WELCOME...HERE IS THE SECOND SET. IF YOU
MISSED THE FIRST SET, 1 TO 250, BELOW IS THE
LINK !!!
http://www1001baseballtriviafacts.blogspot.com/2012/07/1001-baseball-trivia-facts1-250.html
#251...NOW THIS IS A SOUVENIER HUNTER
Cincinnati's Crosley Field closed in 1970. In 1974 Larry Luebbers,
a big Reds fan, apparently missed it so much that he built a
replica of it on his farm in Union, Kentucky. He also used some
memorabilia that he acquired from the stadium after it was
demolished including seats, signs and even a ticket booth.
He used it as a softball stadium. It has long since disappeared
but ironically his son, Larry, later made it to the Major Leagues
in 1993 and pitched for the Cincinnati Reds
#252...NO STRANGER TO PITCHING GEMS
During his Major League career Bert Campaneris played in an
amazing eleven no-hitters.
#253...CYCLERS
Bob Watson and John Olerud are the only two MLB players to hit
for the cycle in both leagues. Watson for Houston and the Yankees
Olerud for the Mariners and the Mets.
Note: You can now add Michael Cuddyer to the list. Minnesota Twins
and Colorado Rockies.
#254...OLERUD'S CYCLES
An interesting side note to the above mentioned cycles. The two
attributed to Olerud were unique in that in both cases the
triple he hit was the only one he hit for the entire seasons of
1997 and 2001.
#255..........................."G".............................
Here we are up to the letter "G" In Our Home Run lists
1. Ken Griffey, Jr............. 630
2. Lou Gehrig................... 493
3. Vladimir Guererro...... 449
4. Jason Giambi............... 438
5. Juan Gonzalez............. 434
6. Andres Gallaraga......... 399
7. Gary Gaetti................... 360
8. Luis Gonzalez............... 354
9. Hank Greenberg.......... 331
10. Shawn Green................ 328
#256...I LOVE YOGI
Despite somewhat of an unorthodoxed swing it was hard to strike out
Yogi Berra. In 1950 Yogi made 656 plate appearances and only
struck out 12 times. That's only twice a month.
#257..IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME
In 1954 , the Baltimore Oriole's first year of their existence, their pitching
star was Bob Turley who lead the American League in strikeouts that
season by fanning 185 batters. That was almost 60 years ago and no
Oriole has led the league since.
#258...IT'S BEEN JUST AS LONG FOR THE TRIBE
Also in 1954 the Cleveland Indians second baseman Bobby Avila won
the American League batting title with a .341 mark. That was also
almost 60 years ago and no Indian has done it since.
#259...PETE'S FAVORITE PITCHER
Pete Rose, during his career, got more hits off of knuckballer Phil
Niekro than any other pitcher in the Major Leagues, 64.
#260...A SEASON TO FORGET
In 1985 light hitting shortstop Johnny Lemaster batted only 94 times
getting 12 hits for a .128 mark. The most memorable part of that year,
however, is that he played for three different teams and all three
lost a 100 or more games. He began the year with San Francisco
(62-100), then went to Cleveland(60-102) and finished the season
with Pittsburgh(57-104).
#261...1960's THIEVES
Here is my final top ten list of the 1960's. Stolen Bases
1. Maury Wills....................535
2. Lou Brock.......................387
3. Luis Aparicio..................342
4. Bert Campaneris...........292
5. Willie Davis....................240
6. Tommy Harper..............208
7. Hank Aaron....................204
8. Vada Pinson...................202
9. Don Buford.....................161
10. Tony Taylor....................157
#262..LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON
On July 19, 1982 Hall Of Famer Tony Gwynn got his first major league
hit. On July 19, 2006, exactly 24 years to the date, Tony Gwynn, Jr got
his first major league hit.
#263..STARS OF THE NEGRO LEAGUES
For seven consecutive seasons, 1953 to 1959, the Most Valuable Player
in the National League was a former Negro League player.
#264..THIS MAY SURPRISE YOU
Only two members of the New York Yankees has ever won the All Star
Game's MVP Award. Derek Jeter won it in 2000 and Mariano Rivera
in his final season, 2013.
#265..STEEL CITY HOSTS
In 2006 the Pittsburgh Pirates became the first team to host an All Star
Game in three different stadiums. In addition to PNC Park they hosted
two games at Three Rivers Stadium (1974 & 1994) and two games at old
Forbes Field(1944 & 1959).
Note: The Dodgers have also hosted three All-Star Games in three different
Stadiums, however, the first one was when they were the Brooklyn Dodgers.
#266...THE SUN DEVILS !!!
There are currently close to 100 alumni of Arizona State University to have
put on a major league uniform. Here is my All Star Team.
1B: Ken Phelps
2B: Dustin Pedroia
3B: Sal Bando
SS: Hubie Brooks
OF: Barry Bonds
OF: Reggie Jackson
OF: Rick Monday
C: Paul LoDuca
P: Floyd Bannister
Other notables include Bob Horner, Lenny Randle, Bump Wills, Oddibe
McDowell, Kenny Landreaux, Gary Gentry, Alvin Davis and Pat Listach.
#267..STRIKING OUT YOUR AGE
Bob Feller struck out 17 batters when he was 17. Kerry Wood struck
out 20 batters when he was 20. That's the only two times it has ever been
done.
#268..ANOTHER YANKEE RECORD
Whitey Ford has won more World Series games than any other pitcher in
MLB history, 10.
#269...YET ANOTHER YANKEE RECORD
Whitey Ford has lost more World Series games than any other pitcher in
MLB history, 8.
#270...A LATE BLOOMER
Phil Niekro won more games in his forties(121) than he did when he was in
his twenties(31).
#271...REMEMBER DOCTOR STRANGEGLOVE ???
The First player to hit thirty or more home runs in both leagues was the
legendery glove man Dick Stuart. He knocked out 35 home runs for the
1961 Pittsburgh Pirates then clubbed 42 round trippers for the Boston
Red Sox in 1963.
#272...YOUNG PROSPECTS OF THE 1970s
Here is the First Player selected in the amatuer draft from 1970-1979
1970...Mike Ivie (San Diego)
1971...Danny Goodwin (White Sox)
1972...Dave Roberts (San Diego)
1973...David Clyde (Texas)
1974...Bill Almon (San Diego)
1975...Danny Goodwin (California)
1976...Floyd Bannister (Houston)
1977...Harold Baines (White Sox)
1978...Bob Horner (Atlanta)
1979...Al Chambers (Seattle)
#273...1ST PICK TWICE
As you can see in the above list you have Danny Goodwin listed twice. He
is the only player to be the first pick two times. He came out of high school in
Peoria, Illinois and turned down the White Sox and then later signed by the
Angels when he got out ofcollege. He was used as a DH and in parts of
seven seasons hit thirteen home runs and finished with a .236 average.
#274...MORE THAN "THE MICK"???
Here's one for Yankee fans to scratch their heads over. Tino Martinez had
more 100 plus RBI seasons than Mickey Mantle. Martinez had five, Mickey
just four.
#275...LET'S PLAY TWO
Ernie Banks is the only shortstop in the history of the National League to
win the home run crown.
#276...HERE'S ANOTHER COINCIDENCE
On September 27, 1923, Lou Gehrig hit his first Major League home run.
He hit his 493rd and final home run on September 27, 1938, exactly
fifteen years to the day of the first one.
#277...A M.L.B. MILESTONE
On September 8, 2008, Gary Sheffield hit Major League Baseball's
250,000th home run. He was playing for the Detroit Tigers and hit it
off of Oakland A's pitcher Gio Gonzalez in the 2nd inning. In the first
inning Sheffield hit home run number 249,999.
#278...A RECORD TO BE PROUD OF
On August 14, 2007, Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox was ejected
by home plate umpire Ted Barrett. It was the 132nd time that Mr Cox
has been asked to leave the premisis which broke the previous record
held by John McGraw.
#279...WHO IS THIS GUY ???
In 1941 Ted Williams finished the season with a batting average of
.406. In that same season Joe DiMaggio had his celebrated 56 game
hitting streak. Surprisingly, neither one of these two future Hall-Of-
Famers led the American League in hits that season. Cecil Travis, an
infielder for the Washington Senators collected 218.
1..Cecil Travis............... 218
2..Jeff Heath................. 199
3..Joe DiMaggio........... 193
4..Luke Appling........... 186
5..Ted Williams............ 185
#280...NEVER MISSED A DAY OF WORK !!
In 1973 Darold Knowles of the Oakland A's became the first pitcher
ever to appear in all seven games of a World Series.
#281...POWER IN WRIGLEYVILLE
Here is the All Time Top-Ten Home Run List of Chicago's Cubs.
1..Sammy Sosa................ 545
2..Ernie Banks................ 512
3..Billy Williams............. 392
4..Ron Santo................... 337
5..Ryne Sandberg.......... 282
6..Aramis Ramirez........ 239
7..Gaby Hartnett........... 231
8..Bill Nicholson............ 205
9..Hank Sauer............... 198
10..Hack Wilson.............. 190
#282...CHAOS AT THE HORTON HOUSE
Legendery outfielder Willie Horton, who played in the Major Leagues from
1963 to 1980 was the youngest of twenty-one children.
