, passing that of Red Ruffing, who never pitched in relief the last 10 years of his career.

Bobby Bonds delivers a walk-off three-run double to left field to complete San Francisco’s amazing come-from-behind victory

Bobby Bonds delivers a walk-off three-run double to left field to complete San Francisco’s amazing come-from-behind victory

The Giants, one out from defeat, score seven runs in the bottom of the ninth inning to stun the Pirates at Candlestick Park, 8-7. Three batters after Chris Arnold pinch-hits a two-out grand slam, Bobby Bonds delivers a walk-off three-run double to left field to complete San Francisco’s amazing come-from-behind victory.

Dave Rader completes an unusual unassisted double play for a catcher and Bobby Bonds walks it off for the Giants
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Dave Rader completes an unusual unassisted double play for a catcher and Bobby Bonds walks it off for the Giants

In the top of the 11th inning in San Francisco’s 4-3 victory over Atlanta at Candlestick Park, Dave Rader completes an unusual unassisted double play for a catcher. After catching an attempted sacrifice bunt which is popped up with Braves runners on first and second base, the Giants’ backstop races to second base and steps on the bag before Sonny Jackson, who had headed toward third on contact, can get back.