This Day In Baseball September 27

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

Events for September 27

With their 19th victory in the last 20 games, the Red Caps, aka the Red Stockings, clinch the National League pennant, beating the Hartford Dark Blues, 13-2. James ‘Deacon’ White, the league’s leading hitter, paces Boston’s attack with a 4-for-4 performance.

September 27 – The Troy Trojans lose to the champion Chicago White Stockings 10–8 in a heavy rain storm in front of 12 spectators, setting a record for the least attended game.

1889 – The Philadelphia National League club releases union activists George Wood and Dan Casey. Meanwhile, the Boston club announces the purchase of the entire Western Association champion Omaha team for 1890. This latter deal will not actually take place.

Reds first baseman Jake Beckley handles a record 22 chances, making 21 put outs and one assist, without committing any errors. The Cincinnati infielder’s defensive acumen contributes to the home team’s 9-2 victory over the Cleveland Spiders League Park.

At Philadelphia, the A’s beat the Brewers, 14 – 5, behind Snake Wiltse. Nap Lajoie has three hits including his American League-leading 14th homer, off Jack Bracken.

Behind Deacon Phillippe, Pittsburgh defeats the Superbas, 5 – 4, to clinch the National League pennant. Except for a few hours on July 4th, the Pirates have been in 1st place since June 15th.

Boston rookie George Wilson, purchased from Albany (New York State League) tops Milwaukee, 7 – 2, in his first game. Next year he’ll play under the name George Prentiss.

Bob Rhoads, Cleveland righthander, holds Boston hitless for 8 2/3 innings before Chick Stahl singles. Cleveland wins, 3 – 1.

In St. Louis, the Browns’ Willie Sudhoff and the A’s Chief Bender face off for 10 innings without either team scoring. The game ends in a tie.

Cleveland Naps’ (Indians) hurler Bob Rhoads holds Boston hitless until Chick Stahl singles with two outs in the ninth. In four years, the right-hander will become the first pitcher ever to no-hit the Red Sox.

1905 – Pilgrim Bill Dinneen, who had not thrown this month because of a sore arm, pitches the 4th no-hitter of the season. The White Sox have 26 official at bats against him in the 2 – 0 Boston win, their first loss to Boston after 10 straight wins. Chicago gets revenge in the nitecap, whipping the Pilgrims, 15 – 1. With the A’s losing yesterday to the Tigers, Chicago now heads for Philadelphia, trailing by three percentage points. The Pilgrims will play 11 twinbills this month, winning 2, losing 2, and splitting 7.

After leading the American League most of the month, the Athletics (83-54) are beset by pitching problems as Detroit (86-56) comes into Philadelphia for a three-game showdown. Detroit win the first game, 5 – 4, to take over 1st place.

Pirate star Honus Wagner is hit on the hand by a pitch from Rube Dessau, and will miss the last 12 games of the year.

Ed Walsh blanks the Red Sox, 3 – 0, for a Chicago win. Only four percentage points separate the top three American League teams.

The Reds’ Hans Lobert steals second base, third, and home against St. Louis.

The Tigers take over first place with a Sunday 5 – 2 win over the A’s behind righty George Mullin.

1909 – The first-place Pirates set a National League record with their 16th victory in a row, before the Giants stop them, 8 – 7, in the 2nd game of a doubleheader.

1912 – Eddie Plank goes 19 innings for the A’s against Bob Groom and Walter Johnson of the Nationals, and takes a 5 – 4 loss when Eddie Collins’ wild throw lets the winning run score. Johnson relieves Bob Groom at the end of the 9th, and pitches 10 innings of scoreless relief.

1913 – The Giants lose to Brooklyn, but the pennant is theirs, as the Phils lose to Boston, 9 – 3.

Nap Lajoie 1906

Napoleon Lajoie of the Cleveland Indians becomes only the second player of the modern era to reach 3,000 hits

The Athletics clinch the American League pennant.

1915 – St. Louis Browns 1B George Sisler makes his second pitching start this month, and gets a no-decision despite giving up four runs in seven innings. The Red Sox beat St. Louis, 8 – 4.

The Red Sox play a benefit game against an American League all-star team and Babe Ruth and Rube Foster combine for a 2 - 0 shutout. The AL squad features Ty Cobb, Tris Speaker, and Joe Jackson in the outfield. More than $14,000 is raised for the family of sports writer Tim Murnane, who died February 13th. Murnane had played and managed in Boston in the 19th century. Actress Fanny Brice helps sell programs and former heavyweight champ John L. Sullivan coaches 3B for the Sox. Ruth wins the fungo hitting contest with a drive of 402 feet, while Joe Jackson has the longest throw at an impressive 396 feet.

The Red Sox play a benefit game against an American League all-star team and Babe Ruth and Rube Foster combine for a 2 – 0 shutout. The AL squad features Ty Cobb, Tris Speaker, and Joe Jackson in the outfield. More than $14,000 is raised for the family of sports writer Tim Murnane, who died February 13th. Murnane had played and managed in Boston in the 19th century. Actress Fanny Brice helps sell programs and former heavyweight champ John L. Sullivan coaches 3B for the Sox. Ruth wins the fungo hitting contest with a drive of 402 feet, while Joe Jackson has the longest throw at an impressive 396 feet.

1919 – Babe Ruth’s 29th home run is his first of the year in Washington; he is the first to hit one in every park in the league in one season.

In a complete game effort at Shibe Park, Yankee right-hander Bob Shawkey establishes a franchise record when he strikes out 15 batters in a 9-2 victory over Philadelphia. In 1978, Ron Guidry will fan 18 batters, breaking the 59 year-old record, also shared by Whitey Ford, who had tied the mark in 1959 in a 14-inning game against Washington.

At the Polo Grounds, the Braves eliminate the 2nd-place Giants in game two by a 3 – 2 score on Tony Boeckel’s homer in the 9th. The Giants win the opener, 2 – 1. The loss clinches the pennant for Brooklyn.

Behind the pitching of Dickie Kerr, the White Sox top Detroit, 2 – 0. In the clubhouse following the game, copies of the Chicago papers are spread on the table. The headlines feature Philadelphia writer Jimmy Isaminger’s interview with Billy Maharg where Maharg admits to his involvement, and that of former pitcher Bill Burns, in the Black Sox Scandal.

Carl Mays and the Yankees beat the A’s, 3 – 0, as Mays allows just four hits. It is his 3rd straight shutout over Philadelphia and his 10th straight win against them. Babe Ruth drives in all the runs on a pair of homers over the RF fence off Eddie Rommel, his 52nd and 53rd homers of the campaign. He hits two other liners to left and center that are close to the wall.

The Indians continue on their war path by topping the Browns, 8 – 4. Duster Mails wins his 6th straight and Tris Speaker breaks out of a slump by collecting two hits. He had been 1 for 19. Charlie Jamieson adds four hits.

An article appearing in the Philadelphia North American quotes local gambler Bill Maharg saying he and former major league pitcher Billy Burns offered eight White Sox players $100,000 to throw the 1919 World Series. The team will become infamously known as the Black Sox.

At Chicago’s Comiskey Park, 33 year-old Joe Jackson’s sixth inning double off Tiger hurler Hooks Dauss breaks a scoreless tie, putting the White Sox ahead, 2-0. ‘Shoeless’ Joe’s game-winning hit will be his last of his 13-year career when the players on the grand jury list are indefinitely suspended for the rest of the season as the probe of the 1919 World Series fix is investigated.

In the first of two at Boston, Braves C Ray Powell hits three triples, tying the Major League mark, in an 8 – 5 win over Brooklyn. Dana Fillingim is the winner over Burleigh Grimes.

The Browns’ Urban Shocker stops the Yanks, 2 – 0, racking up his 5th win in nine decisions against New York this year. It is his 27th win of the year.

1922 – In the Giants’, 3 – 2 win over the Phils, rookie Travis Jackson debuts, going 0 for 2. Jackson will play 15 years for the Giants, eventually going to the Hall of Fame.

Red Sox owner Bob Quinn announces that Frank Chance will not manage the team next year.

Signed in June for a $1,500 bonus, and recently brought up from Hartford (Eastern League), Lou Gehrig hits the first of his 493 home runs. It comes off Bill Piercy at Fenway Park in an 8 – 3 New York win.

1925 – In a doubleheader split with the Braves in St. Louis, the Cards’ player-manager, Rogers Hornsby, hits his 38th and 39th home runs of the year, along with a single, double, and triple to push his average to .403. In batting practice tomorrow, Hornsby will foul a ball off his foot splitting his toenail, and will sit the last three games. The Rajah calls reporters into the clubhouse to view his bloody toe, “because some of those in the East may say I’m stallin’ because I want to save my .400 average.” Hornsby will be the only player-manager to win the triple crown, which he does by topping .400 for the 3rd time in four years, while his 39 home runs and 143 RBI are National League highs. His .756 slugging average will be the NL record until topped by Barry Bonds in 2001. The Cards take the opener, 6 – 5, and lose the nitecap, 7 – 6.

Behind Jack Bentley’s 4-hitter the Giants clinch their 4th straight pennant, beating the Phils, 5 – 1, while Brooklyn is losing, 3 – 2, to Boston.

