This Day In Baseball September 22

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

Events for September 22

9/22/1904 – In the Giants’ 100th victory of the season which clinched the National League pennant, the Reds had trouble with their lineup. Pitcher Win Kellum batted in place of Tommy Corcoran and struck out. When a protest was lodged, Corcoran was called out and Kellum batted again.

Cy Young

Cy Young wins the 511th-and final game-of his Hall of Fame career

1911 – Cy Young, at age 44, beats the Pittsburgh Pirates, 1 – 0, for his 511th and final major league victory.

Cy Young wins his 511th and final career game when he blanks the Pirates at Forbes Field, 1-0. The 35-101 Rustlers have won only three contests in 22 attempts against Pittsburgh this season, with two of the victories coming on shutouts thrown by the 44 year-old veteran right-hander, who was obtained by Boston on waivers from Cleveland in late July.

1912 – At Sportsman’s Park against the Browns, Eddie Collins becomes the only player in major league history to steal six bases in one game for a second time. The Philadelphia Athletics’ second baseman’s feat of thievery has yet to be surpassed. It will be 79 years until another major leaguer, Otis Nixon, even ties Collins’ mark.

At Sportsman’s Park against the Browns, Eddie Collins becomes the first player to steal six bases in one game for the second time. The Philadelphia A’s second baseman’s feat of thievery continues to be the major league mark.

At Sportsman’s Park against the Browns, Eddie Collins becomes the first player to steal six bases in one game for the second time. The Philadelphia A’s second baseman’s feat of thievery continues to be the major league mark.

1925 – Burleigh Grimes of the Brooklyn Robins accounts for seven outs in just three plate appearances. The Dodgers pitcher hits into two double plays, then into a triple play.

Robins starter Burleigh Grimes accounts for seven outs in just three plate appearances in the team’s 3-2 loss to Chicago, a 12-inning game played at Cubs Park. The Brooklyn right-hander follows grounding into two double plays by hitting into a 6-4-3-2 triple play.

Robins starter Burleigh Grimes accounts for seven outs in just three plate appearances in the team’s 3-2 loss to Chicago, a 12-inning game played at Cubs Park. The Brooklyn right-hander follows grounding into two double plays by hitting into a 6-4-3-2 triple play.

1925-09-22

At Ebbets Field, the aging 18-year veteran outfielder Zack Wheat hits his last homer as a Dodger, but severely pulls a muscle nearing second. The future Hall of Famer needs to rest nearly five minutes before reaching home plate, making his trip around the bases the most extended home run trot in major league history.

1936 – The Detroit Tigers sweep the St. Louis Browns, 12 – 0 and 14 – 0, to record the biggest double shutout in major league history.

The Tigers record the most one-sided pair of shutouts in a doubleheader, sweeping St. Louis at Navin Field, 12-0 and 14-0. Both Detroit starters go the distance, with Elden Auker throwing a five-hitter in the opener, and Tommy Bridges limiting the Browns to just three hits in the nightcap.

On an off day, the Dodgers clinched the National League pennant, when Chicago takes the nightcap of the twin bill against St. Louis. Although it is past midnight when the good news about their beloved team reaches the borough, Brooklynites begin to gather on Flatbush for an impromptu celebration.

Stan Musial, for the fourth time this season, has five hits in five at-bats to set a National League record and ties the major league mark established by Ty Cobb. Stan the Man’s hits, which include a double and home run, come off five different pitchers on five consecutive pitches in the Cardinals’ 8-2 victory at Braves Field in Boston.

Stan Musial, for the fourth time this season, has five hits in five at-bats to set a National League record and ties the major league mark established by Ty Cobb. Stan the Man’s hits, which include a double and home run, come off five different pitchers on five consecutive pitches in the Cardinals’ 8-2 victory at Braves Field in Boston.

1954 – Karl Spooner of the Brooklyn Dodgers becomes the first pitcher to strike out 15 in his major league debut as the Dodgers beat the New York Giants, 3 – 0.

Karl Spooner, in his major league debut, blanks the Giants at Ebbets Field, 3-0. The 23 year-old Dodger southpaw fans 15 batters, including six straight, recording the most strikeouts in a first appearance by a rookie.

Duke Snider, with his second round-tripper in the Dodgers’ 7-3 victory over Philadelphia, hits his 40th home run, tying Ralph Kiner’s National League record of five consecutive seasons with forty or more homers. The Duke of Flatbush’s seventh-inning homer off future Hall of Famer Robin Roberts will prove to be the last one ever hit at Ebbets Field.

