This Day In Baseball October 10

Debuts, Milestones, No Hitters, Rule Changes, Events, Birthdays, Deaths, and more on This Day In Baseball.  

Events for October 10

October 10 – Initiated by backers of the new Cincinnati Red Stockings club, the first meetings are held in Pittsburgh of what would become the American Association.

1904 – The Boston Americans clinch the American League pennant on the last day of the season when Jack Chesbro of the New York Highlanders throws a wild pitch in the 9th inning to allow the winning run to score from third base. Boston wins, 3 – 2, in the doubleheader opener.

Pilgrims right-hander Bill Dinneen, starting on the last day of the season on one day’s rest, beats Highlander hurler Jack Chesbro when the 41-game winner uncorks a ninth-inning wild pitch, snapping a 2-2 tie to give the team their second consecutive American League pennant. Boston’s Big Bill finishes the campaign completing every game he started during the season, throwing 337.2 consecutive innings without being relieved during his streak of 37 consecutive complete games.

Pilgrims right-hander Bill Dinneen, starting on the last day of the season on one day’s rest, beats Highlander hurler Jack Chesbro when the 41-game winner uncorks a ninth-inning wild pitch, snapping a 2-2 tie to give the team their second consecutive American League pennant. Boston’s Big Bill finishes the campaign completing every game he started during the season, throwing 337.2 consecutive innings without being relieved during his streak of 37 consecutive complete games.

1906 – In an all-Chicago World Series, Ed Reulbach’s no-hit bid is broken by Jiggs Donahue’s single in the 7th inning, but the Cubs beat the White Sox, 7 – 1. The next World Series one-hitter will come in 1945, by another Cubs pitcher, Claude Passeau.

Bill Wambsganss of the Cleveland Indians pulls off the first unassisted triple play in World Series history

1920 – The Cleveland Indians beat the Brooklyn Robins, 8 – 1, in Game 5 of the World Series. For Cleveland, Elmer Smith hits the first Series grand slam and Jim Bagby, the winner, hits the first Series home run by a pitcher.

Indians’ Bill Wambsganss becomes the only player in World Series history to complete an unassisted triple play when he makes a leaping catch, steps on second base, and then tags the runner arriving from first base. After the play, a dead calm engulfs Cleveland’s League Park as the hometown fans try to digest what they had just witnessed.

Outfielder Elmer Smith becomes the first player to hit a grand slam in World Series history when the Indians defeat the Robins and Burleigh Grimes, 8-1. In the same game, Jim Bagby becomes the first pitcher to hit a home run in World Series history.

Indians’ Bill Wambsganss becomes the only player in World Series history to complete an unassisted triple play when he makes a leaping catch, steps on second base, and then tags the runner arriving from first base. After the play, a dead calm engulfs Cleveland’s League Park as the hometown fans try to digest what they had just witnessed.

1923 – It’s an all-New York World Series for the third straight year. In Game 1, a 4 – 4 tie is broken in the top of the 9th inning by the Giants as they defeat the Yankees, 5 – 4. Pitcher Rosy Ryan takes the win and Joe Bush is the loser. Casey Stengel’s inside-the-park home run is the first Series home run hit at Yankee Stadium. It is the first World Series to be broadcast on a nationwide radio network.

In the first postseason game ever played at Yankee Stadium, veteran Giants outfielder Casey Stengel becomes the first player to hit a World Series homer in the Bronx ballpark, breaking a 4-4 deadlock in the top of the ninth inning with an inside-the-park round-tripper off Joe Bush. The Game 1 matchup is the first Fall Classic contest to be broadcast nationally.

In the first postseason game ever played at Yankee Stadium, veteran Giants outfielder Casey Stengel becomes the first player to hit a World Series homer in the Bronx ballpark, breaking a 4-4 deadlock in the top of the ninth inning with an inside-the-park round-tripper off Joe Bush. The Game 1 matchup is the first Fall Classic contest to be broadcast nationally.

Walter Johnson

Washington Senators win the only championship in franchise history

1924 – The Washington Senators win their only World Series championship by defeating the New York Giants, 4 – 3, in 12 innings. The winning run scores when a ball hit by Earl McNeely hits a pebble and bounces over third baseman Fred Lindstrom’s head.

With the score tied at 3-3 and one out in the bottom of the 12th in Game 7 of the World Series, Senators’ backstop Muddy Ruel lifts a high catchable foul pop-up which Giant catcher Hank Gowdy misses when he stumbles over his mask. Given a second chance, Ruel then doubles and eventually scores the winning run, making the Senators World Champs.

