RECORDS AND OTHER VITAL INFORMATION YOU
CAN USE TO IMPRESS OTHERS
BY: RICHARD HARRIS
Welcome baseball fans !!! Please excuse the long title but it is the best way I
can use to explain what this publication is all about. I am not a sportswriter nor
a sportscaster, just a fan who has followed the game for over 50 years. I
have put together this list of 1,001 facts over that time and have published the
first 250 hoping to get some feedback from other fans.
If you have any comments, ideas or some interesting trivia facts of your own
that you would like to share please let me know. Even more so, if you know
someone that might be interested in publishing this thus far "unpublished"
labor of love also please let me know.
Thank you and enjoy !!
Richard Harris
San Antonio, Texas
RchGHars@aol.com
#001...THE YANKEES AND THE WHITE HOUSE
We will start out with something that we shouldn't do and that is to
mix politics with baseball. The New York Yankees won the World
Series in the year 2000, the final year Bill Clinton, a Democrat, was
President. They did not win another until 2009, the first year of
Barrack Obama'a Presidency. This has been the pattern for the last
50 years, The Yankees have only won a World Series during the
period when their is a Democrat in the White House. They won two
under Kennedy, two under Carter, four under Clinton and now the
one under Obama. They never won the title while Nixon, Ford,
Reagan and the Bushes were in office.
#002...CLOSE BUT NO CIGAR
Pitcher Joey Jay toiled in the Major Leagues from 1953 to 1966 and in
a day when milestones are so important to define a players career he
had to be frustrated when he retired with 99 wins and 999 strikeouts.
#003...THE GIANTS WON THE PENNANT !!!
Hall-Of-Famer Dave Winfield was born on October 3, 1951. It was
the exact same day as Bobby Thompson's "Shot Heard 'Round The
World" at the Polo Grounds.
#004...ANOTHER CONINCIDENCE
On July 18, 1999, It was "Yogi Berra Day" at Yankee Stadium. In a
re-creation of the famous 1956 World Series perfect game Don Larsen
threw out the ceremonial first pitch to Yogi. Then, once the actual game
started, David Cone threw the 16th perfect game in MLB history.
#005...THE GAME WAS SO LONG IT TOOK TWO DAYS TO PLAY
The longest professional game on record began on April 18, 1981, and
was finished on June 23rd of the same year. It lasted 33 innings as
Pawtucket beat Rochester in the International League 3 to 2. You
can call him an iron man back then since Cal Ripkin, Jr played the
entire game for Rochester at third base, while another future Hall Of
Famer, Wade Boggs, played the entire 33 inning for Pawtucket.
Rochester.............000 000 100 000 000 000 001 000 000 000 000 - 2
Pawtucket.............000 000 001 000 000 000 001 000 000 000 001 - 3
#006...THEY CALL HIM "THE SPOILER"
Cesar Tovar ruined no-hitters for five different pitchers during his career
by getting the only hit in a one-hit game. He has never received a Christmas
card from Barry Moore, Dick Bosman, Mike Cueller, Dave McNally or
Catfish Hunter.
#007...I CAN BE "JUST LIKE MIKE "
Michael Jordan surprised the basketball world by playing professional
baseball for the Birmingham Barons in 1994. Here are his not so
impressive stats from that summer. Also a few other notes from that adventure
G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB AVE
M.Jordan(1994 ) 127 436 46 88 17 1 3 51 51 114 30 . 202
Manager: Terry Francona
Affiliation: Chicago White Sox
Uniform Number: 45
Position: Outfield
1st AB: Flew Out to John Courtwright
1st Hit: Single in 8th At Bat versus Joe Ganote
Highlight: 13 Game Hitting Streak (17 for 45)
Retired: March 10, 1995.
#008...OCTOBER IN BROOKLYN
Pee Wee Reese played in 44 World Series games, All 44 were against the
New York Yankees.
#009...THIS GUY WAS REALLY DRAFTED
Roy Gleason, a member of the 1963 Los Angeles Dodgers, only batted once
in his MLB career. He got a pinch hit double for a lifetime batting average
of 1.000 and a career slugging percentage of 2.000. He was later drafted,
not by another team, but by Uncle Sam and was injured by mortar fire in
Viet Nam thus becoming the only Major Leaguer to be awarded the Purple
Heart during that conflict.
#010...WELL TRAVELED IN APRIL
The 2008 Boston Red Sox started the season by playing their first seven
games in three different countries. The played in Japan, Canada and then the
United States. They went 3-4.
#011...THIS IS CRAZY !!!
When they moved from Washington to Minnesota in 1961 they chose the
name "Twins" to represent the team. Was it because of the cities of
Minneapolis and St Paul or was it because of the names of the players ?
In their 2nd year, 1962, they could field an entire team in which every player
in their lineup had twin letters in their name.
1B: Harmon Killebrew
2B: Bernie Allen
3B: Rich Rollins
SS: Zoilo Versalles
OF: Lenny Green
OF: Bob Allison
OF: Bill Tuttle
C: Earl Battey
P: Jim Kaat
I was living in Chicago back then and was able to pick up the Twins games
on the radio so I knew these players very well thanks to their two great
broadcasters Ray Scott and Halsey Hall.
#012...VERY, VERY SYMETRICAL
In 1970 Hall Of Fame catcher Johnny Bench slugged 45 home runs. He hit
15 at Crosley Field, 15 at Riverfront Stadium and 15 on the road.
#013...NOTICE THE TREND!!
Harry Craft was a manager in MLB from 1957 to 1964, however, he was not
blessed with much on field talent during that time. He was at the helm of the
lowly A's in the late 50's and was the first ever manager of the Colt 45s in
1962. This lack of of playing ability certainly showed in his results. In his
seven years as manager he finished: 8th, 7th, 7th, 7th, 8th 9th, 9th Ouch !!
#014........................"A".....................
Here is my first top ten list. I have listed the top ten home run hitters of
all time whose last name starts with each of the letters of the alphabet. Here
is the first one.
1. Hank Aaron.............755
2. Dick Allen................351
3. Joe Adcock.............336
4. Moises Alou............332
5. Bobby Abreau.........288
6. Garrett Anderson...287
7. Bob Allison...............256
8. Tony Armas..............251
9. Earl Averill...............238
10. Roberto Alomar......210
Brady Anderson......210
#015...AIN"T GOT NO HOME
Bill Virdon managed the New York Yankees to 142 wins during his two
year tenure as their skipper in 1975 and 1976. However, he did not win a
single game at Yankee Stadium. During those two seasons the team
played their games at Shea Stadium while their home was being remodeled.
#016...THE NAME IS THE SAME AT CANDLESTICK
On September 17, 1984 Houston Astros slugger Glen Davis hit a fly
ball off of San Francisco Giants pitcher Mark Davis which was caught by
outfielder Chili Davis.
#017...NEGRO LEAGUES 101
This is the first of several items on the Negro Leagues. One of the dominant
teams of that era was the Homestead Grays. They were in the league from
1935 to 1948 from Homestead, Pennsylvania, just out side of Pittsburgh.
They played home games at Forbes Field and even some games at
Griffith Park in Washington. They won nine consecutive pennants and three
titles from 1937 to 1945. Some of their most notable players were Josh
Gibson, Cool Papa Bell and Buck Leonard.
#018...GOING OUT WITH A WIMPER
Joe Pignatano is the only player in MLB history to hit into a triple play in his
last at bat in the Major Leagues. It occurred on the final day of the 1962
season at Wrigley Field against the Cubs while playing for the New York
Mets. He never batted again ending a six year career.
#019...I WANNA HOLD YOUR HAND
They closed both Yankee Stadium and Shea Stadium after the 2008 season.
It was said that the historical difference was this. The four greatest stars to
appear at Yankee Stadium were Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio and Mantle,
while the four greatest stars to appear at Shea Stadium were John, Paul,
George and Ringo. Here are the MLB stadiums that the Fab 4 appeared in.
Shea Stadium(1965 & 1966)
Dodger Stadium(1966)
Candlestick Park(1966)
#020...THIS WAS EMBARRASSING
On September 30, 1992, Hall Of Famer George Brett collected his 3,000th hit,
a single. He was then promptly picked off of first base by pitcher Tom Fortungo.
#021...MAKING THE BEST OF TWO HITS !!
On April 12, 1999, the Cleveland Indians played a doubleheader against the
Boston Red Sox and only managed to get two hits the entire day, yet they were
still able to garner a split. They lost a no hitter to Matt Young in game one and
eeked out a 2-1 victory over Roger Clemens in game two.
#022...THE SLUGGERS OF FLATBUSH
Here is the All Time top 10 Home run list of the long gone Brooklyn Dodgers.
1. Duke Snider..................316
2. Gil Hodges....................298
3. Roy Campanella...........242
4. Carl Furillo....................174
5. Dolph Camilli................139
6. Jackie Robinson..........137
7. Zack Wheat..................131
8. Pee Wee Reese...........122
9. Babe Herman...............112
10. John Frederick............ 85
#023...OPENING DAY HISTORY
William Howard Taft, our 27th President, began the tradition of having the
sitting President throw out the first pitch to start the baseball season when he
attended the Washington Senators opener in 1910. Every President since
has kept the tradition alive by tossing out the ceremonial pitch at least one
time during his term in office with only one exception, Jimmy Carter. I guess
he was waiting for his second term.
#024...MORE OPENING DAY HISTORY
The most opening day starts by a pitcher is sixteen by Tom Seaver. He had
ten with the New York Mets, four with Cincinnati and two with the Chicago
White Sox. An interesting note is that Sandy Koufax, who some consider
one of baseball's greatest pitchers, only started one opening day. It was for
the Dodgers in 1964.
#025...THREE HITS - ALL HOMERS
In 2006 Atlanta Braves pitcher Jorge Sosa only got three hits all season.
All Three were home runs. When I first saw that I realized how odd it was
and later found out it was actually the 4th time in MLB that it has happened.
Eddie Sanicki did it with the 1949 Phillies, Clem Labine with the 1955
Dodgers and Keith McDonald with the 2000 St Louis Cardinals.
026...THIS IS ODD !!
In 1982 The National League Cy Young Award Winner, Steve Carlton, had a
higher batting average (.218) than the National League Home Run Champion,
Dave Kingman(.204)
#027...THE PERFECT SEASON
It's hard to improve on this. In 1998 St Louis Cardinals pitcher Lance Painter
did not make an error in 18 chances on the field for a 1.000 fielding average,
as a batter he went 1 for 1 for a 1.000 batting average, and finished the season
with a 4-0 pitching mark, also 1.000.
#028...THE TRADES
In February of 1968 the Chicago White Sox received infielder Tim Cullen
in a trade that sent infielder Ron Hensen to the Washington Senators.
Six months later, in August, the Senators traded Ron Hansen back to the
White Sox for Tim Cullen. Two players traded for each other in the same year.
#029...IT'S ABOUT TIME
On June 1, 2012, Johan Santana pitched the first no-hitter in the history of
the New York Mets as he beat the St Louis Cardinals 8 to 0. It was during
the franchises 51st season and 8,019th game.
#030...BOOKEND HOMERS
John Miller, in his brief stint in the Majors from 1966 to 1969, only hit two
home runs in 61 official at bats playing for the Yankees and the Dodgers.
His first home run was in his first at bat ever, his second home run was in
his last at bat ever.
#031...THE TRIFECTA
Nolan Ryan in the only player to have is number retired by three different
teams. The Los Angeles Angels(30), Houston Astros(34), Texas Rangers(34).
Of course, Jackie Robinson's 42 has been retired by all teams.
#032...SMASHING DEBUTS
On April 6, 2009, Adam Dunn hit a three run homer off of Ricky Nolasco. It was
in the first game he ever played for the Washington Nationals. On April 1, 2011,
Adam Dunn hit a two run homer off of Roberto Hernandez. It was the first game
he ever played for the Chicago White Sox. On September 1, 2014, Adam Dunn
hit a two run homer off of Chris Young. It was the first game he ever played for
the Oakland A's.
