Last Updated: April 26th, 2024 by Jake Cain
1879: Providence Grays’ Position Switch Strategy
The Providence Grays, known for their innovative approach in baseball’s early days, pulled off a strategic move on August 5, 1879, that caught their opponents off-guard. In a daring play, they switched positions among players, a tactic not commonly used at the time. This maneuver involved key players like George Wright, the Grays’ manager, who was also a crafty shortstop, shuffling the fielding order to confuse batters and gain a competitive edge. Their unorthodox strategy paid off, as the Grays marched towards a significant win tally that year, securing their place as one of the era’s dominant teams.
1921: First Broadcast Of A Major League Game
On August 5, 1921, a significant milestone in sports broadcasting was achieved when KDKA radio from Pittsburgh aired the first live coverage of a major league baseball game. Baseball fans across the city tuned in to hear the Pittsburgh Pirates lock horns with the Philadelphia Phillies. Harold Arlin, KDKA’s pioneering announcer, called the play-by-play action as the Pirates came back to defeat the Phillies 8-5. This momentous event paved the way for future sports broadcasts, forever changing how fans engage with America’s pastime. Fans now had the thrilling opportunity to follow games live, without needing to be at the ballpark.
1931: Tommy Bridges’ Almost Perfect Game
Tommy Bridges pitched a gem on August 5, 1931, that any fan would dream of seeing. He was one out away from a perfect game when the Washington Senators’ Dave Harris spoiled it with a pinch-hit single. Can you believe it? Just a single hit stood between Bridges and eternal glory. Folks, this was long before we could watch games on our phones, so if you were there at Navin Field in Detroit that day, you witnessed something special. Bridges’ performance with 12 strikeouts was still one for the books—it’s what any pitcher would tip their cap to.
1940: John Whitehead’s Rain-Shortened No-Hitter
On August 5, 1940, the St. Louis Browns’ John Whitehead solidified his spot in baseball history by pitching a no-hitter that was cut short by rain. This game against the Detroit Tigers was called off after the first half of the sixth inning, sealing the no-hit status with a final score of 4-0 in favor of the Browns. Despite this being Whitehead’s last victory in the majors, it was a memorable exit.
Although not a full nine innings, the achievement stands out because it was the last win of his fading big-league career, adding a touch of enduring fame to his time in baseball. The event was a bittersweet moment, as Whitehead soon traded his major league dreams for a return to his roots. Baseball history buffs might chuckle about how he nearly “ate his way out of the majors,” a nod to his known love for food which reportedly affected his performance and weight. His story serves as a reminder that in baseball, like life, one moment can make you a legend, even if it’s just until the rain stops.
1955: Nellie Fox’s Consecutive Games Streak Paused
On August 5, 1955, Nellie Fox, the Chicago White Sox second baseman, saw his impressive consecutive games streak come to a halt. Until that day, Fox had played in a remarkable 274 straight games, showcasing his durability and commitment to the team. The streak-ending absence was not due to injury or poor performance, but because of Manager Marty Marion’s decision to give him a well-deserved rest day. Baseball buffs often reflect on that moment as a notable pause in the career of a beloved player who was rarely away from the action.
1957: Brooklyn Sports Authority Stadium Report
In 1957, the Brooklyn Dodgers played their final season at Ebbets Field before moving to Los Angeles, with the season bringing bittersweet moments to the Brooklyn sports scene. They scored a whopping 20 runs in a game against the Milwaukee Braves on July 15, showcasing their offensive firepower. Their last game at the iconic Ebbets Field was particularly memorable when Danny McDevitt secured a complete game, striking out nine and allowing just five hits. Not just wins and strikeouts made the year notable; fans also witnessed Duke Snider’s 300th home run, cementing his status as one of the game’s greatest hitters.
1964: Commissioner Ford Frick Announces Departure
On August 5, 1964, Baseball saw the end of an era when Commissioner Ford Frick announced his plan to step down. Frick, an ex-sportswriter and National League President, had played a significant role since taking over the Commissioner’s office in 1951. Known for his diplomacy and the expansion of the major leagues during his tenure, Frick’s announcement marked the upcoming end of his 14 years in the role. His departure set the stage for a new leader to step up to the plate in the ever-evolving game of baseball.
1969: Willie Stargell’s Historic Home Run
On August 5, 1969, Willie Stargell hit a home run that’s still talked about among Pirates fans. He wasn’t just any slugger; Stargell was known for hitting the ball hard and sending it on lengthy trips out of the park. This particular blast was one for the books, traveling an estimated 506 feet at Dodger Stadium, one of the most pitcher-friendly parks of the era. They say the ball whizzed over the right-field pavilion and out of the stadium, a feat that even today’s power hitters would tip their caps to.
1973: Phil Niekro’s No-Hitter
On August 5, 1973, Phil Niekro, master of the knuckleball, pitched a no-hitter that had Atlanta Braves fans on their feet. His no-hitter was against the San Diego Padres, and despite the Braves being just an average team, Niekro’s performance was anything but. He pitched a total of 18 complete games that season, with an impressive 302.1 innings under his belt. For a guy turning 34 that year, Niekro wasn’t just fooling hitters; he was writing himself into the history books.
