Last Updated: April 8th, 2024 by Jake Cain
1929: Babe Ruth Marries Claire Hodgson
In an early morning ceremony designed to deter the spotlight, baseball icon Babe Ruth wed actress Claire Hodgson. Demonstrating his flair for the dramatic, the following day, Ruth celebrated his marriage with a home run, acknowledging his new bride with a hat tip as he rounded the bases in front of an adoring crowd.
1934: Casey Stengel’s Managerial Debut
The tenure of Casey Stengel as a Major League manager kicked off on April 17, 1934, although not with the outcome he might have hoped for, as his Brooklyn Dodgers were edged out by the Boston Braves by a score of 8-7. Despite the defeat, Stengel would go on to become one of baseball’s most storied managers, particularly known for his later success with the New York Yankees.
1947: Jackie Robinson’s First MLB Hit
On April 17, 1947, Jackie Robinson hit a milestone in his pioneering baseball career by recording his first hit in the major leagues. This hit was a significant moment, not only for Robinson but for Major League Baseball as a whole, as he carved out a place for himself and other African-American players in the sport.
1951: Mickey Mantle’s First Major League Game
Mickey Mantle made his debut with the New York Yankees on April 17, 1951, marking the beginning of his storied career. In this opening game, Mantle contributed a hit in his four at-bats, playing a role in the Yankees’ shutout victory over their rivals, the Boston Red Sox, with a final score of 5-0.
1953: Mantle’s Historic Home Run
On April 17, 1953, Mickey Mantle gave baseball fans a moment to remember when he launched a remarkable home run at Griffith Stadium. His drive soared over the left-field bleachers, traveling an estimated 565 feet, etching this play into baseball lore as the Yankees went on to defeat the Senators 7-3. Mantle, already known for his immense power, further solidified his status as one of the game’s legendary sluggers with this iconic swing.
1964: Shea Stadium’s First Mets Game
On April 17, 1964, Shea Stadium witnessed its inaugural baseball game where the New York Mets faced off against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Despite the excitement of the new venue, the Mets came up short, falling to the Pirates with a close score of 4-3. Willie Stargell etched his name into history by hitting the first home run at Shea Stadium.
1969: Bill Stoneman’s No-Hitter
On April 17, 1969, Bill Stoneman astonished baseball fans by pitching a no-hitter for the Montreal Expos against the Philadelphia Phillies. This remarkable feat occurred in just the Expos’ tenth game ever.
1976: Mike Schmidt’s Four Home Runs
On April 17, 1976, Mike Schmidt made history with an extraordinary display of power, crushing four home runs in a row in one game, helping the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Chicago Cubs by a score of 18-16. Schmidt’s performance at Wrigley Field is remembered as one of the most impressive offensive showcases in baseball history.
1983: Nolan Ryan’s 3,500th Career Strikeout
On April 17, 1983, Nolan Ryan, pitching for the Houston Astros, etched his name deeper into baseball lore by notching his 3,500th strikeout. Ryan became just the second pitcher in MLB history to cross this remarkable threshold, showcasing his enduring dominance on the mound. This achievement underscored his reputation as one of the game’s elite pitchers and further solidified his eventual path to the Hall of Fame, where he was inducted in 1999.
Today’s Baseball Birthdays
Let’s acknowledge the achievements of two remarkable individuals who share an April 17th birthday.
1923: Solly Hemus
Solly Hemus made his mark as a versatile player, becoming known for his spirited approach to the game. Over his career, he played various infield positions and later transitioned into a managerial role.
1967: Marquis Grissom
Marquis Grissom shined as a formidable center fielder and was key in clinching a World Series victory during his career. His consistent performance as a reliable hitter and his quick reflexes in the outfield left an enduring impression on fans and players alike.