#033...I DOUBT IF ANY PITCHER WILL TRY THIS AGAIN !!
On July 20, 1973, Wilbur Wood of the Chicago White Sox, was the last pitcher
in MLB history to start both games of a doubleheader. He was hit hard by the
Yankees that day losing by the scores of 12-2 and 7-0.
#034...I'M NOTICING A PATTERN HERE
From 1992 to 2003 the San Francisco Giants had three no-hitters tossed against
them. All were pitchers named Kevin. Kevin Gross of the Dodgers, Kevin Brown
of the Marlins and Kevin Millwood of the Phillies.
#035...FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Lefty O'Doul played in the Major Leagues from 1919 to 1934 and was a two time
National League batting champion. During his career, and after he retired, he
made frequent trips to Japan as Goodwill Ambassador for the game. When the
Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, he was said to have taken
it as a personal affront that bothered him for the rest of his life. Ironically, he
died in 1969, on December 7th.
#036...MOTOR CITY POWER
Here is the all time top ten home run list of the Detroit Tigers entering the 2015
Season.
1. Al Kaline..................... 399
2. Norm Cash................ 373
3. Hank Greenberg...... 306
4. Willie Horton............ 262
5. Miguel Carbera........ 252
6. Cecil Fielder............. 245
7. Lou Whitaker............. 244
8 . Rudy York.................. 239
9. Lance Parrish.............. 212
10. Bill Freehan................200
#037...STARTING THE SEASON OFF RIGHT
Kaz Matsui of the New York Mets hit a home run in his first offical at bat for
three consecutive seasons, 2004, 2005 & 2006.
#038...COOPERSTOWNS FIRST RESIDENCES
The very first Hall Of Fame ballot was in 1939 with the first five members
being voted in. There were 226 ballots cast, here are the final results. Then,
just as now, you must get 75% of the votes to get inducted. Its hard to
believe that not one person got 100 %
Ty Cobb.......................222
Babe Ruth...................215
Honus Wagner............215
Christy Mathewson....205
Walter Johnson..........189
#039...TWO BRAVE SLUGGERS !!
Longtime teammates Eddie Mathews and Hank Aaron both hit their 500th
home run on July 14th. Mathews in 1967, Aaron the following year in 1968.
Both against the San Francisco Giants off of pitchers Juan Marichal and Mike
McCormick respectively.
#040...THIS IS SPOOKY !!
In 2004, while playing for the St Louis Cardinals, Reggie Sanders hit his 11th
home run of the season, stole his 11th base of the season and hit his 11th
double of the season all in the same game. It was on June 11th !!
#041...TOP TEN HITS FROM THE FIFTIES
This is the first of many top ten lists for accomplishments over a decade. I am
starting with the 1950's all the way through to the present decade. Here are
the players with the most hits during that ten year span (1950-1959).
1. Richie Ashburn.............1,875
2. Nellie Fox......................1,837
3. Stan Musial...................1,771
4. Alvin Dark.....................1,675
5. Duke Snider.................1,605
6. Gus Bell........................1,551
7. Minnie Minoso.............1,526
8. Red Schoendienst.......1,517
9. Yogi Berra.....................1,499
10. Gil Hodges....................1,491
#042...SOME THINGS NEVER CHANGE
For five consecutive seasons, 1998 to 2003, the five teams in the American
League Eastern Division finished in the exact same order.
1. New York Yankees
2. Boston Red Sox
3. Toronto Blue Jays
4. Baltimore Orioles
5. Tampa Bay Devil Rays
#043...THIS GUY WORKED FOR HIS WINS
In 1952 Detroit Tigers pitcher Virgil Trucks went 5-19. Of his five wins two were
no-hitters and one was a one hitter. All three games had a final score of 1-0.
#044...HAVE BAT WILL TRAVEL
Reggie Jackson is the only player in MLB history to win a Leagues home run
title with three different teams. He was AL home run champion with the
Oakland A's (1973 & 1975), the New York Yankees (1980) and the Califronia
Angels(1982).
#045...OUCH !!!
In 2006, after being brought up from the minor leagues, San Francisco Giants
second baseman Kevin Frandsen was hit by a pitch in each of his first four
MLB games. Welcome to the big leagues !!
#046...THIS HAS TO PLAY ON YOUR MIND !!
In 1982 Wayne Nordhagen was traded five times. Twice on the same day,
June 15th.
#047...THIS IS HARD TO BELIEVE
The two participating teams in the 2013 World Series both finished with identical
records during the regualr season, 97-65. The last time that happend was in 1958
when the New York Yankees and Milwaukee Braves both entered the Fall Classic
with both teams finishing the season at 92-62.
#048...A STAT GONE AWRY
Beginning in 1980 MLB experimented with a statistic called the "Game
Winning RBI". Since they discontinued this stat after the 1988 season it will
be Keith Hernandez who will forever hold the record for most in a season(24)
and most lifetime(129).
#049...A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN
Here is my only note regarding the American Girls Professional Baseball
League. During the 1950's I lived in Fort Wayne, Indiana, which had one of
the teams in the league and actually attended a game when I was just a lad.
The league, of course, was made famous by the Penny Marshall movie
"A League Of Their Own". Here are the final standings from the 1949
season.
.........................................................W L..................
Rockford Peaches........................ 75 36
South Bend Blue Sox................... 75 36
Grand Rapids Chicks.................... 57 54
Kenosha Comets.......................... 56 55
Fort Wayne Daisies...................... 53 57
Muskegon Lassies....................... 46 66
Racine Belles............................... 45 65
Peoria Red Wings......................... 36 74
Note: Rockford swept South Bend in the ladies World Series 4 games to 0.
#050...A NOTE ABOUT THE BABE
Of Babe Ruth's 714 lifetime home runs only 259 were actually hit at Yankee
Stadium. The Yanks played their home games for three of Ruth's best seasons
at the Polo Grounds from 1920 to 1922. The most home runs by any one
player in Yankee Stadium history is 266 by Mickey Mantle.
051...ONE OF BASEBALL'S STRANGEST HOME RUNS
On September 28, 2008, Bengie Molina of the San Francisco Giants hit a ground
rule double and was then replaced at second base by pinch runner Emmanuel
Burris. After viewing instant replay the umpires changed the ruling to a home
run. Since Burris had already been announced as a pinch runner he finished the
trip around the bases and got credit for the run scored.
#052...CELLAR DWELLERS
The Philadelphia Athletics, under manager
Connie Mack, finished in last place
for seven consecutive season (1915 - 1921) a record that still
stands. The TampaBay Devil Rays came close as they ended up at the bottom for six consecutive
seasons ending next-to-last in 2004 to end the streak. They then finished
in the cellar for the next three years winding up in last place for nine out of
ten seasons
#053...NICE DEBUT !!
On July 9, 1971, Atlanta Braves rookie Leo Foster hit into a double play and a
triple play in his first Major League game.
#054...ALL IN THE FAMILY
On July 23, 2000, Lance Berkman of the Houston Astros hit a home run in the
second inning off of St Louis Cardinal's pitcher Andy Benes. Later in the game
he hit another home run. This one was against Allen Benes, Andy's brother.
#055...SOUNDS LIKE A FAIR TRADE TO ME
In April of 1962 the Cleveland Indians sent catcher Harry Chiti to the New York
Mets for the usual "player to be named later". After the season the Mets
honored their part of the trade by sending the Indians Harry Chiti. The man
was traded for himself !!
#056...MAKING THE BEST OF IT !!
In 1945 Dick Fowler of the Philadelphia A's won only one game. It was a no-hitter
against the St Louis Browns. He finished the season 1-2.
#057...HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME !!
On July 23, 2002, Nomar Garciaparra became the first player in MLB history to
hit three home runs on his birthday. Four days later Alex Rodriguez became
the first player in MLB history to hit a walk-off grand slam on his birthday.
#058...CALENDAR MILESTONES
While it's interesting to note that Nolan Ryan pitched no-hitters in three different
decades it also interesting to note that Hideo Nomo pitched no-hitters in two
different centuries.
#059..IS THERE BASEBALL IN HEAVEN ??
Want to visit your favorite Hall Of Famer who is no longer living? Here is where
you will find them:
Babe Ruth.............Gates of Heaven Cemetery (Hawthorne, NY)
Ty Cobb.................Rose Hill Cemetery (Royston, Ga)
Lou Gehrig............Kenseco Cemetery (Valhalla,NY)
Walter Johnson....Union Cemetery (Rockville, Md)
Mickey Mantle......Hillcrest Memorial Park (Dallas, Tx)
#060...GROUNDING INTO THE CYCLE
On April 16, 2005, New York Yankee's outfielder Kenny Lofton went 0 for 5 as he
grounded out to first base, second base, third base, shortstop and the pitcher.
#061...ENSHRINED IN LUBBOCK, TEXAS
In July of 2006 the College Baseball Hall Of Fame opened up in Lubbock, Texas.
Here is the initial class of players:
Dave Winfield...............Minnesota
Will Clark......................Mississippi State
Bob Horner...................Arizona State
Brooks Keischnisk.......Texas
Robin Ventura...............Oklahoma State
#062...MORE "K" THAN "H" IN BREWTOWN
The hitters for the 2001 Milwaukee Brewers became the first team in MLB history
to record more strikeouts(1,399) than hits(1,378).
#063...BIG CROWD
The largest attendance for a MLB game is 92,708 at The Colosseum in Los
Angeles for the 5th game of the 1959 World Series. In that game Billy Pierce
outdueled Sandy Koufax for a 1-0 White Sox victory.
#064...I TOLD YOU THAT TO TELL YOU THIS !!
On the Flip side of attendance figures lets look at the 1935 St Louis Browns
who drew 80,922 for the ENTIRE SEASON !! That's just a little over 1,000
people per game.
#065...I WOULD'VE LOVED TO SEE THIS !!
On August 24, 1983, Baltimore Oriole's reliever Tippy Martinez became the
only pitcher in MLB history to pick off three batters in the same inning.
The trio of embarrassed Toronto Blue Jays were Barry Bonnell, Dave
Collins and Cecil Upshaw.
#066...THE DUKE OF FLATBUSH
The most lifetime home runs by one batter off of one pitcher is 19. That's how
many Duke Snider hit off of Robin Roberts.
#067...LA RUSSA RETIRES IN 3RD PLACE
St Louis Cardinal's manager Tony La Russa retired after his title run in 2011
with 2,763 wins. Here is the manager's all time top ten win list !!
1. Connie Mack............3,731
2. John McGraw...........2,763
3. Tony La Russa..........2,728
4. Bobby Cox................2,504
5. Joe Torre..................2,326
6. Sparky Anderson.....2,194
7. Bucky Harris............2,158
8. Joe McCarthy..........2,125
9. Walter Alston...........2,040
10. Leo Durocher.........2,008
#068...THE BIGGEST INNING
The most runs ever scored in an inning is 17 by the Boston Red Sox on
June 18, 1953. It went something like this: Sammy White singled, Gene
Stephens singled, Tommy Umphlett singled, Johnny Lipon struck out,
George Kell doubled, Billy Goodman walked, Jimmy Piersall singled,
Dick Gernert homered, Ellis Kinder singled, Sammy White walked, Gene
Stephens doubled, Tommy Umphlett walked, Johnny Lipon singled, George
Kell lined out, Billy Goodman singled, Al Zarila walked, Dick Gernert walked,
Ellis Kinder singled, Sammy White Singled, Gene Stephens singled, Tommy
Umphlett singled scoring Sammy White with the 17th run. Johnny Lipon
then walked and George Kell flied out to end the inning leaving the bases
loaded. Boston won the game 23-3.
#069...WHOS THE BOSS ??
