Last Updated: June 17th, 2026 by Jake Cain
1919: Babe Ruth’s Grand Slam Incites Managerial Change
On a fateful day in 1919, the Cleveland Indians held a comfortable 7-4 lead, but that all changed when Lee Fohl, the Indians’ manager, decided to bring in pitcher Fritz Coumbe. Facing none other than Babe Ruth, baseball’s great slugger, Coumbe found himself in a jam with the bases loaded. Ruth launched a go-ahead grand slam, flipping the script to an 8-7 loss for the Indians. This pivotal moment led to Lee Fohl’s replacement by Tris Speaker as the player-manager, a role Speaker would successfully hold for seven years.
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1920: Tris Speaker’s Record Hitting Streak Ends
On July 10th, in the midst of an exceptional season, Tris Speaker’s streak of getting hits in 11 straight at-bats was snapped. It was Washington’s Tom Zachary who managed to halt the streak, something no pitcher had done in a while. Speaker’s accomplishment stood as a record for nearly two decades before Pinky Higgins edged past it in 1938 with 12 consecutive hits. Speaker’s remarkable run remains a memorable moment for baseball fans, representing the skill and consistency that marked his storied career.
1932: Record-Breaking Relief Pitching and Hitting
On a cost-saving trip to Cleveland, the Philadelphia Athletics played a memorable game with just two pitchers in tow. After the starting pitcher was pulled early, relief pitcher Eddie Rommel stepped in to throw an unimaginable 17 innings. Despite giving up 29 hits, Rommel held on to clinch a close 18-17 victory for the A’s. Meanwhile, Jimmie Foxx matched a record for total bases with his powerful hitting, smashing three home runs as part of his six-hit day. The game also saw Cleveland’s Johnny Burnett set a new high-water mark with an impressive nine hits. This game remains etched in baseball lore for its endurance on the mound and explosive batting feats.
1934: Carl Hubbell Strikes Out Five Hall Of Famers Consecutively
One of the most unforgettable moments in All-Star Game history took place on July 10, 1934, when Carl Hubbell amazed the crowd by striking out a succession of baseball legends. It was like lightning striking the same place five times, as Hubbell took down Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Jimmie Foxx, Al Simmons, and Joe Cronin—each of them a titan in the sport and later inducted into the Hall of Fame. Despite Hubbell’s remarkable display on the mound for the National League, the game concluded in a win for the American League with a nail-biting score of 9-7. This feat by Hubbell remains a high point in All-Star Game lore, showcasing the unique thrill of baseball’s brightest stars going head-to-head.
1936: Chuck Klein Hits Four Home Runs In A Game
On July 10, 1936, Chuck Klein, playing for the Philadelphia Phillies, had a day for the history books, smacking four home runs against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Forbes Field. His quartet of homers spanned a tense, ten-inning showdown, culminating in his final home run which was crucial to the Phillies’ 9-6 triumph. Klein cemented his position as one of baseball’s greats, being the first National League player of the 20th century to achieve this feat. Baseball enthusiasts still admire his standout performance, which not only won the game but made him the fourth major leaguer ever to hit four in one game.
1945: All-Star Game Canceled Due To WWII
Due to the impact of World War II, especially the restrictions on travel, Major League Baseball had to make the tough call to cancel the 1945 All-Star Game. This game was originally set to take place at the historic Fenway Park, the home of the Boston Red Sox. This was one of only two years since the All-Star Game’s inception in 1933 that fans didn’t get to see the league’s top players face off in the midsummer classic. The cancellation served as a reminder of the broader impacts of the war on American life, even extending into the realm of sports.
1951: National League Dominates All-Star Game With Four Homers
On July 10, 1951, the National League showcased their power-hitting prowess at Detroit’s Briggs Stadium by launching an impressive four home runs. This display led them to a decisive 8-3 victory over their American League counterparts in the All-Star Game. Among the sluggers, Ralph Kiner stood out by hitting a homer for the third year in a row, a remarkable achievement in All-Star competition. This feat contributed to setting an All-Star Game record for the National League team and solidified their dominance on this day in baseball history.