Duke Snider, with his second round-tripper in the Dodgers’ 7-3 victory over Philadelphia, hits his 40th home run, tying Ralph Kiner’s National League record of five consecutive seasons with forty or more homers. The Duke of Flatbush’s seventh-inning homer off future Hall of Famer Robin Roberts will prove to be the last one ever hit at Ebbets Field.

GO GO Chicago White Sox clinch their first American League pennant in 40 years

GO GO Chicago White Sox clinch their first American League pennant in 40 years

After the White Sox clinch the pennant by beating the second-place Indians at Cleveland Stadium, 4-2, Chicago’s Mayor Richard Daley orders the city air raid sirens to blast. It is the South-siders’ first American League championship since the notorious Black Sox team won the flag 40 years ago.

After the White Sox clinch the pennant by beating the second-place Indians at Cleveland Stadium, 4-2, Chicago’s Mayor Richard Daley orders the city air raid sirens to blast. It is the South-siders’ first American League championship since the notorious Black Sox team won the flag 40 years ago.

Jim Gentile hits his fifth grand slam of the year to tie the major league record established in 1955 by Cubs shortstop Ernie Banks. Each of the Orioles’ first baseman’s four-run homers has come with Chuck Estrada pitching for Baltimore.

Jim Gentile hits his fifth grand slam of the year to tie the major league record established in 1955 by Cubs shortstop Ernie Banks. Each of the Orioles’ first baseman’s four-run homers has come with Chuck Estrada pitching for Baltimore.

Al Jackson suffers his 20th loss of the season when Chicago beats the Mets at the Polo Grounds, 8-2. The New York southpaw joins Roger Craig in reaching the dubious number of defeats, making the pair the first teammates since Bucky Walters and Joe Bowman of the 1936 Phillies to become 20-game losers on the same National League team.

Musial gets a Rocker in Cincinnati

Musial gets a Rocker in Cincinnati

Larry Dierker, who will have a long relationship with the franchise, including stints as a broadcaster and manager, becomes the last rookie to make his major league debut as a Colt .45. On his 18th birthday, the right-hander is the starting pitcher and takes the loss when San Francisco defeats Houston, 7-3.

1966 – The Baltimore Orioles clinch their first American League pennant in 22 years with a 6 – 1 victory over the Kansas City Athletics. Their last pennant came in 1944, when they were the St. Louis Browns.

With only 413 patrons in attendance to see New York's 4-1 loss to the White Sox, the team's head of media relations denies Red Barber's request for a camera to scan the empty stands. The veteran broadcaster will reportedly lose his job when he continues to tell his audience, "I don't know what the paid attendance is today, but whatever it is, it is the smallest crowd in the history of Yankee Stadium, and this crowd is the story, not the game."

With only 413 patrons in attendance to see New York’s 4-1 loss to the White Sox, the team’s head of media relations denies Red Barber’s request for a camera to scan the empty stands. The veteran broadcaster will reportedly lose his job when he continues to tell his audience, “I don’t know what the paid attendance is today, but whatever it is, it is the smallest crowd in the history of Yankee Stadium, and this crowd is the story, not the game.”

The Orioles clinched their first pennant representing Baltimore when Jim Palmer goes the distance, beating Lew Krausse and the A’s at Municipal Stadium, 6-1. The franchise’s last flag was raised in St. Louis in 1944 when the team was known as the Browns.

With only 413 patrons in attendance to see New York’s 4-1 loss to the White Sox, the team’s head of media relations denies Red Barber’s request for a camera to scan the empty stands. The veteran broadcaster will reportedly lose his job when he continues to tell his audience, “I don’t know what the paid attendance is today, but whatever it is, it is the smallest crowd in the history of Yankee Stadium, and this crowd is the story, not the game.”

The Orioles clinched their first pennant representing Baltimore when Jim Palmer goes the distance, beating Lew Krausse and the A’s at Municipal Stadium, 6-1. The franchise’s last flag was raised in St. Louis in 1944 when the team was known as the Browns.

End of a dynasty

End of a dynasty

Cesar Tovar becomes 2nd player to play every position

Cesar Tovar becomes 2nd player to play every position

1968 – Cesar Tovar plays one inning at each position for the Minnesota Twins, becoming only the second major leaguer in history to do it. Bert Campaneris of the Oakland Athletics was the first, earlier this season.

