This Day in Baseball June 19 - ARod 3000
Baseball History Unpacked - June 15
June 19 Baseball History
Matt Williams A Career Marked by Power, Consistency, and World Series Accolades
A Well-Rounded Hitter with Exceptional Power:
Drafted by the San Francisco Giants in 1986, Williams established himself as a force early on. While his batting average remained consistent around .268 throughout his career, his power hitting was undeniable. He amassed 378 home runs, ranking him 75th all-time, and exceeded 30 home runs in six different seasons, showcasing his consistent ability to launch the ball.
Changing Teams and Finding World Series Success:
Williams spent his first ten seasons with the Giants, becoming a fan favorite known for his clutch hitting and infectious personality. He then embarked on a journey that saw him play for the Cleveland Indians, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Chicago Cubs, consistently performing at a high level.
One of the highlights of his career came in 1997 with the Cleveland Indians, where he earned a World Series ring. He was a key contributor throughout the playoffs, including a memorable three-homer game against the Milwaukee Brewers in the ALDS.
Beyond the Statistics: Gold Glove Defense and Leadership:
While recognized for his hitting prowess, Williams wasn't a one-dimensional player. Throughout his career, he earned four Gold Glove Awards for his defensive excellence at third base, showcasing his well-rounded skillset. He also served as a team leader, respected by teammates and coaches alike.
The life sketch bio of Matt Williams, who was five-time All-Star Third Baseman Matt Williams. Williams played on the San Francisco Giants (1989-96), Cleveland Indians (1997), Arizona Diamondbacks (1998-03) for 15 seasons as he batted 0.268 for his career, had an On Base percentage of 0.489, with 378 career Home Runs, and 4 Gold Glove Awarded Seasons. Matt also won the Silver Slugger Award four times as well as a World Series Championship, and a Manager of the Year Honors.
On This Day in Baseball May 26, 1993
The StartingNine.com Blog shares that it was on this day in 1993 where Outfieler Jose Canseco misplayed a ball hit by Cleveland Indians infielder Carlos Martinez. The ball bounced off of Conseco noggin while he was tracking it on the warning track, and then went over the fence for a HR.
Baseball History on May 25 from Baseball Almanac
Baseball Almanac remembers many May 25 occurences including:
1941 - Ted Williams raises his batting average over .400 for the first time
1953 - Max Surkont of the Braves fans eight Reds in a row
Baseball's Grand Old Man
Playing Days (1886-1896):
-A journeyman catcher known for his intelligence and leadership, not raw power.
-Briefly managed Pittsburgh before establishing the Philadelphia Athletics in 1901.
Early A's Dynasty (1901-1914):
-Built a powerhouse team based on pitching, defense, and smart baserunning.
-Won six of the first 14 American League pennants, establishing the A's as a dominant force.
-Developed stars like Eddie Plank and Nap Lajoie, ushering in a new era of strategic baseball.
Post-Dynasty Struggles (1915-1928):
-Failed to replicate early success, often trading away star players due to financial constraints.
-Faced criticism for his stubborn adherence to old-school tactics amidst the rise of the "live-ball" era.
Second A's Dynasty (1929-1931):
-Unearthed another generation of superstars like Al Simmons and Mickey Cochrane.
-Won two consecutive World Series, silencing his critics and proving his adaptability.
Later Years and Legacy (1932-1956):
-He continued managing into his 80s, winning over 3,700 games, a record that still stands.
-He Was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1937, a testament to his unparalleled longevity and impact.
May 25th - 1980s baseball
J. Daiel in his 80sbaseball.com entry for May 25 provides the history of:
1980 - Padres win on Barry Evans 2-out 9th inning Grand Slam
1981 - Yaz reaches a milestone
Baseball History Unpacked - May 26
1947 - The largest crowd ever to attend a single game in baseball history occurs when 74,747 fans, watch the Yankees beat Boston.
1959 - In another of Bill Veeck’s stunts, 3’ 7” Eddie Gaedel returns to a major league field via chopper along with three other little people.
These posts and more.
This Day in Baseball June 7
The ThisDayinBseball.com website provides dozens of June 7 events including these gems:
1892 - Jack Doyle becomes the first player to collect a pinch hit when he singles, coming off the bench to bat for Cleveland hurler George Davies.
1894 - Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Jack Taylor throws a two-hit shutout
1908 - The Detroit Tigers turn a triple play against the Boston Red Sox for the second day in a row.
1936 - A home run by George Selkirk in the 16th inning gives Red Ruffing and the New York Yankees a 5 – 4 win over Cleveland.
1977 - The Chicago White Sox select Harold Baines with the number-one pick in the June draft.