Last Updated: April 26th, 2024 by Jake Cain
1888: American Association Adopts 25 Cent Admission
On August 7, 1888, the American Association, one of the major leagues of the era, made a game-changing decision to set its standard admission price at 25 cents. This strategic move was aimed at drawing more fans into the ballpark, a smart play considering the stiff competition from the rival National League. It showed that they understood their audience—the everyday working-class Joe who just wanted to catch a game without breaking the bank.
This welcoming price point arguably helped solidify baseball as America’s pastime by making the live experience more accessible to the masses. Regular folks could now enjoy the thrill of the game without spending a day’s wages, changing the ballgame for both fans and the future of the sport. The ripples of this decision can still be felt in the modern game; imagine telling a fan from 1888 about today’s ticket prices! They’d sure think we’ve gone a bat’s length too far.
1893: Roger Connor Swings Right-Handed
On August 7, 1893, baseball witnessed Roger Connor, a left-handed slugger, taking a turn batting right-handed. Already a towering figure in the game, Connor showed versatility that day that left fans in awe. Known for his powerful left-handed hitting, his temporary switch to batting right is a quirky footnote in his storied career. Even without modern media, word of that unusual right-handed at-bat rippled through the baseball community, adding to the lore of a player who’d go on to inspire generations of hitters.
1907: Walter Johnson’s First Victory
On August 7, 1907, a lanky kid named Walter Johnson took the mound for the Washington Senators and snagged his first major league win. This was no ordinary debut; we’re talking about a guy who would become a pitching legend. The Big Train, as he later came to be known, struck out the side with a fastball that seemed faster than a speeding bullet. They say he was so dominant that day, batters looked like they wanted to be anywhere but in that box. His storied career kicked off with that game, and baseball fans still tip their caps to the memory of Johnson’s fiery entrance into the big leagues.
1915: Ed Appleton’s Rookie Mistake
In 1915, rookie pitcher Ed Appleton stepped onto the big league mound with a mix of nerves and excitement. Pitching for the Brooklyn Robins, Appleton learned a tough lesson during a game against the Boston Braves. His rookie mistake came in the form of an errant pickoff throw, which sailed into the outfield allowing a crucial run to score. It was a blunder that, while common among fresh faces in baseball, certainly earned Appleton some ribbing from his teammates and a spot in the not-so-glorious moments of baseball history.
1922: Ken Williams’ Two Homers in One Inning
On August 7, 1922, Ken Williams etched his name into baseball history with a remarkable feat. In just one inning, Williams smashed two home runs for the St. Louis Browns, joining an exclusive club of hitters. They say lightning doesn’t strike the same place twice, but for Williams, the baseball gods begged to differ that day.
His powerful swings sent the ball flying out of the park twice against the Washington Senators, highlighting his prowess at the plate. The fans must’ve thought they were seeing double – what a treat! Williams’ two-homer inning is a storied moment, reminding us of the sheer excitement that baseball can deliver.
1923: Frank Bowerman’s 6-For-6 Game
On August 7, 1923, Frank Bowerman had a day at the plate that would make any hitter envious. He stepped up to bat six times and notched hits each time, going a perfect 6-for-6. This remarkable feat illustrated the level of dominance Bowerman could achieve on a good day. That game was a clear highlight in his career, showcasing his skill and ensuring his name would be remembered by fans for years to come.
1950: Integration Issues in the Negro American League
By 1950, the once-thriving Negro American League faced hard times. Major League Baseball had begun integrating, with players like Jackie Robinson and Larry Doby drawing crowds and talents away from the Negro Leagues. Teams struggled financially and in competitiveness, making it tough to keep the league afloat. Fans joked it was easier to find a home run in a bunt than a stable roster in the beleaguered league.
1956: Minor League Record Crowd for Satchel Paige
On August 7, 1956, the Miami Marlins saw an unprecedented turnout at their ballpark—they had Satchel Paige, the pitching legend, to thank for that. The Marlins’ stadium was packed to the brim with fans eager to catch a glimpse of Paige in action. This game set a minor league attendance record; the fans were not just there for a regular game, they came for the spectacle of seeing Paige, a major league star, pitch in the minors.