Utility player Cesar Tovar becomes the second major leaguer to play one inning at each position when he plays right field in the ninth in the Twins’ 3-2 victory over Oakland at Metropolitan Stadium. A’s shortstop Bert Campaneris was the first player to field all of the positions in a 1965 contest against California.

Utility player Cesar Tovar becomes the second major leaguer to play one inning at each position when he plays right field in the ninth in the Twins’ 3-2 victory over Oakland at Metropolitan Stadium. A’s shortstop Bert Campaneris was the first player to field all of the positions in a 1965 contest against California.

Willie McCovey becomes first player to hit 2 homers an in inning twice

Willie Mays of the San Francisco Giants hits his 600th career home run

1969 – Willie Mays hits the 600th home run of his career. The historic homer off Mike Corkins of the Padres proves to be the game-winner in a 4 – 2 Giants victory at San Diego Stadium.

Willie Mays, joining Yankee legend Babe Ruth, becomes the second major leaguer to hit 600 career home runs. The historic two-run homer is delivered as a pinch hitter in the top of the seventh inning off Padres hurler Mike Corkins and proves to be the difference in the Giants' 4-2 victory at Qualcomm Stadium.

Willie Mays, joining Yankee legend Babe Ruth, becomes the second major leaguer to hit 600 career home runs. The historic two-run homer is delivered as a pinch hitter in the top of the seventh inning off Padres hurler Mike Corkins and proves to be the difference in the Giants’ 4-2 victory at Qualcomm Stadium.

Giant outfielder Bobby Bonds, during the team’s 4-2 victory over the Padres, establishes a big league record when he strikes out for the 176th time this season. The California native will finish the year with a total of 187 and will extend the dubious mark next season with two additional strikeouts.

Giant outfielder Bobby Bonds, during the team’s 4-2 victory over the Padres, establishes a big league record when he strikes out for the 176th time this season. The California native will finish the year with a total of 187 and will extend the dubious mark next season with two additional strikeouts.

Right-hander Don Sutton goes the distance to become a twenty-game winner for the first and last time when the Dodgers beat the Giants at Candlestick Park, 3-1. The future Hall of Famer will compile a 324-256 (.559) record during his 23-year career in the bigs.

1977 – Bert Blyleven tosses a 6 – 0 no-hitter for the Texas Rangers against the Angels at Anaheim Stadium.

Bert Blyleven no-hits the Angels, 6-0. A batter reaching on a third-inning error, erased on a double play, and a walk, issued with two outs in the ninth, account for the only two baserunners in the game for Anaheim.

Fernando Valenzuela of the Los Angeles Dodgers becomes the first Mexican pitcher to win 20 games in the majors, beating the Houston Astros, 9 – 2, while allowing just two hits. Teddy Higuera will be the second only three days later.

The New York Mets defeat the St. Louis Cardinals, 5 – 2, at Shea Stadium. The Mets’ Wally Backman, on his 27th birthday, hits his only home run of the season.

Dodger hurler Fernando Valenzuela (20-10) two-hits Houston en route to a 9-2 victory at the Astrodome. The 25 year-old southpaw becomes the first Mexican to win 20 games in the major leagues.

1987 – Wade Boggs of the Boston Red Sox reaches the 200 hit mark for the fifth straight season in an 8 – 5 loss to the Detroit Tigers.

Future Hall of Famer Wade Boggs collects his 200th hit for the fifth straight season. The Red Sox third baseman will reach the 200-hit mark for two more consecutive seasons before the streak ends in 1990.

Chicago sends Dickie Noles to the Tigers for a player to be named later. Next month, the right-handed pitcher is returned to the Cubs as that player to be named later.

The Mets clinch their fourth NL East title when Ron Darling goes the distance, defeating Philadelphia at Shea Stadium, 3-1. The Amazins also copped the division flag in 1969, 1973, and 1986.

1990 – Andre Dawson of the Chicago Cubs steals his 300th base in an 11 – 5 loss to the New York Mets, becoming only the second player in major league history with 300 home runs, 300 steals and 2,000 hits. Willie Mays was the other.

nolan ryan

Nolan Ryan of the Texas Rangers makes his final major league appearance

Pitcher Nolan Ryan of the Texas Rangers faces just three Seattle batters before hurting his right elbow in what turns out to be the last appearance of his career. Ryan finishes with 324 wins, 5,714 strikeouts and seven no-hitters.