In 1977, due to trades and managerial changes, pitcher Doc Ellis played for
seven different skippers: Billy Martin, Jack McKeon, Bobby Winkles,
Frank Luchessi, Eddie Stankey, Connie Ryan and Billy Hunter.
#070...WHO DID THIS GUY KNOW ??
Infielder Herman Long, who played most of his career for the Boston Beaneaters
in the late 1800's, is still in the record books for committing the most errors in
MLB histroy. He made 1,066 miscues from 1889 to 1904. His .277 lifetime
batting average surely didn't make up for it.
#071...THE FINAL BATTER
Edgar Renteria was the final batter in two World Series, 1997 and 2004.
Harvey Kuenn was the final batter in two of Sandy Koufax four no hitters.
Please note that Renteria later played for San Francisco in the 2010 Fall
Classic and was named MVP.
#072...ONCE, TWICE, THREE TIMES A WINNER
During their over 100 year history the Braves have managed to win only
three World Series. One in Boston(1914), One in Milwaukee(1957) and
one in Atlanta(1995).
#073....................B.....................
Here is the all time HR list for those whose last name starts with "B"
1. Barry Bonds.................. 762
2. Ernie Banks................... 512
3. Jeff Bagwell.................. 449
4. Adrian Beltre................395
5. Johnny Bench.............. 389
6. Harold Baines............... 384
7. Albert Belle.................. 381
8. Carlos Beltran............. 373
9. Lance Berkman.......... 366
10. Yogi Berra.................... 358
#074...AT LEAST HE GOT ONE PERSON OUT !!
In 1945 Washington Senators pitcher Joe Cleary hurled only 1/3 of an inning and
gave up seven earned runs. It was his only appearance of his brief MLB career
so he left the game with a whopping 189.00 ERA.
#075...NEVER ON SUNDAY
In 2008 the Baltimore Orioles lost on a Sunday fifteen weeks in a row !!!
076...EVEN STEVEN (OR STAN)
During His Hall Of Fame career Stan "The Man" Musial collected a total
of 3,630 hits. Exactly half, 1,815, were hit in St Louis while the other 1,815
were on the road.
#077...BROTHERLY LOVE
Pitcher Joe Niekro had 973 official at bats during his career and only hit one
home run. It was on May 29, 1976 off of his brother Phil.
#078...AM I SEEING DOUBLE ???
Let's look at Milwaukee Braves hurler Johnny Sain's piching record in
1954. He finished 6-6, he pitched 77 innings, allowed 66 hits, struck out
33 batters and recorded 11 saves.
#079...THIS IS HARD TO DO
On April 9, 2006, Cory Sullivan of the Colorado Rockies became the only
MLB player in the last 60 years to hit two triples in the same inning.
#080...HERE'S A TWIST
Cy Young, the winningest pitcher in baseball history, was the losing pitcher
in the first ever World Series game on October 1, 1903. Final Score was
Pittsburgh 7, Boston 3.
#081...THIS GUY WAS GOOD !!
Here is a list of the three highest total RBI's in a single season by a left
handed hitter in MLB history.
1. Lou Gehrig(1931)........... 184
2. Lou Gehrig(1927)........... 175
3. Lou Gehrig(1930)........... 174
#082...WHY DID THEIR MOTHERS DO THIS ??
All three DiMaggio brothers have the same middle name, Paul.
All three Alou brothers have the same middle name, Rojas
All three Molina brothers have different middle names.
#083...THE SITUATION IN JERSEY
On June 5, 1957, Don Drysdale threw his first complete game shutout
of his MLB career by beating the Chicago Cubs 4 to 0 while a member
of the Brooklyn Dodgers. The game, however, was not played at either
Ebbets Field nor Wrigley Field. It was played at Roosevelt Stadium in
Jersey City, New Jersey. The Dodgers played fifteen of their regular
season games their during the 1956 and 1957 seasons.
#084...LONG BALLS IN THE STEEL CITY
Here is the All-Time Top-Ten Home Run list of the Pittsburgh Pirates:
1. Willie Stargell.............. 475
2. Ralph Kiner................. 301
3. Roberto Clemente...... 240
4. Barry Bonds................ 176
5. Dave Parker............... 166
6. Brian Giles................. 165
7. Frank Thomas............. 163
8. Jason Bay.................... 139
9. Bill Mazeroski............ 138
10. Kevin Young.............. 136
Note: Andrew McCutchen starts the 2015 Season with 128,
while Pedro Alavarez h
#085...AN INTERESTING DISTINCTION
The Colorado Rockies are the only MLB franchise that has neither won 100 or
more games in a season nor lost 100 or more games in a season.
#086...PERFECT SKIPPERS
As a manager Joe Torre never lost an All Star Game(5-0) while Al Lopez(0-4)
never won one.
#087...THIS GUY WAS GOOD
Nolan Ryan threw a record seven no-hitters during his career setting a record
that may never be broken. He also holds the record, tied with Bob Feller, with
most one-hitters, twelve.
#088...IT'S ABOUT TIME
If you like the underdog then March 30, 1993, had to be a glorious day. That was
the day that the talented pen of creator Charles Schultz allowed Charlie Brown
to hit his one and only game winning home run.
#089...I'VE GOT YOUR NUMBER
In 1966 Larry Jaster of the St Louis Cardinals led the National League in shut
outs with five. Oddly enough all five were against the same team, the Los
Angeles Dodgers.
#090...DON'T BLAME ME !!
On July 7, 1986, Bob Horner of the Atlanta Braves accomplished the rare feat of
hitting four home runs in one game. However, the Braves still lost that day by
the score of 11 to 8 to the Montreal Expos.
#091..GUS AND THE BROWNS
During the 1951 season Gus Zernial of the Philadelphia A's hit 10 home runs
against the St louis Browns,. It is still the record for most home runs by one
player against one team in a single season.
#092..THIS IS STRANGE
In 1993 the top three hitters in the American League were all on the same team.
1. John Olerud(Toronto)............ .363
2. Paul Molitor(Toronto)............ .332
3. Robero Alomar(Toronto)....... .326
#093...MINNESOTA MIRACLE
In 1987 the Minnesota Twins were crowned World Champions even though they
were outscored during the regular season by twenty runs, 806 to 786.
#094...DID THEY EVER PLAY POLO AT THE POLO GROUNDS??
The most home runs by any one player in any one ball park is 323 by Mel Ott
at the Polo Grounds in New York.
#095...KING KONG
In 1977 there were only four divisions in baseball. That season slugger Dave
Kingman played in all four and hit at least one home run in each.
NL East: New York Mets(9)
NL West: San Diego Padres(11)
AL East: New York Yankees(4)
AL West: California Angels(2)
#096...THE WIND WAS BLOWING OUT
The most runs ever scored in one MLB game was 49. On August 25, 1922 the
Chicago Cubs beat the Philadelphia Phillies 26 to 23.
#097...BIG TRAIN WINNERS
Walter Johnson won 38 complete games by the score of 1-0, more than any
other pitcher in MLB history.
#098...BIG TRAIN LOSERS:
Walter Johnson lost 26 complete games by the score of 1-0, more than any
other pitcher in MLB history.
#099...TOP SLUGGERS OF THE FABULOUS FIFTIES
Here is the Top Ten list of home runs for the 1950's (1950-1959).
1. Duke Snder............... 326
2. Gil Hodges................ 310
3. Eddie Matthews........ 299
4. Mickey Mantle......... 280
5. Stan Musial.............. 266
6. Yogi Berra............... 256
7. Willie Mays.............. 250
8. Ted Kluszewski....... 239
9. Gus Zernial............... 232
10. Ernie Banks.............. 228
#100...MY FAVORITE DATE
For seven consecutive seasons, 1932 to 1938, Lou Gehrig hit a home run on
June 8th. More recently Lance Berkman tied that mark by hitting a home run
on every September 21st from 2001 to 2007.
#101...DONNY BASEBALL
In 1987 Don Mattingly got into the record books by hitting six grand slams
in one season, a record he still shares with Travis Hafner. However, those
were the only Grand Slams that he hit during his 14 year career. During
the other 13 seasons he hit none.
#102...MORE MATTINGLY
Another interesting note about Mr Mattingly is that even though he played
fourteen seasons for the Yankees he never played in a World Series.
The Yanks went to the Fall Classic in 1981, Don came up in 1982. The
team did not go back to the Series until 1996, the year after he retired.
#103...HERE'S SOME USELESS TRIVIA
For 54 consecutive seasons, 1900 to 1953, the Pittsburgh Pirates opened
the season on the road. Why that was, I do not know !!
#104...HERE'S SOME MORE !!
Ferguson Jenkins is the only pitcher to give up at least one home run to each
of the three Alou brothers.
#105...BASEBALL IN THE MOVIES
Here is the Top Ten all time favorite baseball movies as selected by "Baseball
America" with the help of movie critic Gene Shalit.
1. Bull Durham
2. Field Of Dreams
3. Bang The Drum Slowly
4. Eight Men Out
5. The Pride Of The Yankees
6. Bad News Bears
7. The Natural
8. A League Of Their Own
9. The Sand Lot
10. Major League
#106...PEOPLE WILL COME RAY !!
He has my favorite, Field of Dreams, listed as number two. It was based on the
novel "Shoeless Joe" by W.P.Kinsella and the award winning screenplay was by
Phil Alden Robinson
MANN: Ray, People will come, Ray. They'll come to Iowa for reasons they can't
even fathom. They'll turn up your driveway, not knowing for sure why they're
doing it, they'll arrive at your door, as innocent as children, longing for the past.
" Of course we won't mind if you look around", you'll say, "It's only twenty dollars
per person". They'll pass over the money without even thinking about it. For it
is money they have and peace they lack:
MARK: Ray, just sign the papers, Ray
MANN: They'll walk out to the bleachers and sit in shirtsleeves in the perfect
afternoon, and they'll find they have reserved seats somewhere along one
of the baselines, or where they sat when they were children and cheered
their heroes. They'll watch the game, and it will be as if they'd dipped
themselves in magic waters. The memories will be so thick they'll have
to brush them away from their faces.
MARK: Ray, when the banks open, they will forclose
MANN: People will come , Ray
MARK: You're broke, Ray!! You sell now or you lose everything !!
MANN: The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball.
America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. Its been erased like a
blackboard, rebuilt, and erased again. But baseball has marked the time.
This field, this game...it's a part of our past, Ray. It reminds us of all that once
was good. And that could be again. Ohhhh ! People will come, Ray. People
will most definitely come.
MARK: Ray, you will lose everything, you will be evicted !
RAY: I'm not signin' !!
#107..."DOC" GRAHAM
The Character Archibald "Moonlight" Graham, played by Burt Lancaster
in that movie actually existed. As in the movie, he only played in one game,
on June 29, 1905. He was sent in to play right field for the New York Giants
in the bottom of the 8th inning and was scheduled to bat 4th in the top of the
ninth but three quicks outs left him in the on deck circle. He never batted.
He never played again. He went to the University of Maryland medical school
and, just like the movie, was a small town doctor in Chisholm, Minnesota,
for 50 years. Doc Graham died in Chisholm in 1965.
#108...BLACKJACK !!!
Hall Of Fame pitcher Warren Spahn broke into the Major Leagues in 1942 at
the age of 21. He pitched for 21 seasons, won 21 games eight times and wore
uniform number 21.
#109...THE 3,000 HIT CLUB
Of all the players on the 3,000 or more hit club Paul Molitor is the only one
to hit a triple to reach the milestone while Wade Boggs, Derek Jeter and Alex
Rodriguez did it by hitting home runs.
#110..."IT MIGHT BE, IT COULD BE,......HOLY COW!!"
Harry Caray (Real name Harry Christopher Carabina) was one of baseball's
most popular and controversial announcers. He broadcast over 8,000 games
during his 53 year career behind the microphone and was inducted into the
"Hall Of Fame" in 1989. Here are the four teams he worked for.