10/10/1925 – In game three of the World Series, Nemo Leibold pinch hit for Senators pitcher Alex Ferguson in the bottom of the seventh inning. After Leibold walked, Earl McNeely ran for him. McNeely remained in the game in centerfield while Firpo Marberry entered the game as the new pitcher. Marberry was inserted into the fifth spot in the batting order. In the bottom of the eighth with one out, Muddy Ruel singled. The next batter should have been McNeely but Marberry walked to the plate and sacrificed Ruel to second. The Pirates did not protest the improper batter (possibly since Marberry came up in the usual spot for the pitcher). The next proper batter was Buddy Myer in the sixth spot but the Senators went to the top of the lineup and Sam Rice who grounded out to end the inning.

Alexander seals St. Louis World Series victory as Ruth gets caught stealing for final out.

Alexander seals St. Louis World Series victory as Ruth gets caught stealing for final out.

One day after picking up his second complete-game victory of the Series, 39-year-old Grover Alexander saves Game 7 and the World Series for the St. Louis Cardinals, fanning Tony Lazzeri with the bases loaded in the 7th inning, then proceeding to no-hit New York the rest of the way. The Series conclude with a runner being thrown out trying to steal, Babe Ruth. With two outs in the top of the 9th, Alexander misses on a 3-2 pitch and Ruth is walked for the third time, having homered in his only official at-bat. With New York trailing by one, Ruth reasons that, with nobody having hit the ball out of the infield against the aging Cardinal ace, the Yankees’ best bet is to at least get a runner into scoring position in case one of their ground balls finally finds a hole. However, he fails in his bold attempt, ending the game and the Series.

1931 – In the World Series, the Philadelphia Athletics rally for two runs and have two runners on base with two outs in the 9th inning when Cardinals reliever Bill Hallahan gets the final out for the 4 – 2 win in Game 7. The Athletics are denied their third consecutive World Championship.

1937 – In the World Series, New York Yankees pitcher Lefty Gomez knocks in the winning run in the 4 – 2 clincher in Game 5 against the New York Giants. It is his record fifth World Series win without a loss. Another record comes when the Yankees complete the Series without an error.

1945 – The Detroit Tigers score five runs in the 1st inning of Game 7 of the World Series, and rout the Cubs, 9 – 3, behind Hal Newhouser, who strikes out 10 to win the World Championship. The Cubs will not play another World Series game in the 20th century.

St. Louis Cardinals collect 20 hits in Game Four of the World Series against the Boston Red Sox

St. Louis Cardinals collect 20 hits in Game Four of the World Series against the Boston Red Sox

The largest crowd ever to attend a World Series game, 86,288 fans, jam into Cleveland’s Municipal Stadium to witness a showdown between two future Hall of Famers. Braves’ southpaw Warren Spahn beats Bob Feller and the Indians in Game 5 of the Fall Classic, 11-5.

The largest crowd ever to attend a World Series game, 86,288 fans, jam into Cleveland's Municipal Stadium to witness a showdown between two future Hall of Famers. Braves' southpaw Warren Spahn beats Bob Feller and the Indians in Game 5 of the Fall Classic, 11-5.

The largest crowd ever to attend a World Series game, 86,288 fans, jam into Cleveland’s Municipal Stadium to witness a showdown between two future Hall of Famers. Braves’ southpaw Warren Spahn beats Bob Feller and the Indians in Game 5 of the Fall Classic, 11-5.

1951 – Hank Bauer’s bases-loaded triple in Game 6 of the World Series propels the New York Yankees to a 4 – 3 win over the New York Giants and their third straight Series victory.

In Game 6 of the Fall Classic, the Yankees become World Champions for the 14th time in franchise history when they beat the Giants, 4-3. The Bronx Bombers’ big blow is a three-run triple hit by Hank Bauer off Dave Koslo in the sixth inning.

1956 – Pitcher Johnny Kucks sets down the Brooklyn Dodgers, 9 – 0, as the New York Yankees win the World Series in seven games. Yogi Berra hits a pair of two-run home runs and Bill Skowron hits a grand slam. It’s the seventh and final time Brooklyn and the Yankees meet in the Series. In the future, it will take a jet, not a subway, to get these two teams together, as the Dodgers will move to Los Angeles in 1958.

In Game 7 of the World Series, Johnny Kucks, allowing just three singles, blanks Brooklyn, 9-0, to give the Yankees their 17th World Championship in franchise history. In the last postseason game played at Ebbets Field, the 24 year-old right-hander ends the game by striking out Jackie Robinson, which turns out to be the Dodger infielder’s final major league at-bat when he decides to retire after being traded to the Giants in the off-season.

