Last Updated: June 17th, 2026 by Jake Cain
1875: First Major League No-Hitter
On a summer day, July 28th, Joe Borden etched his name in baseball lore. Pitching for Philadelphia under the pseudonym Josephs, he silenced the bats of the Chicago White Stockings in spectacular fashion. Fans witnessed history as Borden completed the game in a swift 95 minutes, sealing a 4-0 triumph. His masterful performance marked the very first no-hitter in Major League Baseball, setting a high bar for pitchers in the burgeoning professional sport.
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1931: Fothergill’s Big Inning
In the summer of ’31, the Chicago White Sox put up an inning for the books. Bob Fothergill stepped up to the plate, slamming a home run and a triple as the Sox erupted for eleven runs in the eighth frame. They were dueling the New York Yankees, and Fothergill’s heavy hitting was a spectacle that led his team to a thrilling 14-12 victory. Known for clutch performances, Fothergill surely gave the fans at the ballpark something to talk about on their way home.
1952: Hornsby’s Managerial Shuffle
In the midst of the ’52 season, a familiar face took over the reins of the Cincinnati Reds. Rogers Hornsby, one of the greatest hitters ever to play the game, stepped in as skipper, taking the spot previously held by Luke Sewell. His appointment came on the back of his departure from the St. Louis Browns—a team that had let him go earlier. Fans buzzed with excitement, as they knew “The Rajah’s” sharp baseball mind could spell a new era for the Reds, despite the mid-season change-up.
1971: Brooks Robinson’s Rare Errors
It was a rough inning for Brooks Robinson, usually known for his slick fielding, when he uncharacteristically racked up three errors. Fans were on edge as his gloves seemed to betray him, a rare sight for the 16-time Gold Glove winner. Luck swung back for the Baltimore Orioles, though, thanks to Frank Robinson’s swing sending a three-run homer out of the park. That clutch hit turned the game around, securing a victory against the Oakland A’s despite the defensive hiccups.
1976: Odom-Barrios No-Hitter Combo
On July 28, 1976, the Chicago White Sox witnessed a rare gem when pitchers Blue Moon Odom and Francisco Barrios teamed up to silence the Oakland bats with a combined no-hitter. In a tense game that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the White Sox emerged victorious with a narrow 2-1 win. The dynamic duo managed to keep Oakland hitters guessing, not allowing a single hit through all nine innings. The game etched itself in the memories of White Sox fans, as Odom and Barrios etched their names into the baseball record books with their outstanding teamwork.
1979: Kingman’s Triple Homers
On a sweltering July 28 day in 1979, Dave Kingman of the Chicago Cubs stepped up and blasted not one, not two, but three home runs in a single game against the Mets. This marked the second time that season Kingman showcased this display of power, cementing his reputation as a formidable slugger. Despite Kingman’s heroic swings, the Cubs fell short to the Mets with a score of 6-4. It’s a day where Kingman’s bat was on fire, but ironically, the Cubs couldn’t seal the deal, leading to a bittersweet symphony of long balls and lost games for Cubs fans.
1983: Pine Tar Incident Resolution
On July 28, 1983, fans of baseball lore got a surprise twist in the so-called “Pine Tar Game“. Lee McPhail, then president of the American League, overturned the on-field decision regarding George Brett’s contested home run. Brett, who was and still is one of baseball’s iconic hitters, had previously hit a go-ahead homer for the Royals against the Yankees that was nullified due to an excess of pine tar on his bat.
McPhail’s ruling reinstated the home run, and a date was set to resume the game on August 18. There was some serious head shaking and chuckling around the baseball world as the Royals held onto their lead and ultimately left the infamous Yankees looking bewildered by the final win. This decision didn’t just affect the game’s outcome; it made a statement about the spirit of baseball rules and their enforcement.
1985: Hall of Fame Inductions
The Class of ’85 rolled into Cooperstown, bringing with it some of baseball’s most storied names. Lou Brock, the base-stealing maestro, and Enos “Country” Slaughter, known for his hustle, both took their well-deserved spots in the Hall. Joining them were Arky Vaughan, the slick-fielding shortstop with a sweet bat, and knuckleball king Hoyt Wilhelm. They made history that summer day, their legacies forever etched among baseball’s immortals.
1989: Coleman’s Streak Ends
On July 28, 1989, the baseball world watched as Vince Coleman’s remarkable streak slid to a halt. The speedy outfielder for the St. Louis Cardinals had swiped fifty bags in a row, setting a Major League record in the process. Alas, the Expos caught him trying to steal a base, putting the brakes on his historic run. It was a reminder that even the best base stealers get thrown out now and then, but hey, fifty straight is something to tip your cap to.