St Louis Cardinals(1945-1969)
Oakland A's (1970)
Chicago White Sox (1971-1981)
Chicago Cubs (1982 - 1997)
#111...................C......................
We are now up to the third letter of the alphabet in our top ten home run lists.
1. Jose Canseco............ 462
2. Joe Carter.................. 396
3.Miguel Cabrera.........390
4. Orlando Cepeda........379
5. Norm Cash.................. 377
6. Rocky Colavito...........374
7. Jack Clark.................. 340
8. Gary Carter................ 324
9. Vinny Castilla............. 320
10. Ron Cey...................... 316
#112...WILL THE THRILL
On April 8, 1986, Will Clark hit a home run in his first at bat ever in the Major
Leagues. It was off of Nolan Ryan. Will went on to hit 5 more homers off of the
fast-baller for a total of six. It was the most by any player off of the Hall Of
Famer.
#113...ALL STAR BLAST
In 1942 Mickey Owen of the Brooklyn Dodgers went the entire season without
hitting one home run, however, he managed to hit one in the All Star Game off
of Al Benton. It was the National's only run in a 3 to 1 loss.
#114...OVERTIME IN JULY
The 2008 All Star Game at Old Yankee Stadium was won by the American
League 4 to 3 in fifteen innings. It was the 11th time that the Classic has
gone extra innings and the first time the AL has come out on top. The NL
now has a 9-1-1 record.
#115...BOBO NO NO !!
There were only two no hitters pitched in the history of the St Louis Browns.
Both by pitchers named "Bobo". Bobo Newsome in 1934 and Bobo
Holomon in 1953.
#116...MICKEY AND THE DUKE
The last time that the American League home run champion faced the
National League home run champion in the World Series was back in
1956 when Mickey Mantle of the New York Yankees faced Duke Snider
of the Brooklyn Dodgers.
#117...BOBBY AND WILLIE
The last time that the American League batting champion faced the National
League batting champion in the World Series was back in 1954 when Bobby
Avila of the Cleveland Indians played against Wille Mays of the New York
Giants.
#118...PITCHER WITH POWER
Ken Brett, brother of Hall Of Famer George Brett, was one of baseball's
better hitting pitchers retiring with a .262 average. In June of 1973 he became
the only hurler in MLB history to hit a home run in four consecutive games.
Oddly enough it was the only four homers he hit all season. He retired
with a total of ten.
#119...PERFECT GAMES I
Paul O'Neil is the only player in MLB history to be on the winning side of
three perfect games. He was a teammate of Tom Browning, David Wells and
David Cone.
#120...PERFECT GAMES II
Alfredo Griffin, on the other hand, is the only player in MLB history to be on
the losing side of three perfect games. He was beaten by Len Barker, Tom
Browning and Pedro Martinez.
#121...LEAVING TOWN
When the Montreal Expos moved to Washington to become the Nationals at
the start of the 2005 season it was the first baseball franchise move in over
thirty years. It was, however, quite common in previous decades. Just ask
journeyman player Elmer Valo. Valo was with the A's when they moved from
Philadelphia to Kansas City in 1955, he was with the Dodgers when they moved
from Brooklyn to Los Angeles in 1958 and he was with the Washington
Senators when they moved to Minnesota in 1961.
#122...THIS HAS NEVER BEEN DUPLICATED
Only one player in MLB history has hit a home run in his first TWO at bats in
the Major Leagues. It was Bob Nieman for the 1951 St Louis Browns. He ended
his career with 125 long balls. His final season, 1962, he finally made it to the
World Series as a member of the San Francisco Giants and only had one plate
appearance, he walked. He never came to the plate again.
#123....SUCCESSFUL TROJANS
The University of Southern California has sent over 100 players to the Majors.
Here is my All-Time Trojan starting Lineup:
1B: Mark McGwire
2B: Don Buford
3B: Jeff Cirillo
SS: Roy Smalley
OF: Fred Lynn
Geoff Jenkins
Jacques Jones
C: Rene Lachman
DH: Dave Kingman
P: Tom Seaver
Other USC notables include Randy Johnson, Mark Prior, Ron Fairly, Bob
Lillis and Brett and Aaron Boone.
#124...WHY ISN'T HE IN THE HALL OF FAME ??
Pete Rose reached base safely through hits, walks and hit-by-pitch a total of
5, 929 times. More than anyone else in baseball history.
Hits Walks HBP Totals
Pete Rose(1963-1986) 4,256 1,566 107 = 5,929
#125...MORE ABOUT PETE
Pete Rose, after going hitless in his first 11 at bats, got his first Major League
hit, a triple, off of Pirate's pitcher Bob Friend on April 13, 1963. On April 13,
1984, exactly 21 years to the date Pete got his 4,000 hit off Phillies pitcher
Jerry Koosman
#126...WHOA NELLIE !!!
The Chicago White Sox surprised everyone by winning the 1959 American
League pennant. Perhaps there was an omen on opening day that year when
Nellie Fox won the game with a 14th inning home run off of Don Mossi and the
Detroit Tigers. During the previous season, 1958, Nellie did not hit a single
home run in 623 at-bats.
#127...ANOTHER OPENING DAY FACT
Mike Parrott, pitcher for the Seattle Mariners, won his first decision with an
opening day victory in 1980 starting out the season 1-0. However, that was to be
his highlight of the season. He never won another game and finished the year
with a 1-16 record.
#128...FIRST HOME RUNS
Dave Eiland is the only pitcher in baseball history to hit a home run in his first
MLB at bat and also give up a home run to the first batter he ever faced.
#129...TWO OF BASEBALL GREATEST IRONIES
Juan Marichal, one of the most outstanding pitchers in San Francisco Giant's
history, actually pitched his last game as a member of the long time rival Los
Angeles Dodgers. Duke Snider, one of the greatest sluggers in Dodger's
history actually played his final game for the Giants.
#130...THIS MUST HAVE BEEN HARD TO DO
On August 19, 1969, Chicago Cubs pitcher Ken Holtzman pitched a no-hitter
without recording a single strike out.
#131...THE STREAK
From May 10, 1969, to August 12, 1970, the Baltimore Orioles beat the Kansas
City Royals twenty-three times in a row.
#132...SEY HEY !!
Willie Mays started out the 1971 season by hitting a home run in each of the
first four games of the year, a record that still stands. On a pace to hit 162 for
the season Willie slowed down and hit a mere eighteen.
#133...SNAILS ON THE BASEPATHS
Julio Becquer, a first baseman, stole three bases during the entire 1957 season
while a member of the Washington Senators. Strangely enough that was all he
needed to lead the entire team that year. The whole squad of "gazelles" only
had thirteen all together. Pete Runnels, Milt Bolling and Faye Throneberry
each tied for 2nd on the team with two while Jim Lemon, Eddie Yost, Whitey
Herzog and Roy Sievers each had one.
#134...IT'S A TIE !!
While pitching during the decade of the 1960's Los Angeles Dodgers teammates
and Hall Of Famers Sandy Koufax(1960-66) and Don Drysdale(1960-69) recorded
the exact same amount of strikeouts, 1,910.
#135...FIFTIES WINS !!
Here is the Top-Ten list of pitching victories for the "Fabulous Fifties"(1950-59)
1. Warren Spahn............... 202
2. Robin Roberts............... 199
3. Early Wynn................... 188
4. Billy Pierce.................... 155
5. Bob Lemon................... 150
6. Mike Garcia................. 128
7. Lou Burdette................ 126
Don Newcombe............ 126
9. Whitey Ford................. 121
10. Johnny Antonelli......... 116
#136...FIFTIES LOSSES
Here is the top-ten list of losses for the same decade. Notice some names on both lists
1. Warren Spahn.............149
Robin Roberts............. 149
3. Bob Friend................... 127
4. Murray Dickson.......... 126
5. Bob Rush..................... 123
6. Billy Pierce................... 121
7. Early Wynn.................. 119
8. Ned Garver................. 117
9. Chuck Stobbs.............. 113
10. Alex Kelner................. 100
#137...I'M A LOSER
Terry Felton was a pitcher for the Minnesota Twins from 1979 to 1982 and never
won a game. He appeared in 55 contests, 10 as a starter, hurled 138 innings,
finished with an ERA of 5.53 but lost every game he was awarded a decision
and retired with an 0-16 record.
#134...THE LONGEST NAME
Names on MLB rosters in 2007 included Andy Sonnanstine, Jason Simontacchi
and Jarod Saltalamacchia. It was the latter, Saltalamacchia, that got the notice
of the broadcasters, sportswriters and scoreboard operators when it was
brought to their attention that his last name had 14 letters, more than any other
player on MLB history. He is also the only player with 4 "A.s" in his last name.
#135...THE SHORTEST NAME
The same year, 2007, the Dodgers added Chin-Lung Hu to their roster and he
became the first player to have a last name with just two letters in the history
of MLB. Every time he got a single the broadcasters would say "Hu's on
First".
#136...GREAT COMEDY
Abbot & Costello's classic "Who's On First" routine has stood the test of time.
It has been translated into over 25 languages and was performed live by the two
comedians on stage, radio, TV and movies over 1,000 times. In the routine the
rightfielder is never mentioned but if you listed closely you can hear the rest of
the lineup.
1B: Who
2B: What
3B: I Don't Know
SS: I Don't Give a Darn
LF: Why
CF: Because
C: Today
P: Tomorrow
#137...HOLIDAY HOMERS
Both Mickey Mantle(1967) and Rafael Palmiero(2003) hit their 500th home run on
Mother's Day. Ken Griffey, Jr(2004) hit his 500th home run on Father's Day.
#138...NEVER GOT THE CHANCE
Larry Yount, brother of Hall Of Famer Robin Yount, made his MLB debut on
September 17, 1971. He was a pitcher and was called into the game in the 9th
inning against the Atlanta Braves and hurt his arm while warming up. He was
immediately taken out of the game. Ne never faced a batter and never got
another chance at the big leagues.
#139............D...............
We have made it up to the letter "D" in our all time top Ten Home Run list.
1. Carlos Delgado............ 473
2. Adam Dunn................. 462
3. Andre Dawson............ 438
4. Joe DiMaggio.............. 361
5. Chili Davis................... 350
6. Jermaine Dye.............. 324
7. Eric Davis..................... 282
8. Brian Downing............ 275
9. Larry Doby.................. 253
10. J.D.Drew..................... 242
#140...JUST A COINCIDENCE
Todd Zeile retired after the 2004 season with exactly 2,004 hits.
#141...ANOTHER COINCIDENCE
Although he pitched 1,353 innings in his MLB career, pitcher Clay Carroll only
allowed two grand slams. Both were in the same season, 1977, and both were to
the same hitter, Steve Garvey.
#142...THIS IS STRANGE
Pittsburgh's Forbes Field was opened in 1904 and replaced by Three Rivers
Stadium in 1970. Even though most considered it a "pitcher's park" there was
never a single no-hitter thrown there in its sixty-years of existence.
#143...A MEMORABLE MOMENT
On April 10, 1947, Brooklyn Dodger's president Branch Rickey issued the
following statement in the middle of an exhibition game at Ebbets Field while
playing their minor league affiliate the Montreal Royals. "The Brooklyn
Dodgers today purchased the contract of Jackie Robinson from the Montreal
Royals. He will report immediately". It forever changed the game.
#144...WHO IS JOHN RUSSELL ??
In the 52 years history of the Boston Braves only one player, John Russell,
was able to hit a home run from both sides of the plate in the same game. In the
57 year history of the Brooklyn Dodgers only one player was able to hit a home
run from both sides of the plate in the same game, it was the same man, John
Russell. He did it for the Braves on June 7, 1948 and for the Dodgers on July 26,
1950.
#145...THE ONE AND ONLY
Mike Piazza was the only player in MLB history to hit a World Series home run
in both Shea Stadium and Yankee Stadium.