In Game 7 of the World Series, Johnny Kucks, allowing just three singles, blanks Brooklyn, 9-0, to give the Yankees their 17th World Championship in franchise history. In the last postseason game played at Ebbets Field, the 24 year-old right-hander ends the game by striking out Jackie Robinson, which turns out to be the Dodger infielder’s final major league at-bat when he decides to retire after being traded to the Giants in the off-season.

1957 – Lew Burdette’s third victory of the World Series, a 5 – 0 decision over the New York Yankees, gives the Milwaukee Braves the World Championship.

With a 5-0 victory over the defending World Champions in Game 7 at Yankee Stadium, Milwaukee wins its first World Series championship since the ‘Miracle Braves’ won the title in 1914 representing Boston. The Most Valuable Player of the Fall Classic is right-hander Lew Burdette, who hurled three complete-game victories, including today’s shutout.

Starting Game 7 on just two days rest, Lew Burdette pitches the Braves to a World Championship as he blanks the Bronx Bombers at Yankee Stadium, 5-0. The 30 year-old right-hander, named the Series MVP, tosses 24 consecutive scoreless innings and posts a 0.64 ERA in his three Fall classic victories.

With a 5-0 victory over the defending World Champions in Game 7 at Yankee Stadium, Milwaukee wins its first World Series championship since the ‘Miracle Braves’ won the title in 1914 representing Boston. The Most Valuable Player of the Fall Classic is right-hander Lew Burdette, who hurled three complete-game victories, including today’s shutout.

Game 5 1960 World Series Pirates at New york

Game 5 1960 World Series Pirates at New york

=1962 In Game 5 of the World Series, Tom Tresh belts an eighth-inning homer off Jack Sanford to give the Bronx Bombers a 5-3 comeback win over the Giants at Yankee Stadium. The rookie shortstop’s dad, Mike Tresh, who hit only two home runs in his dozen big league seasons, before the at-bat left his seat behind home plate and moved to the standing-room section in Yankee Stadium, hoping to bring his son good luck.

=1962 In Game 5 of the World Series, Tom Tresh belts an eighth-inning homer off Jack Sanford to give the Bronx Bombers a 5-3 comeback win over the Giants at Yankee Stadium. The rookie shortstop’s dad, Mike Tresh, who hit only two home runs in his dozen big league seasons, before the at-bat left his seat behind home plate and moved to the standing-room section in Yankee Stadium, hoping to bring his son good luck.

The Mets announce the club has ‘traded’ coaches with the Giants, bringing Wes Westrum to New York in exchange for Cookie Lavagetto, who is recovering from a serious illness and requested a position nearer to his home in Oakland. Mets manager Casey Stengel met and became fond of his new coach during the recent All-Star Game, and will be replaced by him as the team’s second skipper in franchise history when the 75 year-old ‘Old Perfessor’ retires in 1965.

The Mets announce the club has ‘traded’ coaches with the Giants, bringing Wes Westrum to New York in exchange for Cookie Lavagetto, who is recovering from a serious illness and requested a position nearer to his home in Oakland. Mets manager Casey Stengel met and became fond of his new coach during the recent All-Star Game, and will be replaced by him as the team’s second skipper in franchise history when the 75 year-old ‘Old Perfessor’ retires in 1965.

1964 – The New York Yankees’ Jim Bouton and Curt Simmons of the St. Louis Cardinals battle to a 1 – 1 tie through eight innings in Game 3 of the World Series. Mickey Mantle homers on Barney Schultz’s first pitch in the 9th inning, and the Yankees win, 2 – 1.

At Yankee Stadium, Mickey Mantle, facing Barney Schultz, slams the first pitch of the bottom of the ninth inning out of the Bronx ballpark, giving New York a dramatic 2-1 walk-off victory and two games to one advantage over St. Louis in the Fall Classic. ‘The Mick’s’ game-winning round-tripper, his 16th Fall Classic round-tripper, breaking the previous mark set by Babe Ruth, makes him the fifth major leaguer to end a World Series game with a home run.

At Yankee Stadium, Mickey Mantle, facing Barney Schultz, slams the first pitch of the bottom of the ninth inning out of the Bronx ballpark, giving New York a dramatic 2-1 walk-off victory and two games to one advantage over St. Louis in the Fall Classic. ‘The Mick’s’ game-winning round-tripper, his 16th Fall Classic round-tripper, breaking the previous mark set by Babe Ruth, makes him the fifth major leaguer to end a World Series game with a home run.

Braves’ outfielder Hank Aaron hits an inside-the-park homer off Phillie hurler Jim Bunning. It will be ‘Hammerin’ Hank’s’ only home run which doesn’t clear the fence out of his record-setting 755 round-trippers.