#283..IF IT'S NOT OVER THE FENCE I STOP AND 2ND BASE !!
During the exciting home run race of 1998 between Mark McGwire and
Sammy Sosa the two of them hit 136 home runs between them, but not one
triple.
#284...ANOTHER MCGWIRE STAT
In his rookie season of 1987 Mark McGwire hit four triples. During the rest
of his career, almost 7,000 plate appearances, he only hit two.
#285..MORE TRIPLES
Here's another interesting stat about three-baggers. In 1956 Jackie
Jensen led the American League with 11 triples. In 1958 and 1959 Jackie
led the league in RBIs without hitting a single triple.
#286...VERY VIRTUAL
Jackie Jensen was an outstanding athlete at the University of California.
His team won the first ever College World Series in 1947 when, as a pitcher
he outdueled Bobby Layne and the Texas Longhorns. Then his team went
on to beat Yale for the Championship whose first baseman was none other
than George H.W. Bush. In 1948 the football team went 10-0 and Jackie
was the star running back finishing 4th in the balloting for the Heisman
Trophy which was won by Doak Walker.
#287..ADDING TO MY FREQUENT FLYER MILES !!
On August 4, 1982, Joel Youngblood played in an afternoon game at
Wrigley Field for the New York Mets. After the game he was traded to
the Montreal Expos and joined them in time to play a night game,
thus becoming the only player in MLB History to play for two different
teams on the same day. By the way, he got a hit in both games, however,
both of his teams lost.
#288...NO ENCORE
In 1964 the New York Mets celebrated their brand new ball park by hosting
the All Star Game at Shea Stadium. Although the facility existed for another
44 years it never hosted another
#289...HELPING OUT THE BIG BOYS !!!
Jeff Torborg is the only catcher to be behind the plate for a no-hitter for
both Sandy Koufax(September 9, 1965) and Nolan Ryan(May 5, 1973).
#290...WAS IT WORTH THE WAIT ??
It took pitcher Frank Tanana twenty years to get his first Major League
hit. He entered the league with the Angels in 1973 but because of the DH
rule did not get his first hit until April 23, 1993, with the New York Mets.
291...WHAT A COINCIDENCE !!
At the end of the 2008 season the Cubs and Dodgers played each other
a total of 2,038 times. The Cubs won 1,012 and the Dodgers won 1,012.
There were 14 ties.
#291...MEET ME IN ST LOUIS !!
Brothers Dizzy and Paul Dean were well noted for their pitching exploits
for the St Louis Cardinals. However, they both pitched their final Major
League game with the crosstown St Louis Browns.
#292...FINAL CURTAIN
The above mention of the Deans final team and the previouly mentioned
irony of Juan Marichal ending up with the Dodgers and Duke Snider
with the Giants is interesting. Here are few more players and the final
team they played for, they may surprise you.
Harmon Killebrew.....................Kansas City Royals
Orlando Cepeda.........................Kansas City Royals
Vada Pinson................................Kansas City Royals
Johnny Unitas.............................San Diego Chargers
Dale Murphy...............................Colorado Rockies
Mickey Lolich..............................San Diego Padres
Warren Spahn.............................San Francisco Giants
Rocky Colavito............................New York Yankees
#293...OPENING DAY FLEETING FAME
On opening day, 1945, Dain Clay Of the Cincinnati Reds hit a grand slam
to help the Reds with a 7 to 6 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Eight years
later, 1953, an opening day homer by Billy Bruton in the 10th inning let
the Braves edge out the St Louis Cardinals 3 to 2. Even though each of
these batters batter over 600 more times that season neither one of them
hit another home run.
#294...NO RESPECT
In 1933 Chuck Klein of the Philadelphia Phillies won the Triple Crown with
28 home runs, 120 RBIs and a .368 Batting Average which enabled him to
win the National League MVP Award in cake walk. Apparently, the powers
that be in the Phillies front office weren't impressed. In the off-season he
was traded to the Chicago Cubs
#295...OCTOBER BUST
In the 1968 World Series St Louis Cardinals infielder Dal Maxville went
0 for 22.
#296..THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU PLAY EVERYDAY
No one has grounded into more double plays during their Major League
career than Cal Ripkin, Jr. Here is the top ten GIDP
1..Cal Ripkin, Jr.......................350
2..Ivan Rodriguez...................337
3..Hank Aaron..........................328
4..Carl Yastrzemski................323
5..Dave Winfield......................319
6..Eddie Murray.......................315
Jim Rice................................315
8..Julio Franco.........................312
9..Harold Baines......................298
10..Brooks Robinson.................297
Rusty Staub..........................297
#297...HAVING A GOOD DAY
On September 16, 1940, switch hitting Johnny Lucadello became became the
only player in the history of the St Louis Browns to hit a home run from both
sides of the plate in the same game. It was his first two home runs of his
MLB career and only hit one more that season in 63 at bats. He finished his
career with a total of five
#298..THE SAVER
In 1998 John Wetteland saved all four wins for the New York Yankees in
the World Series. It is a record that can be tied, but never broken.
#299...HOW EMBARASSING
On April 18, 1991, The Chicago White Sox proudly dedicated their new
Comiskey Park with lots of celebrites and celebration. Then, when the
game started, they were thumped by the Detroit Tigers 16 to 0.
#300..........................'H'...........................
Here is the Top-Ten All Time Home Leaders whose name starts with "H".
1..Frank Howard............382
2..Gil Hodges...................370
3..Todd Helton................369
4..Willie Horton..............325
5. Tori Hunter.................314
6. Ryan Howard..............311
7..Rogers Hornsby..........301
8. Ricky Henderson.........297
9.. Kent Hrbek.................293
10..George Hendrick........267
#301...BORN ON THE EXACT SAME DAY
The two MVP's for 1984, Jeff Bagwell for the National League and Frank
Thomas of the American League, were both born on the exact same day,
May 27th, 1968.
#302..WRONG SPORT
Among the players selected in the 1971 Major League amateur draft were
future NFL quarterbacks Archie Manning, Joe Theisman, and Steve
Bartkowski.
#303...WRONG SPORT PART II
Among the players selected in the 1979 Major League amateur draft were
future NFL quarterbacks DanMarino, John Elway, Curt Warner, and
Jay Schroeder.
#304....LET'S GO TO THE SEVENTIES
Here is my first top-ten list from the 70's (1970-79). Total hits.
1..Pete Rose..................2,045
2..Rod Carew.................1,787
3..Al Oliver....................1,686
4..Lou Brock..................1,617
5..Bobby Bonds.............1,565
6..Tony Perez.................1,560
7..Larry Bowa.................1,552
8..Ted Simmons..............1,550
9..Amos Otis...................1,549
10..Bobby Murcer............1,548
#305..BAD START
In 1988 the Baltimore Orioles started out the season by losing their first
21 games, 0-21. They finished the season 64-107.
#306..IT WAS AN ACCIDENT, HONEST
On June 17th, 2000, New York Yankees second baseman Chuck Knoblauch
picked up a routine groundball and threw it over the first baseman's head,
it then bounced off of the top of the Yankee dugout into the stands and
hit the mother of sportscaster Keith Olberman in the face.
#307..ANOTHER ROUND NUMBER
There were exactly 100 World Series games played at old Yankee Stadium.
#308...JUST A LITTLE OUTSIDE !!!
Hall Of Fame announcer Bob Uecker sometimes pokes fun at his mediocre
playing career. He was a catcher in the National League for the Braves,
Cardinals and Phillies from 1962 to 1967 and finished his career with a
.1997264 batting average which the baseball record books have kindly
rounded up to .200. Here are his final stats.
AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB .AVE
Bob Uecker...................731 65 146 22 0 14 74 0 .200
#309..ALL WITH ONE SWING OF THE BAT
In 1940 Don Manno of the Boston Braves hit a grand slam to beat the
Brooklyn Dodgers 5 to 4. He finished that season with just that single
home run and those four RBIs. As it turned out it would be his only
home run of his career, he retired with 8 RBIs.
#310..QUITE AN INNING
On April 23, 1999, Fernandod Tatis of the St Louis Cardinals became the
only player in MLB history to hit two Grand Slams in the same inning.
They were both off the sane pitcher, Chan Ho Park
#311...
#312..
#313...POWER PITCHER
Lynwood "Schoolboy" Rowe is the only pitcher in MLB history to hit a
grand slam home run in both the American and National League.
#314...WARTIME BASEBALL
Schoolboy Rowe, as well as others, missed two season (1944-45) working
for Uncle Sam. He was at Great Lakes Naval Training Station
with his former manager Mickey Cochrane and they formed a
baseball team which included Bob Feller and Johnny Mize. Schoolboy,
one of baseball's best hitting pitchers, played the outfield as well as
pitcher. They were quite impressive winning almost every game
with an 11-1 record against teams from the Majors.