1956: Standout All-Star Game Performances
In the 1956 All-Star Game, National League third baseman Ken Boyer had a field day, notching three hits and pulling off a trio of athletic defensive plays. This exhibition saw a showcase of power, with household names like Willie Mays, Mickey Mantle, Ted Williams, and Stan Musial all sending balls out of the park. These astounding homers contributed heavily to the National League’s overwhelming 7-3 triumph over their American League counterparts. The game’s box score reflects an impressive offensive display by these all-time greats, ensuring the ’56 matchup remained a memorable chapter in All-Star history.
1962: Roberto Clemente Leads N.L. to Victory in All-Star Game
At the All-Star Game of 1962, held in Washington, Roberto Clemente made a remarkable contribution with his bat, chalking up three hits. This offensive firepower was pivotal in leading the National League to a tight 3-1 triumph. The game, distinct for being one of two All-Star matchups that year, showcased Clemente’s knack for clutch performances. Fans remember the event as yet another example of how his skills shone on the national stage, securing a win for the NL squad.
1964: Jesus Alou’s Six-Hit Game
On July 10, 1964, Jesus Alou, an outfielder for the San Francisco Giants, made baseball history with an exceptional performance against the Chicago Cubs. Alou hammered out six hits over the course of the game, with a unique twist—each one was off a different Cubs pitcher. His relentless hitting was pivotal in securing a dominant 10-3 victory for the Giants. Alou’s six-hit feat remains a remarkable occurrence that showcases the depth of his batting skills and the difficulty for the Cubs’ pitching staff to contain him that day.
1968: National League Announces Divisional Realignment For 1969
In 1968, baseball saw a significant change on the horizon – the National League was setting the stage for a divisional realignment to take effect the following year. They decided to structure the teams into Eastern and Western Divisions, shifting the landscape of the league. This divisional concept aimed to enhance competition and would lead to a more organized league setup that was similar to what was already being employed in other sports. Fans and teams alike anticipated how this realignment would play out for rivalries and postseason play.
1982: Larry Parrish Ties Grand Slam Record
Within the span of a single week in 1982, Larry Parrish of the Texas Rangers hit a remarkable third grand slam, matching a major league record set back in 1968. His first two grand slams came on July 4th and 7th, showing a remarkable consistency at the plate. The final grand slam on July 10 clinched a tight 6-5 victory for the Rangers against the Tigers. Parrish’s accomplishment is a testament to his power-hitting ability and remains a memorable moment in baseball history.
1984: All-Star Game Pitchers Set Strikeout Record
At the 1984 Midsummer Classic, fans witnessed an extraordinary display of pitching. National League aces Fernando Valenzuela and Dwight Gooden achieved a striking feat—they fanned six consecutive hitters. This remarkable achievement set the tone for the game and established a new strikeout record for the All-Star Game. Their combined efforts helped the National League clinch a 3-1 victory over their American League counterparts.
1997: Hideki Irabu’s Majestic Major League Debut
On July 10, 1997, Hideki Irabu made a striking entrance into the MLB with the New York Yankees. Facing off against the Detroit Tigers in front of a packed Yankee Stadium, Irabu racked up nine strikeouts over 6.2 innings. His dominant pitching helped the Yankees cruise to a 10-3 win, marking a notable start to his MLB career. Baseball enthusiasts recall the buzz and excitement surrounding the Japanese player’s transition to the American stage as he showcased his ability to shut down hitters.
Today’s Baseball Birthdays
July 10 marks the birth of several prominent baseball figures who left their mark on the game.
1868: Bobby Lowe
Bobby Lowe, born on this day in 1868, was known for being the first major leaguer to hit four home runs in a single game. His record stood as a rare feat for many years.
1945: Hal McRae
Hal McRae, celebrating his birthday today, made his name as a hard-hitting designated hitter and outfielder, playing a vital role for the Kansas City Royals in the ’70s and ’80s.
1954: Andre Dawson
Andre Dawson, born on this date in 1954, “The Hawk” was renowned for his impressive all-around skills on the field, earning him the 1987 NL MVP and a spot in the Hall of Fame.