#146...TEXAS LONG BALLS
Here is the all time top ten home run in the history of the Houston Astros.
1. Jeff Bagwell................. 449
2. Lance Berkman........... 326
3. Craig Biggio................. 291
4. Jimmy Wynn................ 223
5. Glenn Davis................. 166
6. Cesar Cedeno.............. 163
7. Bob Watson.................. 139
8. Jose Cruz...................... 138
9. Richard Hidalgo.......... 134
10. Carlos Lee................... 133
#147...HE STAYED WITH THE TEAM
Hall Of Famer Eddie Matthews is the only Brave to play for them in all three
cities. There was Boston, then Milwaukee, then on to Atlanta.
#148...YOUR FAVORITE TEAM'S VERY FIRST PLAYER
There have been seven expansion teams join the National League since 1962.
They all acquired their original rosters by drafting players from other teams.
Here is the very first player selected by each of those seven teams
New York Mets (10/10/61)......................Hobie Landrith
Houston Colt .45s (10/10/61)..................Eddie Bressoud
Montreal Expos (10.14.68).....................Manny Mota
San Diego Padres (10/14/68)..................Ollie Brown
Florida Marlins (11/17/92)......................Nigel Wilson
Colorado Rockies (11/17/92).................David Nied
Arizona Diamondbacks (11/18/97).........Brian Anderson
#149...THIS WILL NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN
On July 17, 1990, The Minnesota Twins became the only team in MLB history
to pull off two triple plays in the same game. It happened against the Boston
Red Sox and they were both started by third baseman Gary Gaetti.
#150...MORE RETIRED NUMBES 4-5-6.
...........................................# 4...........................................
Luke Appling(White Sox), Earl Weaver(Orioles), Duke Snider(Dodgers),
Ralph Kiner(Pirates), Lou Gehrig(Yankees), Paul Molitor(Brewers),
Mell Ott(Giants), Joe Cronin(Red Sox)
..........................................# 5 ............................................
Brooks Robinson(Orioles), Lou Boudreau(Indians), George Brett(Royals),
Johnny Bench(Reds), Willard Hershberger(Reds), Hank Greenberg(Tigers),
Joe DiMaggio(Yankees), Jeff Bagwell(Astros)
...........................................# 6 ...........................................
Johnny Pesky(Red Sox), Steve Garvey(Padres), Stan Musial(Cardinals),
Al Kaline(Tigers), Tony Oliva(Twins), Bobby Cox(Braves)
151...MIAMI MARLINS #5
The number 5 was also retired by the Miami Marlins. It was in honor of Carl
Barger the first team president who died in December of 1992, four months
before the first game in team history. They chose that number because it was
the same as his favorite player, Joe DiMaggio. However, the number was
unretired at the start of the 2012 season and given to Logan Morrison who
wanted it to honor is father who had recently passed away. He chose that
number because it was that of his father's favorite player, George Brett.
#152...CINCINNATI REDS # 5
The number 5 was originally retired by Cincinnati in honor of Willard
Hershberger who committed suicide during the 1940 season. It was returned
to service in 1942, then retired in 1984 again in honor of Johnny Bench.
#153...A SAD STORY
The above mentioned Willard Hershberger is the only player in MLB history
to commit suicide during the middle of the season. He was a back-up catcher
to Ernie Lombardi and when Ernie got hurt Willard got his chance to play in
August during a heated pennant race. The team lost several games while he
was catching even though hit hit .308 for the season he apparently took the
losses seriously and slashed his own throat. The Reds then dedicated the rest
of the season to "Hershie" and won the World Series. They voted him a full
winners share of $ 5,803 and gave it to his grieving mother.
#154...TALK ABOUT BAT CONTROL !!
On September 23, 2006, Jay Gibbons of the Baltimore Orioles hit a line
drive foul ball into the stands and hit his wife, Laura, causing minor bruises.
#155...YANKEE HISTORY
The New York Yankees were last crowned World Series champions in 2009.
Let's take a look at their Fall Classic Record. They have now played in forty
of them with a mark of 27-13. They have played a total of 224 games with an
overall record of 134-90.
#156...OH SO CLOSE !!!
Both Al Kaline and Andres Galarraga retired with exactly 399 home runs.
#157...A QUICKIE
On August 10, 1944, Boston Braves pitcher Red Barrett hurled a nine inning
complete game by throwing only 58 pitches, a record low. He gave up two hits,
walked none and struck out none in the 2-0 victory. The game took one hour
and fifteen minutes.
#158...BASEBALL BEEN BERRY BERRY GOOD TO ME
Bob Uecker, Deion Sanders, Billy Martin and Derek Jeter are the four MLB
players that have hosted Saturday Night Live. Notice I did not count Chico
Escuela (Garrett Morris).
#159...WOMEN IN THE '90S
The Colorado Silver Bullets were an all women's professional baseball team
sponsored by Coor's Brewing Company and played for four seasons, 1994 to
1997. They played in all Northern League cities as well as some good old
fashioned barnstorming against the men. Here is some more information:
First Game: May 8, 1994 (Mother's Day)
Results: Lost to Northern League All Stars 19-0
Manager: Phil Niekro
General Manager: Shereen Samonds
Four Year Record: 58 - 127
#160...THEIVES OF THE FIFTIES
Here is my last top ten list from the 1950's, it's the top ten base stealers(1950-59)
1. Willie Mays.................. 179
2. Minnie Minoso........... 167
3. Richie Ashburn.......... 158
4. Jim Rivera................... 150
5. Luis Aparicio............... 134
Jackie Jensen............... 134
7. Jim Gilliam................... 132
8. Pee Wee Reese............ 124
9. Billy Bruton................. 121
10. Jackie Robinson....... 109
#161...THE YOUNG AND THE OLD
The youngest player ever to win a batting title was Al Kaline when he hit .340 for
the 1955 Detroit Tigers at the age of 20. Three years later, in 1958, Ted Williams
became the oldest player to win a batting title by hitting .328 for the Boston Red
Sox at the age of 40.
#162...OUR NEIGHBOR'S TO THE NORTH
The Montreal Expos existed from 1969 to 2004. Here is their all time top-ten
home run list:
1. Vladimir Guererro.......... 234
2. Andre Dawson................ 224
3. Gary Carter..................... 220
4. Tim Wallach................... 205
5. Bob Bailey..................... 118
6. Andres Galarraga.......... 115
7. Jose Vidro...................... 101
Rondell White................. 101
9. Larry Parrish................... 100
10. Larry Walker.................. 99
#163...THE PRODIGAL SON'S
Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron and Willie Mays were three of the greatest sluggers in
the history of the game and all three are Hall Of Famers. An interesting note
about these three as they all ended their MLB careers in the same city they
started in, but with a different team.
First Team Last Team
Babe Ruth.................... Boston Red Sox Boston Braves
Hank Aaron................. Milwaukee Braves Milwaukee Brewers
Willie Mays.................. New York Giants New York Mets
#164...A RARE STAT YOU'VE BEEN WAITING FOR
In 2004 Adam Dunn of the Cincinnati Reds became the first player in MLB history
to have a 100 or more RBI season without recording a single sacrifice fly.
#165...IT STARTED IN PITTSBURGH
On August 5, 1921, radio station KDKA in Pittsburgh became the first station to
air a broadcast of a MLB game. It was not live. It was re-created off of a
newswire. The Pirates won that day 8 to 5.
#166...KANSAS CITY TRIVIA
Here are the four players that played for both the Kansas City A's and the
Kansas City Royals. Moe Drabowsky, Aurelio Monteguedo, Ken Sanders
and Dave Wickersham. You might also want to throw in Joe Gordon who
managed both teams at one time or another.
#167...MILWAUKEE TRIVIA
There are three players who played for both the Milwaukee Brewers and
the Milwaukee Brewers. They were Hank Aaron, Phil Roof and Felipe Alou.
You might also want to throw in Del Crandal who played for the Braves and
managed the Brewers.
#168...NO PLACE LIKE HOME
On August 11, 2015, The home team won all 15 games on the schedule that day.
The best home record in MLB history for a single day.
#169...THE KILLER FROM MINNESOTA
When Harmon Killebrew hit his 500th home run on August 10, 1971, the home
plate umpire was former MLB pitcher Bill Kunkel who gave up three of those
home runs to Harmon during his career while hurling for the Kansas City A's.
#170...SOME NOLAN RYAN INFO
Nolan Ryan threw an amazing seven no-hitters during his career. Below is a list
of the players that made the last out in each one.
1. Amos Otis.......................May 15, 1973
2. Norm Cash.....................July 15, 1973
3. Eric Soderholm..............September 24, 1974
4. Bobb Grich.....................June 1, 1975
5. Dusty Baker....................September 26, 1981
6. Willie Randolph.............June 11, 1990
7. Roberto Alomar.............May 1, 1991
#171...FATHER / SON CONNECTION
Note that Roberto Alomar made the last out in Ryan's 7th no-hitter. Roberto's
father, Sandy, was a 2nd baseman for the Angels and played behind Nolan in his
first no-hitter.
#172...A DIFFERENT RYAN
Despite never pitching more than two innings in any game and hurling only 87
innings during the entire season Baltimore Oriole's relief pitcher B.J.Ryan
led his team in strikeouts in 2004 with 122. Starters Erik Bedard and Rodrigo
Lopes each had 121.
#173...NEVER !!
In 2012 Felix Hernandez of the Seattle Mariners threw the 23rd Perfect game
in M.L.B. history. It was the first ever in the month of August.
#174...NEVER MADE IT TO THE "BIG SHOW"
Here is an interesting top ten list. It is a list of the players who have played in
the most MLB games without appearing in a World Series.
1. Rafael Palmeiro.............. 2,831
2. Ken Griffey, Jr................ 2,571
3. Andre Dawson................ 2,627
4. Ernie Banks.................... 2,528
5. Julio Franco.................... 2,527
6. Billy Williams................... 2,428
7. Rod Carew..................... 2,469
8. Luke Appling................. 2,422
9. Mickey Vernon............. 2,409
10. Buddy Bell..................... 2,405
#175...THREE TRIES, THREE CATCHERS
During the 1961 season Whitey Ford pitched 283 innings and not a single
player stole a base while he was on the mound. Actually, only three players
even attempted. Willie Tasby was thrown out by Yogi Berra, Danny O'Connell
was tossed out by Johnny Blanchard and Luis Aparicio by Elston Howard.
#176...WAR TIME BASEBALL
Murray Dickson pitched for the St Louis Cardinals in the 5th game of the
1943 World Series while he was on furlough from the Army during World War II
#177...DRY SPELL !!
From 1968 to 1984 the Baltimore Orioles had twenty-three 20-game winners
encompassing ten different pitchers. They have not had one since
#178...BACK TO BACK 300s
On April 13, 2009, Jermaine Dye hit his 300th MLB home run with Paul
Konerko on deck. Konerko then also homered, it was his 300th.
#179...ANOTHER COINCIDENCE
Claudell Washington hit the 1,000th home run in the history of the Oakland
A's and the 10,000th home run in the history of the New York Yankees
#180...CATCHING NO HITTERS
#181...CATCHING PERFECT GAMES
#180...CATCHING NO HITTERS
Jason Varitek and Carlos Ruiz are the only two cathers in MLB history to
be behind the plate for four No-Hitters.
be behind the plate for four No-Hitters.
#181...CATCHING PERFECT GAMES
Ron Hassey is the only catcher to be behind the plate for two perfect games,
Len Barker & Dennis Martinez.
#182...KANSAS CITY SLUGGERS
Here is the all time top ten home run list for the Kansas City Royals
1. George Brett.............317
2. Mike Sweeney..........197
3. Amos Otis..................193
4. Hal McCrae...............169
5. Frank White..............160
6. John Mayberry.........143
7. Danny Tartabull........124
8. Carlos Beltran..........123
9. Steve Balboni...........119
10. Billy Butler...............118
#183...THE ONE AND ONLY
There has only been one no-hitter in the history of Camden Yards in Baltimore.
