Last Updated: April 18th, 2024 by Jake Cain
1876: National League’s Inaugural Game
On April 22, 1876, professional baseball marked a new era with its very first National League game, a closely contested match that ended in a 5-4 victory for Boston over Philadelphia. This inaugural game set a precedent for competitive professional baseball, establishing the National League as a cornerstone for the sport in America.
1898: Dual No-Hitters
On April 22, 1898, a remarkable coincidence unfolded in the world of baseball: two pitchers, Ted Breitenstein of the Cincinnati Reds and Jay Hughes of the Baltimore Orioles, each achieved a no-hitter. The occurrence of dual no-hitters on the same day underscores the extraordinary nature of the achievement in the sport.
1915: Yankees Pinstripes
In 1915, the New York Yankees made a significant uniform change that would become an iconic characteristic of their identity: they donned pinstripes. Initially introduced to visually elongate the players and add a unique flair to their attire, these stripes were not instantly popular but would grow to define the Yankees’ uniform aesthetics. Today, those pinstripes are emblematic of the Yankees’ rich history and tradition within baseball culture.
1957: John Kennedy Integrates The Phillies
On April 22, 1957, a pivotal moment in baseball history unfolded when John Irvin Kennedy stepped onto the field for the Philadelphia Phillies, becoming their first African American player. His appearance marked the end of the National League’s racial integration process, a full decade after Jackie Robinson broke MLB’s color barrier.
1959: White Sox’s Unique Scoring Inning
On April 22, 1959, the Chicago White Sox etched an extraordinary chapter in baseball history during an inning that encapsulated the sport’s inherent unpredictability. This inning saw the White Sox amass an astonishing 11 runs against the Kansas City A’s, yet remarkably, they managed to do so with only one hit. The A’s defensive lapses and a series of walks allowed the White Sox to ply a remarkable offensive strategy, leveraging their opponents’ errors to secure a lopsided inning without the need for multiple hits.
1970: Tom Seaver’s Historic Strikeout Game
On April 22, 1970, Tom Seaver, the New York Mets ace, delivered an unforgettable performance, striking out 19 San Diego Padres hitters. His feat included an astonishing run of ten consecutive strikeouts, marking a high point in his illustrious career. Seaver’s display of pitching prowess on that spring day etched his name even deeper into baseball lore as one of the game’s dominant pitchers.
1982: Braves’ Record Season Start Ends
On April 22, 1982, the Atlanta Braves faced their first defeat after an unparalleled opening streak in the season. Their 13-game winning streak had set a modern MLB benchmark, capturing the attention and admiration of baseball enthusiasts. This marked the conclusion of their astonishing run, which still stands out in the annals of baseball history.
1991: Frank Thomas Homers At New Comiskey
In 1991, the air at New Comiskey Park was electric as Frank Thomas, affectionately known as “The Big Hurt,” launched a homer that resonated far beyond the confines of the ballpark. It wasn’t just a home run; it symbolized the dawn of a new chapter for the White Sox in their gleaming stadium. Thomas’ legendary power at the plate soon became a cornerstone for the team, making him one of the most influential hitters in the game.
1993: Chris Bosio’s No-Hitter
In a remarkable performance on April 22, 1993, Chris Bosio, pitching for the Seattle Mariners, etched his name into the annals of baseball history by throwing a no-hitter against the Boston Red Sox. The game, which took place at the Seattle Kingdome, ended with a score of 7-0, firmly establishing Bosio as a valuable acquisition for the Mariners following his entrance into free agency. His mastery on the mound that day led him to become the second Mariner to achieve such a feat, reminding fans that exceptional outings can indeed come from players new to a team.
1996: John Franco’s 300th Save
On April 22, 1996, John Franco solidified his position as a dominant closer by becoming the first left-hander to reach the landmark of 300 career saves. This achievement highlighted the crucial role of a closer in the game, showcasing Franco’s consistency and skill in high-pressure situations. Fans and players alike recognized the moment for its historical importance in baseball, marking it as a testament to Franco’s perseverance and dedication to his craft.
1997: Hideki Irabu’s Rights Traded To The Yankees
In the realm of Major League Baseball, the 1997 season marked a significant transaction involving Japan’s own Hideki Irabu. His journey to America’s highest level of professional baseball was indicative of the era’s intricate contract negotiations crossing international borders. On April 22, 1997, after much interest and complex discussions, the San Diego Padres traded Irabu’s rights to the New York Yankees, setting the stage for his anticipated MLB debut. The Yankees, confident in their investment, saw Irabu as a valuable addition to their pitching rotation, anticipating that his success in Japan would carry over into the major leagues.
Today’s Baseball Birthdays
April 22 marks the birth of several notable players in the history of baseball, ranging from storied veterans to modern-era standouts.
1918: Mickey Vernon
Mickey Vernon, a two-time American League batting champion, was born on this day in 1918. His deft play at first base complemented his strong batting performance throughout a career that spanned over two decades.
1959: Terry Francona
On April 22, 1959, Terry Francona came into the world, later becoming a respected MLB manager after a playing career marked by perseverance and adaptability. He’s well-regarded for steering the Boston Red Sox to two World Series titles.
1961: Jimmy Key
Jimmy Key was a crafty left-handed pitcher known for his control and finesse. He contributed to the Toronto Blue Jays’ World Series-winning team in 1992 before winning another with the New York Yankees in 1996.
1966: Mickey Morandini
The versatile infielder Mickey Morandini, whose career highlight includes an unassisted triple play, was born on this date in 1966. He is fondly remembered by Philadelphia Phillies fans for his time with the team in the 1990s.
1980: Carlos Hernandez
Catcher Carlos Hernandez displayed solid defensive skills behind the plate during his time in Major League Baseball. His career, though not as decorated as others, was characterized by his strong work ethic and reliability.