Mickey Lolich wins his 3rd game of series clinching the title for Detroit

Mickey Lolich wins his 3rd game of series clinching the title for Detroit

 Mickey Lolich wins the World Series for the Detroit Tigers by defeating Bob Gibson and the St. Louis Cardinals, 4 - 1, in Game 7. It is Lolich's third win and comes after the Tigers had lost three of the first four games.

 Mickey Lolich wins the World Series for the Detroit Tigers by defeating Bob Gibson and the St. Louis Cardinals, 4 – 1, in Game 7. It is Lolich’s third win and comes after the Tigers had lost three of the first four games.

Bob Gibson goes the distance in his eighth consecutive World Series game, losing Game 7 to Detroit, 4-1. The only time the St. Louis Cardinal right-hander, who will compile a 1.89 postseason ERA, didn’t finish a Fall Classic contest was in his first appearance in 1964 when he tossed eight innings against the Yankees.

In the fifth inning of Game 7 of the World Series, Dal Maxvill pops out to first base, becoming the first major leaguer to go 0-for-22 in the Fall Classic. The Cardinal shortstop surpasses the single series infamous mark previously shared by Gil Hodges (1952 – Dodgers), Red Murray (1911 – Giants), Billy Sullivan (1906 – White Sox), and Jimmy Sheckard (1906 – Cubs).

Cardinal fireballer Bob Gibson sets the mark for total strikeouts (35) in a World Series but loses the seventh and deciding game to Tigers, 4-1.

In the first World Series game to be played on artificial turf, Boog Powell, Ellie Hendricks, and Brooks Robinson homer to power the Orioles past the Reds, 4-3. Baltimore’s offensive output in Game 1 of the Fall Classic overcomes Cincinnati’s 3-0 early lead at Riverfront Stadium.

In the first World Series game to be played on artificial turf, Boog Powell, Ellie Hendricks, and Brooks Robinson homer to power the Orioles past the Reds, 4-3. Baltimore’s offensive output in Game 1 of the Fall Classic overcomes Cincinnati’s 3-0 early lead at Riverfront Stadium.

New York Mets win their second National League pennant in five years

New York Mets win their second National League pennant in five years

1973 – Tom Seaver hurls the Mets into the World Series for the second time in five years with a 7 – 2 victory over Cincinnati in Game 5 of the National League Championship Series.

In the fifth and deciding game, the Mets win the National League pennant, beating the Reds, 7-2. Tom Seaver bests Jack Billingham in the Shea Stadium showdown.

During oral arguments in front of the U.S. Supreme Court, Potter Stewart is handed a note with the startling news that Vice President Agnew had just resigned. The message also informs the glum Republican Justice, a big Reds fan, that the Mets are ahead of Cincinnati in the NLCS, 2-0.

During oral arguments in front of the U.S. Supreme Court, Potter Stewart is handed a note with the startling news that Vice President Agnew had just resigned. The message also informs the glum Republican Justice, a big Reds fan, that the Mets are ahead of Cincinnati in the NLCS, 2-0.

The Royals gain their first postseason victory in franchise history when they beat the Yankees, 7-3, in Game 2 of the ALCS. Kansas City southpaw Paul Splittorff, pitching 5.2 innings in relief, is credited with the victory.

1978 – Davey Lopes collects two home runs and five RBI to lead the Los Angeles Dodgers to an 11 – 5 victory over the New York Yankees in Game 1 of the World Series.

The Yankees obtain Dave Righetti along with Juan Beniquez, Mike Griffin, Paul Mirabella, and minor leaguer Greg Jemison from the Rangers for Mike Heath, Sparky Lyle, Larry McCall, Dave Rajsich, Domingo Ramos and cash. The 19 year-old southpaw, who will toss a July 4th no-hitter in 1983, will spend 11 seasons with the Bronx Bombers, compiling a 74-61 (.548) record and saves 224 games for the team.

Prior to the start of Game 1 of the World Series, the Dodgers retire the uniform #19 of Jim Gilliam, their coach who died suddenly two days ago as the result of a massive brain hemorrhage. The 49 year-old former All-Star LA infielder will become the team’s first player not inducted into the Hall of Fame to receive this honor.

Prior to the start of Game 1 of the World Series, the Dodgers retire the uniform #19 of Jim Gilliam, their coach who died suddenly two days ago as the result of a massive brain hemorrhage. The 49 year-old former All-Star LA infielder will become the team’s first player not inducted into the Hall of Fame to receive this honor.

1979 – In the World Series, Baltimore scores five runs off Bruce Kison in the 1st inning of Game 1, then hangs on to defeat the Pirates, 5 – 4.

 George Brett hits an upper-deck three-run home run off relief ace Goose Gossage to give the Kansas City Royals a 4 - 2 victory and a three-game sweep of the New York Yankees in the American League Championship Series.

