Last Updated: March 20th, 2024 by Jake Cain
1908: Mills Commission Credits Doubleday With Baseball’s Invention
In a notable decision on April 2, 1908, the Mills Commission, headed by Abraham G. Mills, credited Abner Doubleday with the creation of baseball. The commission declared that Doubleday formulated the essential rules of baseball in 1839 in the small town of Cooperstown, New York. This attribution played a significant role in Cooperstown later becoming the home of the Baseball Hall of Fame.
1972: Mets Manager Gil Hodges Passes Away
On April 2, 1972, the New York Mets suffered a great loss as their manager, Gil Hodges, experienced a fatal heart attack. Hodges was just two days shy of his 48th birthday at the time of his passing. In the wake of this unexpected event, Yogi Berra stepped up to become the new skipper for the Mets.
1976: Reggie Jackson Trade To Orioles
In a significant offseason transaction, Reggie Jackson, an iconic slugger, along with pitcher Ken Holtzman and a minor leaguer, was sent to the Baltimore Orioles. The move saw the Orioles part ways with talents Don Baylor, Mike Torrez, and Paul Mitchell. The swap was strategically timed by the Oakland Athletics ahead of free agency, aiming to optimize value in return for their departing stars.
1982: Steve McCatty’s Toy Bat Incident
In a moment mixing humor with protest, Steve McCatty of the Oakland Athletics stepped up to the plate wielding a 15-inch toy bat during a preseason game. This act was a direct jab at the National League’s ban on designated hitters, orchestrated by his manager Billy Martin. The umpire, Jim Quick, was not amused by the stunt; he invalidated the bat, resulting in McCatty striking out.
1996: Cecil Fielder’s First Stolen Base
In a surprising moment for fans and players alike, Cecil Fielder, typically celebrated for his power at the plate, accomplished his first career steal on April 2, 1996. The feat occurred during his 1,097th game as a Detroit Tiger. Later that season, he would go on to steal another base, adding a rare, yet memorable twist to his established record as a hard-hitting first baseman.
Today’s Baseball Birthdays
These players left an indelible mark on the game with their impressive skills and contributions.
1856: Tommy Bond
Tommy Bond was an Irish pitcher celebrated for his remarkable command on the mound. Born in 1856, Bond led the NL in ERA three times during his career.
1869: Hughie Jennings
Hughie Jennings made a name for himself both as a tenacious shortstop and a successful manager, most notably with the Detroit Tigers.
1907: Luke Appling
Born in 1907, Luke Appling, the durable shortstop, was a consistent hitter, earning two batting titles over his career with the Chicago White Sox.
1927: Billy Pierce
Billy Pierce was a respected left-handed pitcher, with seven All-Star appearances and three 20-win seasons with the White Sox.
1945: Don Sutton
Don Sutton graced the mound with his precision pitching, racking up over 300 wins and earning a Hall of Fame induction.
1945: Reggie Smith
Reggie Smith shined as a switch-hitter, garnering seven All-Star selections and contributing key hits in multiple World Series appearances.