Sports History

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J. Daiel in his 80sbaseball.com entry for May 25 provides the history of:
1980 - Padres win on Barry Evans 2-out 9th inning Grand Slam
1981 - Yaz reaches a milestone

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Mickey MacKay Career Numbers, Position, Title, and more from the Hockey-Reference.com

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This video tells the story of Smokey Joe Williams, a legendary right-handed pitcher who dominated the Negro leagues in the early 20th century. It highlights his long career, spanning over 25 years, and his peak with the New York Lincoln Giants. The video emphasizes Williams's exceptional pitching skills, mentioning his incredible speed, pinpoint control, and ability to strike out batters with ease. Notably, it details his awe-inspiring feat of striking out 27 batters in a single game at the age of 44! The video also recognizes Williams's legacy as the greatest pitcher in Negro league history, as declared by the Pittsburgh Courier, and his well-deserved induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1999. So, if you're interested in learning about a true baseball legend and a significant figure in Negro league history, this video is definitely worth watching!

Presenting Smokey Joe Williams from the Baseball Hall of Fame Biographies collection

Imagine yourself at a ballpark in the Big Apple at the turn of the last century- the smells, sounds, and players. If you catch a NY Giants baseball game, you may be lucky to see star pitcher Joe McGinnity take the hill. Why is he special? Let's check out his baseball story.

Joe McGinnity nicknamed the "Iron Man" for his tireless work ethic and relentless pitching style, carved a unique path in baseball history. This essay explores the career of a pitcher who dominated the early 20th century, winning over 20 games a season for eight consecutive years and captivating fans with his durability and competitive spirit.

Born in 1871 in Illinois, McGinnity's journey to baseball stardom wasn't typical. He received little formal education and worked in an iron foundry during the offseason. His raw talent, however, was undeniable. McGinnity entered the professional ranks in 1899 and quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. He joined the New York Giants in 1902 and formed a formidable pitching duo with Christy Mathewson, another future Hall of Famer.

McGinnity's dominance was defined by several key factors. He possessed a powerful fastball and a deceptive curveball that kept hitters off balance. But his greatest strength was his durability. He routinely pitched complete games, often in doubleheaders. In an era when pitch counts were non-existent, McGinnity thrived on a relentless work ethic, earning his "Iron Man" moniker.

From 1900 to 1906, McGinnity led the National League in wins four times, exceeding 30 wins twice and reaching a career-high 35 victories in 1904. He was a complete pitcher, contributing offensively with his bat and showcasing surprising athleticism on the basepaths. He even revolutionized fielding for pitchers, attempting to make force outs at any base rather than just throwing the ball to first.

Beyond his statistics, McGinnity was a colorful character, known for his fiery competitiveness and occasional clashes with umpires. He was a fan favorite and admired for his toughness and dedication to the game. He played a pivotal role in the New York Giants' success, helping them capture the 1905 World Series title.

Yes in the life and career events of Baseball Hall of Fame Pitcher, Joe McGinnity he was an almost immediate MLB star when he broke into the Big Leagues at the age of 28. Joe won 246 games with a 2.66 earned run average.

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.

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The Baseball Almanac carries a plethora of June 2 events like:
1941 - New York Yankees first baseman Lou Gehrig dies of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis at age 37 in New York.
1987 - The Mariners select Cincinnati high schooler Ken Griffey, Jr., the son of Braves outfielder Ken Griffey, with the first overall pick in the free-agent draft.
1995 - John Valentin hits three home runs and has five hits in Boston's 6-3 win over the Mariners. His 15 total bases are a season high.

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.

Harold Hugh "Cammie" Cameron was a different breed of hockey player. A standout in the early days of the National Hockey League (NHL), he carved his name in Toronto hockey history with his offensive prowess and defensive dominance. While his career spanned multiple teams, he indeed left his mark with the Toronto St. Patricks, predecessors to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Born in Pembroke, Ontario, in 1890, Cameron began his professional career in 1913 with the Toronto Blueshirts. His offensive talent quickly shone, scoring eight goals in his first season. He even earned the distinction of scoring the NHL's first-ever goals on December 19, 1917, although his team, then named the Toronto Arenas, ended up losing.

Beyond his goal-scoring abilities, Cameron revolutionized the role of the defenseman. Known for his powerful slapshot and aggressive rushing style, he challenged the perception of defensemen as purely defensive players. His offensive contributions were significant, with seasons boasting 18 and 17 goals, feats rarely seen from defensemen in his era.

Beyond individual achievements, Cameron played a crucial role in team success. He was part of three Stanley Cup victories - one with the Blueshirts in 1914 and two with the St. Patricks in 1922 and 1923. His leadership and determination on the ice were instrumental in these triumphs.

Despite his talent and impact, Cameron's career was tragically cut short. In 1928, he contracted tuberculosis and eventually died in 1953 at the age of 63. His legacy, however, lived on. In 1992, he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, a testament to his lasting impact on the game.

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K.C. JonesCareer Numbers and more | Basketball-Reference.com

From the royal Turcotte thoroughbred horse racing family is Roger Turcotte. He and his brothers made horse racing famous from humble beginnings in Canada.

Roger Turcotte, 19, exercising Scotty Boo at Lansom Farm near Woodbine track yesteday, will be fourth Turcotte to become jockey when he makes debut soon. Turcotte Family.