 George Brett hits an upper-deck three-run home run off relief ace Goose Gossage to give the Kansas City Royals a 4 – 2 victory and a three-game sweep of the New York Yankees in the American League Championship Series.

1982 – The Milwaukee Brewers complete their comeback from a 2-0 ALCS deficit by edging the California Angels, 4 – 3, to earn their first-ever trip to the World Series. Angels outfielder Fred Lynn bats .611 for the Series and is named MVP in a losing cause.

The Brewers become the first team to overcome an 0-2 start in a best of a five-game LCS and take the American League pennant by winning the remaining three games against the Angels.

1987 – Jeffrey Leonard homers for the fourth straight game as the San Francisco Giants beat the St. Louis Cardinals, 4 – 2, tying the National League Championship Series at two games apiece.

1990 – The Oakland Athletics sweep the Boston Red Sox for the American League pennant and their third straight trip to the World Series with a 3 – 1 victory. MVP Dave Stewart wins for the eighth straight time in head-to-head match-ups with Roger Clemens, who is ejected in the 2nd inning for arguing balls and strikes with umpire Terry Cooney.

The BBWAA selects Chicago slugger Frank Thomas as the American League’s Most Valuable Player. The first baseman, who ranked among the top ten of the league’s nine offensive categories, batted .317 with 41 home runs and knocked in 128 runs for the division-winning White Sox.

The BBWAA selects Chicago slugger Frank Thomas as the American League’s Most Valuable Player. The first baseman, who ranked among the top ten of the league’s nine offensive categories, batted .317 with 41 home runs and knocked in 128 runs for the division-winning White Sox.

Gary Gaetti hits a grand slam off Greg Maddux to lead the St. Louis Cardinals to an 8 – 3 win over the Atlanta Braves and a tie of the NLCS. Todd Stottlemyre gets the victory.

The Baltimore Orioles’ 5 – 3 win over the New York Yankees in Game 2 evens the ALCS at one game apiece. Rafael Palmeiro’s 7th-inning home run is the key blow.

1997 – The Florida Marlins take Game 3 of the NLCS by defeating the Atlanta Braves by a score of 5 – 2. Charles Johnson drives home three of Florida’s runs, and Livan Hernandez gets the victory in relief.

The New York Yankees even the ALCS at two games apiece on a four-hit, 4 – 0 shutout. Orlando Hernandez hurls the first seven innings, while Mike Stanton and Mariano Rivera finish up.

The San Diego Padres win their third in a row over the Atlanta Braves, 4 – 1, in the NLCS, as Sterling Hitchcock and four relief pitchers hold the Braves in check.

1999 – The Boston Red Sox set an all-time postseason record by scoring 23 runs in defeating the Cleveland Indians, 23 – 7. The win ties their American League Division Series at two games apiece. Boston gets 24 hits in the contest, including five by Mike Stanley and four each by John Valentin and Jason Varitek. Valentin hits a pair of home runs with seven RBI, while Jose Offerman and Trot Nixon have two RBI each.

Scoring more than 19 NFL teams, the Red Sox establish a major league record for most runs and biggest margin of victory in a postseason game as they rout the Indians, 23-7, to tie the 5-game series at two games apiece.

Seattle defeats the Yankees, 2 – 0, to take the opener of the American League Championship Series. Freddy Garcia and the Seattle bullpen combine on the six-hitter, while Alex Rodriguez hits a home run.

Toronto Blue Jays manager Jim Fregosi is fired.

In a 2-0 Seattle victory, the Mariners (9) and Yankees (13) combined for 22 strikeouts to set an ALCS record in Game 1 of the series.

Atlanta take a 2 games to 0 lead in their National League Division Series with the Astros behind Tom Glavine’s 1 – 0 victory. Shortstop Julio Lugo’s throwing error aids the winning run, which crosses the plate on a double play.

The Cardinals even their NLDS by defeating Arizona, 4 – 1. Woody Williams notches the win for the Cardinals, behind a two-run home run from rookie Albert Pujols. Randy Johnson takes his record seventh consecutive playoff loss for Arizona.

The Yankees fall to Oakland, 5 – 3, in Game 1 of their American League Division Series. Terrence Long hits a pair of home runs for Oakland and Jason Giambi adds another. Mark Mulder gets the win for Oakland while Johnny Damon goes 4 for 4.

2002 – San Francisco take a 2 games to 0 lead in the NLCS with a 4 – 1 win over the Cardinals. Jason Schmidt pitches shutout ball into the 8th inning while SS Rich Aurilia hits a pair of home runs with three RBI.

