Last Updated: June 17th, 2026 by Jake Cain
1905: Waddell Vs. Young 20-Inning Duel
In an epic battle on the diamond that took place on Independence Day 1905, Rube Waddell threw an impressive 20 innings for the Philadelphia Athletics to clinch the win against Cy Young and the Boston Americans. Waddell’s battery mate, catcher Ossee Schreckengost, was right there with him, enduring every inning to set a new record for the most innings caught in a single day. Their exceptional performance is etched in baseball lore, showcasing not just stamina but also a fierce competitive spirit that day.
Don't lose this article. Enter your email below, and I'll send it to you right now. Plus, we'll send you other unbelievable stories from baseball's past.
1911: Walsh Ends Cobb’s Hitting Streak
On July 4, 1911, Ed Walsh of the Chicago White Sox halted the impressive 40-game hitting streak of Ty Cobb. Facing the Detroit Tigers, Walsh dominated on the mound, ensuring not a single hit from Cobb, who was renowned for his batting prowess.
1939: Lou Gehrig’s Farewell
On July 4, 1939, a poignant moment unfolded at Yankee Stadium as Lou Gehrig addressed the crowd with his heartfelt “luckiest man” speech. The beloved Yankees’ first baseman, weakened by illness, stood before fans and teammates to bid farewell to the sport that he so dearly loved. In a historic tribute, the Yankees retired Gehrig’s number 4, marking him as the first player in Major League history to receive this honor.
1960: Mickey Mantle’s 300th Home Run
Mickey Mantle hammered his milestone 300th home run on July 4th, 1960. This towering feat placed Mantle in a revered group of power hitters, underscoring his status as a preeminent slugger.
1980: Nolan Ryan’s 3,000th Strikeout
On July 4, 1980, Nolan Ryan etched his name deeper into the annals of baseball history by striking out his 3,000th batter, Cesar Geronimo of the Cincinnati Reds. Ryan’s milestone strikeout highlighted his dominant pitching prowess and secured his position as one of baseball’s all-time great pitchers.
1983: Dave Righetti’s No-Hitter
On July 4, 1983, Dave Righetti etched his name into New York Yankees lore by pitching a no-hitter against the Boston Red Sox. This momentous game marked the first time in 27 years that a Yankee pitcher threw a no-hitter at Yankee Stadium, stirring the pride of fans and securing Righetti’s place in team history.
1984: Niekro’s 3,000 Strikeouts
Phil Niekro joined an elite circle on the Fourth of July in 1984, securing his place in baseball history by notching his 3,000th strikeout. This achievement made him only the ninth pitcher ever to reach such a significant milestone, showcasing his knuckleball mastery over his long career.
Today’s Baseball Birthdays
July 4th celebrates the birth of several baseball greats, marking a date with historical significance for the sport.
1859: Mickey Welch
Mickey Welch, a right-handed pitcher, made his mark in the early days of professional baseball. One of the earliest members of the 300-win club, Welch was known for his “speedball,” a fastball by today’s standards.
1929: Chuck Tanner
Chuck Tanner began his MLB journey as an outfielder but truly left his imprint as a manager. He managed the Pittsburgh Pirates to a World Series title in 1979, uplifting them with his positive, player-friendly approach.
1942: Hal Lanier
Hal Lanier was an infielder turned manager whose prowess on the field was best displayed through his defensive skill. Later, as the skipper of the Houston Astros, he led the team to a division title in 1986.
1967: Vinny Castilla
Vinny Castilla became known for his powerful hitting at the plate during the 1990s. A key figure in the Colorado Rockies’ early history, Castilla helped define the team’s offense during the franchise’s formative years.