#315...WINNING BY TECHNICALITY
San Diego's Tony Gwynn won the 1996 National League batting title despite
being four appearances shy of the required 602. Baseball rules allow that
even had he gone 0 for 4 in those at-bats he still would have finished with
a higher average than his nearest competitor. Tony's mark was .353
ahead of Ellis Burks, 344.
#316...SHEER DOMINATION
One of the best examples of a pitcher dominating a team is Randy Johnson's
mastery of the Chicago Cubs. Look at these lifetime stats.
G W - L IP H ER BB SO E.R.A
Randy Johnson...........14 13 - 0 102.2 67 21 33 142 1.84
#317...M.V.P.
Bobby Richardson was named M.V.P. of the 1960 World Series even though
his team, the New York Yankees, lost.
#318...NO Ks
Speaking of the 1960 World Series the Yankees lost it in one the greatest
seventh games ever which culminated with the classic home run by Bill
Mazeroski. The Pittsburgh Pirates won that day 10-9. It is the only
World Series game I can find in which not a single strike out was recorded.
#319...IT HELPS IF YOU HAVE 341 SAVES
Pitcher Rollie Fingers was elected to the Hall-Of-Fame despite having a
lifetime losing record, 114-118.
#320...CALLING MR. AARON
The very first home run hit in Atlanta's Fulton County Stadium was hit
by Mr. Aaron. No, Not Hank, but his brother Tommy. It was in an
exhibition game against the Detroit Tigers in 1965.
#321..SAME AS "THE KING"
Reno Bertoia, a utility infielder, played for three different teams from
1953 to 1961. He was born in Italy on January 8, 1935. It makes him the
only player in MLB history that was born on the exact same day as Elvis
Presley.
#322...IMAGINE
Joe Pepitone, who had a rather colorful career spanning from 1962 to 1973,
was born on October 9, 1940, the exact same day as the Beatle's John
Lennon.
#323..ONE MORE SHARED BIRTHDAY
Mark Wasinger, a utility infielder, who played in 50 games for the Giants and
Padres from 1986 to 1988 was born on August 4, 1961, the exact same day as
President Barrack Obama. I know it for a fact, I've seen his birth certificate.
#324..NO NO-NOS IN SAN DIEGO
Although they have been in existence for more than forty years no pitcher
for the San Diego Padres has ever thrown a no-hitter.
#325....INTERNATIONAL CHAMPION
Jim Lefebvre bcame the first player to play on A World Series Championship
team in both the U.S.A. and Japan.
#326...................I............................
We have made it to the letter"I" in our alphabetical home run list.
1..Raul Ibanez...................300
2..Pete Incaviglia...............206
3..Brandon Inge................151
4..Monte Irvin................... 99
5. Chris Ianetta................ 83
6. Mike Ivie....................... 81
7..Omar Infante............... 74
8..Tadahito Iguchi........... 44
9..Macier Izturis.............. 39
10..Garth Iorg.................... 20
#327...SPLIT TWIN BILL
On September 25, 2002, The Cleveland Indians split a doubleheader at
Jacob's Field against two different teams. They beat the White Sox but
lost to the Twins
#328...BIG APPLE SWEEP
On July 8, 2000, The Mets were swept in a doubleheader by the Yankees
in two different stadiums. They lost the first game at Shea, then moved
accross town only to get beaten again by Joe Torre's team at Yankee
Stadium.
#329...MUSICAL TRIVIA
Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle and Roy Campanella are the three baseball
players mentioned in Billy Joel's "We Didn't Start The Fire".
#330...UNASSISTED
On June 25, 1989, The New York Mets beat the Philadelphia Phillies 5 to 1
without recording a single assist on defense. Their 27 outs that day
consisted of 13 strikeouts, 12 flyouts, and two unassisted groundouts to
the first baseman.
#331..THIS IS ODD
In 1957 the Kansas City Athletics led the American League in home runs
with 166. However, they finished dead last in runs scored with a mere 563.
#332...OH BROTHER
Baseball brothers Sandy and Roberto Alomar were teammates with three
different teams. They played together for the Padres(1988-89), the
Indians(1999-2000) and the White Sox(2003-04)
#333...MORE RETIRED NUMBERS
Here we go with another set of retired numbers
.........................................10...................................
Sparky Anderson(Reds), Dick Howser(Royals), Phil Rizutto(Yankees),
Andre Dawson(Expos), Rusty Staub(Expos), Ron Santo(Cubs) and
Tony LaRussaCardinals)
.........................................11..................................
Carl Hubbell(Giants), Jim Fregosi(Angels), Luis Aparico(White Sox),
Paul Waner(Pirates), Sparky Anderson(Tigers), Barry Larkin(Reds)
.........................................12....................................
Wade Boggs(Rays) and Roberto Alomar(Blue Jays)
#334...GOOD DEBUT
On April 23, Hoyt Wilhelm hit a home run in his first at bat in the Major
Leagues. Although he played in over 1,000 games after that he never hit
another in his final 492 plate appearances.
#335..HALL OF FAMERS
Hoyt Wilhelm and Earl Averill are the only two players to hit a home run
in their first MLB at bat and later get inducted into the Hall Of Fame.
#336...ANOTHER HALL OF FAMER
Did I just write that only two players that hit a home run in their first
MLB at bat made it to the Hall Of Fame. I stand corrected !! Ace
Parker homered in his first plate appearance on April 30, 1937 and he
is also a Hall Of Famer, but not in Cooperstown, in Canton, Ohio
instead. He was an All-American Quarterback at Duke University and
after he left baseball he played for the Brooklyn Dodgers of the NFL
with whom he hand an illustrious career even though in was interrupted
by World War II.
#337...THESE GUYS COULD HIT
During the 1931-32 seasons the New York Yankees went almost two full
seasons, 308 games, without being shut out.
#338...THIS GUY COULD RUN
During his MLB career Willie Wilson hit 13 inside-the-park home runs,
the most of anybody for the past 60 years.
#339...HERE'S ANOTHER "13" IN THE RECORD BOOKS
During the 2009 World Series Ryan Howard struck out a record thirteen
times breaking the old record of 12 set by the above mentioned Willie
Wilson in 1980.
#340...DIDN'T GO OVER THE FENCE
Of Hank Aaron's 755 home runs only one was inside-the-park. It was on May
10, 1967 off of Jim Bunning. By comparison Barry Bonds had three and Babe
Ruth was credited with 10.
#341...I LIKE EARLY !!!
In 1951 the New York Yankees defeated Cleveland Indian's pitcher Early Wynn
on June 24th (5 to 3), On July 24th (3 to 2) and on August 24th (2 to 0). In each
of the three games Yankee outfielder Gene Woodling hit a home run off of the
right hander.
#342...SLUGGERS FROM NORTH OF THE BORDER
Here is the Top-Ten Home Run list of the Toronto Blue Jays.
1..Carlos Delgado................336
2..Vernon Wells...................223
3..Joe Carter........................203
4..George Bell......................202
5..Jesse Barfield...................179
6. Jose Bautista....................168
7. Lloyd Moseby...................149
8. Adam Lind.......................140
9..Ed Whitt...........................131
10..Fred McGriff...................125
#343...WILL YOU ENTER AND SIGN IN PLEASE !!
TV game show "What's My Line" debuted on February 2, 1950. Every episode
had a mystery guest that the blind folded panel would have to guess with just
yes or no questions. The very first one ever was Yankee shortstop, Phil Rizutto.
#344...JUST ONE SHOT
On June 24, 2007, Kevin Melillo of the Oakland A's, made one plate appearance
and walked. He never came to the plate again, he never played in the field. He
was the first person since the famous Eddie Gaedel, standing only 3' 7", made
his only appearance for Bill Veeck back in 1951 a promptly took four balls and
never played again.
#345...LETS TALK ABOUT EDDIE GAEDEL
All baseball fans are familiar with the one at bat that Eddie had but few know
that on June 18, 1961, at the age of 36, he was the victim of a death ruled a
homicide since he suffered a heart attack while being brutally mugged. Only
one baseball player came to his funeral, Bob Cain, the pitcher who walked him
on four straight pitches, Here are the particulars of the one at bat.
Date.....................................August 19, 1951 (2nd Game)
Opponent............................Detroit Tigers
Battery................................Bob Cain(P) and Bob Swift(C)
Pinched Hit For.................Frank Saucier
Pinch Runner For Him.....Jim Delsing
Home Plate Umpire...........Ed Hurley
Attendance..........................18, 369
Lifetime On Base %...........1.000
#346...PERFECT O.B.P.
Then there was Adam Greenberg who only made one plate appearance just like
Kevin and Eddie. It was for the Chicago Cubs on July 9, 2005. Except Adam
didn't walk in his only appearance, he was hit in the head with a pitch. He
never had another trip to the plate until the next to the last day of the 2012
season when the Miami Marlins gave him one last chance. He was struck out
by R.A.Dickey of the New York Mets.