The Cubs take a 2-1 game advantage in the NLCS when they beat the Marlins in extra innings at Pro Player Stadium, 5-4. The eventual winning run scores in the top of the 11th when Doug Glanville triples off Florida’s Brandon Looper to plate Kenny Lofton, who had singled after the first out was made in the frame.

With six hits in six consecutive at-bats, Kenny Lofton sets an NLCS record and ties the ALCS mark. Gary Matthews (Phillies-1983), Will Clark (Giants-1989), Steve Buechele (Pirates-1991), and Javy Lopez (Braves-1996) all held the previous NL distinction with five consecutive hits, and Paul Molitor (Blue Jays-1993) established the major league standard, now shared with the Cub flychaser, with reaching safely six times in six consecutive at-bats.

The Cubs take a 2-1 game advantage in the NLCS when they beat the Marlins in extra innings at Pro Player Stadium, 5-4. The eventual winning run scores in the top of the 11th when Doug Glanville triples off Florida’s Brandon Looper to plate Kenny Lofton, who had singled after the first out was made in the frame.

2004 – The Cardinals advance to the NLCS for third time in five years, beating the Dodgers, 6 – 2, to win their first-round playoff 3 games to 1.

2005 – Rookie Ervin Santana pitches 5 1/3 strong innings in his postseason debut, Garret Anderson hits a home run and drives in two runs, and Adam Kennedy hits a go-ahead two-run triple, to lead the Angels over New York, 5 – 3, in the decisive Game 5 of their AL playoff series.

The Phillies fire Ed Wade as their general manager, although the team( 88-74) has had three straight winning seasons and missed a chance of being the wild card by only one game this season. Philadelphia has not played in the postseason for 12 consecutive years, including the last eight seasons with Wade calling the shots.

Rafael Palmeiro is spared perjury charges when a Congressional subcommittee decides to not prosecute him following its investigation. The former Orioles’ first baseman/DH had piqued the legislators’ interest when he tested positive for steroids four months after pointing his finger at the committee during a Capitol Hill hearing, emphatically denying that he had used performance-enhancing substances.

Phillies’ manager Charlie Manuel is informed of the death of his mother his mother earlier in the day at a Virginia hospital after a brief illness. The grieving skipper, one of ten of June’s children, stays with the team and directs his club to an 8-5 victory against the Dodgers at Citizens Bank Park in Game 2 of the NLDS.

Phillies’ manager Charlie Manuel is informed of the death of his mother his mother earlier in the day at a Virginia hospital after a brief illness. The grieving skipper, one of ten of June’s children, stays with the team and directs his club to an 8-5 victory against the Dodgers at Citizens Bank Park in Game 2 of the NLDS.

2009 – The Los Angeles Dodgers complete a three-game sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals with a 5 – 1 win at Busch Stadium in the NLDS. Andre Ethier has a double, triple and three-run homer, while Manny Ramirez has two doubles among his three hits to lead the Dodger offense. Vicente Padilla gets the win, over Joel Pineiro.

In Matt Holliday’s first at-bat at home since his critical error allowed LA to stage an amazing comeback victory, the Cardinals’ left fielder receives a standing ovation from the sellout crowd of 47,296 at Busch Stadium. The former NLCS MVP award winner (Colorado – 2007), who will become a free agent after the season, is touched by the fans’ reaction and very appreciative of their support.

The Dodgers advance to their second consecutive National League championship series, beating St. Louis 5-1 to complete a three-game sweep of the Redbirds in the NLDS. Solid pitching by late-season pick-up Vicente Padilla and timely hitting by Andre Ethier, who had three extra-base hits, and Manny Ramirez, who broke out of a slump with three hits and two RBIs, close out the series, which will be best remembered for the team’s dramatic Game 2 comeback when Matt Holliday’s error on James Loney’s ninth-inning two-out line drive leads to a stunning two-run walk-off rally.

In Matt Holliday’s first at-bat at home since his critical error allowed LA to stage an amazing comeback victory, the Cardinals’ left fielder receives a standing ovation from the sellout crowd of 47,296 at Busch Stadium. The former NLCS MVP award winner (Colorado – 2007), who will become a free agent after the season, is touched by the fans’ reaction and very appreciative of their support.

The Dodgers advance to their second consecutive National League championship series, beating St. Louis 5-1 to complete a three-game sweep of the Redbirds in the NLDS. Solid pitching by late-season pick-up Vicente Padilla and timely hitting by Andre Ethier, who had three extra-base hits, and Manny Ramirez, who broke out of a slump with three hits and two RBIs, close out the series, which will be best remembered for the team’s dramatic Game 2 comeback when Matt Holliday’s error on James Loney’s ninth-inning two-out line drive leads to a stunning two-run walk-off rally.

11 new players are named to the Latin American Baseball Hall of Fame, including Luis Tiant, Fernando Valenzuela, Dennis Martinez and Edgar Martinez.