Down 4 – 0 in the 1st, the Senators rally to top the Red Sox, 7 – 5, as the Fenway Park crowd of 20,000 cheers the Washington win. Rookie pinch hitter Wade Lefler, who had one at-bat with the Braves previously, drives in three runs with a bases-loaded double to win it. Lefler drove in Washington’s only run in Friday’s loss, but his five games with Washington (5 for 9 with three doubles) and one with Boston will sum up his major league career. In Philadelphia, the A’s beat the Yankees, 4 – 3, to give the Senators a 2-game lead with two to play.

Rookie Pedro Dibut (3-0) hurls the Reds to a 10 – 1 win over the Cardinals. Except for a brief relief appearance next year, that’s it in the majors for the chunky Cuban, who played in the Negro Leagues for the Cuban Giants (West) before the Reds. He sets an oft-tied National League record for most wins without a loss in a career, a mark that will be eclipsed by Ben Shields (4-0 in two leagues).

1926 – Cleveland 1B George Burns hits his 64th double of the year, as the Indians down Philadelphia, 5 – 4. Indians righthander George Uhle gives up nine hits in winning his 27th against 11 losses. He leads the American League, despite giving up a league-high 300 hits and 118 walks, and posts a 2.83 ERA. It is his best record in a 17-year, 200-win career.

1927 – Babe Ruth connects for a grand slam off Lefty Grove while Lou Gehrig hits No. 46 in a 7 – 4 win over the A’s. Ruth has 57 with three games to play. The grand slam is the Babe’s second in three days.

At St. Louis, Bump Hadley pitches the Senators to a 6 – 5 win over the Browns. Goose Goslin, leading the American League, is 2 for 4, while his rival Heinie Manush has one hit, a 3-run home run in the Browns’ 5-run 9th. Manush has 13 homers – all at home.

At Boston, the Cardinals erupt for seven runs in the 15th inning to win, 10 – 3, handing the loss to starter Bob Smith. Smith goes 14 1/3 innings, allowing nine hits and 12 walks. Smith and Kent Greenfield allow the seven runs, a major-league record for the 15th inning. The Cards tied the game in the 9th on Andy High’s 2-out, 2-run single.

For a remarkable 2nd time in five weeks, Lefty Grove strikes out three batters on nine pitches, this time victimizing the White Sox (Moe Berg, Tommy Thomas and Johnny Mostil) in the 7th inning. Grove also starts the A’s scoring with a solo home run and wins, 6 – 3, his 6th straight win over Chicago and his 24th of the year. Not until Jim Bunning, in 1959, will another American League hurler strike out the side on nine pitches.

With the Giants just a half game behind the Cardinals, New York loses the 1st game of a doubleheader to the Cubs, 3 – 2. On a controversial play at the plate in the 6th inning, New York’s Shanty Hogan hits a ball back to pitcher Art Nehf who throws to third to get the runner. But the runner, Randy Reese, was off with the crack of the bat and bowls over catcher Gabby Hartnett. Hartnett grabs the runner to keep from falling. and as Hartnett holds him, Reese is tagged out by the Cubs 3B. The Giants bench erupts, but umpire Bill Klem rules Reese is out. The subsequent protest will be disallowed, despite a photo clearly showing Hartnett up the line holding Reese. The Giants win the nitecap, 2 – 0, but a loss tomorrow clinches the pennant for St. Louis.

At the Polo Grounds, the Giants unveil bronze tablets in memory of two former players, Christy Mathewson and Ross Youngs. The future Hall of Famers were much beloved and respected by their manager John McGraw, a tyrant in the dugout who was known to berate his ballplayers.

1929 – Phils outfielder Chuck Klein hits home run number 42, tying Mel Ott and equaling Rogers Hornsby’s National League record. He’ll hit one more to top the NL with 43.

Hack Wilson of the Chicago Cubs becomes the first player to hit a home run that strikes the center field scoreboard at Wrigley Field.

Hack Wilson of the Chicago Cubs belts two home runs, giving him a National League record 56 for the season

Rogers Hornsby replaces Joe McCarthy as manager of Cubs

Rogers Hornsby replaces Joe McCarthy as manager of Cubs

Almost overlooked is Wally Berger’s 38th homer for the Braves, at Ebbets Field, as Boston tops Brooklyn, 7 – 1. It is a record for rookies and still stands as a National League record.

In Yankee Stadium, Josh Gibson of the Homestead Grays hits what his biographer John Holway will call “perhaps the longest home run ever hit in the House that Ruth Built,” and Gibson himself describes as hit “on a line into the bullpen in deep left field.” The Pittsburgh Courier’s guess-timate is 430 feet while the Amsterdam News says 460. The bullpen in question extends quite a long way, and could easily accommodate anything from a 415-footer to a 500-plus-foot blast.

Lou Gehrig plays the last of 885 consecutive games at 1B. In the next game, the season’s finale, he will take Babe Ruth’s LF position.

In a scheduled doubleheader at Ebbets Field, the Robins beat the Giants, 12 – 3, in the opener. The nitecap, called on account of darkness after three innings with no score, will turn out to be the final contest between managers Wilbert Robinson and John McGraw, one-time friends and business partners, but now bitter enemies. McGraw has the edge, 197-190, with five ties.

Lou Gehrig hits a home run to tie Babe Ruth at 46 while the Yankees pound Lefty Grove, 13 – 1, and deny him his 32nd victory. Grove throws just three innings in the warmup for the World Series. Gehrig drives in two runs as he (184) and Ruth (163) combine to drive in 347 runs for the year, the most productive duo in history. Bill Dickey has four hits and ends the year with no passed balls, the only American League catcher to do so, while the Yankees are the only AL team to ever accomplish the feat.

The most desperately contested battle for individual honors takes place in the race for the National League batting title. Chick Hafey, who reported late due to a contract dispute, goes into the final doubleheader with the Reds batting .353, four points over Bill Terry, last year’s champ. Hafey gets only two hits in eight times at bat to drop to .349. Bill Terry’s Giants are playing archenemy Brooklyn at Ebbets Field. Brooklyn, in their last game as the Robins, wins 12 – 3, behind Watty Clark. Terry gets only one hit in four times at bat. The title goes to Hafey, who bats .3488 to Terry’s .3486. Jim Bottomley, Hafey’s Cardinal teammate, goes 4 for 8 and finishes at .3481. The Cards win, 6 – 2 and 5 – 3, to win 20 of 22 with the Reds.

Nick Altrock becomes the first player to appear in major league games in five different decades. The 54 year-old former left-hander accomplishes the feat as a pinch hitter when he walks and then is promptly picked off first base in the Senators’ 4-2 loss to Boston at Griffith Stadium.

1934 – The Cards close to one-half game of the idle Giants, beating the Reds, 13 – 7. Cincinnati SS Gordon Slade makes 3 errors in the 1st inning.

All American League games are rained out today.

The Cubs clinch the National League pennant in the first game of a doubleheader with the Cardinals, 6 – 2, besting Dizzy Dean, as Bill Lee wins his 20th. The Cubs tally 15 hits off Diz, led by Freddie Lindstrom’s 4. With Roy Henshaw’s victory, 5 – 3, in the nitecap, the Cubs extend their win streak to an incredible 21 games and reach the 100-win mark. Only once during the winning streak have the Cubs pitchers given up more than three runs. The streak ties the franchise mark set in 1880.

1936 – Replacing Johnny Mize, who is tossed by an umpire for arguing, Cardinal rookie first baseman Walter Alston makes an error in handling two chances and is fanned by Lon Warneke in his only major league at-bat. “Smokey” will, however, win seven pennants and four World Series in his 23-year Hall of Fame career as Dodger manager from 1954 to 1976.

1939 – The hometown White Sox play the first “day-night” doubleheader against Cleveland, but lose both games, 5 – 2 and 7 – 5. Fans are charged separate admissions for each game.

Hank Greenberg again hits 2 homers, extending his record to 11 times in the same season. They are the last he will hit this season, as he falls 2 short of Babe Ruth’s 1927 record of 60.

Dizzy Dean shuts out the Bucs for 8 innings. In the 9th Bill Lee relieves Dean, and the Cubs win, 2 – 1.

Dizzy Dean shuts out the Bucs for 8 innings. In the 9th Bill Lee relieves Dean, and the Cubs win, 2 – 1.

In Detroit’s 10-2 rout of St. Louis in the nightcap of a twin bill, Hank Greenberg hits two home runs, both off Bill Cox, to extend his major league-leading total to 58. The pair of round-trippers gives the Tiger first baseman a total of 39 at Briggs Stadium, establishing a major league record for the most round-trippers hit at home in one season.

An ailing Lou Gehrig hits his 493rd and final major league home run off Senators’ right-hander Dutch Leonard. On the same date 15 years earlier, the Yankee first baseman had gone deep off Bill Piercy at Fenway Park for his first career home run.

Besides Bobo Newsom (21-5), Schoolboy Rowe (16-3), and Tommy Bridges (12-9), the Tigers' pitching staff combines for a losing record. Needing one victory to gain the title, manager Del Baker decides to withhold Newsom and Rowe and picks Floyd Giebell, an obscure rookie just called in from Buffalo. Giebell shuts out the Indians, 2 - 0, to beat Bob Feller, who gives up just 3 hits. Not eligible for the World Series, Giebell will never win another game in the major leagues. During the game, unruly Cleveland fans shower the field with fruit and vegetables. At one point, a basket of green tomatoes is dropped onto Tigers C Birdie Tebbetts' head while he sits in the bullpen.

