Last Updated: June 17th, 2026 by Jake Cain
1909: Honus Wagner’s Remarkable Steal
On May 2, 1909, the baseball legend Honus Wagner performed a feat only a few have matched, stealing every base in a single inning during a matchup with the Chicago Cubs. This impressive accomplishment wasn’t new to Wagner; it marked the fourth instance in his career where he’d pulled off such a daring series of steals, setting a National League record.
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1917: Dual No-Hitters Extended To Ten Innings
On May 2, 1917, an extraordinary pitching duel unfolded between the Cubs’ Hippo Vaughn and the Reds’ Fred Toney. Both aces maintained no-hitters for nine innings—a rare feat in Major League Baseball. In a thrilling tenth inning, Cincinnati broke the deadlock, scoring the game’s only run while Toney sealed the deal, completing his no-hitter and etching the game into the annals of baseball history as one of only four ten-inning no-hitters at that time.
1939: Lou Gehrig Ends Consecutive Game Streak
On May 2, 1939, an era ended as Lou Gehrig, the New York Yankees’ legendary first baseman, made the tough decision to end his streak of 2,130 consecutive games played. Recognizing the impact of the health issues he was silently battling, Gehrig took himself out of the lineup. His absence marked a poignant moment in baseball history, but it also opened the door for Babe Dahlgren to shine, as he stepped in and made an immediate impact with a home run and a double, contributing significantly to the Yankees’ win that day.
1949: Don Newcombe’s Major League Debut Shutout
In a remarkable beginning to his Major League career, Don Newcombe took the mound against the Cincinnati Reds and pitched a sensational shutout, leading his team to a 3-0 victory. This impressive debut took place in the 1949 season. A dominant force on the field, Newcombe immediately showcased his pitching prowess, which would eventually contribute to a celebrated baseball legacy.
1954: Stan Musial’s Doubleheader Home Run Record
On May 2, 1954, Stan Musial cemented his status as one of baseball’s finest hitters by smashing five home runs in a doubleheader. Musial’s remarkable performance occurred in St. Louis during games against the New York Giants.
1958: Yankees’ Broadcast Battle
In 1958, the New York Yankees made a bold move that could have changed the broadcast landscape of Major League Baseball. They contemplated broadcasting their games across the nation, in response to the National League’s idea of allowing broadcasts from rival teams like the Dodgers and Giants to infiltrate the New York market. The Yankees’ strategic maneuver was aimed at protecting their broadcast territory and maintaining their fanbase amidst the growing competition.
Today’s Baseball Birthdays
On May 2, a distinguished group of baseball talent celebrates their birthdays, showcasing some of the game’s historical personalities.
1887: Eddie Collins
Eddie Collins stood out as a skilled second baseman and a contact hitter who racked up more than 3,000 hits during his impressive career.
1939: Gates Brown
Gates Brown left an indelible mark as a clutch pinch-hitter for the Detroit Tigers in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
1941: Clay Carroll
Clay Carroll’s birthday in 1941 marked the arrival of a formidable pitcher renowned for his pivotal role in the Cincinnati Reds bullpen during their dominant period in the 1970s.
1954: Keith Moreland
In 1954, the birth of Keith Moreland brought forth an adaptable player who contributed as an outfielder, catcher, and third baseman, primarily with the Chicago Cubs.
1975: Mark Johnson
Mark Johnson added depth to the Major League as a strategic catcher with a keen eye for guiding pitchers through games.