Ted Simmons losses a homerun because of illegal bat
On ,July 21 1975 St Louis Cardinal catcher Ted Simmons hit a homer to lead off the fourth inning in San Diego. However, Padres manager John McNamara claimed that his bat was illegal. Home plate umpire Art Williams agreed with McNamara because there were grooves cut into the fat part of the bat, clearly above the 18 inches area from the handle. Williams ruled Simmons out and the bat was confiscated by crew chief Ed Vargo. The game was protested by the Cardinals, but they won 4-0, behind rookie Eric Rasmussen who wins his major league debut.
Sources:
Retro Sheet
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