Besides Bobo Newsom (21-5), Schoolboy Rowe (16-3), and Tommy Bridges (12-9), the Tigers’ pitching staff combines for a losing record. Needing one victory to gain the title, manager Del Baker decides to withhold Newsom and Rowe and picks Floyd Giebell, an obscure rookie just called in from Buffalo. Giebell shuts out the Indians, 2 – 0, to beat Bob Feller, who gives up just 3 hits. Not eligible for the World Series, Giebell will never win another game in the major leagues. During the game, unruly Cleveland fans shower the field with fruit and vegetables. At one point, a basket of green tomatoes is dropped onto Tigers C Birdie Tebbetts’ head while he sits in the bullpen.

Ted Williams starts the day with a .401 batting average and refuses Boston manager Joe Cronin’s suggestion that he sit out the rest of the season to preserve his average. Against the A’s he hits one single in 4 at bats to drop his average to .3995.

George Pfister

George Pfister is removed from records because he never signed a Brooklyn contract

Phils outfielder Danny Litwhiler completes his 151st errorless game of the season in a game against the Dodgers. Litwhiler becomes the first OF to avoid an error the entire season. He has 308 putouts and 9 assists on the year.

The Cardinals clinch the National League pennant by winning the first game of a doubleheader from the Cubs. The final score is 9 – 2.

The Red Sox’s Tex Hughson wins his 22nd to tie Mort Cooper for the major league lead, as the Sox edge the Yankees. A Fenway Park crowd of 26,166 – including 4,293 youngsters who gained free admission by bringing 29,000 pounds of scrap metal – watches Hughson scatter 11 hits. Ted Williams, in his final appearance before entering the war, has a single to finish the season at .356 and wins his second straight batting title. Teammate Johnny Pesky is 2nd at .331. Williams also leads the majors in home runs (36), RBI (137), runs (141), and walks (145).

On the last day of the regular season, the Cardinals clinch the National League pennant as sore-armed hurler Ernie White throws a five-hit complete-game, beating the Cubs in the first game of a twin bill, 9-2. The Redbirds also win the nightcap to finish the season with 11 victories in their final 12 games.

1944 – The Browns give the lead back by insisting on playing the Red Sox in the rain under the arcs and then losing, 4 – 1. The Red Sox had just lost 10 straight.

1946 – In Detroit’s Briggs Stadium, Indian fireballer Bob Feller ties Rube Waddell’s strikeout mark with his 343rd K of the season. Future research, however, will show Rube Waddell had struck out 349 in 1904.

In Detroit’s Briggs Stadium, Indian fireballer Bob Feller ties Rube Waddell’s major league mark with his 343rd K of the season. Future research, however, will show the future Hall of Famer had really struck out 349 in 1904.

In Detroit’s Briggs Stadium, Indian fireballer Bob Feller ties Rube Waddell’s major league mark with his 343rd K of the season. Future research, however, will show the future Hall of Famer had really struck out 349 in 1904.

1949 – The Red Sox, winners of 16 out of the last 19 with the Senators, win the opener in Washington, 6 – 4.

Future Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt is born in Dayton, Ohio

Future Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt is born in Dayton, Ohio

Against the A’s, Whitey Ford relieves and loses his first game after nine wins. The Yanks lose, 8 – 7.

The Phils rally for five runs in the 8th to tie, but the Giants win in 10 innings, 8 – 7. Monte Irvin, sliding across the plate with the winning run, injures catcher Andy Seminick, limiting his effectiveness. He will play the next day and all through the World Series, later to find out that he has a bone separation. In the nitecap, Bobby Thomson’s 1st-inning inside-the-park grand slam is all the Giants need as Jim Hearn wins, 5 – 0. The Dodgers split with the Braves, cutting the Phillies’ lead to two games.

Gabe Paul replaces the newly elected National League President Warren Giles as GM of the Cincinnati Reds.

Monte Irvin clouts a 3-run homer in the 1st inning off Phils righty Andy Hansen and Larry Jansen picks up his 21st win, 10 – 1.

Trying for his 23rd win, Preacher Roe loses just his 3rd game, 4 – 3, to Chet Nichols and the Braves. The Dodgers now lead New York by half a game. Future Hall of Fame basketball player Bill Sharman becomes the only man in history to be thrown out of a major league baseball game without ever having played in one. With the score tied at 3 – 3 in the 8th inning, umpire Frank Dascoli clears the entire Brooklyn bench after a home plate call by him results in a violent protest. Sharman, up from St. Paul (American Association) at the end of the season, is one of the players thrown out. Dascoli’s safe call at home on Bob Addis’s score results in the winning run.

Bill Sharman, recently called up from Fort Worth, is one of 15 Dodgers who are ejected by umpire Frank Dascoli for bench jockeying after a close call at home plate. The future basketball Hall of Famer will never play in the big leagues, and thus he will become the only player to be ejected from a major league game without ever appearing in one.

Ralph Kiner of the Pittsburgh Pirates becomes the first player to lead the National League in home runs for seven consecutive seasons

Ralph Kiner of the Pittsburgh Pirates becomes the first player to lead the National League in home runs for seven consecutive seasons

1952 – The Braves’ Eddie Mathews hits 3 home runs as Boston breaks a 10-game losing streak and beats Brooklyn, 11 – 3. Virgil Jester wins, his last in the majors and the last victory for the Boston Braves franchise.

In the Braves’ 11-3 rout in Brooklyn, Eddie Mathews becomes the first rookie to hit three home runs in a game. The 20 year-old first baseman’s offensive output helps the team break a ten-game losing streak in a game that will become the last victory for the National League franchise representing the city of Boston.

In the Braves’ 11-3 rout in Brooklyn, Eddie Mathews becomes the first rookie to hit three home runs in a game. The 20 year-old first baseman’s offensive output helps the team break a ten-game losing streak in a game that will become the last victory for the National League franchise representing the city of Boston.

In a fitting finale, the St. Louis plays their last game as the Browns and lose their 100th game, 2 – 1, to the White Sox in 11 innings. Next season the team will move to Baltimore and will become the Orioles. Reserve 1B Ed Mickelson drives in Johnny Groth in the 4th inning for the last run of the Browns franchise.

Washington’s Mickey Vernon goes into the last game of the season still fighting for the batting title with Cleveland’s Al Rosen. Near the end of the game Vernon is hitting .337 when word arrives that Rosen’s game is over and Vernon is ahead by .0011 points. The possibility of Vernon coming up to bat again and maybe losing a point is scotched when his teammates contrive to make an out to end the game.

In a fitting finale that draws only 3,174 fans at Sportsman’s Park, St. Louis plays their last game as the Browns, losing their 100th game of the season, an 11-inning, 2-1 loss to Chicago. Next season the team will move to Baltimore and will become the Orioles.

In a fitting finale that draws only 3,174 fans at Sportsman’s Park, St. Louis plays their last game as the Browns, losing their 100th game of the season, an 11-inning, 2-1 loss to Chicago. Next season the team will move to Baltimore and will become the Orioles.

The first episode of NBC’s Tonight Show, featuring Steve Allen as the host along with announcer Gene Rayburn and bandleader Skitch Henderson, airs nationally for the first time. Giants center fielder Willie Mays, the NL’s leader in batting and eventual MVP of the circuit, appears as one of the first guests on the 90-minute innovative broadcast that will become a staple of late-night television.

The first episode of NBC’s Tonight Show, featuring Steve Allen as the host along with announcer Gene Rayburn and bandleader Skitch Henderson, airs nationally for the first time. Giants center fielder Willie Mays, the NL’s leader in batting and eventual MVP of the circuit, appears as one of the first guests on the 90-minute innovative broadcast that will become a staple of late-night television.

In a desperate move, New York City Council President Abe “Hit Sign, Win” Stark says the Dodgers should be urged to enlarge and modernize Ebbets Field. In the meantime, Walter O’Malley says he will waive the oil rights to Chavez Ravine.

Johnny Klippstein of the Redlegs one-hits the Braves, 6 – 0, with Bob Hazle getting the only safety.

Owner Paul I. Fagan agrees to rent Seals Stadium to the Giants until Candlestick Park is ready. Fagan will pay $125,000 in annual taxes, in exchange for the parking concession, against 5 percent of the gross revenue.

1958 – The Red Sox drill a 9 – 5 win over Washington as Pete Runnels and Ted Williams each have three hits, but Ted has two less at bats to move ahead in the batting race. The two sluggers hit back-to-back home runs in the 4th, off John Romonosky.

1959 – In one of the National League’s frequent tight races, the Braves and Dodgers finish in a tie (86-68), with the Giants a close 3rd (83-71). The Dodgers beat Chicago, 7 – 1, while the Braves beat the Phillies, 5 – 2. The Giants drop 2 to the Cardinals, to finish with 7 losses in their final 8 games.

Phillies second baseman Sparky Anderson goes 0-for-3 and is caught stealing in a 5-2 loss to Milwaukee at County Stadium. The season finale marks the end of the 25 year-old infielder’s playing career, but the future Hall of Fame manager’s participation in 152 contests will establish a record for the most games ever played by someone who spent only one year in the major leagues.