It was by Hideo Nomo.
#184...THE ONE AND ONLY - SAME GUY
There has only been one no-hitter in the history of Coors Field in Denver.
It was by Hideo Nomo.
There has only been one no-hitter in the history of Coors Field in Denver.
It was by Hideo Nomo.
#185...BROTHERLY RIVALS
In 1966 Matty Alou won the National League batting title with a .342 average,
fifteen points ahead of his nearest rival, his brother Felipe at .327. Matty was
fifteen points ahead of his nearest rival, his brother Felipe at .327. Matty was
last, however, in power. Here are the brother's lifetime home runs.
1...Felipe............... 206
2...Jesus.............. 32
3...Matty............... 31
Also note that Moises, Felipe's son and nephew of Jesus and Matty, retired
with a total of 332, more than the above three combined.
#189...A TIMELY PROMOTION
On July 25, 2010, their was a two and a half hour rain delay at Yankee
Stadium. The fans, however, were prepared. It was "Umbrella Day".
#190...NOT ALWAYS SUPERSTARS !!
Star pitchers Cy Young, Steve Carlton, Mickey Lolich, Joe Niekro,
Denny McClain, Walter Johnson, Luis Tiant, Don Larsen, Rube Marquard,
Robin Roberts, Jerry Koosman, Randy Jones, and Mel Stottlemyre all
had seasons in MLB where they LOST 20 Games or more.
#191...TIMES HAVE CHANGED
In the thirty year period from 1950 to 1980 there were 42 twenty-game losers
in MLB. In the next 30 years, 1981 to 2015 there was only one, Mike Maroth
of the 2003 Detroit Tigers finished the season 9-21.
#201...JIM THOME JOINS THE CLUB
On June 17, 2012, Jime Thome hit his 100th home run as a member of the
Philadelphia Phillies thus becoming only the 4th player in MLB history
to hit 100+ home runs with three different teams.
1.)- Darrell Evans - Atlanta(132), San Francisco(141), Detroit(142)
2.)- Reggie Jackson - KC/Oakland(269), N.Y.Yankees(144), L.A.Angels(123)
3.)-Alex Rodriguez - Seattle(189), Texas(156), N.Y.Yankees(284)
4.)-Jim Thome - Cleveland(237), White Sox(134), Philadelphia(101)
#202...YOU'RE NEVER TOO OLD
In 2012 Chipper Jones became the 5th player in MLB history to hit a
home run in his 40th Birthday. He joins Joe Morgan, Bob Thurman,
Tony Philllips and Wade Boggs.
#203...THE OLD MAN
Julio Franco made his MLB debut on April 23, 1982, and played his last game
on September 17, 2007. For his last four seasons(2004-2007) he was the oldest
person in MLB before leaving the game at age 49. He left the game as the
oldest player ever to hit a grand slam, hit a pinch hit home run, hit two home
runs in one game and steal a base.
#204...THE EARLY BIRD
Early Wynn is the only player in MLB history to give up a pinch hit grand
slam home run as a pitcher and hit a grand slam home run as a pinch hitter.
#205...BRINGING THE MAIL
The first MLB player to appear on a postage stamp was Jackie Robinson in
1982.
#206...FRANCHISE PLAYERS
Stan Musial (St Louis Cardinals), George Brett(Kansas City Royals), and Robin
Yount(Milwaukee Brewers) are the only three players in MLB history to lead
their respective franchises in lifetime singles, doubles, triples and home runs.
#207...THOSE LITTLE LEAGUE DAYS
The Little League "Hall Of Excellence" located in Williamsport, Pennsylvania,
honors former Major Leagues like Nolan Ryan, Mike Schmidt, Dale Murphy
and Cal Ripkin, Jr to name a few. But it also honors those who played in
Little League and later made a name for themselves in other lines of work.
Here are the four politicians that are members:
President George W Bush
Vice President Dan Quayle
Vice President Joe Biden
Senator Bill Bradley
Down the road we will list celebrities, military heroes, successful businessmen,
astronauts and atheletes that made it in other sports as current memebrs of this
elite group.
#208...THIS IS SURPRISING
No Pitcher in the history of the Cincinnati Reds has ever won the Cy Young
Award.
#209...HAPPY BIRTHDAY HOMERS
The record for hitting them most MLB home runs on your birthday is five.
Five players have done it: Todd Helton, Chipper Jones, Derek Lee, Al
Simmons and Alex Rodriguez. Babe Ruth hit none, perhaps that he was
because he was born on February 6th.
#210...THIS MAY SURPRISE YOU
Nolan Ryan never won the Cy Young Award
#211...CALIFORNIA BOMBERS
Here is the All Time Top Ten list of home run hitters from California
1...Barry Bonds(Riverside)..............762
2...Mark McGwire(Pomona)...........583
3...Ted Wiliams(San Diego).............521
4...Eddie Murray(Los Angeles).......504
5...Jason Giambi(West Covina)......438
6...Darrell Evans(Pasadena).............414
7...Duke Snider(Los Angeles)...........407
8...Jim Edmonds(Fullerton).............393
9...Graig Nettles(San Diego)............390
10...Dwight Evans(Santa Monica).....385
#212...CORNHUSKERS MASSACRE
On March 16, 1999, The Nebraska Cornhuskers beat Chicago State by the
score of 50-3 in the most lopsided game in NCAA history. It also set the
record for margin of victory, 47 and most RBI's, 48. Future Major Leaguer
Ken Harvey hit two home runs. The game, which was the nightcap of a
doubleheader, was called in the 7th inning because of the 12-run rule. By
the way, the Huskers won the first game 15 to 3.
213...MORE RETIRED NUMBERS 7-8-9.
........................................# 7 ..........................................
Mickey Mantle(Yankees), Craig Biggio(Astros)
.........................................# 8 ..........................................
Willie Stargell(Pirates), Joe Morgan(Reds), Bill Dickey(Yankees,
Yogi Berra(Yankees), Gary Carter(Expos), Cal Ripkin, Jr (Orioles)
Carl Yastrzemski(Red Sox)
.........................................# 9 ............................................
Ted Williams(Red Sox), Reggie Jackson(A's), Minnie Minoso(White Sox),
Enos Slaughter(Cardinals), Bill Mazeroski(Pirates)
214...THE MONTREAL SNUB
In their history the Montreal Expos had three numbers retired. There was the
above mentioned number 8 for Gary Carter, the number 10 for both Rusty
Staub and Andre Dawson and the number 30 for Tim Raines. When the team
relocated to Washington DC the newly named Nationals at first did not honor
those retired numbers. On October 18, 2005, hockey's Montreal Canadians
raised those numbers to the rafters and now hang at the Bell Centre.
#215...THIS IS AMAZING
In 1953 the Indianapolis Clowns of the Negro Leagues signed a second baseman
named Toni Stone to replace Hank Aaron who was just signed by the Boston
Braves. Stone played mostly in exhibition games and a few innings of regular
season game and once hit a line drive single off of Sathel Paige ruining his
no-hitter. Toni Stone was a woman.
#216...HOMETOWN HEROES
Ken Griffey, Jr and Stan Musial were both born in the same hometown of
Denora, Pennsylvania. They also share the same birthday, November 21st
#217...WE WILL CALL THIS A TIE
In 1963 the National League Home Run battle ended in a tie between Willie
McCovey and Hank Aaron. They both it 44 home runs, they both wore number
44 and they were both born in the same home town, Mobile, Alabama.
#218...BEING DRAFTED IN THE 60's
The Major League amateur draft first occurred in 1965. Here is the first player
selected each year until the end of the decade.
1965: Rick Monday(Kansas City)
1966: Steve Chilcott(New York Mets)
1967: Ron Blomberg(New York Yankees)
1968: Tim Foli(New York Mets)
1969: Jeff Burroughs(Washington)
#219...DISAPPOINTMENT
The above pick of 1966, Steve Chilcott, is one of only three players drafted
number one that never made it to the majors. In 1991 the Yankees picked
pitcher Brian Taylor and in 2004 the Tampa Bay Rays selected Matt Bush,
also a pitcher. By the way, the second player selected in the draft of 1966
was Reggie Jackson by the Kansas City A's.
#220...S.I.
Sports Illustrated's initial edition was on August 16, 1954. On the cover was
Eddie Matthews at the plate along with catcher Wes Westrum and umpire
Augie Donatelli
#221...OPENING DAY COINCIDENCE
In 2005 the first home run hit in the American League was by Hideki Matsui
of the New York Yankees while the first home run that year in the National
League was hit by Kaz Matsui of the New York Mets.
#222...NO SOUTH PAWS
The Chicago Cubs went three complete seasons(1994-96) without starting a
single left-handed pitcher.
#223...1960's POWER
Here is the All-Time Top Ten Home Run list for the 1960's(1960-1969)
1. Harmon Killebrew.....393
2. Hank Aaron................375
3. Willie Mays.................350
4. Frank Robinson.........316
5. Willie McCovey..........300
6. Frank Howard............288
7. Norm Cash.................278
8. Ernie Banks...............269
9.Mickey Mantle............256
10.Orlando Cepeda........254
#224...FUTURE STARS
On April 14th, 1925, the battery of Lefty Grove and Mickey Cochrane made
their debut for the Philadelphia A's. They were both elected to the Hall Of
Fame in 1947.
#225...WAR HERO
During World War II Hall Of Fame Pitcher Warren Spahn was a member
of the 276th Engineer Combat Batallion. He was awarded a Bronze Star and
a Purple Heart as he was wounded during a battle to keep a strategic bridge
open over the Rhine River.
#226..............................."F"........................
We are now up to the letter "F' in or home run list.
1. Jimmy Foxx.....................534
2. Carlton Fisk....................377
3. George Foster.................348
4. Cecil Fielder....................319
5. Steve Finley.....................304
6. Prince Fielder..................285
7. Cliff Floyd.........................233
8. Travis Fryman.................223
9. Ron Fairly........................215
10. Bill Freehan......................200
#227...ONCE IN A BLUE MOON
Vida Blue made his MLB debut on July 20, 1969 and lost to the California
Angels 7 to 3. Lucky for him it barely made the news since that was the
same day Neil Armstrong walked on the moon.
#228...THIS TEAM JUST COULDN'T SCORE
In the 1966 World Series the Baltimore Orioles swept the Los Angeles
Dodgers four games to none. Only fifteen runs were scored the entire
series as the Birds outscored LA 13 to 2. The Dodgers did not score after
the third inning of the first game and finished the series with 33 scoreless
innings.
#229...TRAVEL ACROSS AMERICA
Here Is My secnd list of most home runs by a player born in each state.
Hawaii:............. Mike Lum(90)
Idaho:................ Harmon Killebrew(573)
Illinois:............... Jim Thome(612)
Indiana:............. Gil Hodges(370)
Iowa:.................. Hal Trosky(228)
Kansas:.............. Tony Clark(251)
Kentucky:..........Jay Buhner(310)
Louisiana:..........Mel Ott(511)
Maine:................Del Bissonette(66)
Maryland...........Babe Ruth(714)
#230...THIS IS STRANGE
Although he is considered one of baseball's all time career base stealer,
Lou Brock never stole home during his MLB career.
#231...DOUBLEHEADER WINS
In 1962 Craig Anderson, a pitcher for the New York Mets, finished the
season with a 3-17 record. The amazing part is that two of his three wins
were on the same day as he captured victories in both games of a
doubleheader on May 12th.
#232...HE LOVES SEATTLE
Diego Segui is the only player that played for both the Seattle Pilots and
the Seattle Mariners
#233...MORE SEATTLE HAPPENINGS
On May 2, 2002, Bret Boone and Mike Cameron of the Seattle Mariners hit
back-to-back home runs twice in the SAME INNING.