He was already a legend by the time he stepped onto that minor league mound; Paige added to his lore that day. Wielding pitches that still wowed crowds well into his 50s, Paige’s presence alone was an event worth the price of admission. The sheer number of fans who showed up exemplified his draw and the lasting impact he had on baseball.
1968: Joe Keough’s Debut Pinch-Hit Home Run
On August 7, 1968, Joe Keough etched his name in baseball lore the moment he stepped up to the plate. During his first major league at-bat for the Oakland Athletics, Keough hit a pinch-hit home run against the Minnesota Twins. It was the kind of start that dreams are made of, introducing the rookie to the majors with a bang. They say there’s no first impression like a home run, and Keough surely made his count.
1971: New York Mets’ Offensive Barrage
On August 7, 1971, the New York Mets unleashed an offensive spectacle that left fans in awe. This wasn’t just any game; it was a display of their hitters in top form, turning the diamond into their stage. They swung with purpose, rounding the bases like a finely tuned production, leaving the stands buzzing with each crack of the bat.
The Mets’ lineup, known more for their pitching, found a rhythm at the plate that seemed almost out of character for the team during that era. Their performance was a reminder of how unpredictable and electrifying baseball could be—on any given day, any team could step up and dominate offensively. It was a moment when the underdog batted their way into the spotlight, and for those who witnessed it, it became an enduring memory of what it means to love the game.
1978: Hall of Fame Inductions
In 1978, two legends were celebrated as they found their forever home in Cooperstown. Eddie Mathews, the Braves’ slugger with 512 home runs to his belt, took his well-earned spot in the Hall. His power at the plate was the stuff of pure baseball legend. Over on the managerial side, they inducted Addie Joss, whose career ERA of 1.89 speaks for itself, alongside Larry MacPhail, who innovated the game off the field. These guys changed the game, and on that sunny day in August, the sport tipped its cap to their immense contributions.
1985: End of the Strike
On August 7, 1985, baseball fans breathed a sigh of relief as the Major League Baseball strike came to a quick end. This strike, spanning just two days, halted the season causing 23 games to be rescheduled. Players and owners reached an agreement swiftly, recognizing the impact of a lengthy shutdown upon the sport’s following. They settled differences regarding salary arbitration eligibility, averting what could have been a more damaging stoppage to America’s pastime.
1992: San Francisco Giants’ Blocked Sale and Move
In 1992, a significant moment for the San Francisco Giants and their fans unfolded. The team, initially destined to relocate to Tampa Bay after an agreed sale, faced a block by the National League owners. They voted against the move, ensuring that the Giants stayed in San Francisco, much to the relief of local fans who couldn’t bear the thought of losing their team.
This move not only kept the team in its home city but also set the stage for the eventual construction of Oracle Park, which Giants fans now see as a baseball heaven. It was a close call, where fans nearly traded foggy San Francisco days for sunny Florida skies. But in the end, the baseball gods weren’t ready to give up on the City by the Bay. Giants fans are forever grateful, often joking that the team dodged a serious humidity crisis.
Today’s Baseball Birthdays
Celebrating birthdays on August 7, let’s tip our caps to these former Major League Baseball players who left their mark on the game.
1886: Bill McKenchnie
Bill McKenchnie, born in 1886, made a name for himself as a savvy MLB manager after his playing days. He led the Pittsburgh Pirates and Cincinnati Reds to World Series glory and became known as a brilliant strategist in the dugout.
1905: Jim Cronin
On this day in 1905, Jim Cronin came into the world. While his tenure in the bigs was brief, his appearance with the Washington Senators added his name to the historic roster of baseball’s early 20th-century characters.
1929: Don Larsen
Don Larsen, born today in 1929, pitched his way into eternal baseball lore with a perfect game in the 1956 World Series. It’s a feat that he alone can claim, and it’s a story that’s been recounted at countless sports bars across the nation.
1976: Edgar Renteria
A birthday shout-out to Edgar Renteria, who was born in 1976 and is famously remembered for clinching the Florida Marlins’ World Series win in 1997 with a walk-off hit. His clutch performance at the plate in crucial moments left many opposing pitchers shaking in their cleats.