Phillies second baseman Sparky Anderson goes 0-for-3 and is caught stealing in a 5-2 loss to Milwaukee at County Stadium. The season finale marks the end of the 25 year-old infielder’s playing career, but the future Hall of Fame manager’s participation in 152 contests will establish a record for the most games ever played by someone who spent only one year in the major leagues.

1960 – Pancho Herrera’s 135th strikeout sets a National League record, even though the Phils beat the Braves, 5 – 3.

Ryne Duren makes his first start in two years memorable when he strikes out the first five batters he faces in the Yankees’ 5-1 victory over Washington. The feat ties a modern major league record shared by Lefty Gomez (Yankees), Dazzy Vance (Dodgers), and Walter Johnson (Senators).

1961 – Sandy Koufax (18-13) fans seven Phils in the course of a 2 – 1 loss to set a National League record for strikeouts in a season: 269. This surpasses Christy Mathewson’s 267 in 1963, which was accomplished in 367 innings pitched, as opposed to Koufax’s remarkable 255. Both runs off Sandy are unearned.

In front of only 1,717 fans at Wrigley Field in Los Angeles, Bob Sprout appears in his only major league game. The Angels starter, who once struck out 22 batters in a seven-inning no-hitter in the minor leagues, starts against the Senators, allowing four hits and two runs in four innings, and has no role in the decision of his team’s 8-6 victory over Washington.

Sandy Koufax breaks the National League mark for strikeouts in a season, surpassing Christy Mathewson’s mark of 267 established in 1903. Unlike the turmoil caused by commissioner Ford Frick’s edict of having to hit 61 homers by the 154th game in the extended 162-game schedule to break Babe Ruth’s single season home run record, little is made that the Dodgers southpaw’s 268th punch-out occurs in the 151st game of the season, compared to the 142-game sked played early in the century.

In front of only 1,717 fans at Wrigley Field in Los Angeles, Bob Sprout appears in his only major league game. The Angels starter, who once struck out 22 batters in a seven-inning no-hitter in the minor leagues, starts against the Senators, allowing four hits and two runs in four innings, and has no role in the decision of his team’s 8-6 victory over Washington.

Sandy Koufax breaks the National League mark for strikeouts in a season, surpassing Christy Mathewson’s mark of 267 established in 1903. Unlike the turmoil caused by commissioner Ford Frick’s edict of having to hit 61 homers by the 154th game in the extended 162-game schedule to break Babe Ruth’s single season home run record, little is made that the Dodgers southpaw’s 268th punch-out occurs in the 151st game of the season, compared to the 142-game sked played early in the century.

The Cardinals sidetrack the Giants, 7 – 4, as Gene Oliver contributes a 3-run home run and Stan Musial goes 5 for 5.

The Dodgers’ hopes for clinching a tie for the pennant are dashed when Sandy Koufax, making his second start since returning to action, lasts just five innings against Houston. Reliever Ron Perranoski is the loser, 8 – 6.

Joe Morgan Houston Astros Signed Autographed 3x5 Photo Card W/coa

Joe Morgan, Rusty Staub and Jimmy Wynn lead a record 9 Houston Colt .45s rookies

At St. Louis, the Reds’ John Tsitouris pitches a 2-hit, 3 – 0 shutout over the Cardinals. In his last three starts, Tsitouris has pitched three shutouts and allowed eight hits.

Using a lineup of nine rookies the Colt .45s lose, 10 - 3, to the Mets. The lineup includes P Jay Dahl, 17 (making his debut); C Jerry Grote, 20; 1B Rusty Staub, 19; 2B Joe Morgan, 20; 3B Glenn Vaughan, 19; SS Sonny Jackson, 19 (also making his debut); and outfielders Brock Davis, 19, Aaron Pointer, 21, and Jim Wynn, 21. Dahl loses his only major league game at 17 and will die in an auto accident at 19. Houston 2B Joe Morgan will play 22 years, and 1B Rusty Staub, 23. Pointer singles for his only hit this year: his sisters will do better with a top-10 hit of "Fire," by Bruce Springsteen. Joe Hoerner and Danny Coombs follow Dahl to the mound in their major league debuts. 20-year-old P Larry Yellen debuted the day before and 18-year-old OF Ivan Murrell will make his debut the following day.

Using a lineup of nine rookies the Colt .45s lose, 10 – 3, to the Mets. The lineup includes P Jay Dahl, 17 (making his debut); C Jerry Grote, 20; 1B Rusty Staub, 19; 2B Joe Morgan, 20; 3B Glenn Vaughan, 19; SS Sonny Jackson, 19 (also making his debut); and outfielders Brock Davis, 19, Aaron Pointer, 21, and Jim Wynn, 21. Dahl loses his only major league game at 17 and will die in an auto accident at 19. Houston 2B Joe Morgan will play 22 years, and 1B Rusty Staub, 23. Pointer singles for his only hit this year: his sisters will do better with a top-10 hit of “Fire,” by Bruce Springsteen. Joe Hoerner and Danny Coombs follow Dahl to the mound in their major league debuts. 20-year-old P Larry Yellen debuted the day before and 18-year-old OF Ivan Murrell will make his debut the following day.

At Colt Stadium, Colt .45s skipper Harry Craft starts an all rookie team which includes future stars such as Joe Morgan, Rusty Staub, Jimmy Wynn, and Jerry Grote. The freshman team, whose average age is 19-years and 4 months old, loses to the Mets, 10-3, with 17 year-old starting pitcher Jay Dahl making his only major league appearance.

Despite three home runs by Johnny Callison, the Phils are 14 – 8 losers to the Braves, who complete a 4-game sweep at Connie Mack Stadium. The Phils’ 7th straight loss drops them out of first, which they had held for 73 days. Milwaukee tallies 22 hits – 10 against Jim Bunning in four innings and the others against four relievers. Joe Torre has two hits including his 20th homer.

The Houston Colt .45s play their final game in Colt Stadium. The future “Astros” beat the Dodgers in the 12th inning, 1 – 0.

The Reds are winners of nine straight as they sweep a doubleheader, 4 – 1 and 3 – 1, over New York to take a one-game lead over the faltering Phillies. However, the Reds will then lose four of their final five games to finish the season tied for second with Philadelphia, one game behind the pennant-winning St. Louis Cardinals.

The Philadelphia Inquirer stops its recent practice of printing the Phillies magic number, citing the countdown digit has lost its significance in the National League race. The fading Phils, which had a 6.5 game lead just six days ago, now clings to a half-game margin, and the team will need to beat the contenders they will face in five of the six remaining games to clinch the once ‘certain’ pennant.

On Fan Appreciation Day at Shea Stadium, a promotion which features egg tossing contests and wheelbarrow races between games, the Reds sweep a twin bill from the Mets to take sole possession of first place. Six days ago, Cincinnati had trailed the Phillies by six and a half games.

The Houston Colt .45’s play their final game in Colt Stadium, the team’s home ballpark since joining the National League in 1962. The future Astros beat the Dodgers in the 12th inning, 1-0, when Jimmy Wynn’s single plates Bob Aspromonte.

The Houston Colt .45’s play their final game in Colt Stadium, the team’s home ballpark since joining the National League in 1962. The future Astros beat the Dodgers in the 12th inning, 1-0, when Jimmy Wynn’s single plates Bob Aspromonte.

1965 – Tom Haller clouts two home runs to give the Giants an 8 – 4 win over the Cards. The Dodgers keep pace by defeating the Reds, 6 – 1.

1966 – At St. Louis, the Dodgers win as Don Drysdale pitches his second shutout in a row, beating the Cardinals.

In afternoon games, Cleveland tops Boston, 6 – 0, while the Twins drop a 5 – 1 decision to California. In their last games in Kansas City before moving to Oakland, the 10th-place A’s sweep a doubleheader from Chicago, beating the American League’s ERA leaders Gary Peters and Joe Horlen. Peters loses the opener 5 – 2, and Horlen the nitecap, 4 – 0, to rookie Catfish Hunter. Jim Gosger leads the way for KC by going 5 for 8 in the doubleheader. The two losses on this “Black Wednesday” drop Chicago to 4th place with only a hope of a tie for the pennant.

Philadelphia’s Jim Bunning loses a major league-record-tying 5th 1 – 0 decision, as Houston’s Mike Cuellar outlasts the veteran in 11 innings.

Jim Bunning ties a National League record, suffering his fifth 1-0 defeat of the season. The hard-luck Phillies right-hander loses to the Astros when, after two quick outs in the 11th, Rusty Staub doubles and scores on Chuck Harrison’s single.

Ferguson Jenkins posts the first of his six 20-game win seasons when the Cubs beat the Reds at Crosley Field, 4-1. The Canadian right-hander will lead the American League with 25 victories after Chicago deals the future Hall of Famer to the Rangers in 1974.

Jim Bunning ties a National League record, suffering his fifth 1-0 defeat of the season. The hard-luck Phillies right-hander loses to the Astros when, after two quick outs in the 11th, Rusty Staub doubles and scores on Chuck Harrison’s single.

bob gibson

Bob Gibson of the St. Louis Cardinals shuts out the Houston Astros, 1-0, to finish the season with an ERA of 1.12

A 1 – 0 win and 11 strikeouts against the Astros enables Cardinal Bob Gibson to lower his ERA to 1.12, a new National League season mark. His phenomenal campaign includes 28 complete games, 268 strikeouts, and 13 shutouts.