Alexis Gómez hits a three-run triple in the 1st off Norge Vera and Lorenzo Barcelo allows one run in five innings as the Dominican national team stuns Cuba, 5 – 2, in the finale of the 2010 Pan American Games Qualifying Tournament. Both teams had already qualified for the 2011 Baseball World Cup and 2011 Pan American Games along with the USA, Venezuela, Panama and Canada. Host Puerto Rico qualifies only for the 2011 Pan American Games.

Behind the solid starting pitching of Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt, and Cole Hamels, the Phillies complete the franchise’s first playoff sweep when Hamels throws a complete-game, five-hit 2-0 NLDS victory over the Reds at Great American Ball Park. Philadelphia will have an opportunity to become the first team to win three consecutive National League pennants since the war-time Cardinals raised flags from 1942 to 1944.

Behind the solid starting pitching of Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt, and Cole Hamels, the Phillies complete the franchise’s first playoff sweep when Hamels throws a complete-game, five-hit 2-0 NLDS victory over the Reds at Great American Ball Park. Philadelphia will have an opportunity to become the first team to win three consecutive National League pennants since the war-time Cardinals raised flags from 1942 to 1944.

The Cardinals beat Milwaukee, 12 – 3, in Game 2 of the NLCS. Albert Pujols gets things started with a two-run homer off Shaun Marcum in the 1st, then adds three more doubles, 3 RBIs and 2 runs scored in the rout. The Series is even at a game apiece.

The Rangers take a 2 – 0 lead in the ALCS on a walk-off grand slam by Nelson Cruz off the Tigers’ Ryan Perry in the 11th inning, for a 7 – 3 win. Cruz had tied the game earlier with a solo home run in the 7th. All of Detroit’s runs come on a three-run shot by Ryan Raburn in the 3rd.

With their backs to the wall in the 2011 Baseball World Cup, two-time defending champion Team USA beats host Panama, 5 – 0, for the 8th and final spot in round two, having survived a 4-3 first round and placing 4th in their pool behind Canada, the Netherlands and Panama. Andy Van Hekken and Scott Patterson combine on a five-hit, no-walk shutout while Brett Jackson falls a triple shy of the cycle.

Ranger left fielder Nelson Cruz hits the first walk-off grand slam in major league playoff history when his 11th inning round-tripper beats Detroit, 7-3, in Game Two of the ALCS. The victory in Arlington gives Texas a 2-0 advantage in the seven-game series.

Pinch-hitting for a struggling Alex Rodriguez in the bottom of the 9th, Raul Ibanez homers off Orioles closer Jim Johnson to tie the score. Yankees manager Joe Girardi’s bold move pays off twice, as Ibanez homers again against Brian Matusz in the 12th inning to give New York a 3 – 2 walk-off victory in Game 3 of the other ALDS. Baltimore had taken a 2 – 1 lead on homers by rookies Ryan Flaherty and Manny Machado off Hiroki Kuroda, until Ibanez turns the game’s tide.

St. Louis takes a 2 games to 1 lead in the NLDS with an 8 – 0 shutout of Washington. Chris Carpenter, who has only pitched 17 innings this season after sustaining an injury in spring training, pitches 5 2/3 innings for the win. Matt Holliday has three hits and Pete Kozma hits a three-run homer off Edwin Jackson to lead the Cards’ offense.

The Athletics orchestrate a three-run rally in the bottom of the 9th off Tigers closer Jose Valverde to win, 4 – 3, and even the ALDS at 2 wins apiece. Detroit leads, 3 – 1, entering the final frame when Seth Smith hits a two-run double to tie the score, and Coco Crisp ends the game with a single.

The Giants force a fifth game in the other NLDS with an 8 – 3 win over Cincinnati. Having collected only 12 hits over the first three games of the Series, they bang out 11 today, including 8 for extra bases as they pound the Reds into submission. Tim Lincecum is the winner in relief of an ineffective Barry Zito, besting Mike Leake, who is activated before the game to replace injured ace Johnny Cueto. Angel Pagan, Gregor Blanco and Pablo Sandoval all homer for San Francisco.

For the second straight year, the Tigers defeat the Athletics in the 5th game of the Division Series. The team’s two biggest stars are the heroes today, as Justin Verlander gives up no runs on 2 hits over 8 innings, while Miguel Cabrera hits a two-run homer off rookie Sonny Gray in the 4th. Joaquin Benoit picks up the save in the 3 – 0 win.

The Chunichi Dragons appoint 42-year-old catcher Motonobu Tanishige as player-manager for 2014, succeeding Morimichi Takagi at the helm. Tanishige, a six-time Gold Glover, is only the second player-manager in Nippon Pro Baseball since the 1970s, following fellow Central League backstop Atsuya Furuta.

