Sports History

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Items from Thisdayinbaseball.com for April 23 concerning Mickey Mantle, Lou Castro, Harry Howell, Tris Speaker, Walter Johnson, Kansas City Packers, Ted Williams, and more. MLB April 23

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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

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The BaseballAlmanac.com site brings us a bunch of items including:
1917 - Hank Gowdy is the first major-league player to enlist during World War I when he signs up in the Ohio National Guard.
1941 - Mel Ott's two-run homer, the 400th of his career provide win for NY Giants.
1943 - Rip Sewell of the Pirates throws his dew-drop ball in a game, lobbing his way to a 20 win season.
These an more await.

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The info from the BaseballAlmanac.com for May 27 reads with many items including:
1960 - Baltimore manager Paul Richard creates a new catchers mitt to prevent errors.
1997 - Kenny Lofton touches all the bases in a weird infield Home run.
There is more too concerning Hank Greenberg, Ken Brett, and Dale Murphy.

The website This Day In Baseball This Day In Baseball presents events from May 6. MLB May 6

George Wright wasn't just another baseball player; he was a pioneer, a game-changer, and a foundational figure in the early days of America's national pastime. His career, spanning the 1860s and 1870s, left an indelible mark on the sport, not just through his exceptional skills, but also through his innovations and leadership.

Dominant Player:

Wright began his career as a versatile athlete, playing cricket and excelling at multiple baseball positions. By the late 1860s, he emerged as the dominant shortstop of the era, renowned for his exceptional fielding, powerful throwing arm, and offensive prowess. He led the Cincinnati Red Stockings to an undefeated season in 1869, a feat unmatched for decades.

Innovator and Leader:

Beyond his raw talent, Wright's contributions went far deeper. He revolutionized the playing style of shortstops, moving deeper into the infield to improve range, a tactic still employed today. He advocated for rule changes like allowing baserunners to overrun first base, making the game safer and faster. His leadership and sportsmanship earned him the respect of players and fans alike.

Champion of Professionalism:

Wright also played a crucial role in transitioning baseball from an amateur pastime to a professional sport. He negotiated lucrative contracts, helped establish the National Association of Base Ball Players, and campaigned for standardized rules and player salaries. In doing so, he paved the way for the professional baseball leagues we know today.

Enduring Legacy:

Though his playing days ended in the early 1880s, Wright's legacy continued to thrive. He served as a coach and mentor, helping to shape the next generation of stars. He co-founded the first golf course in New England, further demonstrating his athletic versatility and love for sports.

In conclusion, George Wright was more than just a baseball player. He was a pioneer who helped shape the very essence of the game. His talent, innovations, and leadership not only made him a Hall of Famer, but also earned him a place as one of the most influential figures in baseball history.

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80sBaseball.com presents the May 19 history of 1984 - Eric Davis debut; 1981 - Bibby retires 27 straight; 1981 - all players in Card vs. Astros get a hit. These stories and more are rekindled by J. Daniel on the site.

The This Day In Baseball website crew provides some incredible baseball event history for the date of May 7. Players such as Joe Morgan, Willie Davis, Wes Parker, Herb Score, Hank Greenberg, Lloyd Waner, Pee Wee Reese, and more. MLB May 7

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The Gamehaues.com shares the June 19 baseball history of:
1846 - The first orgnaized baseball game being played between the New York Knickerbockers and the New York Nine.

Ernie Lombardi, best known for his Hall of Fame career as a catcher with the Cincinnati Reds, was a unique figure in baseball history. Though overshadowed by his iconic "Schnozz" and his success behind the plate, Lombardi's baseball journey started long before catching Johnny Vander Meer's back-to-back no-hitters.

Early Brilliance on the West Coast:

Born in 1908, Lombardi's baseball prowess manifested early. Playing professionally in the Pacific Coast League (PCL) at just 18, he quickly established himself as a prolific hitter. Nicknamed "The Man with the Horsehide Glue" for his seemingly effortless ability to stick with pitches, Lombardi routinely led the league in batting average during his PCL years. However, his lack of speed and a throwing arm considered below average limited his appeal to major league teams.

Brooklyn's Blunder and Lombardi's Rise:

The Brooklyn Robins, hesitant about his defensive limitations, traded Lombardi to the Cincinnati Reds in 1933. This proved to be a monumental miscalculation. In Cincinnati, Lombardi thrived. While his defensive deficiencies persisted, his exceptional hitting, highlighted by his power and high on-base percentage, quickly earned him a starting role.

A Beloved Figure and MVP Recognition:

Lombardi's quirky personality and dedication to the game endeared him to fans. Despite his lumbering gait, he became known for his hustle and leadership. His offensive production reached its peak in 1938, where he led the National League in batting average (.342) and on-base percentage (.423), earning him the league's Most Valuable Player Award. This same year, he was behind the plate for Vander Meer's historic feat, further solidifying his place in Reds history.

Born April 6, 1908, in Oakland, California, was Baseball Hall of Fame catcher Ernie Lombardi. Lombardi was an eight-time MLB All-Star, a World Series Champion in 1940, and the National League MVP in 1938. His career spanned from playing for the Cincinnati Reds, Boston Braves, and the New York Giants. One of the Top MLB players to have worn Jersey 27.