At Detroit, Frank Howard snaps a 1 – 1 tie with his 44th homer, and the Senators beat the Tigers, 3 – 1. Howard’s run is his 89th, and he’ll finish the year with that, compiling the most homers in history without scoring 90 runs.

Facing Lee Stange at Fenway Park, Mickey Mantle flies out in his final plate appearance, before being replaced by Andy Kosco. Kosko's homer ties the score in the 8th and Joe Pepitone's home run in the 9th gives New York a 4 - 3 win.

Facing Lee Stange at Fenway Park, Mickey Mantle flies out in his final plate appearance, before being replaced by Andy Kosco. Kosko’s homer ties the score in the 8th and Joe Pepitone’s home run in the 9th gives New York a 4 – 3 win.

For the 2nd time in two years, the Cards sign free-agent P Barney Schultz to enable him to qualify for pension time. Schultz was released last October 8th.

1969 – Jim Maloney fires a one-hitter in beating Houston, 3 – 0, at Crosley Field. Joe Morgan’s 3rd-inning single is the only safety.

The Orioles rally for two runs in the 8th inning to beat the Indians’ Sam McDowell, 4 – 3. Dick Hall wins his 10th game with three innings of hitless relief. He also walks no one and ends the year with more wins than walks – 10 wins and only six walks in 61 innings. Not since Slim Sallee’s 21 wins in 1919 when he walked 20 has a pitcher accomplished this. Bret Saberhagen in 1994 will be the next, winning 14 and walking 13. Before Sallee, Christy Mathewson had two seasons of more wins than walks.

The Pirates clinch the National League East with a 2 – 1 win over the Mets. A record crowd of 50,469 cheer on the Bucs. It’s New York who draws first blood, capitalizing on Pirate starter Dock Ellis’ 1st-inning wildness. Pittsburgh right fielder Roberto Clemente, whose sprained back has limited him to seven games in September and four in the last 23 days, helps erase the early 1 – 0 deficit. “The two-bagger Clemente rapped to the center-field wall in the 3rd was a key blow,” reports The Cumberland Evening Times. “Tommie Agee, who had a bad defensive series, turned the wrong way on the ball,” writes Jack Hernon of Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “When he eyed the ball at the last second, he dropped it.” Dave Cash moves to third on the play and scores on Bob Robertson’s sacrifice fly. Cash’s own sac fly in the following frame will push across the deciding run. This will be the ailing Clemente’s final regular season game this season; though he’ll strap it up for the Championship Series against Cincinnati, he’s clearly just a shell of his normal self. In the game, New York’s Ken Boswell, who had played a record 85 games at 2B without an error, boots a grounder in the 5th for his first miscue in 389 chances.

The Red Sox smash four homers to reach a club-record 201 homers in handing the Senators their 10th straight loss, 10 – 1. Winning pitcher Gary Peters hits a 3-run homer, Tony Conigliaro, and George Scott with two homers and five RBIs are the leaders. The previous Sox high for homers was 197 last season.

A’s relief star Darold Knowles breaks his thumb, costing him a chance to pitch in the World Series. Knowles finishes the season with a 5-1 record, 11 saves, and a 1.36 ERA.

The Dodgers’ Don Sutton shuts out San Diego, 2 – 0, handing Steve Arlin his National League-high 21st loss of the year. Arlin also led the NL in losses last year with 19. It’s Sutton’s 9th shutout of the year to tie Nolan Ryan for the most in the majors.

Trailing 5 – 1, the Tigers score three in the 8th and two in the 9th to beat the Yankees and Sparky Lyle.

Reggie Smith relaxes in the locker room after the Red Sox 7-5 victory over the Brewers

Reggie Smith relaxes in the locker room after the Red Sox 7-5 victory over the Brewers

Nolan Ryan of the California Angels hurls the first of his seven career no-hitters

Nolan Ryan surpasses Sandy Koufax’s major league mark for strikeouts in a season when he throws three fastballs past Rich Reese, the last batter of the game, for his 383rd of the year. The Angels’ right-hander, who finishes the year with 21 wins, whiffs 16 batters in 11 innings en route to a complete-game 5-4 victory over Minnesota at Anaheim Stadium.

Nolan Ryan of the California Angels hurls the first of his seven career no-hitters

Nolan Ryan sets a major league record by striking out his 383rd batter of the season

After a series of incidents, the Reds suspend OF Bobby Tolan for insubordination. Tolan was in several scuffles with club personnel, went AWOL for two days in August, and began growing a beard, a no-no with the Reds. Tolan, hitting .206, will be traded in November.

The Angels’ Nolan Ryan fans 16 in 11 innings, beating the Twins, 5 – 4. The final strikeout victim, Rich Reese, is the 383rd of the season for Ryan, enabling him to surpass the major-league record set by Sandy Koufax in 1965. Ryan opts to skip his next start on the 30th, thus passing on a shot at 400 K’s.

Nolan Ryan surpasses Sandy Koufax’s major league mark for strikeouts in a season when he throws three fastballs past Rich Reese, the last batter of the game, for his 383rd of the year. The Angels’ right-hander, who finishes the year with 21 wins, whiffs 16 batters in 11 innings en route to a complete-game 5-4 victory over Minnesota at Anaheim Stadium.

1974 – Baltimore breaks a scoreless tie with the Brewers in the 17th inning to pull out a 1 – 0 win. Grant Jackson wins the decision over Tom Murphy. Jim Colborn and Jim Palmer combine to pitch 25 shutout innings in the contest, but neither pitcher factors in the decision.

1977 – The Philadelphia Phillies clinch their second consecutive National League East Division title with a 15 – 9 win over the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Winning pitcher Larry Christenson hits a grand slam in the 7th inning.

1978 – At Fenway Park, Carlton Fisk lines a 2-run triple in the 1st inning and the Red Sox top the Tigers, 5 – 2. George Scott hits his first homer in a month and collects his 1000th RBI to back Luis Tiant’s win. New York maintains its lead by beating the Blue Jays, 5 – 1, at Yankee Stadium.

9/27/1979: Padre Dave Winfield homered off Mike LaCoss in Cincinnati. The hit occurred in the first inning with two on and one out and was lost to rain.

1981 – In the first game of a doubleheader with Chicago, Oakland ties an American League record with eight straight singles in the bottom of the 1st inning, but blows its 5 – 0 lead and loses, 9 – 5. The White Sox take the nightcap, 10 – 3.

Atlanta’s Phil Niekro shuts out the Giants on two hits, 7 – 0, to push the Braves back into a first-place tie with the Dodgers in the NL West. The Dodgers have lost six straight games.

Willie McGee’s 3-run inside-the-park home run in the 1st inning sparks the Cardinals to a 4 – 2 win over the Expos, clinching their first National League East title since divisional play began in 1969.

Jim Beattie fires the first one-hitter in Mariners’ history, beating Kansas City. U.L. Washington’s single in the 3rd inning is the only baserunner allowed by Beattie.

Tim Raines becomes the first player since Ty Cobb to steal 70 bases and drive in 70 runs in the same season, going 3 for 4 with a home run, a stolen base, and four RBI in Montreal’s 10 – 4 win over St. Louis.

Mookie Wilson becomes the Mets’ all-time career stolen-base leader when he swipes second base in the fifth inning of a 4-3 win against Pittsburgh at Three Rivers Stadium. The New York center fielder will add to his franchise-breaking total of 140 in the same frame when he takes third base on the front end of double steal with Darryl Strawberry.

Before a crowd of 2,803, the smallest crowd in Montreal history, the Expos trim the Cards, 6 – 3. Paced by back-to-back homers by Gary Carter and Dan Driessen, the Expos score six in the 4th. The Spos will draw 3,613 on September 4, 2001, their next smallest crowd. In Joe Hesketh’s 7 – 0 shutout over the Mets tomorrow, the crowd will be 12,164.

The Indians top the Twins, 4 – 3, on a 2-out pinch solo homer in the 9th by Jamie Quirk. Ron Davis serves up the game-winner to Quirk, whose contract was purchased three days earlier from the Chicago White Sox. For Quirk, it will be his only at bat in a Cleveland uniform during his one-week stint: the Tribe will release him on October 1st when the season ends.

1986 – Jack Morris shuts out the Yankees, 1 – 0, in 10 innings, raising his record to 20-8 and snapping Don Mattingly’s hitting streak at 24 games.

In his final plate appearance of the year at Wrigley Field, Andre Dawson crashes his 47th home run to lead the Cubs to a 7 – 3 win over the Cardinals. Dawson will finish with 49 round trippers on his way to the MVP award. He also draws just 32 walks.

Phil Niekro makes his final major league appearance

Phil Niekro makes his final major league appearance and is pounded for five runs in three innings in Atlanta’s 15 – 6 loss to the Giants. Niekro, who had been released earlier in the season by Toronto, agreed to pitch one last game for the Braves, the team he spent his first 19 major league seasons with.

Shea Stadium is packed with 48,588 fans to see the Mets clobber the Pirates, 12 – 3, making the Mets the 2nd franchise in major league history to break the three million barrier in season attendance. St. Louis will also draw three million fans this season.

1989 – The two San Francisco Bay teams clinch their divisions. Oakland wins the American League West by beating Texas, 5 – 0, while San Francisco loses, 1 – 0, to the Dodgers but is assured of the National League West crown when the 2nd-place Padres lose to the Reds, 2 – 1 in 13 innings.

