Category: Baseball Library

The Braves’ Warren Spahn hit his 31st career home run on this date in 1962, defeating the Mets 6-1.

Babe Ruth made his major-league debut for the Red Sox on this date in 1914.

Cleveland’s Duane Kuiper hit two bases-loaded triples against the Yankees on this day in 1978.

Larry Dierker pitched a no-hitter for the Astros on this date in 1976, retiring Mike Jorgensen for the final out. He had lost no-hitters in the ninth inning twice before, so this time he threw nothing but fastballs in the final inning.

On this date in 1963, the Cardinals’ Curt Simmons pitched, hit, and ran his way to victory over his old team, the Phillies — including a steal of home.

The Astros’ Billy Hatcher homered in the 18th inning to help the Astros defeat the Cubs in the conclusion of a suspended game from the previous day. The hit came in the MLB debut of Chicago’s Greg Maddux.

The Houston Colt .45s lost 15 consecutive games to the Phillies, so they held Break the Jinx Night — including voodoo and a witch doctor — in an attempt to break the spell. But the Colts dropped both ends of a doubleheader on this night in 1962 to go 0-for-17 before they won the following night.

Houston manager pinch-hit for pitcher Don Wilson after eight no-hit innings on this date in 1974. The Astros trailed Cincinnati 2-1 and Wilson had pinch-hit for Padres pitcher Clay Kirby in the same spot four years earlier. Ironically, Kirby was in the Reds’ dugout on this night, and he predicted Gomez’ actions.

Astros righthander J.R. Richard made his major-league debut on this date in 1971, striking out 15 Giants and pitching a complete game.

On this date in 1988, the Astrodome’s spectacular scoreboard lit up for the final time.