Last Updated: April 1st, 2024 by Jake Cain
1910: President Taft’s First Pitch
The tradition of the U.S. Presidents throwing out the first pitch began with President William Howard Taft on April 14, 1910. The pitch was received by Walter Johnson, star pitcher for the Washington Senators. This gesture by Taft established an enduring connection between the sport and the office of the President, symbolizing baseball’s status as America’s pastime.
1917: Eddie Cicotte’s No-Hitter
On April 14, Eddie Cicotte, pitching for the Chicago White Sox, secured his place in baseball history by throwing a no-hitter, blanking the opposition in a lopsided 11-0 win. It was a remarkable feat that highlighted his pitching prowess and solidified his standing among the early 20th century’s baseball greats.
1925: First Radio Broadcast Cubs Game
On April 14, 1925, Chicago Cubs history intersected with broadcasting history when WGN aired the team’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. It marked a significant moment, as fans for the first time could follow a Cubs game live on the radio, without having to be in the stands. The game featured a standout performance by pitcher Grover Alexander, who by then had established himself as one of the game’s elite pitchers.
1925: Hall of Famers Grove and Cochrane Debuts
On April 14, 1925, two future legends of baseball, pitcher Lefty Grove and catcher Mickey Cochrane, entered the major leagues with the Philadelphia Athletics. Their inaugural game ended triumphantly as the Athletics secured a win in extra innings, marking the beginning of illustrious careers for both players. Grove and Cochrane would not only excel individually but also help propel the Athletics to multiple World Series titles during their tenure with the team.
1946: Mel Ott’s Final Home Run
On the inaugural game of the 1946 season, Mel Ott, the esteemed Giants skipper, notched his final career home run. It was a historic moment as he rounded the bases for the 511th time, a number that would etch his name permanently among baseball’s elite sluggers.
1955: Elston Howard Breaks Color Barrier for Yankees
On April 14, 1955, Elston Howard made history as the first African American to don a New York Yankees uniform. This significant event shattered the racial divide within one of the most storied franchises in baseball. His debut symbolized a new era not just for the team, but for the sport itself, signaling a move toward greater inclusivity and diversity in the game.
1968: Jim Bunning’s Dual League Milestone
On April 14, 1968, Jim Bunning, pitching for the Pittsburgh Pirates, reached an impressive career milestone by notching his 1,000th strikeout in the National League (NL). This achievement made him the first pitcher since the legendary Cy Young to accomplish the feat of recording 1,000 strikeouts in both the American League (AL) and the NL.
1969: First Major League Game in Canada
On April 14, 1969, a historic event took place as the Montreal Expos welcomed the St. Louis Cardinals for what would become the first-ever Major League Baseball game hosted on Canadian soil. The Expos, carrying the honor of being the first MLB team based outside the U.S., participated in the National League East division from their inception until the end of the 2004 season, before ultimately relocating.
1991: Nolan Ryan’s Milestone
On April 14, 1991, Nolan Ryan made history, joining an elite club by surpassing 5,000 innings pitched in his Major League Baseball career. It was a testament to Ryan’s endurance as one of the game’s most formidable pitchers, a status he maintained even into the later years of his playing days.
1998: McGwire’s Three-Homer Game
On April 14, 1998, Mark McGwire demonstrated his formidable slugging ability with three home runs in a single game for the St. Louis Cardinals. This performance was part of his historic race to break the single-season home run record, a pursuit that captivated baseball fans and kept eyes glued to the season.
Today’s Baseball Birthdays
April 14 is a significant day in baseball history, as it marks the birth of numerous Major League Baseball stars who have left an enduring impact on the game.
1941: Pete Rose
Pete Rose is celebrated as one of baseball’s most dynamic players and holds the MLB record for most career hits with 4,256.
1966: Greg Maddux
Greg Maddux is revered for his pinpoint pitching accuracy and consistency, earning him 355 career wins and four consecutive Cy Young Awards.
1966: David Justice
David Justice made his mark as a powerful hitter, contributing to two World Series wins over the course of his illustrious career.
1969: Brad Ausmus
Brad Ausmus is recognized for his sharp defensive skills behind the plate during his 18-year tenure as a major league catcher.
1970: Steve Avery
Left-handed pitcher Steve Avery celebrates his birthday today, best remembered for his role in the Atlanta Braves’ dominant rotation in the early 1990s.
1976: Kyle Farnsworth
Kyle Farnsworth established himself as a formidable reliever, known for his powerful fastball and aggressive pitching style.