After he grounds out to second base to end the Mets' disappointing season, Gregg Jeffries charges the mound and wrestles Phillies' reliever Roger McDowell to the ground. The fight, which sparks a season-ending bench-clearing brawl, is apparently ignited by the Phillies' reliever when he says something to his former New York teammate, who is running to first, but the rookie infielder will claim his anger was caused by a brushback pitch thrown a few days earlier by the Philadelphia pitcher.

After he grounds out to second base to end the Mets’ disappointing season, Gregg Jeffries charges the mound and wrestles Phillies’ reliever Roger McDowell to the ground. The fight, which sparks a season-ending bench-clearing brawl, is apparently ignited by the Phillies’ reliever when he says something to his former New York teammate, who is running to first, but the rookie infielder will claim his anger was caused by a brushback pitch thrown a few days earlier by the Philadelphia pitcher.

It is a good day for fans in the Bay area as both the Giants and A’s clinch their divisions. Oakland wins the American League West with a 5-0 victory over the Rangers, with San Francisco backing into the National League West title when the second-place Padres lose in extra innings to the Reds, 2-1.

It is a good day for fans in the Bay area as both the Giants and A’s clinch their divisions. Oakland wins the American League West with a 5-0 victory over the Rangers, with San Francisco backing into the National League West title when the second-place Padres lose in extra innings to the Reds, 2-1.

1991 – The Indians lose their 100th game as the Yankees beat Greg Swindell, 3 – 0. With eight innings of work, Pascual Perez (2-4) earns his last major league decision.

At Yankee Stadium, Jack Morris wins his 20th of the year, going six innings in a 12 – 2 blowout over the 4th place Yanks. Toronto scores nine runs off Scott Sanderson, who leaves in the 2nd inning. Joe Carter paces the 19-hit attack with four hits. The Jays maintain a 2 1/2 game lead in the AL East over Milwaukee.

Mariners P Randy Johnson ties an American League record for lefthanders by striking out 18 Texas Rangers in a 3 – 2 Mariners’ loss. Ron Guidry of the Yankees set the mark against California on June 17, 1978.

Randy Johnson ties Ron Guidry’s American League mark for strikeouts in a game for left-handers. The Mariners southpaw fans 18 batters in eight innings of work in the team’s 3-2 loss to Texas at Arlington Stadium.

Gary Carter, in his last major league at-bat, doubles deep to right field in the seventh inning, driving in Larry Walker with the lone run in the Expos' 1-0 victory over the Cubs. The Montreal fans show their appreciation for one of the most beloved and talented players in franchise history with a long and loud standing ovation, causing the Kid to make two curtain calls to acknowledged the enthusiastic crowd when he removed from the game.

Gary Carter, in his last major league at-bat, doubles deep to right field in the seventh inning, driving in Larry Walker with the lone run in the Expos’ 1-0 victory over the Cubs. The Montreal fans show their appreciation for one of the most beloved and talented players in franchise history with a long and loud standing ovation, causing the Kid to make two curtain calls to acknowledged the enthusiastic crowd when he removed from the game.

The Twins win their 523rd game with Tom Kelly as their manager when the team beats the Royals at the Metrodome, 4-0. The victory makes the Minnesota native the winningest skipper in team history, surpassing the standard set by Sam Mele from 1961 to 1967.

Randy Johnson ties Ron Guidry’s American League mark for strikeouts in a game for left-handers. The Mariners southpaw fans 18 batters in eight innings of work in the team’s 3-2 loss to Texas at Arlington Stadium.

Bo Jackson hits a three-run home run beating the Mariners, 4 – 2, helping the White Sox to clinch their first American League West title in 10 years.

In a 7 – 3 victory over the Dodgers, Cubs reliever Randy Myers becomes the first National League pitcher to record 50 saves in a season.

Cubs’ reliever Randy Myers tosses a perfect ninth inning to become the first National League pitcher to record 50 saves in a season when the team beats the Dodgers at Chavez Ravine, 7-3. The 30 year-old southpaw closer, best known for being one of the Reds’ Nasty Boys, will finish the season with a major-league leading 53 saves.

Bo Jackson’s three-run home run is the difference in Chicago’s 4-2 win over Seattle. The victory enables the White Sox to clinch their first American League West title in ten years.

Mike Piazza, who broke the major league rookie record for home runs by a catcher earlier in the month, sets another mark for round-trippers when he hits his 34th, surpassing the previous L.A. Dodger mark shared by Steve Garvey (1977) and Pedro Guerrero (1985). Duke Snider established the franchise record with 43 homers playing with Brooklyn in 1956.

With a 2-0 victory over the Brewers in Milwaukee’s County Stadium, the Blue Jays clinch their third consecutive American League East title. Toronto will go on to beat the Phillies in six games, capturing their second straight World Series.

Bo Jackson’s three-run home run is the difference in Chicago’s 4-2 win over Seattle. The victory enables the White Sox to clinch their first American League West title in ten years.

With a 2-0 victory over the Brewers in Milwaukee’s County Stadium, the Blue Jays clinch their third consecutive American League East title. Toronto will go on to beat the Phillies in six games, capturing their second straight World Series.

Roberto Alomar of the Toronto Blue Jays spits at umpire John Hirschbeck after being ejected from the game

After being ejected for arguing a strike call in the 1st inning of Baltimore’s game against the Blue Jays, Orioles’ 2B Roberto Alomar spits in the face of umpire John Hirschbeck. Alomar claims he was provoked by Hirschbeck, but the incident will set off a national debate. After the game, Alomar remarks: “I used to respect him a lot. He had problems with his family when his son died – I know that’s something real tough in life – but after that he just changed, personality-wise. He just got real bitter.” When the ump hears about the remarks tomorrow he will charge into the Orioles’ locker room and have to be restrained by fellow ump Jim Joyce.

Barry Bonds steals his 40th base to become the second player, after Jose Canseco, to reach 40 homers and 40 steals in a season. He has 42 homers. San Francisco tops Colorado, 9 – 3, with a 7-run 7th.

The Angels score two runs in the top half of the 15th inning, then hold on as Texas fights back for one in their half, to earn a 4 – 3 victory. LF Garret Anderson gets six hits for California and drives home three runs.

Mark Wohlers sets a Braves record with his 39th save of the season. The right-handed reliever is less than perfect, throwing two wild pitches to give up a ninth-inning run, but hangs on to preserve Atlanta’s 6-4 victory over the Expos at Montreal’s Olympic Stadium.

Roberto Alomar spits in the face of the umpire John Hirschbeck and will be suspended for five games. The Oriole second baseman appeals the decision and is allowed to play the next day, helping Baltimore to clinch the wild card.

In a 12-3 loss to the Rockies at Coors Field, Giants left fielder Barry Bonds swipes his 40th base to become only the second player in major league history to have 40 homers and 40 stolen bases in the same season. Jose Canseco became the charter member of the 40-40 club in 1988 playing for the A’s.

Mark Wohlers sets a Braves record with his 39th save of the season. The right-handed reliever is less than perfect, throwing two wild pitches to give up a ninth-inning run, but hangs on to preserve Atlanta’s 6-4 victory over the Expos at Montreal’s Olympic Stadium.

In a 12-3 loss to the Rockies at Coors Field, Giants left fielder Barry Bonds swipes his 40th base to become only the second player in major league history to have 40 homers and 40 stolen bases in the same season. Jose Canseco became the charter member of the 40-40 club in 1988 playing for the A’s.

1997 – The Mariners hand Randy Johnson his 20th win when the Big Unit pitches the 5th and 6th innings in relief of Omar Olivares and Seattle beats Oakland, 9 – 3. Johnson is the first 20-game winner in M’s history, The Mariners stake Olivares to a 7 – 2 lead, but Lou Piniella lifts the starter after four innings. Johnson was sidelined from August 20th to September 13th with a finger injury.

In the season finale, Mark McGwire ends the historic season by hitting his 69th and 70th home runs in the Cardinals’ 6 – 3 win over the Expos. Big Mac hits #70 in his last at-bat off Expos rookie Carl Pavano.

In the Blue Jays’ 2 – 1 victory over the Tigers, Detroit pinch-hitter Bobby Higginson homers with two outs off Blue Jay Roy Halladay to spoil the rookie’s bid for a no-hitter. Halladay comes within one out of allowing no hits in only his second major league start.

In the Reds’ 4 – 1 victory over Pirates, two sets of brothers appear in the same lineup for the first time in major league history. Stephen Larkin plays first, Bret Boone is at second, Barry Larkin is at short and Aaron Boone plays third making up the all-brother infield. Aaron Boone’s 3-run homer gives Brett Tomko (13-12) the complete game victory. Stephen Larkin is a career minor leaguer with a pacemaker and had a new one installed in August after his old one had a hiccup. Stephen hit .228 with three home run and 31 RBI in 80 games with the AA Chattanooga Lookouts this year.

Padres reliever Trevor Hoffman ties the National League saves record as he gets three straight outs in a 3 – 2 victory over Arizona. His 53rd save (out of 54 chances) matches the standard set by current teammate Randy Myers, who did it for the Cubs in 1993.

The Yankees win their seventh straight game to end the season with a .704 winning percentage. The Bronx Bombers (114-48) become the first team since the 1954 Indians (111-43) to play over .700 ball for an entire season.