#347..HOME COOKIN'
The 1932 Yankees had the amazing record of 62-15 at Yankee Stadium, the
best home record ever.
#348..THIS IS ODD !!
In 1935 Chicago Cubs outfielder Augue Galan led the National League with
748 plate appearances and did not hit into one double play. He did, however,
hit into one triple play.
#349..MISTER OCTOBER
Eric Hinske played in three consecutive World Series with three different teams.
He was with the Red Sox(2007), The Tampa Bay Rays(2008) and the New York
Yankees(2009).
#350..ONE MAN TEAM
On September 2, 1996, Mike Greenwell of the Boston Red sox was a one man
wrecking crew. The Sox beat Seattle that day 9 to 8. He won the game
single handedly by driving in all nine runs. He hit two homers including a
grand slam.
#351..IT'S ABOUT TIME
After going 199 games without hitting a grand slam the New York Mets hit
two in game number 200. Jason Bay and Carlos Beltran broke the streak on
June 28, 2011.
#352...DON'T KNOCK THE ROCK
On June 10, 1959, Rocky Colavito accomplished the rare feat of hitting four
home runs in one game. It was at Memorial Stadium in Baltimore. Up until
that time no TEAM had ever hit four home runs in that park since the
facility opened up in 1954.
#353...SPEAKING OF ROCKY
Rocky Colavito was my favorite player growing up. He retired with 374 home
runs which ranks him 70th in MLB history entering the 2013 season.
He is just 4 ahead of Gil Hodges and two behind Carlton Fisk.
#354...THIS IS RARE
On April 15, 2008, Logan Chesterfield, a high school pitcher from Union
High School in Dugger, Indiana, threw a no-hitter. He didn't have to worry
about run support since his team scored 31 runs in the first inning and went
on to defeat Emmenence High School 53 to 0. The most amazing feat was
by his teammate, center fielder Wesley Marshall, who hit for the cycle
in one inning. Good Thing they have the 10-run rule in the Hoosier State.
............................................1..........2.........3.........4.........5........... FINAL
Emminence H.S.. 0 0 0 0 0 0
Union(Dugger) H.S. 31 19 0 3 X 53
#355...I TOLD YOU THAT TO TELL YOU THIS
Unlike the above mentioned Wesley Marshall no player in MLB history has
ever hit for the cycle in one inning. However, On June 27, 2003, Johnny
Damon of the Boston Red Sox came close when he hit a single, double and
triple in a 14 run 1st inning against the Florida Marlins. Boston won on that
Friday night 25 to 8.
#356...THE LIFE OF RUBE WADDELL
Major League pitcher Rube Waddell (194-141) was born on Friday the 13th
and died on April Fool's Day.
#357...POWER IN THE 70'S
Here Is The All Time Top-Ten Home Run List of the 1970's(197-79)
1...Willie Stargell................296
2...Reggie Jackson.............292
3...Johnny Bench................290
4...Bobby Bonds..................280
5...Lee May..........................270
6...Dave Kingman...............252
Graig Nettles..................252
8...Mike Scmidt...................235
9...Tony Perez.....................226
10...Reggie Smith.................225
#358...A TRUE ALL-STAR
Pittsburgh Pirate's slugger Ralph Kiner smashed a home run in three
consecutive All Star Games, 1949-1950-1951.
#359...I LOVED THIS GUY
On April 16, 2006, umpire Brice Froemming worked his 5,000th game.
It was at Fenway Park in a contest between the Red Sox and the Detroit Tigers.
He retired after the 2007 season calling a total of 5,163 games second only
to Hall-Of-Famer Bill Klem who worked 5,369.
#360...I NEVER GOT A CHANCE TO PITCH
On July 15, 2005, relief pitcher Mike Stanton of the Washington Nationals
entered the game in the bottom of the 10th inning with the bases loaded and
the game tied 3 to 3 to face Milwaukee's Lyle Overbay. Stanton balked.
The game was over. The Nationals lost 4 to 3 and he never got to throw a
pitch.
#361...IT'S BEEN A LONGTIME
Back in 1965 the Chicago Cubs had two no-hitters thrown against them just
three weeks apart. Jim Maloney on August 19th and Sandy Koufax on
September 9th. It would be almost 50 years later until the next no-hitter was
thrown at them by Cole Hamels on July 25, 2015.
#362...THE PRIDE OF KANSAS CITY
George Brett is the only player in MLB history to win a batting title in three
different decades. He was the AL champion in 1976, 1980 and 1990.
#363...A PERFECT STAT FOR #363
During his Major League career Warren Spahn won 363 games. As a hitter
he got exactly 363 hits.
#364...ALOHA !!!
Only one home run in regular season MLB play was ever hit in the state of
Hawaii. It was by Ron Gant of the St Louis Cardinals off of Andy Ashby of the
San Diego Padres on April 20, 1997. The two teams played a brief series at
Aloha Stadium that year. It was inside-the-park.
#365...YANKEE HITTERS
Here is a list of Yankee Greats and the pitcher they hit the most lifetime home
runs against.
Babe Ruth.........................Rube Walberg(17)
Lou Gehrig.......................L.Brown & E.Whitehill(14)
Joe DiMaggio....................Bob Feller(11)
Mickey Mantle..................Early Wynn(12)
Yogi Berra.........................Early Wynn(11)
Derek Jeter.......................Sidney Ponson(5)
#366...ANOTHER ONE AND ONLY
On May 20, 1999, Robin Ventura became the only player in MLB history to
hit a grand slam home run in both ends of a doubleheader.
#367...
I
#368...HEAD TO HEAD
Game one of the 1968 World Series was the first time that the league's two
Cy Young Award winners of that year faced each other in the Fall Classic.
Bob Gibson struck out 17 and bested Denny McClain.
#369...OH SO CLOSE !!
Bert Blylevin retired from the game with 287 wins. So close to that magic
300 mark. The sad part was that he lost 74 games by one run. He was
elected to the Hall Of Fame anyway in 2011.
#370...FINISHING WITH A FLOURISH
Ralph "Babe" Pinelli was A National Legaue umpire for twenty years. The
final game he ever called as a home plate umpire was on October 8th, 1956.
It was Don Larsen's perfect game. The last strike he ever called was on Dale
Mitchell to end the game.
#371...ALL IN ONE WEEK
In May of 2012 Texas Rangers slugger Josh Hamilton hit nine home runs in
one calendar week. That sounds phenominal but it still fell one short of the
all time record of ten held by big Frank Howard of the Washington Senators
back in 1968.
1..May 12th......Mickey Lolich(Detroit)............Bases Empty
2..May 12th......Fred Lasher(Detroit)...............Bases Empty
3..May 14th......Ray Culp(Boston)....................One On
4..May 14th......Lee Stange(Boston).................Bases Empty
5..May 15th......Jose Santiago(Boston)............One On
6..May 16th......Sam McDowell(Cleveland).....One On
7..May 16th......Sam McDowell(Cleveland).....One On
8..May 17th......Joe Sparma(Detroit)................One On
9..May 18th......Mickey Lolich(Detroit).............Bases Empty
10..May 18th......Mickey Lolich(Detroit).............Two On
#372...THIS GUYS A WINNER
Joe McCarthy managed three different teams during his 24 years as a MLB
skipper. He piloted the Cubs(1926 to 1930), The New York Yankees(1931 to
1946) and the Boston Red Sox(1948 to 1950. During those 24 years he NEVER
had a losing season.
#373.....................J........................
We are now up to the letter "J" in our alphabetical home run lists.
1...Reggie Jackson............583
2...Chipper Jones..............468
3...Andruw Jones..............434
4...David Justice................305
5...Bob Johnson.................288
6...Derek Jeter...................256
7...Deron Johnson.............245
8...Howard Johnson..........228
9...Geoff Jenkins................221
10...Wally Joyner................204
#374...NO RESPECT FOR THE SPLENDID SPLINTER
Ted Williams won the Triple Crown in both 1942 and 1947 but was not voted
the American League MVP either time. Two Yankees named Joe beat him
out. Joe Gordon and Joe DiMaggio respectively.
#375...BAD BOY !!!
In 1974 New York Yankees owner George Steinbrennar was banned from
baseball for making illegal campaign contributions. He was pardoned by
Ronald Reagan then banned again in 1990 for hiring a private investigator
to spy on his players. He was re-instated in 1993.
#376..ALL STAR PITCHERS
Carl Hubbell of the New York Giants created quit a stir when he struck out
five straight American Leaguers in the 1934 All Star Game. The feat was
equalled by Fernando Valenzuela in the 1986 contest. However, almost all
agree that the quality of Fernando's victims were not nearly that of Carl's.