1975: Phillies’ Hit Streak Sets Record
On August 5, 1975, the Philadelphia Phillies were in the midst of a season that saw them finally topping the .500 mark for the first time in eight years. They were marking territory in the NL East, but it wasn’t just the wins that caught fans’ eyes—it was an impressive hit streak that captured hearts and headlines. It wasn’t the mythical Joe DiMaggio streak, but, boy, was Philly buzzing when their boys strung hit after hit, game after game that summer.
Their sterling performance at bat was one of the high points of the 1975 Phillies season. Fans rallied at Veterans Stadium, game after game, to cheer on their team’s tenacity at the plate. It’s those nail-biting moments—will they or won’t they get a hit—that kept Philadelphians on the edge of their seats. Such excitement doesn’t fade; it’s passed down from generation to generation, like a beloved family tale at reunions, with the 1975 Phillies standing as titans of tenacity in baseball’s rich tapestry.
1979: Hall Of Fame Inductions
Baseball’s Hall of Fame in Cooperstown got a little more crowded in ’79. Willie Mays, known as “The Say Hey Kid,” took his rightful place among baseball’s elite. They inducted the legend with an astonishing 94.7% of the vote—talk about a no-brainer!
Hack Wilson and Warren Giles were also honored that day. While Wilson’s bat made him a household name during the Roaring Twenties, Giles spent his days off the field, shaping the game as an executive. Induction day gave fans new heroes to cheer for and legends to tell their kids about.
1980: Manager Dick Williams’ 1000th Win
On August 5, 1980, Dick Williams scored his 1000th win as a Major League Baseball manager, becoming just the 37th manager to hit the milestone in baseball history. He achieved this while leading the Montreal Expos to victory, a testament to his strategic prowess on the field. It wasn’t just any win; it was a win that reflected his decades of consistency and ability to get the best out of his players.
Williams’ managerial career was marked not just by numbers, but by the respect he commanded and memories he created for the fans. From his days with the Boston Red Sox to his time with the San Diego Padres, he always had a knack for flipping teams into contenders. They also loved him for his no-nonsense style — “Play hard or don’t play at all” seemed to be his mantra.
On that day, the Expos didn’t just notch up a win; they etched their manager’s name in the history books. For those who remember the sharp tactician in the dugout, it was a day that reconfirmed Williams’ status as a baseball legend. He’s one of those guys who didn’t just manage players; he left a legacy of grit and success that would inspire managers for generations to come.
1984: Cliff Johnson’s Pinch-Homer Record
On August 5, 1984, Cliff Johnson made baseball history when he hit his 20th career pinch-home run, setting a new Major League record. The big moment came off the Minnesota Twins’ pitcher Pete Filson, during his tenure with the Toronto Blue Jays. Known for his power off the bench, Johnson’s record-breaking blast etched his name in the annals of baseball history.
Despite his journeyman status, bouncing between seven MLB teams, Johnson’s knack for clutch hitting made him a fan favorite. His milestone homer not only exemplified his role as a go-to guy for late-game heroics but also underscored the impact a great pinch-hitter can have on the game. Baseball aficionados still talk about his incredible ability to deliver when it counted the most. Johnson’s legacy in baseball remains, relished by those who admire the art of the pinch-hit home run.
1986: Steve Carlton’s 4,000th Strikeout And Release
On August 5, 1986, Steve Carlton, a left-handed pitcher legend, hit a milestone few have reached in the game—his 4,000th strikeout. He was only the second pitcher in Major League Baseball to ever achieve this feat. Just two weeks after etching his name in the baseball history books yet again, the Philadelphia Phillies released him, marking a surprising twist in his illustrious career. While his exit from the Phillies was abrupt, fans still celebrate Lefty’s fierce competitiveness and the sheer number of batters who whiffed at his sliders.
1990: Rain Postpones Hall Of Fame Ceremonies
In 1990, Mother Nature threw a curveball that not even the best sluggers in the game could hit—rain. That August 5th, for the first time in history, the Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Cooperstown was postponed. The class that year included some of the game’s icons, eager fans, and proud family members all soaked by the unexpected downpour. They say rain on a big day is good luck, and while the legends waited another 24 hours for their moment in the sun, they probably wondered if they’d need to build an ark instead.
Today’s Baseball Birthdays
August 5 marks the birthday of several notable baseball players who made their mark on the sport.
1899: Sam Gibson
Born on this day, Sam Gibson played for the Detroit Tigers during the 1920s. Gibson was known for his knuckleball and earned the nickname “Sudden Sam” for his quick rise in baseball.
1939: Tommie Aaron
Tommie Aaron, who shared the field with his Hall of Fame brother Hank Aaron, would be celebrating today. Tommie made his major league debut with the Milwaukee Braves and later had a stint as a coach.
1968: John Olerud
John Olerud, the two-time All-Star and Gold Glove first baseman, celebrates his birth on August 5. Olerud was a patient hitter, known for both his smooth swing and for wearing a batting helmet in the field.
1977: Mark Mulder
An accomplished left-handed pitcher, Mark Mulder was born on this date. Mulder, a staple of the Oakland Athletics’ rotation in the early 2000s, made a name for himself with his savvy pitching and was a key part of the “Big Three.”