In the season finale, Mark McGwire ends the historic season hitting his 69th and 70th home runs in the Cardinals’ 6-3 win over the Expos. Big Mac’s #70, which he hits his last at-bat off Expos’ rookie Carl Pavano of Southington, Connecticut, also establishes a National League record for round-trippers hit at home with his 38th Busch Stadium blast.

In the Blue Jays’ 2-1 victory over the Tigers, Detroit pinch-hitter Bobby Higginson homers with two outs off of Blue Jay Roy Halladay to spoil the rookie’s bid for a no-hitter. The Denver, Colorado native comes within one out of allowing no hits in only his second major league start.

The 1998 Yankees win their seventh straight game to end the season with a .704 winning percentage. The Bronx Bombers (114-48) become the first team since the 1954 Indians (111-43) to play over .700 ball for the entire season.

In the Reds’ 4-1 victory over Pittsburgh, two sets of brothers appear in the same lineup for the first time in major league history. Stephen Larkin plays first, Bret Boone is at second, Barry Larkin is at short, and Aaron Boone plays third, making up the all-brother infield.

Padres’ reliever Trevor Hoffman ties the National League saves record as he gets three straight outs in a 3-2 victory over Arizona. His 53rd save (out of 54 chances) matches the standard set by current teammate Randy Myers, who did it for the Cubs in 1993.

Greg Vauhgn’s eighth inning two-run round-tripper is the difference in the Padres’ 3-2 victory over Arizona at Bank One Ballpark. With his 50th home run, the San Diego left fielder joins Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, and Ken Griffey, Jr. in reaching the milestone, marking the first time four players have accomplished the feat the same season.

In the season finale, Mark McGwire ends the historic season hitting his 69th and 70th home runs in the Cardinals’ 6-3 win over the Expos. Big Mac’s #70, which he hits his last at-bat off Expos’ rookie Carl Pavano of Southington, Connecticut, also establishes a National League record for round-trippers hit at home with his 38th Busch Stadium blast.

In the Blue Jays’ 2-1 victory over the Tigers, Detroit pinch-hitter Bobby Higginson homers with two outs off of Blue Jay Roy Halladay to spoil the rookie’s bid for a no-hitter. The Denver, Colorado native comes within one out of allowing no hits in only his second major league start.

Greg Vauhgn’s eighth inning two-run round-tripper is the difference in the Padres’ 3-2 victory over Arizona at Bank One Ballpark. With his 50th home run, the San Diego left fielder joins Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, and Ken Griffey, Jr. in reaching the milestone, marking the first time four players have accomplished the feat the same season.

With each of the Tigers wearing the uniform numbers of all-time great Detroit players at their position (OF Gabe Kapler, standing in for Ty Cobb, wears no number) the Tigers defeat the Royals, 8 – 2, in the last game ever played at Tiger Stadium. Robert Fick’s grand slam in the 8th brings the capacity crowd of 43,356 to its feet. Luis Polonia and Karim Garcia also homer as Brian Moehler beats Jeff Suppan.

Gabe Kapler takes the field donning a numberless uniform during the last game at Tiger Stadium while other players in the starting lineup wear the uniform numbers of the corresponding members of the fan-selected All-Time Detroit Tigers team. The center fielder’s back is blank as a tribute to Ty Cobb, who never wore a number.

In the final game played at Tiger Stadium, Detroit catcher Robert Fick hits the last round tripper, a grand slam, in the home team’s 8-2 victory over the Royals. It is the 6,873rd major league contest played at the historic 87 year-old park located on the corner of Trumbull and Michigan.

Gabe Kapler takes the field donning a numberless uniform during the last game at Tiger Stadium while other players in the starting lineup wear the uniform numbers of the corresponding members of the fan-selected All-Time Detroit Tigers team. The center fielder’s back is blank as a tribute to Ty Cobb, who never wore a number.

In the final game played at Tiger Stadium, Detroit catcher Robert Fick hits the last round tripper, a grand slam, in the home team’s 8-2 victory over the Royals. It is the 6,873rd major league contest played at the historic 87 year-old park located on the corner of Trumbull and Michigan.

The A’s defeat the Angels, 9 – 7. Anaheim’s Darin Erstad hits a home run in the 2nd inning for his 99th RBI of the year from the leadoff spot to set a new record. Nomar Garciaparra drove home 98 in 1997 for the previous mark.

The Mets beat the Braves, 6 – 2, to clinch the National League wild card berth for the second year in a row.

The United States Olympic team, managed by former Dodger skipper Tommy Lasorda, stuns the world beating the much-favored Cuban team to win the country’s first gold medal in its national pastime. Ben Sheets ends Cuba’s 21-game Olympic winning streak with the 4 – 0 shutout.

The United States Olympic team, managed by former Dodger skipper Tommy Lasorda, stuns the world, beating the much-favored Cuban team to win the country’s first gold medal in its national pastime. Ben Sheets ends Cuba’s 21-game Olympic winning streak with a 4-0 shutout.

Darin Erstad breaks the major league record for RBIs in a season by a leadoff batter. The Angels’ outfielder collects his 99th RBI in a 9-7 loss to the A’s, surpassing Nomar Garciaparra’s total of 98 batting first for the Red Sox in 1997.

The United States Olympic team, managed by former Dodger skipper Tommy Lasorda, stuns the world, beating the much-favored Cuban team to win the country’s first gold medal in its national pastime. Ben Sheets ends Cuba’s 21-game Olympic winning streak with a 4-0 shutout.

Darin Erstad breaks the major league record for RBIs in a season by a leadoff batter. The Angels’ outfielder collects his 99th RBI in a 9-7 loss to the A’s, surpassing Nomar Garciaparra’s total of 98 batting first for the Red Sox in 1997.

2001 – While the division-leading Braves, behind Greg Maddux, are succumbing quietly to 4th-place Florida, the red hot Mets, led by super sub Desi Relaford and Mike Piazza, abuse Expo pitching for 10 runs in the final four frames, erasing an early 6 – 0 deficit. The 12- 6 triumph is New York’s 18th in 21 tries and their 25th out of 31. Having started that stretch at 13 1/2 games out, New York has now pulled to within three games of first place. This leaves nine games just before NY’s final face-off against Atlanta. In tonight’s game, Piazza’s pinch-hit, bases-clearing, 9th-inning exclamation point notwithstanding, it’s Relaford who provides the game’s biggest hit as, one inning earlier, with one out, one on and the Mets down by one, the diminutive Desi makes like Mike, turning around a 2-and-2 Scott Strickland fastball and depositing it in Olympic Stadium’s right field seats, just beyond the Avis ad.

At Cleveland’s Jacobs Field, first baseman Jim Thome establishes a new single-season Indian home run record by hitting his 51st of the year. Albert Belle hit 50 for the Tribe in 1995.

Braves first-year closer John Smoltz establishes a new National League mark by recording his 54th save of the season. The previous record of 53 was shared by Randy Myers and Trevor Hoffman.

The Dodgers keep their slim playoff hopes alive with a 1 – 0, 10-inning win over the Padres. Paul LoDuca’s homer off Jeremy Fikac is the winner.

The Pirates beat the Cubs, 13 – 3. Brian Giles scores five runs for Pittsburgh and drives home six with a double and a pair of home runs. Giles will hit a pinch 2-run home run tomorrow to finish the year with 103 RBIs.

In his first full season as closer, John Smoltz, preserving a Braves’ 3-1 victory over the Mets, converts his 54th save of the season to establish a new National League mark. Randy Myers (Cubs – 1993) and Trevor Hoffman (Padres – 1998) had previously shared the record.

At Cleveland’s Jacobs Field, first baseman Jim Thome establishes a new single-season Indian home run record by hitting his 51st homer. Albert Belle hit 50 for the Tribe in 1995.

At Cleveland’s Jacobs Field, first baseman Jim Thome establishes a new single-season Indian home run record by hitting his 51st homer. Albert Belle hit 50 for the Tribe in 1995.

At Veterans Stadium, Javy Lopez hits his 42nd home to break the major league record for home runs hit by a catcher. In 1996, Mets’ backstop Todd Hundley hit 41 to surpass Roy Campanella’s 1953 mark.

Cubs slugger Sammy Sosa blasts his 40th home run to establish a National League record by reaching the plateau for the sixth consecutive season. The Chicago right fielder, who had previously been tied with Ralph Kiner and Duke Snider, needs another season of at least 40 homers to equal Babe Ruth’s major league mark of seven seasons set from 1926 to 1932.

With a startling rally, the Tigers avoid equaling the modern major league record of 120 losses set by the expansion 1962 Amazin’ Mets. It takes one of the biggest comebacks in franchise history as Detroit beats the Twins, 9 – 8, on a wild pitch in the bottom of the 9th after trailing by eight runs earlier in the contest.

At Veterans Stadium, Javy Lopez hit his 42nd home to break the major league record for home runs hit by a catcher. In 1996, Mets’ backstop Todd Hundley hit 41 to surpass Roy Campanella’s 1953 mark.

Cubs’ slugger Sammy Sosa blasts his 40th home run to establish a National League record by reaching the plateau for the sixth consecutive season. The Chicago right fielder, who had previously been tied with Ralph Kiner and Duke Snider, needs another season of at least 40 homers to equal Babe Ruth’s major league mark of seven seasons, set from 1926 to 1932.