The Colorado Rockies play their final home game of their inaugural season and finish with a major league home attendance record. The Rockies played before 4,483,350 fans at Mile High Stadium this year.

The long career of Ranger right-hander Nolan Ryan, who had announced his plans to retire at the end of the season, comes to an abrupt end when the Texas starter leaves the game in the first inning after injuring his right elbow. The future Hall of Famer, who gives up five runs without retiring a batter, will throw just one more pitch after giving up a grand slam to Dann Howitt in the 7-4 loss to Seattle at the Kingdome.

The Rockies establish the major league home attendance record with 4,483,350 patrons attending games at Denver’s Mile High Stadium. The expansion team will average 55,350 fans per game during their inaugural season.

The Rockies establish the major league home attendance record with 4,483,350 patrons attending games at Denver’s Mile High Stadium. The expansion team will average 55,350 fans per game during their inaugural season.

Barry Larkin becomes the first shortstop to become a member of the 30-30 club when he goes deep off Donovan Osborne in the fifth inning in the Reds’ 6-3 victory over St. Louis. The future Hall of Fame infielder joins teammate Eric Davis as only the second Cincinnati player to accomplish the feat.

Thanks to the Mets beating the Marlins, the Braves, prior to their 3-2 win over the Expos, capture the National League East title. The title is sixth straight division flag for Atlanta, which breaks the major league record.

Jose Canseco, in the Blue Jays’ 7-3 victory over Baltimore at the SkyDome, hits his 45th and 46th home runs, setting a new career high. The Toronto DH will finish his 17-year major league career with 462 round-trippers, but his admitted use of steroids will taint his accomplishment.

Mariner Ken Griffey Jr., with his American League-leading 54th and 55th home runs of the season, joins Babe Ruth (Yankees, 1930-32) and Lou Gehrig (Yankees, 1926-34) as the only players to drive in 140 or more runs in at least three consecutive seasons. During his 22-year tenure in the major leagues, Junior will average 111 runs batted in per season.

Braves backup backstop Eddie Perez’s solo home run in Atlanta’s 4-1 win over Florida is the team’s 208th round-tripper this season, breaking a 32 year-old franchise record. Atlanta will finish the season with 215 homers, with Andres Galarraga being the club leader with 44.

John Olerud ties Barry Bonds’ National League record of reaching base 15 consecutive times when he walks in the first inning. The Mets first baseman will groundout in the third, falling one short of the 1957 major league mark set by Ted Williams.

Tony Clark becomes the first Detroit player since Rudy York (1940-41) to drive in 100 runs in each of his first two full seasons in the Motor City. The Tiger first baseman, who finish the season with 103 RBIs, drove in 117 runs last season.

Braves backup backstop Eddie Perez’s solo home run in Atlanta’s 4-1 win over Florida is the team’s 208th round-tripper this season, breaking a 32 year-old franchise record. Atlanta will finish the season with 215 homers, with Andres Galarraga being the club leader with 44.

2000 – Jose Lima of the Houston Astros sets a National League single-season record by allowing his 47th home run in the Astros’ 12 – 5 loss to Cincinnati. The major league record for home runs allowed in a season is 50, set by Minnesota’s Bert Blyleven in 1986.

The Astros, surpassing the 1997 Rockies, establish a new National League team single-season home run mark, hitting their 240th in a 12-5 loss to Cincinnati at Cinergy Field. The slugfest features nine home runs, with the home team hitting six and Houston going deep three times.

At Cinergy Field, Astros’ Jose Lima gives up his 47th home run of the season, passing the National League record established in 1956 by Robin Roberts. Bert Blyleven holds the distinction of serving up 50 gopher balls as a Twin in 1986 to set the major league mark.

Mets’ closer Armando Benitez blanks the Phillies in the ninth for his 39th save, breaking southpaw John Franco’s club record. The left-handed bullpen veteran also appeared in the Mets’ 9-6 win.

Mets’ closer Armando Benitez blanks the Phillies in the ninth for his 39th save, breaking southpaw John Franco’s club record. The left-handed bullpen veteran also appeared in the Mets’ 9-6 win.

Chicago first baseman Fred McGriff becomes the first player to hit 30 home runs in a season for five different teams (Blue Jays, Braves, Cubs, Devil Rays, and Cubs). The ‘Crime Dog’s’ first inning PNC poke also sets a record for being the 42nd major league park in which he’s gone yard, one more than Ellis Burks of the Indians.