#234...O's CAN'T HOLD A LEAD !!
In 1996 Baltimore Orioles leadoff man Brady Anderson started off four
consecutive games (April 18, 19, 20 & 21) by hitting a home run. The strange
part is that the Orioles lost all four games
#235...NOW THIS IS REALLY HARD TO DO !!
On September 20, 2000, Ben Petrick, a catcher for the Colorado Rockies
went 0 for 3 but still managed to get 4 RBI's. In his four plate appearances
that day he grounded out twice, flew out once and walked once getting an
RBI each time.
#236...POWER IN SEATTLE
Here Is The Top Ten All Time Home Run List Of The Seattle Mariners
1..Ken Griffey, Jr................ 417
2..Edgar Martinez.............. 309
3..Jay Buhner..................... 307
4..Alex Rodriguez............... 189
5..Al Davis........................... 160
6..Bret Boone...................... 143
7..Raul Ibanez..................... 127
8..James Presley............... 115
9..Ken Phelps..................... 105
Richie Sexson............... 105
#237...WHEN IT ALL STARTED
The very first MLB game was played on April 22, 1876 between Boston and
Philadelphia. I Don't know who won, I wasn't there.
#238...TRIPLE CROWN PLUS
Over 100 years ago Ty Cobb became the only player in MLB history to win
the "Quadruple Crown". In 1909 he won the traditional "Triple Crown"
but also lead the league in stolen bases with 76.
#239...THIS WILL NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN
They keep expanding the All Star Rosters so this record will never be broken.
In the 1942 Summer Classic the American League only used 11 players.
#240..MORE NEGRO LEAGUES
Another one of the more prominent Negro League teams was the Kansas
City Monarchs. They were the longest tenured franchise in league history as
they played 37 seasons. They won the 1942 World Series title by beating the
previously mentioned Homestead Greys that featured Josh Gibson and
Buck Leonard. Players that played for them include Ernie Banks, Jackie
Robinson, Satchel Paige and Elston Howard.
#241...PITCHER WITH POWER
Pitcher Warren Spahn hit at least one home run in 17 consecutive seasons.
No hurler has a longer annual streak. He retired with a total of 35.
#242..THE LOWLY PHILLIES
In 1930 the Philadelphia Phillies had a team batting average of .315 but
finished dead last 40 games out with a 52-102 record. I guess that team
ERA of 6.71 and their 239 errors may have helped them achieve that
position.
#243...WINNING HURLERS OF THE 1960'S
Here Is The Top Ten Winningest Pitchers from 1960 to 1969
1. Juan Marichal................. 191
2. Bob Gibson...................... 164
3. Don Drysdale................... 158
4. Jim Bunning................... 150
5. Jim Kaat......................... 142
6. Larry Jackson................ 141
7. Sandy Koufax................ 137
8. Jim Maloney................... 134
9. Milt Pappas..................... 131
10. Camilo Pascual............... 127
#244...LOSING HURLERS OF THE 1960'S
Here Is the Top Ten losingest pitchers from the 1960 to 1969.
1. Jack Fisher....................... 133
2. Dick Ellsworth................. 132
Larry Jackson................. 132
4. Don Drysdale.................. 126
5. Claude Osteen................ 121
6. Jim Kaat......................... 119
7. Jim Bunning................... 118
8. Don Cardwell................. 111
9. Bob Gibson..................... 105
Ken Johnson.................. 105
#245..BY REPUTATION ONLY
In 1999 Rafael Palmiero was awarded the Gold Glove in the American
League for his play at first base even though he only played 28 games at
that position that season.
#246..FROM LAST TO FIRST
In 1990 the Minnesota Twins finished in last place 29 games out of first.
Likewise, the Atlanta Braves finished in last place that year 26 games out
of first. The following year, 1991, they played each other in the World
Series.
#247...NO-HIT BROTHERS
There have been many pitching brothers in MB but it is Bob Forsch and
Ken Forsch that can lay the claim of being the only combination to have
each thrown a no-hitter. Bob while with St Louis in 1978 and Ken with
Houston one year later in 1979.
#248...THREE WISE MEN
Here's a list of the three Hall Of Famers born on Christmas Day.
Pud Galvin(1856)
Nellie Fox(1927)
Ricky Henderson(1958)
#249..I LOVE ROUND NUMBERS
On April 7, 2006, The New York Mets got their 10,000th double in their
7,000th game.
#250...WORLD SERIES STAR
Jim Palmer is the only MLB pitcher to win a World Series game in three
different decades, the 1960s, the 1970s and the 1980s.
with a total of 332, more than the above three combined.
#186...AH !! THE SIXTIES !!!
Here is our First Top Ten list from the 1960's(1960-1969), total hits.
1. Roberto Clemente....... 1,877
2. Hank Aaron............... 1,819
3. Vada Pinson............. 1,776
4. Maury Wills.............. 1,744
5. Brooks Robinson...... 1,693
6. Curt Flood................ 1,690
7. Billy Williams........... 1,651
8. Willie Mays.............. 1,635
9. Frank Robinson....... 1,603
10. Ron Santo............... 1,592
On this list notice the predominantly National League Players.
#187...ONLY ONE CLEARED THE FENCE
In 1979 Willie Wilson of the Kansas City Royals hit six home runs, five of
which were inside the park.
#188...THE END OF DON'S STREAK
On June 8, 1968, Howie Bedell, of the Philadelphia Phillies, hit a sacrifice fly
scoring teammate Tony Taylor to break Don Drysdale's amazing 56 2/3 inning
scoreless pitching streak. It was Bedell's only RBI of the season.
#188...THE END OF DON'S STREAK
On June 8, 1968, Howie Bedell, of the Philadelphia Phillies, hit a sacrifice fly
scoring teammate Tony Taylor to break Don Drysdale's amazing 56 2/3 inning
scoreless pitching streak. It was Bedell's only RBI of the season.
#189...A TIMELY PROMOTION
On July 25, 2010, their was a two and a half hour rain delay at Yankee
Stadium. The fans, however, were prepared. It was "Umbrella Day".
#190...NOT ALWAYS SUPERSTARS !!
Star pitchers Cy Young, Steve Carlton, Mickey Lolich, Joe Niekro,
Denny McClain, Walter Johnson, Luis Tiant, Don Larsen, Rube Marquard,
Robin Roberts, Jerry Koosman, Randy Jones, and Mel Stottlemyre all
had seasons in MLB where they LOST 20 Games or more.
#191...TIMES HAVE CHANGED
In the thirty year period from 1950 to 1980 there were 42 twenty-game losers
in MLB. In the next 30 years, 1981 to 2015 there was only one, Mike Maroth
of the 2003 Detroit Tigers finished the season 9-21.
#192......................"E".......................
We have made it up to the Letter "E" in our Alphabetical Home Run Lists
1. Darrell Evans................ 414
2. Jim Ednonds................. 393
3. Dwight Evans............... 385
4. Del Ennis...................... 288
5. Edward Encarnacion...229
6. Carl Everett................. 202
7. Bill Elliot....................... 170
8. Damian Easley............... 163
8. Damian Easley............... 163
9. Juan Encarnacion.......... 156
10. Andre Ethier............... 145
#193...FUTILITY AND THE N.Y.METS JUST GO TOGETHER
Near the top of the charts when it comes to futility is a distinction held
by New York Mets pitcher Anthony Young. From May 6, 1992 through
July 24, 1993, he lost a MLB record twenty-seven games in a row.
He later pitched for the Cubs and Astros leaving the game with a final
15-48 mark.
#194....THIS IS INTERESTING
During his MLB career Hall Of Famer Brooks Robinson became the only
player to hit into four triple plays.
player to hit into four triple plays.
#195...SPEAKING OF HALL OF FAMERS
In 1972 Sandy Koufax became the youngest player ever elected to
the Hall Of Fame, he was 36.
1B: Steve Larkin
#196...MULTI-TASKING
Tim Brown, outfielder and first baseman for the 1963 Washington
Senators, was the first Major League player to appear in a Super Bowl.
He was only a lifetime .147 hitter with just 1 home run and four
RBI's but he did play safety for The Green Bay Packers in Super
Bowls I & II.
#197...MULTI-TALENTED
Dione Sanders is the only athlete to play in both the World Series and
the Super Bowl. He was on the 1992 National League champion Atlanta
Braves and in his only year in San Francisco played in Super Bowl
XXIX for the champion 49ers.
#198...OH BROTHER !!
On September 27, 1998, the Cincinnati Reds became the first team in
MLB history to field two sets of brothers on the same team in the same
game.
1B: Steve Larkin
2B: Brett Boone
SS: Barry Larkin
3B: Aaron Boone
#199...BEWARE OF THE HUNTER
Billy Hunter only hit one home run during the entire 1953 season. It was
off of Connie Johnson of the Chicago White Sox on the next to the last day
of the season, It will, however, go down in baseball trivia history as the
final home run ever hit by a member of the St Louis Browns.
#200...I KNEW THAT HE WOULD IMPROVE !!
In 1982 Dale Murphy of the Atlanta Braves hit 36 home runs. In 1983 he hit
36 home runs. In 1984 he hit 36 home runs. In 1985 he hit 37 home runs.
Now that's progress !!
#201...JIM THOME JOINS THE CLUB
On June 17, 2012, Jime Thome hit his 100th home run as a member of the
Philadelphia Phillies thus becoming only the 4th player in MLB history
to hit 100+ home runs with three different teams.
1.)- Darrell Evans - Atlanta(132), San Francisco(141), Detroit(142)
2.)- Reggie Jackson - KC/Oakland(269), N.Y.Yankees(144), L.A.Angels(123)
3.)-Alex Rodriguez - Seattle(189), Texas(156), N.Y.Yankees(284)
4.)-Jim Thome - Cleveland(237), White Sox(134), Philadelphia(101)
#202...YOU'RE NEVER TOO OLD
In 2012 Chipper Jones became the 5th player in MLB history to hit a
home run in his 40th Birthday. He joins Joe Morgan, Bob Thurman,
Tony Philllips and Wade Boggs.
#203...THE OLD MAN
Julio Franco made his MLB debut on April 23, 1982, and played his last game
on September 17, 2007. For his last four seasons(2004-2007) he was the oldest
person in MLB before leaving the game at age 49. He left the game as the
oldest player ever to hit a grand slam, hit a pinch hit home run, hit two home
runs in one game and steal a base.
#204...THE EARLY BIRD
Early Wynn is the only player in MLB history to give up a pinch hit grand
slam home run as a pitcher and hit a grand slam home run as a pinch hitter.
#205...BRINGING THE MAIL
The first MLB player to appear on a postage stamp was Jackie Robinson in
1982.
#206...FRANCHISE PLAYERS
Stan Musial (St Louis Cardinals), George Brett(Kansas City Royals), and Robin
Yount(Milwaukee Brewers) are the only three players in MLB history to lead
their respective franchises in lifetime singles, doubles, triples and home runs.
#207...THOSE LITTLE LEAGUE DAYS
The Little League "Hall Of Excellence" located in Williamsport, Pennsylvania,
honors former Major Leagues like Nolan Ryan, Mike Schmidt, Dale Murphy
and Cal Ripkin, Jr to name a few. But it also honors those who played in
Little League and later made a name for themselves in other lines of work.
Here are the four politicians that are members:
President George W Bush
Vice President Dan Quayle
Vice President Joe Biden
Senator Bill Bradley
Down the road we will list celebrities, military heroes, successful businessmen,
astronauts and atheletes that made it in other sports as current memebrs of this
elite group.
#208...THIS IS SURPRISING
No Pitcher in the history of the Cincinnati Reds has ever won the Cy Young
Award.
#209...HAPPY BIRTHDAY HOMERS
The record for hitting them most MLB home runs on your birthday is five.
Five players have done it: Todd Helton, Chipper Jones, Derek Lee, Al
Simmons and Alex Rodriguez. Babe Ruth hit none, perhaps that he was
because he was born on February 6th.