You Decide:
Hubbell..........B.Ruth, L.Gehrig, J.Foxx, A.Simmons, J.Cronin
Valenzuela.....D.Mattingly, C.Ripkin,Jr, J.Barfield, L.Whitaker, T.Higuera
#377...A MEMORABLE DAY
On September 30, 1927, Babe Ruth hit his historic 60th home run of the
season off of Tom Zachary of the Washington Senators. In that same game
Hall Of Fame pitcher Walter Johnson appeared as a pinch hitter. It was
the final Major League appearance ever for the "Big Train"
#378...RAIN, RAIN GO AWAY
For four consecutive days, May 14, 15, 16 and 17th in 1945 every single
American League game was rained out.
#379..GREAT SEASON IN JUST ONE DAY
Only one player in MLB history has collected seven hits in a nine inning
game. On September 16, 1975, Rennie Stennet of the Pittsburgh Pirates
went 7 for 7. He collected four singles, 2 doubles and a triple. He finished
the season with a .268 average. The Pirates beat the Cubs that day 22 to 0.
#380...MORE RETIRED NUMBERS
Here is the next group.
.....................................13................................
Dave Concepcion(Cincinnati Reds)
.....................................14................................
Ernie Banks(Cubs), Kent Hrbek(Minnesota), Larry Doby(Cleveland),
Ken Boyer(St Louis), Gil Hodges(Dodgers), Jim Bunning(Phillies),
Jim Rice(Boston)
.....................................15.................................
Thurmon Munson(N.Y.Yankees)
#381...THIS GUY WAS AN EXPERT AT SOMETHING.
In 2004, Craig Counsell, of the Milwaukee Brewers, reached base on
cather's interference six times. The rest of the National League that
season reached base on catcher's interference five times.
#382...A FIRST FOR THE WORLD SERIES
On October 12, 1982, Paul Molitor became the first player in World Series
history to get five hits in a World Series game.
#383...WAY TO GO BLIMP !!
April 30, 1946, was a great day for Frankie "Blimp" Hayes. The catcher
hit a solo home run and was behind the plate for the entire game as he
engineered Bob Feller's second no-hitter in a 1-0 victory over the New York
Yankees.
#384...THIS MAN LOVED THE GAME
Stan Wasiak was a minor league manager from 1950 to 1986, mostly in the
Dodger organization. During those 37 years he managed in 17 different
cities, skippering everything from Class D to AAA. Although he was never
called to either coach or manage in the big leagues he was able to win his
2,500th game as a minor league manager in 1985. He retired the following
year with 2,530 victories, the most ever for a minor league pilot.
#385...WAITING FOR THE BIG SHOW
During the regular season, in over 800 at bats, Mickey Lolich never hit a
single home run, however, in his first at bat ever in the World Series against
Nelson Briles he knocked one out against the St Louis Cardinals on
October 3, 1968.
#386...TWO DAYS LATER
In game three St Louis pitcher Joe Hoerner got a single off of Detroit pitcher
John Hiller even though he didn't get a hit all regular season.
#387...ALL STAR SNUB
In 1935 Hank Greenberg had 100 RBI's at the All Star Break but was not
selected for the game. Lou Gehrig and Jimmy Foxx were picked ahead of him.
#388...HOME RUN DERBY
The Home Run Derby has been a popular event on the eve of the All-Star game
since 1990. Here are the winners from the first decade.
1990....Ryne Sandberg(Cubs)
1991....Cal Ripkin, Jr(Orioles)
1992...Mark McGwire(Oakland)
1993...Juan Gonzalez(Texas)
1994...Ken Griffey, Jr(Seattle)
1995...Frank Thomas(White Sox)
1996...Barry Bonds(San Francisco)
1997...Tino Martinez(N.Y.Yankees)
1998...Ken Griffey, Jr(Seattle)
1999...Ken Griffey,Jr(Seattle)
#389...CLOSE GAMES
The Boston Red Sox beat the Philadelphia Phillies in the 1915 World Series
by winning all four games by one run. The scores were 2-1, 2-1, 2-1 and 5-4.
#390...THE SHORT LIST
Here is the all-time list of wins by managers of the Philadelphia Athletics
1..Connie Mack(1901-50)..........3,582
2..Jimmy Dykes(1951-53).......... 208
3..Eddie Joost(1954)................. 51
#391...ANOTHER SHORT LIST
Here is the all time list of losses by managers of the Philadelphia Athletics
1..Connie Mack(1901-50)............3,814
2..Jimmy Dykes(1951-53)............ 254
3..Eddie Joost(1954)................... 103
#392...ANOTHER ALOU TRIVIA
We all know that all three Alou brothers played for the San Francisco
Giants. However, they also all played at one time across the bay for the
Oakland A's. Felipe in 1971, Matty in 1972, Jesus in 1973-74.
#393..YOU WON'T SEE THIS AGAIN !!
Joe DiMaggio played every inning of every All Star Game from 1936 to
1942, seven consecutive seasons.
#394...COLLEGE BASEBALL
From 1960 to 1966 a team from the Big Ten Conference won the College
World Series four times. Minnesota won it twice as they were declared
champions in 1960 and 1964 while Michigan won the title in 1962 and Ohio
State in 1966. However, no team has won the title from that conference
since.
#395...SANDY'S HOME RUN LOG
During his career Sandy Koufax gave up 204 home runs to 110 different
batters. Here are the leaders.
Frank Robinson.............7
Hank Aaron................... 7
Ernie Banks................... 7
Felipe Alou..................... 7
Robert Clemente........... 6
Dick Stuart..................... 5
Orlando Cepeda........... 5
Willie Mays................... 5
#396...POWER IN THE TWIN CITIES
Here is the all-time top-ten home run list of the Minesota Twins
1...Harmon Killebrew.......559
2...Kent Hrbek...................293
3...Bob Allison...................256
4...Justin Morneau............221
5...Tony Oliva....................220
6...Kirby Puckett...............207
7...Gary Gaetti...................201
8...Tori Hunter..................192
9...Tom Brunansky...........163
10...Mark Cuddyer.............141
#397..IT TOOK AWHILE
On April 18, 2006, the Houston Astros defeated the Milwaukee Brewers
13 to 12. This victory, at that time, gave the franchise an overall record
of 3,507 and 3,507. It was the first time in their history that they were
at .500 since their initial season of 1962 when they were 6-6. In that
season they lost their 13th game to the Milwaukee Braves and it took
them 44 years to get back to even.
#398..A FOND FAREWELL
The last hit ever given up in the Major Leagues by Hall-Of-Fame pitcher
Bob Gibson was to Pinch Hitter Pete LaCock of the Chicago Cubs. It was
a grand slam home run on September 3, 1975.
#399..A FAMOUS RELATIVE
The above mentioned Pete LaCock played parts of nine season in the major
leagues with the Chicago Cubs and the Kansas City Royals. He is the son of
former Hollywood Squares host Peter Marshall.
#400...A MEMORABLE DAY
On September 19, 1968, Denny McClain of the Detroit Tiger won his 31st
and final game of the regular season. In the eighth inning of that game, with
his Tigers leading 6 to 1, McClain gave up a solo home run to Mickey
Mantle, his 535th long ball. The second to last home run that he ever hit.
His final home run was the next day, number 536, against Jim Lonborg
and the Boston Red Sox
#401...A PERFECT RECORD
Steve Garvey played in 10 All-Star Games and was on the winning side in
all ten.
#402...MINOR LEAGUERS
Baseball America's Minor League Player Of The Year Award began in 1981.
Here are the winners for that first decade.
1981...Mike Marshall
1982...Ron Kittle
1983...Dwight Gooden
1984...Mike Bielecki
1985...Jose Canseco
1986...Gregg Jefferies
1987...Gregg Jefferies
1988...Tom Gordon
1989...Sandy Alomar, Jr
#403...EXPANSION SLUGGERS
Baseball's first expansion took place by adding four new franchises in 1961
and 1962. They added two teams to the American League by going to
Los Angeles and Washington and two teams in the National League by
going to New York and Houston. Here are the four players that hit the
very first nome run for each of those teams.
Washington Senators................Roy Seivers(April 10, 1961)
Los Angeles Angels...................Ted Kluszewski(April 11, 1961)
Houston Colt .45s......................Roman Mejias( April 10, 1962)
New York Mets..........................Gil Hodges(April 11, 1962)
#404..ADDITIONAL SLUGGER
As part of the above mentioned expansion the team that was previously
in Washington, also called the Senators, moved to Minnesota and became
the Twins. Their first home run was hit by Bobby Allison on April 11,
1961.
#405...THE REAL RECORD THAT BARRY BROKE
Prior to Barry Bonds hitting 73 home runs in 2001 the most long balls ever
recorded in a season in professional baseball history was 72 by Joe Bauman,
a first baseman for the Roswell Rockets back in 1954. Joe never made it
to the big leagues.
#406...ONE-ARMED WONDER
Pete Gray was a one-armed outfielder who played for the St Louis Browns
in 1945. His career ended when our boys came home from the war, however,
Pete continued as an ambassador for the game as he visited veterans
hospitals and was an inspiration to those who were wounded in battle.
His life was portrayed by Keith Carradine in the movie "A Winner Never
Quits"
G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB AVE
Pete Gray 77 234 26 51 6 2 0 13 5 .218
#407...THE BRONX BOMBERS
Here is the All-Time Top Ten list of home runs by the New York Yankees.