In the last game ever played at Cinergy Field, the Phillies complete a three-game sweep, defeating the Reds, 4-3, in front of many of the team’s former superstars except for the banished Pete Rose. The all-time hit leader, however, is not forgotten as Tom Browning paints Rose’s uniform number 14 on the pitcher’s mound after the game with red spray paint and, as home plate is dug up and to be delivered next door to Great American Ball Park, the crowd begins to chant, “Pete, Pete”.

Greg Maddux pitches seven innings of four-hit ball as the Braves beat the Marlins, 4-1. ‘Mad Dog’ joins Cy Young as one of only two pitchers in baseball history to win at least 15 games in 15 consecutive seasons.

Chicago first baseman Fred McGriff becomes the first player to hit 30 home runs in a season for five different teams (Blue Jays, Braves, Cubs, Devil Rays, and Cubs). The ‘Crime Dog’s’ first inning PNC poke also sets a record for being the 42nd major league park in which he’s gone yard, one more than Ellis Burks of the Indians.

In the last game ever played at Cinergy Field, the Phillies complete a three-game sweep, defeating the Reds, 4-3, in front of many of the team’s former superstars except for the banished Pete Rose. The all-time hit leader, however, is not forgotten as Tom Browning paints Rose’s uniform number 14 on the pitcher’s mound after the game with red spray paint and, as home plate is dug up and to be delivered next door to Great American Ball Park, the crowd begins to chant, “Pete, Pete”.

Detroit sets an American League record with its 118th loss, falling 12 – 6 to Kansas City. The 1916 Philadelphia Athletics (36-117) had held the record.

Second baseman Alfonso Soriano breaks a major league season record by hitting his 13th leadoff home run of the year in the New York Yankees’ 10-inning loss to the Chicago White Sox.

The Tigers established a new mark for futility in the American League, recording their 118th loss of the season. The 1916 A’s (36-117) had held the record prior to Detroit’s 12-6 defeat to the Royals.

Alfonso Soriano hits his 13th leadoff home run of the season to establish a new major league mark. The Yankees second baseman shared the record with Brady Anderson, who led off with 12 round-trippers for the 1996 Orioles.

For only the third time in major league history, a Korean pitcher and a Japanese pitcher oppose one another as Expos’ hurler Tomo Ohka faces Jae Weong Seo as starters at Shea Stadium. Both Pacific Rim right-handers throw well, but neither gets the decision as Montreal beats the Mets on misplayed fly balls in the ninth, 4-2.

The Tigers established a new mark for futility in the American League, recording their 118th loss of the season. The 1916 A’s (36-117) had held the record prior to Detroit’s 12-6 defeat to the Royals.

2004 – Raúl Ibañez of the Seattle Mariners ties an American League record with six hits in Seattle’s 16 – 6 victory over the Anaheim Angels.

When he whiffs Albert Pujols in the 3-2 loss to the Cardinals, Ben Sheets breaks the Brewers’ single-season strikeout record. The 26 year-old Louisiana native surpasses Teddy Higuera’s mark of 240 established in 1987.

When he whiffs Albert Pujols in the 3-2 loss to the Cardinals, Ben Sheets breaks the Brewers’ single-season strikeout record. The 26 year-old Louisiana native surpasses Teddy Higuera’s mark of 240 established in 1987.

On the day he is scheduled to return to the team after rehabilitating his right knee and left ankle at home, the Orioles inform Rafael Palmeiro not to report to the team. The first baseman/DH, who tested positive for steroids earlier in the season, continues to stir up more controversy as the 40 year-old veteran states the reason for failing the drug test due to a vitamin B-12 shot given by his teammate, Miguel Tejada.

An American Society of Microbiology’s study of the number of people who wash their hands after using a public restroom reports 83 percent of patrons take advantage of the available soap and water. Of the 6,300 bathroom users monitored, Turner Field was found to have the worst hygiene where approximately a quarter of the patrons (37% male and 16% female) did not wash their hands after using the facilities during a Braves game.

An American Society of Microbiology’s study of the number of people who wash their hands after using a public restroom reports 83 percent of patrons take advantage of the available soap and water. Of the 6,300 bathroom users monitored, Turner Field was found to have the worst hygiene where approximately a quarter of the patrons (37% male and 16% female) did not wash their hands after using the facilities during a Braves game.