2014 – The Royals win in extra innings for the fourth time in five postseason games, defeating Baltimore, 8 – 6, in 10 innings, in Game 1 of the ALCS. Alex Gordon hits a solo homer off Darren O’Day to put Kansas City ahead, and Mike Moustakas follows with a two-run shot.

The Cubs even the other Division Series with a 6 – 3 win at St. Louis. The Cubs score five times against Jaime Garcia in the 2nd, including back-to-back successful squeeze bunts. The Cardinals hit three homers, but they are all solo shots.

The Mets are cruising along with a 2 – 1 lead behind rookie Noah Syndergaard in the 7th inning of Game 2 of the NLDS when Chase Utley barrels into SS Ruben Tejada to break up a potential inning-ending double play. He not only succeeds, but also breaks Tejada’s leg in the process while the Mets vainly argue for an interference call. Major League Baseball will hand Utley a two-game suspension for his unnecessarily violent slide, but in the meantime, Los Angeles takes advantage of the controversial play to score four runs in the inning and ends up a 5 – 2 winner, evening the series.

The Giants stave off elimination with a 6 – 5 win over the Cubs in Game 3 of the other NLDS. Jake Arrieta gives the Cubs an early lead with a three-run blast off Madison Bumgarner, and the game is closely fought until Joe Panik ends it after five hours and four minutes by driving in Brandon Crawford from second base with a double in the 13th inning.

The Indians complete a sweep of the Red Sox in the ALDS with a 4 – 3 win in Fenway Park. A two-run single by Tyler Naquin and a two-run homer by Coco Crisp give them an early lead, but Boston claws back in David Ortiz’s final game to close the lead to a single run; they have two men on board in the bottom of the 9th when closer Cody Allen registers the final out to earn his second save of the series.

The Nationals win Game 3 of the NLDS, 8 – 3 over the Dodgers. Anthony Rendon homers off Kenta Maeda as part of a four-run 3rd inning, but Los Angeles comes back to within one run thanks in part to a two-run pinch homer by Carlos Ruiz off Gio Gonzalez in the 5th. The Nats put the game away with 4 runs in the top of the 9th, including a homer by Jayson Werth off closer Kenley Jansen.

In a surprise announcement, the Red Sox announce that manager John Farrell will not return in 2018. The Sox have just won back-to-back division titles, and also won the 2013 World Series under Farrell’s leadership.

With two outs in the 9th inning of Belgian Series game 1, Borgerhout Squirrels pitcher Kenny Vandenbranden calls time to propose to his girlfriend Magalie. After she accepted, Yannick Gontier relieved and got the final out. Borgerhout would go on to win the Series, 3 games to 2.

2004 – Craig Biggio pops his first postseason home run  and Houston leads Atlanta, 5-2, in Game Four of the N.L.D.S. with a chance to advance. Then Chad Qualls gives up a three-run homer to Adam Laroche and the Braves push across the winning run in the ninth to steal a 6-5 verdict and fly back to Atlanta for a decisive fifth game. Jeff Kent rolls into a double play with two men on in the bottom of the ninth to end a painful day – made worse by the news of ex-teammate Ken Caminiti’s death in New York at age 41. 

2001 – Tom Glavine and John Smoltz combine on a seven-hit shutout to blank the Astros, 1-0, in Game Two of the N.L.D.S. The only run is scored by B.J. Surhoff on a double-play grounder after a double and an error by Julio Lugo. 

1981 – Fernando Valenzuela outpitches Vern Ruhle in a 2-1 decision in Los Angeles. Only eight hits are registered, four by each side, but a homer by Pedro Guerrero and an RBI single by Bill Russell trump last-inning heroics by Terry Puhl and Tony Scott. The series is knotted at two games apiece. 

1980 – Denny Walling delivers Rafael Landestoy with a sacrifice fly as Houston wins their first post-season home game, 1-0, over Philadelphia . The Astros lead the best-of-five N.L.C.S., 2-1. Joe Morgan slams a Tug McGraw fastball high off the right field fence in the 11th inning for a triple and comes out for Landestoy. Joe Niekro blanks the Phils for ten innings before Dave Smith enters to get the win. 

1961 – The Houston Colt .45s and the New York Mets choose in the first National League expansion draft. Among the Colt selections are Bob Aspromonte and Dick Farrell (both from L.A.), Hal Smith and Roman Mejias (Pit.), Ken Johnson (Cin.), Al Spangler(Mil.) and Bob Lillis (St.L.). Houston’s first pick is infielder Eddie Bressoud but he is traded before the inaugural season begins.

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