Sports History

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Born September 14, 1869, in Madison, Wisconsin, was Baseball Hall of Fame Pitcher Kid Nichols. This legendary hurler was a three-time National League wins leader and All-Time Saves Leader for 1899–1906. The organizations he played on include the Boston Beaneaters, St. Louis Cardinals, and Philadelphia Phillies, and he was also the Cardinals manager from 1904–05.

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The Atlanta Braves, boasting a rich history dating back to 1871, are the product of several team mergers and relocations. Here's a glimpse into the evolution of the various teams that contributed to the Braves' legacy:

Boston Beaneaters (1871-1906):

-The original iteration, known for their "beanball" tactics, won four World Series titles and established a fierce rivalry with the New York Yankees.

-Faced financial struggles and declining attendance, leading to a name change in 1907.

Boston Doves (1907-1910):

-Brief stint known for the iconic white dove logo and player Babe Ruth's early appearances.

-Continued financial woes led to another name change.

Boston Rustlers (1911):

-Short-lived name referencing local businesses involved in the team's ownership.
Boston Braves (1912-1935):

-Found more success under this moniker, capturing two World Series titles and witnessing the rise of stars like Rabbit Maranville.

-Facing financial pressure again, the team was sold and relocated to...

Boston Bees (1936-1940):

-A period of mediocrity under a new name, marred by low attendance and player departures.

Boston Braves (1941-1952):

-Back to the familiar name, but financial woes persisted.

-Despite boasting stars like Warren Spahn and Hank Aaron, the Boston Braves couldn't compete with the Red Sox, prompting another relocation.

Milwaukee Braves (1953-1965):

-A new chapter in Milwaukee brought success! They captured the 1957 World Series championship with iconic players like Eddie Mathews and Lew Burdette.

-However, facing stadium issues and declining attendance, they opted for another move.

Atlanta Braves (1966-present):

-Settling in Atlanta, the team embraced their new Southern identity and continued their winning ways.

-They secured 14 consecutive division titles in the 1990s and captured another World Series title in 1995.

Thus, the Atlanta Braves represent a unique tapestry woven from different teams and cities. Each era contributed to their rich history, loyal fan base, and winning tradition, solidifying their place as one of baseball's most storied franchises.

Joe Kelley, born in 1871, was a versatile and dynamic Major League Baseball player who carved his name in the game's history during his 17-year career.

Early Career and Rise to Stardom:

Kelley's athletic journey began in 1891 with the Boston Beaneaters. He quickly established himself as a valuable asset with his speed and batting prowess. His exceptional skills earned him the nickname "Kingpin" during his stint with the Baltimore Orioles from 1892 to 1898.

Dominant Years:

From 1894 to 1898, Kelley emerged as one of the most productive players in baseball. He drove in at least 100 runs in each season, amassing a total of 573 RBIs during that stretch. This impressive feat placed him second only to Hugh Duffy in terms of RBIs during that period.

Versatility and Leadership:

Kelley's versatility extended beyond hitting. He showcased his fielding skills as a left fielder and even served as a player-manager for the Cincinnati Reds from 1902 to 1905. In his managerial role, he led the Reds to a third-place finish in 1904, demonstrating his leadership abilities.

Continued Success:

Despite a slight decline in production towards the end of his career, Kelley remained a valuable contributor to his teams. He played for various teams, including the Brooklyn Superbas and the Baltimore Orioles (AL), until his retirement in 1908.

Legacy and Recognition:

Joe Kelley's impact on baseball is undeniable. He finished his career with a respectable .317 batting average and 443 stolen bases. His exceptional performance earned him a well-deserved spot in the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1971.

ThisDayinBaseball.com gathers dozens of items from baseball history daily. Among them for May 30 are contained:
1890 - Henry Gruber of the Cleveland Infants was called out for batting out of order against the Brooklyn Wonders.
1894 - Bobby Lowe of the Boston Beaneaters becomes the first player to hit four home runs in one game.
1913 - A record setting day for Red Sox outfielder and future Hall of Famer Harry Hooper becomes the first major leaguer to start both games of a doubleheader with a home run.
1955 - Brooklyn Dodgers pitcher Don Newcombe hits two home runs.
2001 - Barry Bonds hits two home runs, moving past Willie McCovey and Ted Williams into 11th place on the major league career list.