Moises Alou

Moises Alou hit safely in his 26th straight game, setting a new franchise mark for the New York Mets

2008 – The Mets fall to one game up in the wild card race, losing 9 – 5 to the Cubs. Chicago clinches home field advantage for the playoffs. Pitcher Jason Marquis hits a grand slam and drives in 5 in the win. It is the second grand slam by a pitcher off New York hurlers this year, the first team since the 1977 Cubs to allow two such slams. Jon Niese takes his first major league loss.

The Yankees are the first team to clinch a playoff spot this year after a 6 – 5 win over the Angels. Alex Rodriguez drives in Brett Gardner on a sacrifice fly in the 9th; he has a homer and 3 RBI in the game. Mariano Rivera pitches a scoreless 9th inning for the save.

Mark Reynolds of the Diamondbacks strikes out 3 times against the Giants to reach 206 for the year, breaking his own record of 204 set last season. Arizona still wins, 10 – 8, thanks to 9 runs in the 2nd and 3rd innings.

Diamondback slugger Mark Reynolds establishes a new single-season strikeout mark for the second year in a row when he misses a 1-2 breaking ball from Madison Bumgarner, his 205th K of the campaign. Prior to breaking his own dubious mark and extending it with another whiff in the sixth inning, the 26 year-old third baseman collected his 100th RBI of the season in Arizona’s 10-8 Chase Field victory over San Francisco.

Diamondback slugger Mark Reynolds establishes a new single-season strikeout mark for the second year in a row when he misses a 1-2 breaking ball from Madison Bumgarner, his 205th K of the campaign. Prior to breaking his own dubious mark and extending it with another whiff in the sixth inning, the 26 year-old third baseman collected his 100th RBI of the season in Arizona’s 10-8 Chase Field victory over San Francisco.

The Diamondbacks hire Kevin Towers as the team’s general manager, bypassing the interim GM Jerry Dipoto, a highly-regarded administrator within the organization and throughout baseball for the job he did replacing Josh Byrnes. During Towers’ 14-year tenure in the same position with the Padres, San Diego won four division titles and played in the 1998 World Series against New York.

The Diamondbacks hire Kevin Towers as the team’s general manager, bypassing the interim GM Jerry Dipoto, a highly-regarded administrator within the organization and throughout baseball for the job he did replacing Josh Byrnes. During Towers’ 14-year tenure in the same position with the Padres, San Diego won four division titles and played in the 1998 World Series against New York.

Matt Moore strikes out 11 in 5 innings in his first major league start as the Rays beat the Yankees, 15 – 8. The wins prevents a four-game sweep and moves the Rays back within two games of Boston in the wild card race. Having clinched the AL East title the previous day, the Yankees use a line-up full of youngsters and trail 13 – 0 after 5 innings as Moore earns his first major league win.

The Cardinals blow a 6 – 2 9th-inning lead in losing to the Mets, 8 – 6. SS Rafael Furcal misplays a potential double play grounder to start New York’s six-run outburst. Jason Motte walks three batters – who all score – and Marc Rzepczynski is charged with the loss. The loss is only St. Louis’s third over their last 16 games and they are 2 games back of Atlanta in the National League wild card race.

T&A San Marino wins the 2011 European Cup, less than two weeks after taking the 2011 Italian Series. In the European Cup finale, they rout Parma, 7 – 1, behind a complete game from Brazilian Tiago Da Silva, two homers from veteran Jairo Ramos Gizzi and a grand slam by catcher and MVP Mattia Reginato. In the game to determine third place, Unipol Bologna rallies from a 9 – 4 deficit to beat the Amsterdam Pirates, 10 – 9. Juan Carlos Infante drives in the winner in the bottom of the 9th.

Thanks to Shane Victorino’s million-dollar pledge, the renovated 105 year-old Nicetown Boys & Girls Club celebrates its grand opening. The inner-city facility, now named after the Phillies’ All-Star center fielder, is only the second club in the country to bear the name of a major leaguer, with the ‘Flying Hawaiian’ sharing the distinction with Willie Mays.

Leo Nunez is placed on the restricted list by the Marlins without the club listing a reason, but the Associated Press has reported that the Florida closer, whose real name is Juan Oviedo, needs to return to the Dominican Republic to deal with legal issues pertaining to the use of fake identification documents. The 29 year-old right-handed reliever used his childhood friend’s identity to receive a more lucrative deal due to being believed only to be 16 years of age instead of 17 when signing his first major league contract.