1...Babe Ruth........................659
2...Mickey Mantle.................536
3...Lou Gehrig.......................493
4...Joe DiMaggio...................361
5...Yogi Berra........................358
6...Alex Rodriguez................309
7...Bernie Williams...............287
8...Jorge Posada..................275
9...Derek Jeter......................256
10....Graig Nettles...................250
#408...CROSSTOWN SLUGGERS
Let's go to another part of the city and look at the top ten Home Run list of the
Mets.
1...Daryl Strawberry...............252
2...David Wright....................222
3...Mike Piazza.......................220
4...Howard Johnson...............192
5...Dave Kingman...................154
6...Carlos Beltran...................149
7...Todd Hundley....................124
8...Kevin McReynolds............122
9...Edgardo Alfonzo...............120
10....Ed Kranepool....................118
#409...A STRONG SECOND
In 1911 "Shoeless" Joe Jackson hit an amazing .408. It was the 6th highest
batting average in MLB history. However, he did not win the batting title
that year. Ty Cobb .420, the 2nd highest season average in Major League
history. The highest ever, by the way, is the .424 by Rogers Hornsby in 1924.
#410...TWO REESES
Perhaps the two most devastating losses in New York Yankee history was the
7th game of the 1955 World Series against the Brooklyn Dodgers and the 2004
ALCS against the Boston Red Sox. The last out in 1955 was a ground out by
Elston Howard to Pee Wee Reese. The last out in 2004 was a Ruben Sierra
ground out to Pokey Reese. They are not related.
#411...WIN THE CLOSE ONES
In 2005 the Chicago White Sox won the American League Central Division
by one game over the Cleveland Indians and then on to win the World
Series. During the regular season the two teams, in head-to-head competition,
played nine one-run games. The White Sox won all nine.
#412...WIN THE LONG ONES
In 1949 the Cleveland Indians won 17 consecutive extra inning games.
#413...A LUCKY CHARM
During the 1979 season both Lou Brock of the St Louis Cardinals and
Carl Yastrzemski of the Boston Red Sox collected their 3000th hit. Because
of a trade, utility infielder Ted Sizemore, was a teammate of both players
on their historic day.
#414...A BIG DAY FOR DOUBLES
In 1975 Dave Duncan of the Baltimore Orioles hit four doubles in one game
on June 30th. He only hit three more the entire season finishing with a total
of seven.
#415..OFF TO A GREAT START
On opening day in 1934 Lou Warneke threw a one-hitter against Cincinnati
winning 6 to 0. In his second start, five days later, he threw another one-hitter
defeating St Louis 15-2. Perhaps the best start to a season by any pitcher in
MLB history. He finished the season 22-10.
#416... YUKE'S SLAMS
During the 2012 season Kevin Youkilis hit a grand slam FOR the Chicago White
Sox (August 21st) and AGAINST The Chicago White Sox(April 26th).
#417...A DAY TO REMEMBER !!
Also in 2012, in a brief time with the White Sox, 14 games, Dan Johnson hit
three home runs. All in the same game, all on the final day of the season.
#418...THIS IS AMAZING
On June 3, 1932, Tony Lazzeri accomplished the rare feat of hitting for the
natural cycle, which means a single, double, triple and home run in a single
game in that order. He is the only Yankee in history to accomplish this feat.
Even a more rare feat is hitting four home runs in one game which Lou Gehrig
once accomplisehd and is the only Yankee in history to accomplish that
feat. He did it on June 3, 1932, in the same game that Lazerri hit his
cycle.
#419...A RELUCTANT HERO
Moe Berg was a MLB catcher from 1923 to 1939 and left the game with a
modest .243 batting average. Moe, however, was different than his teammates.
He was a graduate of Princeton University and Columbia Law School. After
he left baseball he became a spy for the Office Of Strategic Services(OSS)
during WWII and served his country well. He was awarded the Presidential
Medal Of Freedom in 1945. He declined the honor but his family accepted
it years later posthumously. Moe Berg died in 1972.
#420...MOE'S COUNTERPARTS
Speaking of the Presidential Medal Of Freedom, on February 11, 2011,
President Barack Obama presented it to Stan Musial in a White House
ceremony. Stan "The Man" became the 9th MLB to receive the honor.
Moe Berg...................... 1945
Joe DiMaggio............... 1977
Jackie Robinson......... 1984
Ted Williams................ 1991
Hank Aaron................... 2002
Roberto Clemente...... 2003
Frank Robinson........... 2005
Buck O'Neil................. 2006
StanMusial.................. 2011
.
Please note that Jackie Robinson and Roberto Clemente received their awards
posthumously. Some other atheletes that were recipients include Mohammad
Ali, Jack Nicklaus, Bill Russell, John Wooden, Paul "Bear"Bryant, Jesse Owens,
Bill Jean King, Richard Petty, Arthur Ashe and Arnold Palmer.
#421...WHAT A DIFFERENCE 100 YEARS MAKES
In 1904 the Boston Red Sox had 148 Complete Games, in 2004, a mere four.
#422...MEMORABLE DAY FOR RICKY
On April 24th, 1987, Ricky Henderson hit a home run off of Phil Niekro, then
later in the game one off of Steve Carlton in relief. He thus became the only
player to hit a home run off of two 300 game winners in the same contest.
#423...ARE YOU KIDDING ME ???
In 1945 the Washington Senators played in 44 double headers.
#424...MORE SENATOR HISTORY
That 1945 Senator's team hit a mere 27 home runs. All but one was on the
road. Joe Kuhel hit the only four-bagger for the home team in spacious
Griffith Park, it was inside the park.
#425...TOP MOUNDSMEN OF THE 1970's
Here is the Top Ten List Of Pitching Victorys for the 1970's(1970-79)
1..Jim Palmer..................... 186
2..Gaylord Perry................ 184
3..Ferguson Jenkins........ 179
Steve Carlton................. 179
Tom Seaver.................... 179
6..Jim 'Catfish" Hunter..... 169
7..Don Sutton.................... 166
8..Phil Niekro................... 164
9..Vida Blue.................... 155
Nolan Ryan................. 155
#426...THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COIN
Here is the Top Ten List Of Pitching Losses for the same decade.
1..Phil Niekro...................... 151
2..Nolan Ryan...................... 146
3..Gaylord Perry................. 133
4..Ferguson Jenkins......... 130
5..Bert Blylevin................... 128
6..Jerry Koosman............... 127
7..Steve Carlton................ 126
8..Wilbur Wood................. 123
9..Mickey Lolich................ 117
Rick Wise....................... 117
#427...CAN YOU NAME THEM ???
Starting the 2013 season there are 25 players in the 500 Home Run Club.
Of those, only five hit every single home run while with one team.
Mike Schmidt(548)..............Phillies
Mickey Mantle(546)...........Yankees
Ted Williams(521)..............Red Sox
Erni Banks(512)..................Cubs
Mel Ott(511).......................Giants
#428...ONE HELLUVA DAY
On May 2, 1954, Stan Musial became the first player in MLB history to hit
five home runs in one day. He hit 3 home runs in the first game of a double
header against the Giants and then two more in the second game. His
victims were Johnny Antonelli(2), Jim Hearn and Hoyt Wilhelm(2).
#429...ANOTHER HELLUVA DAY
On August 1st, 1972, Nate Colbert became the only other player to hit five
home runs in one day. While with the San Diego Padres he hit two home
runs in game one of a double-header(Ron Scheuler and Mike McQueen) and
three more in game two(Pat Jarvis, Jim Harden and Cecil Upshaw) against
the Atlanta Braves. Nate was born and raised in St Louis and was actually
at the doubleheader back in 1954 and witnessed Stan "The Man's" feat when
he was eight years old.
#430..............................K............................
We have made it up to the letter "K" in our Top Ten Home Run Lists.
1...Harmon Killebrew.......573
2...Dave Kingman.............442
3...Paul Konerko...............434
4...Al Kaline.......................399
5...Jeff Kent.......................377
6...Ralph Kiner.................369
7...Chuck Klein.................300
8...Ted Kluszewski............279
9...Ryan Klesko.................278
10...Charlie Keller..............189
#431...OCTOBER POWER OUTAGE
Willy Mays, one of baseball's greatest sluggers, played in four World Series,
made 78 plate appearances, but never hit a home run.
#432...NO RING FOR MR COBB
Ty Cobb, one of baseball's greatest hitters, played in three World Series
but was on the losing side in all three.
#433...STAYED IN THE BIG APPLE
Frank Thomas played in the final game in the history of the New York Giants
(September 29, 1957) as well as the first game in the history of the New York
Mets(April 11, 1962).
#434...WHAT TOOK SO LONG
The first pinch hit home run in a World Series did not happen until 1947 when
Yogi Berra came off of the bench and hit a round tripper off of Ralph Branca
and the Brooklyn Dodgers.
