Sports History

SB Nation and BleedCubbieBlue.com share a May 26 baseball nugget with items like:
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.

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The ThisDayinBaseball.com website provides dozens of June 17 events including this gem:
1915 - Cubs right-hander reliever Zip Zabel pitches 18 innings in relief.

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The ThisDayinBaseball.com website provides dozens of June 17 events, including this beauty:
1880 - John Montgomery Ward throws a perfect game

The Newsday.com website carries a plethora of June 9 events like:
1935 - The Cards score in every inning
1990 - Eddie Murray tied Mickey Mantle with same game switch hitting HRs
2008 - Ken Griffey Jr. reaches a milestone

ThisDayIn Baseball.com shares some may 26 history of dozens of events including:
1929 - Two pinch-hitters blast Grand Slams in the New York Giants vs. Boston Braves game.
1957 - Cubs rookie Dick Drott fans 15 Braves, and more.

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This Day in Baseball the website brings some great items each day. For June 18 here is a fascinating one:
1919 - St. Louis Browns third baseman, Jimmy Austin used the old hidden ball trick with two outs in the bottom of the ninth, on Red Sox catcher Wally Schang to end the game.

ThisDayinBaseball.com takes a wide sweep of May 29 baseball history an among the items in their net are pieces of history such as:
1880 - Boston with George Wright in its lineup‚ upsets a tough Chicago squad.
1905 - Possibly the 1st spitball is thrown by a player named Elmer Stricklett
1916 - Christy Mathewson pitches the New York Giants to their 17th consecutive road victory.


1928 - Bill Terry hits for the cycle to lead the Giants to a 12 – 5 win over Brooklyn.

1941 - Ted Williams is 3 for 5 and scores a pair in the Red Sox’s 6 – 4 win over the A’s. Ted will score 2 or more runs for the next 7 games, giving him 8 in a row.

1942 - New York’s Lefty Gomez‚ self-described as the worst-hitting pitcher in baseball‚ bangs out 4 hits in pitching a four-hit‚ 16 – 1 victory over Washington. They are his last major league hits. Buddy Hassett adds 4 hits as well.

1951 -Indians hurler Bob Lemon one-hits the Tigers, 2 – 1.

1955 - Larry Doby of the Indians hits the first major league homer.

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The Baseball Almanac website carries a plethora of June 11 events like:
1974 - Mel Stottlemyre makes his 272nd consecutive start, with no relief appearances.
1985 - Von Hayes becomes the first major-league player ever to hit two home runs in the first inning.
1990 - Ageless Nolan Ryan pitches his unprecedented sixth career no-hitter, striking out 14 batters.
1995 - Montreal's Rondell White has six hits, scores five runs, and hits for the cycle in a 13-inning 10-8 win over the Giants.

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The BaseballAlmanac.com shares some May 31 gems of the diamond such as:
1948 - A lefthander for Schenectady (Canadian-American League) named Tom Lasorda strikes out 25 in a 15-inning game against Amsterdam.
1964 - After Juan Marichal's 5-3, first-game win, San Francisco holds a 6-1 lead in the nightcap until New York rallies for five runs to tie it in the seventh.
These and more including a piece about Hank Aaron, Harmon Killebrew, Robin Yount and more

Matt Williams, nicknamed "Matt the Bat" and "The Big Marine," carved a successful 17-year Major League Baseball career, leaving his mark as a power hitter, consistent performer, and World Series champion.

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.