Thanks to Shane Victorino’s million-dollar pledge, the renovated 105 year-old Nicetown Boys & Girls Club celebrates its grand opening. The inner-city facility, now named after the Phillies’ All-Star center fielder, is only the second club in the country to bear the name of a major leaguer, with the ‘Flying Hawaiian’ sharing the distinction with Willie Mays.

Leo Nunez is placed on the restricted list by the Marlins without the club listing a reason, but the Associated Press has reported that the Florida closer, whose real name is Juan Oviedo, needs to return to the Dominican Republic to deal with legal issues pertaining to the use of fake identification documents. The 29 year-old right-handed reliever used his childhood friend’s identity to receive a more lucrative deal due to being believed only to be 16 years of age instead of 17 when signing his first major league contract.

With their sixth straight win, 8 – 4 over the Padres, the Giants clinch the NL West title. They have won 18 of their last 24 games to turn what was a close race with the Dodgers into a blowout. Madison Bumgarner picks up his 16th win.

The Yankees and Orioles both win in extra innings as they remain separated by one game in their epic race for the AL East crown. New York trails Oakland, 9 – 5, going into the bottom of the 13th after three A’s homers, but the Yankees manage to tie the game and win, 10 – 9, on a 14th-inning run. For its part, Baltimore scores three times in the 13th to beat Boston, 9 – 6, for the team’s 16th consecutive extra-innings win.

Canada uses its bats to pound home team Germany, 16 – 7, and reach the finals of its pool in the 2013 World Baseball Classic Qualifiers in Regensburg. Germany will now play Great Britain, after the Brits’ 12 – 5 win over the Czech Republic eliminates the Bohemians. In the other pool in Jupiter, FL, South Africa scores three runs in the 11th inning to eliminate France, 5 – 2, in the completion of a game suspended by rain after 9 innings yesterday. The South Africans then face Spain, but lose, 13 – 3, also bowing out of the tournament.

Gio Gonzalez becomes the second pitcher in franchise history to win 20 games in a season when Washington beats Milwaukee at Nationals Park, 10-4. The 27 year-old southpaw joins Ross Grimsley, who accomplished the feat in 1978 when the club played in Montreal as the Expos.

Two teams clinch division titles today. The Athletics secure their second straight AL West crown with an 11 – 7 win over the Twins as Coco Crisp hits a three-run homer and Jed Lowrie and Daric Barton add solo shots, negating a homer and 6 RBIs by Twins rookie Oswaldo Arcia. In the NL East, Atlanta wins its first title since 2005 as its closest pursuers, the Nationals, lose, 4 – 2, to the Marlins. The Braves then defeat the Cubs, 5 – 2, as they now set their eyes on finishing the year with the best record in the National League.

With most of the interest now focused on the wild card races, the Indians compete a four-game sweep of the Astros with a 9 – 2 win to hold on to one of the two spots available in the American League. The Indians become the first team since the 1961 Yankees to record six four-game sweeps in one season.

T&A San Marino becomes the third team to win three straight Italian Baseball League titles. Down 2 games to 0 on the road, they sweep Rimini in the final three to win it. Today, Jim Magrane allows two hits and no runs in 7 innings to lead San Marino to a 4 – 1 win over Rimini in the finale of the 2013 Italian Series. Simone Albanese scores one and drives in two for San Marino, while Joe Mazzuca scores two and drives in one. Magrane (2 R in 21 IP for the Series), working on just one day off, is named Series MVP, becoming the first player to be MVP of both the Taiwan Series and Italian Series.

Felix Hernandez, making his first appearance since suffering a strained oblique, sets a record for strikeouts in a start lasting four or fewer innings when he whiffs ten batters before the fifth frame in the Mariners’ 3-2 victory at Angel Stadium. The fans aren’t the only ones buzzing during King Felix’s performance as a swarm of bees in the outfield delays the contest for 23 minutes during the third inning.

Felix Hernandez, making his first appearance since suffering a strained oblique, sets a record for strikeouts in a start lasting four or fewer innings when he whiffs ten batters before the fifth frame in the Mariners’ 3-2 victory at Angel Stadium. The fans aren’t the only ones buzzing during King Felix’s performance as a swarm of bees in the outfield delays the contest for 23 minutes during the third inning.

One day after being mathematically eliminated at the end of a disappointing season, the Braves fire General Manager Frank Wren, who had been in place since 2007. John Hart takes over on an interim basis.