PINCH HIT HOME RUNS IN THE WORLD SERIES
1903 TO 1951 ......................... 1
1952 TO 2012.......................... 20
#435...MULTIPLE HOMERS
Two Players have hit two pinch hit home runs in a World Series. They are Chuck
Essegian(1959) and Bernie Carbo(1975).
#436...HE LIKED LEFTIES
On May 28, 1951, Willie Mays hit his first MLB home run. It was off of fellow
Hall Of Famer, Warren Spahn. He would go on to hit 17 more off of the lefty for a
total of 18, more than any other pitcher he faced during his career.
1...Warren Spahn................18
2...Vernon Law....................15
3...Don Drysdale..................13
4...Lou Burdette...................12
5...Bob Buhl..........................11
#437...THE NAMES THE SAME
On June 24, 2011, The Houston Astros lost a game to the Tampa Bay Rays by the
score of 5 to 1. In that defeat the Astros used three pitchers. Wandy Rodriguez
started and worked 6 innings. Fernando Rodriguez came in for two, then
Aneury Rodriguez finished up. In that same game, Sean Rodriguez went three
for four as the Rays
#438...WHY DID I EVEN SHOW UP??
On June 5th, 1976, Toby Harrah, of the Texas Rangers played an entire double
header at shortstop without single assist, putout or error. Not one chance !!
#439...NOW THIS WAS A GOOD DAY
On June 23, 1971, Rick Wise pitched a no-hitter for the Phillies against the
Cincinnati Reds and hit two home runs in the game.
#440...ALL STAR RECORD
Both Hank Aaron and Willie Mays played in 24 All Star Games with each
on the winning side seventeen times.
#441...RETRIED NUMBERS 16-17-18
Here Is The Next Set
......................................16.........................................
Ted Lyons(White Sox), Whitey Ford(Yankees), Hal Newhouser(Detroit)
......................................17........................................
Dizzy Dean(St Louis Cardinals)
......................................18.........................................
Ted Kluszewski(Cincinnati) & Mel Harder(Cleveland)
#442...I MISS NEW YORK
Solly Hemus managed 384 games during his career without managing a single
game in the city of New York. He was at the helm of the St Louis Cardinals
in that short period of time (1959-1961) when the city did not have a NL Team.
#443...BROTHER MIKE
On September 14, 2003, Mike Glavine made is MLB debut by pinch hitting
for his brother Tom. He grounded out.
#444...THE TEEN YEARS
In 2012 the Washington Nationals introduced us to Bryce Harper at the young
age of nineteen. During that season he became only the 6th player in MLB
history to hit as many as ten home runs as a teenager.
Tony Canigliaro........... 24
Bryce Harper............... 22
Mell Ott........................ 18
Ken Griffey Jr............. 16
Mickey Mantle............. 13
Ed Kranepool.............. 10
#445...
#446...THE FIRST OF MANY
One June 12, 1997, the first ever interleague game was played between the
San Francisco Giants and the Texas Rangers making Glenallen Hill the first
ever National League designated hitter.
#447...IT'S BEEN SIXTY YEARS
No member of the Philadelphia A's, Kansas City A's or Oakland A's has
won a batting title since Ferris Fain in 1952.
#448...HIS FIFTEEN MINUTES OF FAME
Francisco Cabrera was the unlikely hero of the 1992 National League
Championship Series when he hit a two out bases loaded single in the bottom
of the ninth inning to win game seven over the Pittsburgh Pirates for a 3 to 2
victory for the Atlanta Braves. The twist is that Francisco only got one hit
during the entire regular season in ten at bats.
#449...ALL STAR HISTORY
There has only been one Grand Slam home run in the history of the All Star
Game. It was by Fred Lynn at Comiskey Park in 1983 off of San Francisco
Giants pitcher Atlee Hammaker.
#450...BY THE NUMBERS
Numbers on the back of uniforms did not appear until 1929 when the Cleveland
Indians and the New York Yankees began the trend. Within three years all
teams had them. The Chicago White Sox were the first team to put the player's
names on their back, that was in 1960.
#451...TY COBB
After reading the above now you know why the Detroit Tigers do not have a
retired number listed for the "Georgia Peach". He retired after the 1928 season.
#452...TOP TEN HOME RUNS FOR THE BREW CREW
Here is the All-Time Top Ten List Of Milwaukee Brewers Home runs
1....Robin Yount.............251
2....Prince Fielder...........230
3....Geoff Jenkins...........212
4...Ryan Braun..............211
5...Gorman Thomas......208
6....Cecil Cooper.............201
7....Ben Ogilvie...............176
8....Greg Vaughn............169
9....Jeremy Burnitz........165
10....Paul Molitor.............160
#453...I THOUGHT THIS WAS INTERESTING
In 1975 Pete Rose, known as "Charlie Hustle", made 764 plate appearances and
led the Natioinal League with 112 runs scored without recording a single stolen
base. His teammate, cather Johnny Bench, stole 11.
#454...THE 19TH CENTURY
On June 2, 1892, Benjamin Harrison became the First US President to attend
a professional baseball game while in office. He saw his home town Senators
lose to the Cincinnati Redlegs 7 to 4.
#455...INTO THE RECORD BOOKS
On June 23, 2012, Jim Thome hit a home run in the bottom of the ninth inning
off of Tampa Bay Rays reliever Jake McGee to break a 6-6 tie and give his
Philadelphia Phillies the win. It was Jim's 13th Walk-Off Home Run of his
career, more than anyone else in MLB history.
#456...PERHAPS BASEBALL'S GREATEST MARK OF FUTILITY
Cal Tech's varsity baseball team lost 228 games in a row. On February 15, 2003
the beat Cal State-Monteray Bay 5 to 4 and did not win another game until
almost 10 years later when they defeated Pacifica 9 to 7 in the second game of
a season opening doubleheader on February 2nd, 2013.
#457...JOLTIN' JOE
Joe DiMaggio's famous 56 game hitting streak began on May 13, 1941, and
ended on July 17th in Cleveland. Ironically, during that streak he got
exactly 56 singles and scored 56 runs,
AB R H 1B 2B 3B HR RBI AVE.
Joe DiMaggio 223 56 91 56 16 4 15 55 .408
#458..."K" AS IN KOUFAX
In his rookie season, 1955, Sandy Koufax went to bat twelve times and
struck out on all twelve occasions.
#459..LONGEVITY
Joe DiMaggio, Yogi Berra and Eddie Murray are the only three players
in MLB history to hit a home run in the World Series in three different
decades.
#460...THIS TEAM WAS BAD
The 1935 Boston Braves(38-115) finished in 8th place, 61 1/2 games out
of first place. They were even 26 games out of 7th place.
#461...YOUR POWER IS SHOWING
On September 17th, 1987 The Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Baltimore
Orioles 18 to 3. During the game the victors hit a MLB record ten home
runs. Ernie Whitt(3), Rance Mulliniks(2), George Bell(2), Lloyd Moseby,
Fred McGriff and Rob Ducey were the culprits.
#462...THE MOST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK !!
In 1983 Boston Red Sox outfielder Tony Armas drove in 107 runs despite
the mere batting average of .218.
#463...WHY EVEN TRY ??
On June 17th, 1986, Robby Thompson of the San Francisco Giants became
the only player in MLB history to get caught stealing four times in one game.
#464...SLUGGERS FAVORITE PITCHERS
Below is a few of baseball's greatest sluggers and the pitcher they hit the most
home runs off of.
Willie Mays......................Warren Spahn(18)
Hank Aaron.....................Don Drysdale(17)
Ken Griffey, Jr................David Wells(8)
Sammy Sosa.....................Jose Lima & Curt Schilling(7)
Mark McGwire................Frank Tanana(7)
#465...WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN
Ted Williams hit 234 home runs during the decade of the 1940's (1940-49).
That was more than any other player in MLB despite missing three complete
seasons(1943-44-45) to military service.
#466...THEY CALL HIM NO-K
Only four times in the history of MLB has a player struck out less than five
times in a season with over 500 at bats. Here is the list.
AB SO
Joe Sewell(1925) 608 4
Joe Sewell(1929) 578 4
Joe Sewell(1932) 503 3
Joe Sewell(1933) 605 4
#467...ONE HIT A GAME
Joe Gordon played in exactly 1,000 games for the New York Yankees and
got exactly 1,000 hits in those games.
#468...WINNING ALL STAR
Lefty Gomez is the only pitcher in MLB history to be credited with winning
three All-Star Games (1933, 1935, & 1937).
#469...LEFTY COULD HIT TOO !!
Lefty Gomez also got the first RBI In the history of the All Star Game despite
being a lifetime .147 hitter.
#470...MVP VOTING
In 1959 Nellie Fox was voted the American League's Most Valuable Player.
Finishing second was his double play partner and White Sox teammate
Luis Aparico. The only time in MLB history that a "Keystone Combo"
finished one-two in the voting.
#471...OH BROTHER
The Niekro Brothers, Phil(318) and Joe(211) won a total of 539 Major League
Games just 10 more than the Perrys, Gaylord(314) and Jim(215), for the all
time lead for a brother pitching combination.
