Last Updated: April 26th, 2024 by Jake Cain
1889: Mickey Welch Strikes As Pinch Hitter
On this day in 1889, baseball witnessed a historic moment when Mickey Welch stepped up to the plate. A pitcher by trade for the New York Giants, Welch made headlines as the first pinch hitter in Major League Baseball. This remarkable at-bat wasn’t just a random occurrence; it signaled the beginning of a strategy now fundamental to the game. Though pitchers are often substituted for offensive strategy, Welch’s pinch-hitting appearance underscores the evolving tactics of baseball that continue to intrigue fans.
1901: Frank Isbell Strands 11
On August 10, 1901, a dubious record was set by Frank Isbell, a utility man for the Chicago White Sox. In a display of unintentional prowess, he left a record eleven teammates on base, setting an American League standard. They must have been stranded like sailboats in a windless sea each time Isbell closed out an inning. It’s a quirky footnote in his career, but one that, even a die-hard Sox fan might say, he’d rather forget.
1904: Jack Chesbro’s Streak Ends
Jack Chesbro’s remarkable streak came to a halt against the White Sox when they managed to break his consecutive complete game streak, which had impressively reached 30 games. That year, Chesbro’s arm was on fire as he racked up a jaw-dropping 41 wins and closed out 48 games in their entirety across 51 starts, setting a post-1900 record. This standout performance by Chesbro included a total of complete games that baseball fanatics still talk about with awe. Despite the hiccup with the White Sox, Chesbro’s 1904 achievements firmly established him as a pitching legend of his time, remembered for his incredible endurance and dominance on the mound.
1929: Grover Alexander’s Last NL Victory
Grover Alexander grabbed his 373rd win, a significant milestone capping off his National League saga. On that day, pitching in relief for the St. Louis Cardinals, he notched a victory in an intense 11-inning thriller. This game wasn’t just a win; it was the last echo of Alexander’s storied NL career. Baseball aficionados remember him not only for his legendary arm but also for his grit that day, closing the chapter as a true Cardinal warrior.
1934: Babe Ruth’s Farewell As Regular
In 1934, Babe Ruth, one of baseball’s legends, decided it was time to hang up his cleats as a regular player. He wasn’t quite ready to leave the sport altogether, though. The Bambino had his sights set on managing a team and sticking around as a pinch-hitter. It was clear Ruth still had a love for the game and hoped to contribute from the dugout, sharing his wisdom and occasional bat swing in crucial moments.
1944: Red Barrett’s 58-Pitch Game
On August 10, 1944, baseball witnessed an extraordinary feat of efficiency when Red Barrett of the Boston Braves tossed an entire nine-inning game using only 58 pitches. This remarkably low pitch count remains one of the most impressive performances in professional baseball to date.
The Braves claimed a tight 2-0 victory over the Cincinnati Reds, with Barrett’s masterclass in pitching leading the charge. It wasn’t just a win; it was a showcase of control, precision, and an almost magical ability to keep hitters off balance. Barrett’s game is the stuff of legend in baseball circles and is a reminder that sometimes, less is indeed more on the diamond.
1957: Mickey Mantle’s Monumental Homer
Mickey Mantle made history with a sensational 460-foot home run on August 10, 1957. This wasn’t just any homer; it was the first-ever to clear the center-field hedge at Baltimore’s Memorial Stadium. Mantle’s mighty swing was more than a show of power; it propelled the Yankees to snag a victory against the Orioles that day. Talk about a game-changer—Yankees fans still reminisce about Mantle’s ability to turn a tight game on its head with a single swing of the bat.
1969: Cesar Tovar Breaks Up No-Hits
In ’69, Cesar Tovar was the guy who just wouldn’t let the Orioles pitchers have their glory—not once but twice. First, he crushed Baltimore’s dreams with a sharp single off Dave McNally. Then, as if to show it wasn’t a fluke, he did it again to Mike Cuellar. Tovar had a knack for spoiling no-hit bids, proving he could deliver under pressure.
1971: Harmon Killebrew’s 500th Home Run
On August 10, 1971, Harmon Killebrew blasted his way into the history books with two remarkable home runs. In an impressive display of power during a single game, he hit his 500th and 501st career homers, achieving what only nine others in MLB had done before him. The milestone shots were struck off Baltimore Orioles pitching, with the monumental 500th homer coming in the first inning, securing his spot as the 10th member of the esteemed 500 home run club. Killebrew’s feat underscored his status as a legendary slugger and left an unforgettable mark on the game.
1971: Formation Of SABR
On a warm August day in 1971, a small but passionate group of 16 baseball enthusiasts gathered in the hallowed halls of the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. These individuals, united by their love for the game and a thirst for knowledge, laid the foundation for the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR). SABR quickly became the go-to hub for researchers focused on digging into baseball’s storied past, stats, and untold stories.
Originally conjured up by the visionary L. Robert Davids, SABR’s establishment marked a turning point for baseball scholarship. The society opened doors for those looking to contribute to a greater understanding of baseball through rigorous research and statistical analysis. From casual fans to professional statisticians, SABR’s reach would expand far beyond that initial meeting in Cooperstown, evolving into a diverse community that today continues to enrich the appreciation of baseball’s rich tapestry.
1981: MLB Resumes After Strike
On August 10, 1981, Major League Baseball felt like itself again as teams took to the field after a lengthy work stoppage. Players dusted off their bats and gloves following two months of negotiations, eager to swing back into the thick of summer ball. Amid this return, Pete Rose made heads turn by topping Stan Musial’s mark to become the National League’s hit king. It was a historic moment that gave baseball fans something to cheer about after a season of uncertainty.
1987: Kevin Gross Ejection
On August 10, 1987, Kevin Gross, pitching for the Dodgers, got the boot in a match against the Cubs. He wasn’t just tossed for a heated argument or a wild pitch; it turned out he had a piece of sandpaper hidden in his glove. You can imagine the uproar—it’s not every day you find a pitcher turning his glove into a makeshift sanding tool. The evidence was there, and just like that, Gross was ejected for altering the ball, which, by the way, is a big no-no in baseball.
1995: Dodger Stadium Forfeit
On August 10, 1995, Dodger Stadium witnessed an unusual end to a Dodgers-Cardinals game. It was called off due to fans expressing their discontent by hurling promotional baseballs onto the field. This event marked the first time a Major League Baseball game had been forfeited in 16 years, a rare interruption of America’s pastime. It wasn’t just about the bad calls; that night, the fans made a statement that echoed around the league, resulting in a victory handed over to the visiting St. Louis Cardinals.
Today’s Baseball Birthdays
Each August 10th, baseball fans tip their caps to remember the legends born on this date. These greats left their mark on the game with bats and gloves in hand.
1916: Buddy Lewis
Buddy Lewis stepped up to the big leagues with the Washington Senators when he was just 19. He quickly showed his chops, hitting for average and playing a solid third base throughout his career.
1933: Rocky Colavito
Baseball’s love affair with the home run certainly includes Rocky Colavito. The dashing outfielder hit over 300 homers and was a fan favorite, known for his power and arm strength.
1953: Tom Brookens
With a glove as reliable as they come, Tom Brookens patrolled third base with a craftsman’s skill. His career spanned over a decade, playing mostly with the Detroit Tigers, and he was a key piece in their 1984 championship team.