Last Updated: June 17th, 2026 by Jake Cain
1901: Christy Mathewson’s First No-Hitter
On a summer day in 1901, Christy Mathewson, pitching for the New York Giants, accomplished a feat to etch his name in baseball lore. Against the St. Louis Cardinals, he silenced their bats, not allowing a single hit, and led the Giants to a commanding 5-0 victory. This game marked Mathewson’s introduction to the world of baseball no-hitters, setting the stage for a storied career ahead. Fans at the time marveled at his precision and control on the mound, a performance that remains a highlight when recalling the legends of the game.
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1969: Lee May’s Four Homers in a Doubleheader
On July 15, 1969, Lee May swung his way into history with a jaw-dropping performance that left fans at Crosley Field on the edge of their seats. The slugger, who was known for his power at the plate, achieved an extraordinary feat by belting four home runs during a two-game stint against the Atlanta Braves. Compiling a staggering ten RBIs across both games, May’s performance was a showcase of pure hitting prowess.
The Cincinnati Reds powerhouse didn’t just hit a few out of the park; he made it look easy and sent the message that he was a force to be reckoned with. Imagine the roaring crowds as each ball soared over the fence, with May rounding the bases with that confident trot of his. For the Reds and baseball enthusiasts alike, it was the kind of day that would stick in memory — the kind where a player redefines what’s possible in a single day at the diamond.
1973: Nolan Ryan’s Second No-Hitter
Pitching for the California Angels, Nolan Ryan stunned the crowd on July 15 by clinching his second no-hitter of the year against the Detroit Tigers. The Angels soared to a 6-0 win, largely due to Ryan’s unrivaled command on the mound, where he struck out 17 batters over the course of the game. This remarkable achievement made it crystal clear why Ryan was one of the most feared pitchers in baseball. Fans still reminisce about that day when Ryan’s fastballs and knee-buckling curveballs silenced the Tigers, etching his name deeper into baseball lore.
1980: Johnny Bench Breaks Home Run Record for Catchers
On a lively day in the summer of 1980, Johnny Bench hit a homer that was for the books. In a high-scoring face-off where the Cincinnati Reds bested the Montreal Expos 12-7, Bench launched his 314th home run while playing as a catcher, edging past the great Yogi Berra’s long-standing record.
Johnny Bench’s storied career with the Reds had another highlight reel moment, cementing his legacy as one of the game’s most formidable power hitters behind the plate. Reds fans and baseball enthusiasts still tip their caps to the day when Bench’s bat etched his name atop the list for most home runs by a catcher, a feat that keeps him in the annals of baseball lore.
1990: Bobby Thigpen’s Record for Quickest Thirty Saves
On a warm July day, Bobby Thigpen made baseball history with the Chicago White Sox, securing his thirtieth save of the season more rapidly than anyone before him—an achievement solidified during a victorious game against the New York Yankees. This astonishing milestone didn’t just happen; it was the testament to Thigpen’s relentless prowess on the mound during the 1990 season.
Thigpen’s arm was like a finely-tuned machine, and his dominance closing games was a spectacle that turned heads all across the majors. White Sox fans—and indeed, baseball enthusiasts everywhere—still look back on that season and tip their caps to what Thigpen crafted: a record that would stand tall in the annals of baseball’s rich tapestry.
1997: Giants’ Record-Setting 13-Run Seventh Inning
In a remarkable display of offensive firepower, the San Francisco Giants etched their names into the National League history books by amassing an incredible 13 runs in the seventh inning alone, setting a modern league record for the most runs scored in a single inning. This historic inning fueled the Giants’ domination over the San Diego Padres, culminating in a lopsided 16-2 victory. They didn’t just hit well; they hit like a team possessed, with everyone in the lineup contributing to the scoreboard onslaught. For baseball enthusiasts and Giants fans alike, that seventh-inning surge remains a standout moment, capturing the unpredictable and electrifying nature of America’s favorite pastime.
1999: Safeco Field’s Inaugural Game
On July 15, 1999, Safeco Field welcomed baseball fans for its first official game under the open sky. The excitement buzzed through the stadium as the Seattle Mariners squared off against the San Diego Padres. It was a nail-biter of a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats, but heartbreak struck in the ninth inning when the Mariners, leading by a run, saw their victory slip away. Jose Mesa, taking the mound for Seattle, couldn’t hold the fort, and Padres snatched a 3-2 win, dampening the spirits in the new baseball abode.
Today’s Baseball Birthdays
Our love for baseball brings us together to celebrate the careers of players born on this day. Let’s tip our caps to these July 15th birthday boys.
1892: Bubbles Hargrave
They called him Bubbles, but Eugene Franklin Hargrave meant serious business behind the plate. Born in 1892, he was the man with the National League’s highest batting average in 1926, a sign of his prowess with the bat.
1935: Donn Clendenon
Donn Clendenon, born in 1935, laced up his cleats and made a name for himself as a solid first baseman. With a World Series MVP in 1969, he ensured his spot in the annals of baseball history.
1965: Kirt Manwaring
On the birthday roster for 1965, we’ve got Kirt Manwaring, a catcher best known for his time with the Giants. Manwaring’s Golden Glove in 1993 shows that he was no slouch when it came to defense.
1971: James Baldwin
Last on our birthday list but not least is pitcher James Baldwin, born in 1971. He made the All-Star game in 2000, a highlight of a career defined by a wicked fastball and a competitive edge on the mound.