Sports History

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ThisDayinBaseball.com has tons of June 18 action like this:
1967 - Houston Astros right-hander Don Wilson, Number 40, pitches the first of his two career no-hitters.

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J. Daniel has his salute to March 26 MLB events and birthdays on 80sBaseball.com

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The folks at HatHeaven.com wrote a really informative piece a few years back on MLB uniform manufacturer history to enjoy.

April 2, 1907 - The Baseball Powers of the era of baseball fans to learn the history of the game. Thus, the Mills Commission was created to determine who invented the baseball game. Spearheaded by the third President of the National League, Abraham Mills, they looked to find out and memorialize the origins of baseball. At the urging of A. G. Spalding, a baseball man who founded a sporting goods empire, a Civil War hero, Abner Doubleday was erroneously connected as the founder of the National Pastime.

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Baseball Relief Pitcher Trevor Hoffman is one of the top closers in MLB history, and this tribute to the Hall of Fame Player is truly special.


Trevor Hoffman, the "Rollin' Red," is etched in baseball history as one of the most dominant closers of all time. His 601 career saves, a Major League Baseball record at the time of his retirement, stand as a testament to his mastery of the ninth inning.

Hoffman's journey began with the Florida Marlins, where he emerged as a late-inning force in the mid-90s. His unorthodox delivery, featuring a low crouch and sidearm release, baffled hitters and generated wicked cutters and sliders. He was a key piece of the Marlins' 1997 World Series championship squad, racking up 43 saves that season.

In 1998, Hoffman was traded to the San Diego Padres, where he would become a legend. For 14 seasons, he donned the Padres' pinstripes, striking fear into the hearts of opposing lineups. His signature entrance, Metallica's "Enter Sandman" blaring through the Petco Park speakers, sent shivers down spines and signaled the impending doom of any comeback hopes.

Hoffman's dominance wasn't limited to saves. He was a seven-time All-Star, a two-time Reliever of the Year, and won the Cy Young Award in 2006. His cutter, nicknamed "The Hoff-Nado," was a devastating weapon, leaving batters flailing helplessly.

Though he never reached the World Series with the Padres, Hoffman's impact on the franchise and the game itself is undeniable. He retired in 2010, his 601 saves a record that stood until Mariano Rivera surpassed it in 2011. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2016, solidifying his place among the game's greats.

Trevor Hoffman's legacy extends beyond statistics. He was a fierce competitor, a fan favorite, and a true closer in every sense of the word.

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.

Ruth pitches a gem, a famous Boston player hits for the cycle, the Pirates overcome a 5-run deficit against a top pitcher, an AL HR record for seven games is tied, and dozens more stories from May 16 MLB history.

The crew at This Day in Baseball.com gives us the scoop on May 16 events that concern Sam Thompson, Christy Matthewson, Red Ames, Babe Ruth, Earle Combs, Tommy Bridges, Roberto Clemente, Wally Moon, Ted Williams, and more.

The ThisDayinBaseball.com crew gives us the May 25 scoop on dozens of events, including:
1922- Babe Ruth out as Yankees captain.
1923 - Ty Cobb surpasses Honus Wagner in the record books.
1975 - Dennis Eckersley shuts out world champion A’s in his MLB debut.
2008 - A milestone moment for Omar Visquel.

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 MLB.com website presents their opinion of who the top players in baseball history are that were born on May 16.