The Royals split a sort-of doubleheader with the Indians to move within one game of the Tigers in the AL Central. The evening starts with Kansas City taking a 4 – 3 loss in the completion of a game suspended on August 31st with Cleveland having just taken a 4 – 2 lead in the 10th; the Royals score a run in the bottom of the inning but fail to extend the contest. In the regularly scheduled game, Danny Duffy pitches 6 scoreless innings for a 2 – 0 win. Cleveland is now 3 1/2 games behind K.C. and is virtually eliminated from contention.

The Pirates play their third consecutive 1 – 0 game as they defeat the Braves by that score, reducing their magic number to clinch a postseason slot to 2. Francisco Liriano is the winner, thanks to a 6th-inning solo homer by Andrew McCutchen. The Bucs won two of the three contests, whereas the last team to play three such games before them, the 1960 Phillies, had lost all three.

Jake Arrieta of the Cubs becomes the first 20-game winner in the major leagues this year when he defeats the Brewers, 4 – 0, becoming the first Cubs pitcher tor each the mark since Jon Lieber in 2001. 3B Kris Bryant sets a club record for a rookie by belting his 26th homer.

Hall of Fame catcher Yogi Berra, winner of three MVP Awards who also holds the all-time record by playing in 14 World Series, passes away at age 90. He is just as famous for his aphorisms, and one of them is appropriate for the occasion: “You should always go to other people’s funerals, otherwise, they won’t come to yours.”

The Fresno Grizzlies beat the Columbus Clippers, 7 – 0, in the Triple-A National Championship Game. Chris Devenski throws a perfect game for five innings before Audy Ciriaco singles; Devenski fans 9 in 7 innings of one-hit ball. Alex Presley has 3 hits, two runs and a RBI.

2016 – The Pakistani national team makes its debut in a global event, having previously finished as high as 5th in the Asian Games and Asian Championship. As anticipated, they lose to Brazil in the opener of the 2017 World Baseball Classic Qualifiers Pool D, but they are not overmatched, losing 10 – 0 and getting four hits while making one error. Faqir Hussain goes 2 for 2 as their top performer. Brazil’s Jean Tomé, Eric Pardinho and Edilson Batista combine on the shutout, while Juan Carlos Muniz hits an inside-the-park two-run homer.

2017 – The Dodgers clinch a fifth consecutive NL West title with a 4 – 2 win over the Giants. In the game, Cody Bellinger hits his 39th homer of the year, setting a new National League record for rookies, erasing the mark of 38 that was shared by Wally Berger and Frank Robinson.

The young Atlanta Braves clinch the NL East title with a 5 – 3 win over the Phillies. This caps a remarkable season in which the Braves inserted themselves among the league’s best teams ahead of schedule after completing a thorough rebuilding.

The Leksand Lumberjacks win their record 22nd Elitserien title, topping the defending champion Sölvesborg Firehawks 3 games to 1 in the finals.

2000 – Richard Hidalgo hits two home runs to give him a career-high 44 while the Astros set a National League mark for homers by one team (ending with 249). But Houston gives up six home runs, including three off Jose Lima who sets another league home run record (47) as Cincinnati wins, 12-5, at Cinergy Field. 

1997 – Jeff Bagwell steals third base against Mike Remlinger of Cincinnati to become the first 30-30 (HRs, SBs) player in franchise history. Houston tops the Reds, 6-3. A four-run eighth is the difference, keyed by a two-run pinch single by Bill Spiers. 

1974 – Pitcher Tom Griffin delivers a pinch-hit single in the 14th to edge the Braves, 3-2. The Astros score only when necessary – plating runs in the bottom of the ninth and the bottom of the tenth before winning it later. Ken Forsch picks up the victory. 

1969 – Third base coach Salty Parker sends Norm Miller home from third when he sees a white object fly away from Atlanta catcher Bob Didier after a pitch. The object turns out not to be the ball, but a finger cast the catcher was wearing on his glove hand. Miller is easily tagged out. The 5-3 loss creates an unhappy 23rd birthday for sore-armed Larry Dierker who broke in with the Colt .45s on his brithday five years earlier. 

1963 – Joe Morgan delivers the winning hit in his second major league game, a pinch single with two outs in the ninth to nip the Phillies, 2-1. This prompts a tirade from Philadelphia skipper Gene Mauch who trashes the post-game meal after his squad let “a little leaguer” beat them.

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