Category: Baseball Library

Was it “better living through chemistry” that allowed the Pirates’ Dock Ellis to pitch a no-hitter against the Padres on this date in 1970?

J.R. Richard set an Astros record for consecutive scoreless innings pitched on this date in 1980.

WIlbert Robinson of the St. Louis Browns set a National League record on this date in 1892, getting seven hits in a nine-inning game.

In 1963 the Houston Colt .45s received permission to play Sunday games at night, to get some relief from the oppressive summer heat. They won the first night game in major-league history on this date in 1963.

Pirates broadcaster Jim Rooker pledged that he would walk home — 350 miles — if the Pirates lost their game against the Phillies after jumping out to a 10-0 first-inning lead. But the Pirates lost 15-11, so Rooker hit the bricks.

BIlly Southworth replaced Ray Blades as Cardinals manager on this date in 1929.

On this date in 1937, the Phillies tried to avoid a doubleheader sweep by St. Louis by stalling so the required five innings of the second game could not be completed. But they were so brazen about it that the umpires forfeited the game to the Cardinals anyway!

The Pirates’ Dick Stuart was the first player to hit a home run over the centerfield fence at Forbes Field. It came off the Cubs’ Glen Hobbie.

An ill-advised promotion turned into a nightmare in Cleveland on this date in 1974.

On this date in 1989, the Astros beat the Dodgers in the longest game by time in National League history.