#472...MORE BROTHERS
On July 30th, 2012, brothers BJ and Justin Upton both hit their 99th career
home run. Exactly two weeks later, on August 3rd, they both hit their 100th
home run just minutes apart.
#473...A SHORT LIST
The Upton's became only the 6th brother combination in MLB history to each
hit more than 100 lifetime home runs.
Joe(361) and Vince DiMaggio(125)
Ken(282) and Clete Boyer(162)
Brett(252) and Aaron Boone(126)
Roberto(210) and Sandy Alomar(210)
Bob(156) and Irish Meusel(106)
BJ(118) and Justin Upton(108)
#474...TRAVELIN' MAN
On April 7, 2012, pitcher Octavio Dotel made his debut with the Detroit Tigers
marking them the 13th MLB team he has played for. This is the most ever in history
as he surpassed Matt Stairs, Mike Morgan and Ron Villone whom eached play for
twelve.
#475...OLD PLAYERS WITH THE SAME LAST NAME
On April 4, 2004, Pitcher John FRANCO (43) faced Julio FRANCO (45). They had
a combined age of 88 years. John walked Julio with the bases loaded.
#476.................................. L .................................
Here's the "L" Home Run List
1...Carlos Lee....................358
2...Derek Lee.....................331
3...Greg Luzinski..............307
4...Fredd Lynn..................306
5...Javy Lopez...................260
6...Ray Lankford..............238
7...Mike Lowell.................223
8...Chet Lemon.................215
9...Barry Larkin...............198
10...Ernie Lombardi..........190
#477...JUST NOT MY DAY
In the 5th game of the 1920 World Series Brooklyn Dodgers pitcher Clarence
Mitchell hit into a triple play and a double play.
#478...BASEBALL HERITAGE
Reggie Jackson, Lyman Bostock and Luis Tiant are the only three players in MLB
whose fathers played in the Negro Leagues.
#479...FROM CANADA TO TO SAN JUAN
In 2003 the Montreal Expos played 22 of their home games in Puerto Rico
#480...MULTI-TASKING
While in college, fourteen year MLB veteran Darin Erstad, was the punter on
the 1994 Nebraska Cornhuskers National Championship football team.
He finished the year with a 42.6 yard average, 14th in the nation.
#481...PINCH-HITTER TO THE STARS
Carroll Hardy, while playing for the Boston Red Sox, came to the plate as a
pinch hitter for both future Hall-Of-Famers Ted Williams(9/20/60) and Carl
Yastrzemski(5/31/61). Mister Hardy's first MLB home run happend while
with the Cleveland Indians as he pinch hit for Roger Maris on May 18th,
1958, his 25th birthday and knocked one out of the park off of Billy Pierce.
#482...HAVE BAT WILL TRAVEL
From 1998 to 2004 Reggie Sanders was certainly the "Bat For Hire" as he
played for 7 different teams in each of those 7 seasons
AB HR
1998: Cincinnati Reds.............. 545 14
1999: San Diego Padres.......... 550 26
2000: Atlanta Braves............... 340 11
2001: Arizona D-Backs............ 441 33
2002: San Fran Giants............. 505 23
2003: Pittsburgh Pirates.......... 453 31
2004: St Louis Cards................ 295 21
#483...THIS PITCHER LEADS THE LEAGUE IN SOMETHING
When pitcher Dave Aardsma took the mound during the 2004 season he
became the first player listed in the Baseball Encyclopedia which lists the
players in alphabetical order. He replaced Hank Aaron who had that
distinction for fifty years.
#484...SOMEONE HAS TO BE LAST
By the way, the last name in the Baseball Encyclopedia is that of an
outfielder named Dutch Zwilling who played 366 games from 1910 to 1916,
mostly with the Chicago White Sox
#485...CALL HIM THE WILD MAN !!
In 2003 Tampa Bay Devil Rays pitcher Victor Zambrano lead the National
League in walks(106), Wild Pitches(115) and Hit Batsmen(20)
#486...MORE NEGRO LEAGUES
The New York Black Yankees(1936-1948) were owned by entertainer
Bill "Bojangles" Robinson.
#487...MORE BROTHERS
On August 21, 1975, Rick and Paul Reuschel of the Chicago Cubs combined
for a 7-0 shutout victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers thus becoming the
only brothers to accomplish that feat in MLB history.
#488...RETIRED NUMBERS 19-20-21
Here Is The Next Set
........................................19......................................
Bob Feller(Cleveland), Billy Pierce(White Sox), Jim Gilliam(Dodgers),
Tony Gwynn(San Diego), Robin Yount(Milwaukee Brewers)
........................................20......................................
Luis Gonzalez(Arizona), Monte Irvin(N.Y.Giants), Lou Brock(St Louis),
Frank Robinson(Cincinnati & Baltimore), Pie Trayner(Pittsburgh),
Mike Scmidt(Phillies), Don Sutton(Dodgers),Frank White(Royals)
........................................21......................................
Bob Lemon(Cleveland), Warren Spahn(Braves), Robert Clemente(Pittsburgh)
#489...NEW YORK. NEW YORK
David Cone is the only pitcher to be a twenty-game winner for both the
New York Mets, 1988, and the New York Yankees, 1998.
#490...1970'S STOLEN BASES
Here is the last list from the 1970's, stolen bases
1...Lou Brock..................551
2...Joe Morgan................488
3...Caesar Cedeno...........427
4...Bobby Bonds..............380
5...Davey Lopes...............375
6...Freddy Patek..............344
7...Bert Campaneris........336
8...Billy North..................324
9...Amos Otis....................294
RonLeFlore.................294
#491...RELIEF PITCHER
On April 12, 1912, James S. Sherman became the first ever Vice President of the
United States to throw out the ceremonial first pitch on opening day in
Washington DC. President Taft had to cancel in order to attend a funeral of his
friend Archibald Butt, who died in the sinking of the Titanic.
#492...OH SO CLOSE !!!
Ted Williams won two triple crowns, which in itself is amazing, however, he
could have won a third except that George Kell won the 1949 batting title by
.00016 points after Williams already clinched the HR and RBI titles.
#493...COULD THIS BE MLB'S GREATEST DEBUT ??
On April 25, 1933, pitcher Russ Van Atta made his MLB debut but shutting
out the Washington Senators 16 to 0 throwing a complete game. At the plate
he went 4 for 4 with a sacrifice, three runs scored and an RBI.
#494...THE FINAL PLAYER
Here is the last active player on each defunct National League Team
Brooklyn Dodgers.......Bob Aspromonte activer until 1971
New York Giants.........Willie Mays active until 1973
Boston Braves..............Eddie Mathews until 1968
Milwaukee Braves.......Phil Niekro active until 1987
Montreal Expos...........Several Players still active
#495...WHAT A STREAK !!!
From July 17, 1936, to May 27, 1937, New York Giants pitcher Carl Hubbell
went 24-0.
#496...HERE'S ANOTHER GREAT STREAK
In September of 1957 Ted Williams set a modern MLB record by reaching
base in sixteen consecutive plate appearances over a period of 6 games.
He got six hits(Four homers and two singles), walked nine times and was
hit by a pitch once.
#497...SLUGGERS FROM PHILLY
Here is the All-Time Top Ten Home Run list of the Philadelphia Phillies.
1...Mike Schmidt...............548
2...Ryan Howard...............311
3...Del Ennis.......................259
4...Pat Burrell.....................251
5...Chuck Klein..................243
6...Greg Luzinski...............223
7...Chase Utley...................217
Cy Williams...................217
9...Dick Allen......................204
10..Jimmy Rollins...............199
#498...HANK HAD A CHANCE
We all know that Hank Aaron hit more home runs than Babe Ruth, but do
you know which of the two scored the most runs ?? Strangely enough it was
a tie, 2,174 to 2,174. In his final at bat on the last day of the 1976 season
Hank singled and was upset when Brewers manager Alex Grammas
pulled him from the game for a pinch runner so he could get a well
deserved ovation from the fans. Hank just wanted to score one more run.
#499............................... M ........................................
A Lot Of Hall-Of-Famers on the "M" Home Run List
1...Willie Mays...................660
2...Mickey Mantle..............536
3...Eddie Mathews............512
4...Eddie Murray...............504
5...Stan Musial..................475
6...Dale Murphy................398
7...Johnny Mize................359
8...Lee May.......................354
9...Tino Martinez...............339
10....Edgar Martinez............309
#500...MORE M'S.......THIS TIME MC'S
A Few names were left off of the above list so I could make a seperate one
for the "Mc's".
1...Mark McGwire...............583
2...Willie McCovey..............521
3...Fred McGriff..................493
4...Kevin McReynolds........211
5...Dick McAuliffe................197
6...Hal McRae......................191
7...Brian McCann................176
8...Ken McMullen...............156
9...George McQuinn..........135
10...Mike MacFarlane...........129
Will numbers 501 to 1,001 ever be published?
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