#210...THIS MAY SURPRISE YOU
Nolan Ryan never won the Cy Young Award
#211...CALIFORNIA BOMBERS
Here is the All Time Top Ten list of home run hitters from California
1...Barry Bonds(Riverside)..............762
2...Mark McGwire(Pomona)...........583
3...Ted Wiliams(San Diego).............521
4...Eddie Murray(Los Angeles).......504
5...Jason Giambi(West Covina)......438
6...Darrell Evans(Pasadena).............414
7...Duke Snider(Los Angeles)...........407
8...Jim Edmonds(Fullerton).............393
9...Graig Nettles(San Diego)............390
10...Dwight Evans(Santa Monica).....385
#212...CORNHUSKERS MASSACRE
On March 16, 1999, The Nebraska Cornhuskers beat Chicago State by the
score of 50-3 in the most lopsided game in NCAA history. It also set the
record for margin of victory, 47 and most RBI's, 48. Future Major Leaguer
Ken Harvey hit two home runs. The game, which was the nightcap of a
doubleheader, was called in the 7th inning because of the 12-run rule. By
the way, the Huskers won the first game 15 to 3.
213...MORE RETIRED NUMBERS 7-8-9.
........................................# 7 ..........................................
Mickey Mantle(Yankees), Craig Biggio(Astros)
.........................................# 8 ..........................................
Willie Stargell(Pirates), Joe Morgan(Reds), Bill Dickey(Yankees,
Yogi Berra(Yankees), Gary Carter(Expos), Cal Ripkin, Jr (Orioles)
Carl Yastrzemski(Red Sox)
.........................................# 9 ............................................
Ted Williams(Red Sox), Reggie Jackson(A's), Minnie Minoso(White Sox),
Enos Slaughter(Cardinals), Bill Mazeroski(Pirates)
214...THE MONTREAL SNUB
In their history the Montreal Expos had three numbers retired. There was the
above mentioned number 8 for Gary Carter, the number 10 for both Rusty
Staub and Andre Dawson and the number 30 for Tim Raines. When the team
relocated to Washington DC the newly named Nationals at first did not honor
those retired numbers. On October 18, 2005, hockey's Montreal Canadians
raised those numbers to the rafters and now hang at the Bell Centre.
#215...THIS IS AMAZING
In 1953 the Indianapolis Clowns of the Negro Leagues signed a second baseman
named Toni Stone to replace Hank Aaron who was just signed by the Boston
Braves. Stone played mostly in exhibition games and a few innings of regular
season game and once hit a line drive single off of Sathel Paige ruining his
no-hitter. Toni Stone was a woman.
#216...HOMETOWN HEROES
Ken Griffey, Jr and Stan Musial were both born in the same hometown of
Denora, Pennsylvania. They also share the same birthday, November 21st
#217...WE WILL CALL THIS A TIE
In 1963 the National League Home Run battle ended in a tie between Willie
McCovey and Hank Aaron. They both it 44 home runs, they both wore number
44 and they were both born in the same home town, Mobile, Alabama.
#218...BEING DRAFTED IN THE 60's
The Major League amateur draft first occurred in 1965. Here is the first player
selected each year until the end of the decade.
1965: Rick Monday(Kansas City)
1966: Steve Chilcott(New York Mets)
1967: Ron Blomberg(New York Yankees)
1968: Tim Foli(New York Mets)
1969: Jeff Burroughs(Washington)
#219...DISAPPOINTMENT
The above pick of 1966, Steve Chilcott, is one of only three players drafted
number one that never made it to the majors. In 1991 the Yankees picked
pitcher Brian Taylor and in 2004 the Tampa Bay Rays selected Matt Bush,
also a pitcher. By the way, the second player selected in the draft of 1966
was Reggie Jackson by the Kansas City A's.
#220...S.I.
Sports Illustrated's initial edition was on August 16, 1954. On the cover was
Eddie Matthews at the plate along with catcher Wes Westrum and umpire
Augie Donatelli
#221...OPENING DAY COINCIDENCE
In 2005 the first home run hit in the American League was by Hideki Matsui
of the New York Yankees while the first home run that year in the National
League was hit by Kaz Matsui of the New York Mets.
#222...NO SOUTH PAWS
The Chicago Cubs went three complete seasons(1994-96) without starting a
single left-handed pitcher.
#223...1960's POWER
Here is the All-Time Top Ten Home Run list for the 1960's(1960-1969)
1. Harmon Killebrew.....393
2. Hank Aaron................375
3. Willie Mays.................350
4. Frank Robinson.........316
5. Willie McCovey..........300
6. Frank Howard............288
7. Norm Cash.................278
8. Ernie Banks...............269
9.Mickey Mantle............256
10.Orlando Cepeda........254
#224...FUTURE STARS
On April 14th, 1925, the battery of Lefty Grove and Mickey Cochrane made
their debut for the Philadelphia A's. They were both elected to the Hall Of
Fame in 1947.
#225...WAR HERO
During World War II Hall Of Fame Pitcher Warren Spahn was a member
of the 276th Engineer Combat Batallion. He was awarded a Bronze Star and
a Purple Heart as he was wounded during a battle to keep a strategic bridge
open over the Rhine River.
#226..............................."F"........................
We are now up to the letter "F' in or home run list.
1. Jimmy Foxx.....................534
2. Carlton Fisk....................377
3. George Foster.................348
4. Cecil Fielder....................319
5. Steve Finley.....................304
6. Prince Fielder..................285
7. Cliff Floyd.........................233
8. Travis Fryman.................223
9. Ron Fairly........................215
10. Bill Freehan......................200
#227...ONCE IN A BLUE MOON
Vida Blue made his MLB debut on July 20, 1969 and lost to the California
Angels 7 to 3. Lucky for him it barely made the news since that was the
same day Neil Armstrong walked on the moon.
#228...THIS TEAM JUST COULDN'T SCORE
In the 1966 World Series the Baltimore Orioles swept the Los Angeles
Dodgers four games to none. Only fifteen runs were scored the entire
series as the Birds outscored LA 13 to 2. The Dodgers did not score after
the third inning of the first game and finished the series with 33 scoreless
innings.
#229...TRAVEL ACROSS AMERICA
Here Is My secnd list of most home runs by a player born in each state.
Hawaii:............. Mike Lum(90)
Idaho:................ Harmon Killebrew(573)
Illinois:............... Jim Thome(612)
Indiana:............. Gil Hodges(370)
Iowa:.................. Hal Trosky(228)
Kansas:.............. Tony Clark(251)
Kentucky:..........Jay Buhner(310)
Louisiana:..........Mel Ott(511)
Maine:................Del Bissonette(66)
Maryland...........Babe Ruth(714)
#230...THIS IS STRANGE
Although he is considered one of baseball's all time career base stealer,
Lou Brock never stole home during his MLB career.
#231...DOUBLEHEADER WINS
In 1962 Craig Anderson, a pitcher for the New York Mets, finished the
season with a 3-17 record. The amazing part is that two of his three wins
were on the same day as he captured victories in both games of a
doubleheader on May 12th.
#232...HE LOVES SEATTLE
Diego Segui is the only player that played for both the Seattle Pilots and
the Seattle Mariners
#233...MORE SEATTLE HAPPENINGS
On May 2, 2002, Bret Boone and Mike Cameron of the Seattle Mariners hit
back-to-back home runs twice in the SAME INNING.
#234...O's CAN'T HOLD A LEAD !!
In 1996 Baltimore Orioles leadoff man Brady Anderson started off four
consecutive games (April 18, 19, 20 & 21) by hitting a home run. The strange
part is that the Orioles lost all four games
#235...NOW THIS IS REALLY HARD TO DO !!
On September 20, 2000, Ben Petrick, a catcher for the Colorado Rockies
went 0 for 3 but still managed to get 4 RBI's. In his four plate appearances
that day he grounded out twice, flew out once and walked once getting an
RBI each time.
#236...POWER IN SEATTLE
Here Is The Top Ten All Time Home Run List Of The Seattle Mariners
1..Ken Griffey, Jr................ 417
2..Edgar Martinez.............. 309
3..Jay Buhner..................... 307
4..Alex Rodriguez............... 189
5..Al Davis........................... 160
6..Bret Boone...................... 143
7..Raul Ibanez..................... 127
8..James Presley............... 115
9..Ken Phelps..................... 105
Richie Sexson............... 105
#237...WHEN IT ALL STARTED
The very first MLB game was played on April 22, 1876 between Boston and
Philadelphia. I Don't know who won, I wasn't there.
#238...TRIPLE CROWN PLUS
Over 100 years ago Ty Cobb became the only player in MLB history to win
the "Quadruple Crown". In 1909 he won the traditional "Triple Crown"
but also lead the league in stolen bases with 76.
#239...THIS WILL NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN
They keep expanding the All Star Rosters so this record will never be broken.
In the 1942 Summer Classic the American League only used 11 players.
#240..MORE NEGRO LEAGUES
Another one of the more prominent Negro League teams was the Kansas
City Monarchs. They were the longest tenured franchise in league history as
they played 37 seasons. They won the 1942 World Series title by beating the
previously mentioned Homestead Greys that featured Josh Gibson and
Buck Leonard. Players that played for them include Ernie Banks, Jackie
Robinson, Satchel Paige and Elston Howard.
#241...PITCHER WITH POWER
Pitcher Warren Spahn hit at least one home run in 17 consecutive seasons.
No hurler has a longer annual streak. He retired with a total of 35.
#242..THE LOWLY PHILLIES
In 1930 the Philadelphia Phillies had a team batting average of .315 but
finished dead last 40 games out with a 52-102 record. I guess that team
ERA of 6.71 and their 239 errors may have helped them achieve that
position.
#243...WINNING HURLERS OF THE 1960'S
Here Is The Top Ten Winningest Pitchers from 1960 to 1969
1. Juan Marichal................. 191
2. Bob Gibson...................... 164
3. Don Drysdale................... 158
4. Jim Bunning................... 150
5. Jim Kaat......................... 142
6. Larry Jackson................ 141
7. Sandy Koufax................ 137
8. Jim Maloney................... 134
9. Milt Pappas..................... 131
10. Camilo Pascual............... 127
#244...LOSING HURLERS OF THE 1960'S
Here Is the Top Ten losingest pitchers from the 1960 to 1969.
1. Jack Fisher....................... 133
2. Dick Ellsworth................. 132
Larry Jackson................. 132
4. Don Drysdale.................. 126
5. Claude Osteen................ 121
6. Jim Kaat......................... 119
7. Jim Bunning................... 118
8. Don Cardwell................. 111
9. Bob Gibson..................... 105
Ken Johnson.................. 105
#245..BY REPUTATION ONLY
In 1999 Rafael Palmiero was awarded the Gold Glove in the American
League for his play at first base even though he only played 28 games at
that position that season.
#246..FROM LAST TO FIRST
In 1990 the Minnesota Twins finished in last place 29 games out of first.
Likewise, the Atlanta Braves finished in last place that year 26 games out
of first. The following year, 1991, they played each other in the World
Series.
#247...NO-HIT BROTHERS
There have been many pitching brothers in MB but it is Bob Forsch and
Ken Forsch that can lay the claim of being the only combination to have
each thrown a no-hitter. Bob while with St Louis in 1978 and Ken with
Houston one year later in 1979.
#248...THREE WISE MEN
Here's a list of the three Hall Of Famers born on Christmas Day.
Pud Galvin(1856)
Nellie Fox(1927)
Ricky Henderson(1958)
#249..I LOVE ROUND NUMBERS
On April 7, 2006, The New York Mets got their 10,000th double in their
7,000th game.
#250...WORLD SERIES STAR
Jim Palmer is the only MLB pitcher to win a World Series game in three
different decades, the 1960s, the 1970s and the 1980s.
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