With a startling rally, the Tigers avoid equaling the modern major league record of 120 losses set by the expansion 1962 Amazin’ Mets. It takes one of the biggest comebacks in franchise history when Detroit beats the Twins on a wild pitch in the bottom of the ninth after trailing by eight runs, 9-8.

9/27/2003: In the top of the 9th the Boston Red Sox were behind one run in a game at Tampa Bay. Left fielder David McCarty hit a home run into the left field stands. Umpire Joe West ruled fan interference and called him out on it, saying that Tampa Bay’s left fielder Carl Crawford could have made the catch. Replays clearly showed it was a home run at least 2 feet into the stands. That would have tied the score but the Sox lost 5-4.

At Veterans Stadium, Javy Lopez hit his 42nd home to break the major league record for home runs hit by a catcher. In 1996, Mets’ backstop Todd Hundley hit 41 to surpass Roy Campanella’s 1953 mark.

Cubs’ slugger Sammy Sosa blasts his 40th home run to establish a National League record by reaching the plateau for the sixth consecutive season. The Chicago right fielder, who had previously been tied with Ralph Kiner and Duke Snider, needs another season of at least 40 homers to equal Babe Ruth’s major league mark of seven seasons, set from 1926 to 1932.

2005 – With a 7th-inning single off Mets reliever Juan Padilla, Jimmy Rollins extends his hitting streak to 32 games. The Philadelphia shortstop breaks the 106-year Phillies record surpassing Ed Delahanty, who hit in 31 games in a row in 1899.

The Braves back into their 14th straight division flag with the Mets beating the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park, 3-2. The record streak started in 1991 when Atlanta played in the NL West.

With a seventh inning single off Mets reliever Juan Padilla, Jimmy Rollins extends his hitting streak to 32 games. The Philadelphia shortstop breaks the 106-year Phillies record, surpassing Ed Delahanty, who hit in 31 games in a row in 1899.

Anibal Sanchez (10-3) tosses five innings to get the win in Florida’s 7-2 victory over the Reds. The 22 year-old right-hander, along with Scott Olsen (12-9), Josh Johnson (12-7), and Ricky Nolasco (11-10), make the Marlins the first team in major league history to have four rookie pitchers win 10 or more games.

Accomplishing the milestone in only 77 gates, the Yankees surpass the four million mark in attendance for the second consecutive year. The Bronx Bombers join the 1991-93 Blue Jays as the only teams in baseball history reach that mark in more than one season.

Anibal Sanchez (10-3) tosses five innings to get the win in Florida’s 7-2 victory over the Reds. The 22 year-old right-hander, along with Scott Olsen (12-9), Josh Johnson (12-7), and Ricky Nolasco (11-10), make the Marlins the first team in major league history to have four rookie pitchers win 10 or more games.

2007 – Ryan Howard strikes out against John Smoltz in the 3rd inning of the Phillies-Braves contest. It is his 196th strikeout of the season, breaking Adam Dunn’s 3-year-old major league record.

Ryan Hanigan becomes the first person born in Washington, D. C. to play in the major leagues. The 27 year-old Reds rookie doubles off Brewers’ ace Ben Sheets in his first big league at-bat.

In addition to pitching 6.1 innings of scoreless ball, Micah Owings goes 4-for-4 with three doubles and three RBIs in the Diamondbacks’ 8-0 victory over the Pirates at PNC Park. The 24 year-old right-hander, who will collect the Silver Slugger award for his offensive prowess, is the first pitcher since Whitey Ford (Yankees – 1963) to have two four-hit games in one season.

The Phillies win the NL East title, beating the Nationals, 4 – 3, to overcome the Mets. Jimmy Rollins makes a sliding snare on a grounder by Ryan Zimmerman to start a game-ending double play. Brad Lidge improves to 41-for-41 in save opportunities for Philadelphia.

The Regensburg Legionäre win their first Bundesliga title after falling in the finals in 2006 and 2007. Aided by US minor leaguers Ludwig Glaser, Mike Bolsenbroek and Donald Lutz and former US minor leaguer Rodney Gessmann, Regensburg tops the Mannheim Tornadoes, 3 – 2, in the finals. Philipp Hoffschild shuts out Mannheim in Game 5, a 10 – 0 rout. Alexander Lauterbach scores 3. Craig Pycock takes the loss for the Tornadoes. Markus Gienger is named MVP of the finals.

The Yomiuri Giants once again tie the Hanshin Tigers atop the Central League standings in a tight race. Marc Kroon saves his 37th, giving him 121 saves in Nippon Pro Baseball and breaking Eddie Gaillard’s record for foreign pitchers. Seung-yeop Lee drives in four in the 6 – 2 win.

With the Mets’ backs to the wall, Johan Santana pitches a three-hit 2 – 0 shutout against the Marlins. When the Brewers lose, 7 – 3, to Ted Lilly and the Cubs later today, the two teams are tied in the National League Wild Card race with only one game to play.

On the final day of the season, Mike Mussina becomes the oldest pitcher to win 20 games in a season for the first time, reaching the milestone when he hurls six shutout innings in the Yankees’ 6-2 victory over the Red Sox at Fenway Park. The 39 year-old right-hander accomplish the feat in his final major league appearance, finishing his 18-year major league career 270-153 (.638) won-loss record.

Atlanta beats Washington, 6 – 3, thanks to 3 runs in the top of the 10th, completing a three-game sweep. The Braves have won 6 straight, 10 in a row on the road, and 14 of 16 to displace San Francisco as Colorado’s main rivals for the National League wild card; they are now 2 1/2 games back of the Rockies.

Team USA wins the 2009 Baseball World Cup with a 10 – 5 win over Cuba in the finale. With a 4 – 4 tie in the 7th, Cuban first baseman Ariel Borrero drops a two-out throw to give the US a chance; they erupt for six runs to take the game. Justin Smoak is named Baseball World Cup MVP while Brad Lincoln gets the win. It is the second straight Cup in which the US has topped Cuba in the finale.

The Yankees are assured of the best record in the American League after a 4 – 2 win over Boston. Andy Pettitte picks up the win and, as usual, Mariano Rivera gets the save in New York’s 100th win of the year. New York finishes 9-9 against their bitter rivals, after dropping the first 8 contests between the two teams.

Paul Beeston is appointed for a three-year term as president and CEO of the Blue Jays and the Rogers Centre, the home of the Toronto franchise. In October of 2008, the former MLB president took the position on an interim basis, replacing Paul Godfrey.

With an opportunity to see their team clinch a postseason berth, only 12,446 fans attend the Rays game against Baltimore at Tropicana Field. The club, inspired by third baseman Evan Longoria’s criticism of the low attendance figures, will make 20,000 free tickets available in the finale of the series in an effort get more ‘energy’ into the domed ballpark. “It’s a tough situation for us. A lot of the visiting teams come in and wonder where are all the fans. It’s actually a little bit embarrassing for us. We’re one game away from clinching a postseason spot.” – EVAN LONGORIA,Rays third baseman commenting on team’s low attendance.

The Phillies capture their fourth consecutive NL East title when they beat Washington, 8-0, behind Roy Halladay’s two-hit complete-game. Unlike the previous seasons, when the Fightin’ Phils’ trademark was the big bats in the lineup, this year’s squad excelled due to a strong starting rotation that included Cole Hamels and Roy Oswalt, in addition to Halladay.

“It’s a tough situation for us. A lot of the visiting teams come in and wonder where are all the fans. It’s actually a little bit embarrassing for us. We’re one game away from clinching a postseason spot.” – EVAN LONGORIA,Rays third baseman commenting on team’s low attendance. With an opportunity to see their team clinch a postseason berth, only 12,446 fans attend the Rays game against Baltimore at Tropicana Field. The club, inspired by third baseman Evan Longoria’s criticism of the low attendance figures, will make 20,000 free tickets available in the finale of the series in an effort get more ‘energy’ into the domed ballpark.

The Phillies capture their fourth consecutive NL East title when they beat Washington, 8-0, behind Roy Halladay’s two-hit complete-game. Unlike the previous seasons, when the Fightin’ Phils’ trademark was the big bats in the lineup, this year’s squad excelled due to a strong starting rotation that included Cole Hamels and Roy Oswalt, in addition to Halladay.

Both wild card races are tied at the end of today’s games, with one day left in the season. Atlanta loses, 7 – 1, to Philadelphia after a poor performance by starting pitcher Derek Lowe, while St. Louis overcomes an early 5 – 0 deficit to beat Houston, 13 – 6. Ryan Theriot delivers a tie-breaking two-run triple as a pinch-hitter in the 7th to open the floodgates for the Cardinals, who use seven relievers in the game after Jake Westbrook leaves early; Eduardo Sanchez is the winner in his first appearance since June 12th. For its part, Atlanta had led the National League wild card race since June 20th.

Meanwhile, in the American League, the Red Sox have to thank third-string catcher Ryan Lavarnway, making his first career start behind the plate because of injuries to Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Jason Varitek, for their 8 – 7 win over Baltimore­. Lavarnway hits his first two major league homers then makes a great defensive play on a squibbler by Matt Wieters as the Orioles are rallying in the 9th. The Rays stay tied with Boston by beating the Yankees, 5 – 3, thanks to home runs by Matt Joyce and Ben Zobrist which account for all of their scoring. The Rays also pull a triple play in the 6th inning in the game.