Last Updated: June 17th, 2026 by Jake Cain
1910: Addie Joss’ Second No-Hitter
On April 20, 1910, Addie Joss etched his name into baseball lore by throwing a no-hitter against the Chicago White Sox, marking the second no-hitter of his illustrious career. In a tightly contested match, Joss led the Cleveland team to a slim 1-0 victory on Chicago’s home turf.
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1912: Fenway Park And Tiger Stadium Open
On April 20, 1912, baseball fans witnessed the debut of two legendary ballparks. Boston’s Fenway Park greeted its lifelong partnership with the Red Sox on a high note, as the team edged out the Highlanders, later known as the Yankees, in a tight game that lasted 11 innings before concluding with a score of 7-6. Meanwhile, in Detroit, Tiger Stadium introduced itself with a narrow victory for the Tigers who triumphed over the Indians 6-5, setting the stage for decades of baseball history to follow. Both venues quickly became revered in the baseball community, etching their names into the fabric of the sport.
1916: Wrigley Field’s First Game
On April 20, 1916, what was then known as Weeghman Park began its storied journey in baseball history hosting the Chicago Cubs’ opening game against the Cincinnati Reds. It was a nail-biting affair, with the Cubs clinching a 7-6 victory after 11 innings of intense play. Subsequently, the venue, destined to become iconic in the baseball world, received its famous name, Wrigley Field, a decade later in 1926.
1939: Ted Williams’ Major League Debut
On the 20th of April 1939, Ted Williams marked his entry into the major leagues with an impressive display of power at Yankee Stadium. In his first-ever game with the Boston Red Sox, he laced a 400-foot double, showcasing the raw talent that would come to define his storied career.
1967: Tom Seaver’s First Win
On April 20, 1967, Tom Seaver, pitching for the New York Mets, secured his inaugural victory in the big leagues against the Chicago Cubs. Dominating the mound for 7 2/3 innings, Seaver let through just eight hits and a solitary run, orchestrating a convincing 6-1 win. This game marked the beginning of Seaver’s storied career, as he led the Mets to a decisive victory that displayed his future potential as a pitching powerhouse.
1988: Baltimore Orioles’ Record Losing Streak
On April 20, 1988, the Baltimore Orioles etched their names in the annals of baseball with an unwelcome record: their 14th straight defeat to start the season. This game ended with the Orioles falling to the Milwaukee Brewers with a final score of 8-6. This string of losses remains a testament to the unpredictable nature of baseball, where a team’s fortunes can change dramatically from one season to the next, as was the case with the Orioles’ rapid descent from World Series champions to record holders for the longest losing streak at the beginning of a season.
1990: Brian Holman’s Near Perfect Game
Seattle Mariners’ pitcher Brian Holman was tantalizingly close to sealing a perfect game against Oakland. In a shocking turn, just one out shy of the feat, he surrendered a home run to Ken Phelps. Despite the heartbreaking hit, Holman and the Mariners triumphed with a victory of 6-1.
Today’s Baseball Birthdays
This section celebrates the lives and careers of players born on April 20, who left their mark on baseball.
1891: Dave Bancroft
Dave Bancroft, a Hall of Fame shortstop known for his defensive skills, was born on this day. He played an integral part in the Giants’ 1921 and 1922 World Series titles.
1923: Preston Gomez
Preston Gomez contributed to baseball as a player, coach, manager, and scout. He was the first manager of the San Diego Padres during their inaugural season in 1969.
1961: Don Mattingly
Celebrating his birthday today, Don Mattingly, affectionately known as “Donnie Baseball,” was a six-time All-Star and nine-time Gold Glove winner. His tenure with the Yankees made him a fan favorite and a respected first baseman.
1973: Todd Hollandsworth
Outfielder Todd Hollandsworth was named the National League Rookie of the Year in 1996. His solid play contributed to several teams over a 12-year career.