Last Updated: June 17th, 2026 by Jake Cain
1906: Dual Player-Manager Steals Home
On April 28, 1906, baseball witnessed a rare feat as Frank Chance of the Chicago Cubs dashed for home plate, securing a narrow 1-0 victory over the Cincinnati Reds in the ninth inning. Meanwhile, Fred Clarke, helming the Pittsburgh Pirates, mirrored this achievement by stealing home in a dominant 10-1 win against the St. Louis Cardinals. This remarkable day went down in history for having two player-managers—Chance and Clarke—execute successful steals of home plate on the same day, each leading their teams to triumph in their respective games.
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1949: Durocher’s Suspension Following Fan Assault
In a contentious episode on April 28, 1949, Leo Durocher, the manager of the New York Giants, found himself in hot water after a Giants defeat at the hands of their rivals, the Brooklyn Dodgers. Accused of assaulting a fan post-game, Durocher faced suspension by Baseball Commissioner A.B. “Happy” Chandler. Although the charges against him were eventually dismissed on May 3, the confrontation sparked conversation regarding the safety measures at ballparks and the relationship between fans and baseball personnel.
1952: Browns’ Players Loaned To Japanese League
In a pioneering move during the 1952 baseball season, the St. Louis Browns broke new ground by transferring two players, John Britton and Jim Newberry, to the Hankyu Braves of the Japanese league. This marked the first time a Major League Baseball team had players join a team in Japan’s professional baseball circuit. The strategic arrangement was a brainchild of Abe Saperstein, an entrepreneurial sports figure most famously known as the owner of the Harlem Globetrotters.
1961: Warren Spahn’s No-Hitter At Age 40
At the venerable age of 40, Warren Spahn etched a historic moment in baseball on April 28, 1961, becoming the second-oldest pitcher in MLB to pitch a no-hitter. His mastery on the mound led the Milwaukee Braves to a narrow 1-0 triumph over the San Francisco Giants. The game’s only run was courtesy of a Hank Aaron RBI, making the victory Spahn’s 290th win and his 52nd career shutout.
1965: Gondola Broadcast By Lindsey Nelson
In a remarkable moment during a game between the New York Mets and the Houston Astros, Mets announcer Lindsey Nelson delivered play-by-play commentary from an unprecedented vantage point: a gondola suspended 208 feet above second base. The event unfolded at the Astrodome, marking a novel experiment in sports broadcasting. Nelson’s aerial coverage provided a unique perspective for baseball fans, as he became one of the first to call a game from such a dizzying height.
1966: Cleveland Ties Record With 10th Straight Win
In 1966, the Cleveland Indians matched an impressive feat in baseball by securing their 10th consecutive victory from Opening Day, equating the achievement previously set by the Dodgers. This remarkable winning streak solidified their strong start to the season, showcasing their dominance on the field. However, the triumph was short-lived as their streak was halted by the Chicago White Sox the following day, putting an end to their record-tying run.
1988: Orioles’ Record-Breaking 21st Consecutive Loss
On April 28, 1988, the Baltimore Orioles experienced a historic slump, setting an American League record with their 21st consecutive defeat. This daunting stretch surpassed previous records established by teams including the 1906 Boston Red Sox and both the 1916 and 1943 Philadelphia Athletics. Their unprecedented losing streak cemented the Orioles’ start to the season as the worst in modern baseball, with repercussions leading to managerial changes less than a week into the new campaign.
Today’s Baseball Birthdays
Celebrating the birthdays of baseball’s notable players on April 28, this day holds historical significance due to the remarkable careers of these athletes.
1934: Jackie Brandt
Jackie Brandt, born April 28, 1934, was a skilled outfielder known for his years with the Baltimore Orioles. Renowned for his fielding prowess, Brandt also contributed with his bat, being selected as an All-Star in 1961.
1935: Pedro Ramos
Right-handed pitcher Pedro Ramos had a long Major League tenure with several teams. Ramos led the league in losses for four consecutive seasons but also achieved the feat of leading in shutouts in 1959 with the Washington Senators.
1964: Barry Larkin
Inducted into the Hall of Fame, Barry Larkin is remembered as one of the Cincinnati Reds’ greatest shortstops. A 12-time All-Star and the 1995 MVP, Larkin’s impact on the game is undeniable.
1960: Tom Browning
Tom Browning made history by pitching the twelfth perfect game in MLB history on September 16, 1988. Playing the majority of his career with the Reds, Browning was a key player and World Series champion in 1990.