Sports History

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J. Daniel bring us more 80sBaseball.com events for June 2 and among the many are:
1984 - Complete with video, Dale Murphy and Gary Redus square off in the NBC Super Slam contest.
1987 - Cubs star Andre Dawson drove in 7 runs in a 13-2 win vs Nolan Ryan and the Houston Astros.
1989 - The Phillies trade Chris James to the Padres for John Kruk and Randy Ready.

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J. Daniel bring us more 80sBaseball.com events for June 8 and among the many are:
1981 - Rod Carew goes 3 for 5 against the Indians.
1986 - David Cone gives up one run in an inning of relief work in his big league debut.
1986 - Terry Mulholland gives up one run in seven and a third innings in his big league debut.

The ThisDayinBaseball.com website provides dozens of June events including these gems:
1902 - Nig Clarke reportedly hits eight home runs for Corsicana against Texarkana.
1925 - Al Simmons caps an amazing 13 run comeback with 2 out 3 run homer.
1952 - Cardinals set record for coming back after being down 11-0.
1962 - Hank Aaron and Roberto Clemente trade grand slams in a wild battle between the Braves and Pirates.
1976 - A shake up in Oakland gets a Commish Veto.

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J. Daniel gives the scoop for June 1 history in the 80s decade for events like:
1980 - Pirates win disputed game with a grand slam by Dale Berra.
1982 - Rickey Henderson steal two
1986 - Debut of Ruben Sierra.
These beauties and more await.

ThisDayinBaseball.com provides the May 31 history of dozens of events including:
1869 - The first rain out involving a professional baseball team.
1925 - Ty Cobb’s 275th triple makes him the first player ever with 1,000 extra-base hits.
1927 - Jimmie Foxx hits his first career homerun.
1938 - Lou Gehrig plays in his 2,000th consecutive game.
2006 - Jose Castillo hits a home run in his fifth straight game as Pittsburgh beats Milwaukee for the third consecutive time.

The ThisDayInBaseball.com crew delivers quite a few events from baseball history that occurred on May 28 like:
1901 - Jack Powell pitches the St. Louis Cardinals pas Christy Mathewson and the Giants.
1930 - Boston Red Sox picher Bullet Joe Bush hurls a one-hitter against the White Sox

1969 - Doug Rader delivers the game-winner again

Bert Blyleven wasn't your typical Hall of Fame pitcher. Unlike some fireballers known for overpowering velocity, Blyleven relied on guile and deception. His weapon of choice was a devastating curveball, considered one of the best thrown. This essay delves into the remarkable baseball career of "The Dutch Master," exploring his dominance, longevity, and eventual place among baseball's elite.

Early Days and the Rise of a Curveball Legend

Born in the Netherlands in 1951, Blyleven discovered baseball when his family immigrated to California. But his natural talent quickly blossomed. His long fingers, a unique physical attribute, allowed him to impart an exceptional spin on baseball, creating a wicked curveball that baffled hitters for years to come. Drafted by the Minnesota Twins in 1969, Blyleven quickly rose through the minor leagues, showcasing his mastery of the curve and ability to control his fastball.

A Career of Excellence and Endurance

Blyleven's major league debut in 1970 began a remarkable 22-year career. While he never won a Cy Young Award, a joint accolade for top pitchers, Blyleven consistently excelled. He amassed over 3,700 strikeouts, a testament to his dominance. He also finished with over 280 wins, a mark of incredible consistency and longevity.

Underrated Greatness

Despite his impressive statistics, Blyleven often flew under the radar. Pitching for mostly mediocre teams, his accomplishments weren't always in the national spotlight. However, advanced metrics later revealed his true worth. Stats like WAR (Wins Above Replacement) confirmed his impact on the game, solidifying his place among the all-time greats.

A Champion's Touch

While Blyleven never won a Cy Young Award, he did taste World Series glory. He was a key contributor to the Pittsburgh Pirates' and Minnesota Twins' championship victories in 1979 and 1987. His postseason performances, often overshadowed by his regular-season consistency, added another layer of significance to his career.

The ThisDayinBseball.com website provides dozens of June 8 events including these gems:
1909 - Cack Henley completes the longest complete-game shutout in baseball history.
1933- Jimmie Foxx homers in 4 straight at bats over 2 games.
1968 - Don Drysdale’s major league record streak of consecutive scoreless innings comes to an end.
1977 - Nolan Ryan notches his fourth career 19-strikeout game.

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Born December 19, 1934, in Baltimore, MD, was Baseball Hall of Fame Right Fielder and First baseman Al Kaline. Kaline wore the number 6 on the Detroit Tigers (1954-74) for 21 seasons as he batted 0.297 for his career, had an On Base percentage of 0.48, with 399 career Home Runs, and 7 Gold Glove Awarded Seasons. Al is one of the top MLB jersey Number 6s of All-Time

The ThisDayinBseball.com website provides dozens of June 5 events including these gems:

1916 – In Cleveland, Babe Ruth of the Boston Red Sox shuts out the Indians, 5 – 0, on five hits
1936 – Lou Gehrig plays in his 1,700th consecutive game.
1955 - Mickey Mantle of the New York Yankees slugs a 550-foot home run.
1966 - Cincinnati Reds shortstop Leo Cardenas hits four home runs in a doubleheader.
1966 - Mantle breaks his foot by running into the outfield wall.
1977 - Dodgers honor Walter Alston by retiring uniform Number 24.