1990: Dunston’s Triple Triples
In a masterful display of speed and skill, Chicago Cubs’ Shawon Dunston etched his name in the history books on a sunny day against the Montreal Expos. The shortstop blasted an extraordinary three triples, rallying the Cubs to a 10-7 victory. Swinging with precision and dashing around the bases, Dunston’s trio of triples tied a Major League record for triples in a single game.
The crowd was witness to a rare feat that day, as triples are one of the least common hits due to the combination of power and speed required. His performance was both a show of athleticism and a strategic boon, contributing significantly to the team’s high-scoring win. With each crack of the bat, Dunston not only delighted the fans but also secured a spot in baseball lore, a tale that’s recounted with a twinkle in the eye of Cubs fans even today.
1991: Martinez’s Perfect Game
On a sunny day at Dodger Stadium, Dennis Martinez etched his name in the history books. Dennis Martinez pitched a perfect game for the Montreal Expos, securing a 2-0 victory against the Los Angeles Dodgers. This achievement made him the first Nicaraguan to toss a perfect game in the majors and captured the hearts of baseball fans everywhere. It wasn’t just a win; it was a masterclass in pitching that fans and commentators still look back on with admiration.
1993: Griffey Jr.’s Home Run Streak
On July 28, 1993, Ken Griffey Jr. showcased his extraordinary talent, matching a Major League baseball feat by hitting a home run in his eighth straight game. While his team, the Seattle Mariners, weren’t victorious against the Minnesota Twins that day, Griffey’s consistency at the plate kept fans on the edge of their seats. Known as “Junior,” he was already turning heads with his knack for sending balls sailing out of the park with grace and power. This streak solidified his status as one of the game’s greats, giving fans a sense of pride and awe in watching a player in his prime relentlessly pursue baseball history.
1993: End of a Losing Streak
On a day that seemed all too familiar, Anthony Young edged closer to solidifying another disappointing outing. After a mishap that allowed the Marlins to snag the lead, the atmosphere was tense; fans could be forgiven for thinking “not again!” But baseball is a game of surprises, and the Mets weren’t done. In a twist of fate, they orchestrated a comeback that flipped the script.
The rally meant more than just a win for the Mets—it marked the finale of Young’s infamous 27-game skid. Talk about a relief! Imagine the weight lifted off Young’s shoulders as his teammates celebrated, breaking the longest losing streak in MLB history. It was a moment of victory, sweetened by the trials that preceded it, and a reminder that in baseball, the game isn’t over ’til it’s over.
1994: Rogers’ Perfect Game
On a day heavy with the looming shadow of a players’ strike, Kenny Rogers stepped onto the mound in a game that would etch his name in the Texas Rangers history books. Against the California Angels, Rogers not only dominated the lineup but did so flawlessly, delivering the fourteenth impeccable showing ever seen in Major League Baseball—a perfect game. Baseball aficionados hardly expected such a spectacle on the same day strike action was decided, making Rogers’ achievement on July 28th a silver lining amidst the brewing storm. This rare accomplishment gave fans a game to cherish in the face of the impending baseball silence that would begin mid-August.
1997: Woodard’s Stunning Debut
In a remarkable display of skill, Steve Woodard, a rookie pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers, took the mound and left a lasting impression on baseball fans. In his very first game in the big leagues, he nearly baffled the Toronto Blue Jays, allowing just a single hit over eight innings. His prowess was not just in his control but in his ability to retire batters, notching twelve strikeouts. The cherry on top: Woodard outdueled seasoned vet Roger Clemens, securing a memorable win for his team.
1999: Defeating the World Champs
In the 1999 Pan American Games, the US baseball team stunned fans with a win against the Cuban squad, who were the reigning champs. Coming into the ninth inning, the game’s atmosphere was electric, as both teams were locked in a tight contest. Then, Marcus Jensen stepped up and delivered a clutch three-run homer, swinging the momentum in favor of Team USA. That home run was a game-changer, and it secured an unlikely yet memorable victory for the American team that day.
Today’s Baseball Birthdays
Celebrating birthdays today, we look back at players who made their mark in the big leagues. Each left a unique legacy on the sport they loved.
1901: Freddie Fitzsimmons
Dubbed “Fat Freddie” for his distinctive physique, Freddie Fitzsimmons was known for a deceptive curveball and a solid career as a knuckleball pitcher. A two-time All-Star, his playing days are remembered with the Giants and the Dodgers.
1949: Vida Blue
A name that resonates with fans of power pitching, Vida Blue burst onto the scene winning both the Cy Young and MVP awards in 1971 with the Athletics. Blue’s electric arm and charisma on the mound made him a fan favorite and a memorable character in baseball lore.
1953: Jerry Maddox
Lesser-known but still part of baseball history, Jerry Maddox spent a brief period in the majors. Although his career was short, every July 28 reminds us that he too had his moment in the sun with a bat in hand and dreams of glory on the diamond.