Sports History

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BaseballAlmanac.com delivers some fascinating topics that occurred on June 18 like:

-1938 - Babe Ruth is signed as a Dodgers coach for the rest of the season. He is in uniform for batting demonstrations the following day.

-1953 - Red Sox rookie outfielder Gene Stephens becomes the only A.L. player to get three hits in the same inning.

The ThisDayinBseball.com website provides dozens of June 6 events including these gems:

-1921 - New York Yankees slugger Babe Ruth becomes the 20th-century home run leader.

-1921 - Bill Gatewood of the Detroit Stars pitches the first no-hitter in the history of the Negro National League.

-1939 - Bert and George Bebble and Carl Stotz form the Little League organization in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

-1965 – Switch-hitter Tom Tresh connects for three consecutive home runs in the New York Yankees’ 12 – 0 rout of the Chicago White Sox.

-1971 – Willie Mays hits a 12th-inning home run.

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The BleedCubbieBlue.com crew goes all out to share some top moments on baseball for June 3 including:

-1911 - Chicago Cubs slugger Frank Schulte hits a grand slam off Rube Marquard to beat the New York Giants, 8-4.

-1953 - Congress cites the research of New York City librarian Robert Henderson in proving that Alexander Cartwright founded baseball and not Abner Doubleday.

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The BleedCubbieBlue.com crew goes all out to share some top moments on baseball for June 16 including:
1971 - Don Kessinger of the Chicago Cubs goes 6 for 6, with five singles and a double vs. Cards.

The BleedCubbieBlue.com crew goes all out to share some top moments on baseball for June 7 including:

1906 - The Chicago Cubs, now in first place again, score 11 runs in the first inning off Christy Mathewson and Joe McGinnity en route to a humiliating 19-0 defeat of the New York Giants.

1910 - In his major league debut, Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Eddie Stack stops the Chicago Cubs, 1-0 on three hits.

The BleedCubbieBlue.com folks give us these items of June 19 relevance:

-1900 - In a great pitching duel, Clark Griffith of the Chicago Orphans and Rube Waddell of the Pittsburgh Pirates match shutouts during 13 innings.

-1913 - Wilbur Good hits the first pinch-hit home run in Chicago Cubs history, off Grover Alexander.

King Kelly, baseball's first celebrity and a Hall of Famer, held court in Boston from 1883 to 1891, leaving an indelible mark on the city's baseball history. Here's a glimpse of his reign:

King of Hitting:

-Two National League Batting Titles (1884, 1886) with impressive averages (.354, .388)

-Led the league in runs scored, doubles, and stolen bases multiple times

-Known for his lightning speed, often stealing over 50 bases a season


Championship Pedigree:

-Helped the Boston Beaneaters win four National League pennants (1883, 1884, 1887, 1888)

-Played a key role in the Beaneaters' 1884 World Series victory


Baseball Renaissance Man:

-Played every position on the diamond during his career, even pitching briefly

-Inventor of the hit-and-run and hook slide strategies

-Popularized the catcher's practice of backing up first base


Beyond the Stats:

-A flamboyant showman loved by Boston fans for his antics and charismatic personality

-Helped make baseball a national spectacle, boosting its popularity during its early years

-Known for his generosity and kindness, earning the respect of the Boston community


Legacy endures:

-Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1945

-Remembered as one of the greatest hitters of his era and a pioneer of the game

-His name hangs in Fenway Park's "Legends of the Red Sox" section, a permanent tribute to his Boston legacy

King Kelly's time in Boston wasn't just about batting averages and stolen bases; it was about the swagger, the showmanship, and the sheer joy of playing the game. He helped elevate baseball to new heights, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most beloved figures in Fenway Park history.

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On April 2nd, 1976, a seismic shift occurred in Major League Baseball. The Oakland Athletics, in a move that stunned the baseball world, traded superstar slugger Reggie Jackson to the New York Yankees for a package of players. This essay explores the factors behind this surprising trade, the impact it had on both teams, and the lasting legacy of "Mr. October" in pinstripes.

A Superstar on the Move

Reggie Jackson, nicknamed "Mr. October" for his clutch postseason performances, was a force to be reckoned with. He possessed a fearsome swing and a swagger that captivated fans. However, tensions between Jackson and the A's management had been simmering for some time. His outspoken personality and desire for a bigger contract clashed with the A's more team-oriented philosophy.

The Yankees Take a Gamble

The Yankees, yearning for a championship after years of frustration, saw Jackson as the missing piece. They recognized his immense talent and his potential to galvanize their lineup. While the trade package sent to Oakland was substantial, the Yankees were confident that Jackson's impact would outweigh the cost.

A Bronx Tale Unfolds

Reggie Jackson's arrival in New York was nothing short of electrifying. He provided instant offense, his booming home runs becoming a staple at Yankee Stadium. More importantly, his leadership and swagger instilled a new sense of confidence in the team. The Yankees, with Jackson as their centerpiece, reached the World Series twice in his first three years, finally capturing the elusive championship in 1977.

A Legacy of Power and Pinstripes

Reggie Jackson's impact on the Yankees transcended statistics. He became a symbol of their resurgence, a larger-than-life figure who thrived in the New York spotlight. His five World Series rings, three of which came with the Yankees, solidified his place among baseball's elite.

The Trade's Ripple Effect

The Jackson trade not only altered the fortunes of the Yankees and A's, but it also had a broader impact on baseball. It highlighted the growing importance of power hitting and the willingness of teams to take big risks in pursuit of a championship.

Looking Back

The trade of Reggie Jackson to the New York Yankees is a landmark moment in baseball history. It showcased the transformative power of a superstar player, the allure of the New York market, and the relentless pursuit of victory that defines Major League Baseball. Reggie Jackson's legacy in pinstripes is undeniable – a symbol of power, clutch hitting, and the never-say-die spirit that has always been a part of the Yankees' DNA.

AEnjoy this YouTube video of the April 2, 1976 trade of power hitter Reggie Jackson from the Oakland Athletics to the Baltimore Orioles.

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The StartingNine.com Blog provides us with On This Day In Baseball History: May 30, 1982 - when Cal Ripken Jr. started his streak.

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The BleedCubbieBlue.com crew goes all out to share some top moments on baseball for June 13 including:
1994 - Ryne Sandberg of the Chicago Cubs gives up $16 million in salary by announcing his retirement at the age of 34.