Last Updated: April 22nd, 2024 by Jake Cain
1924: Jesse Haines Pitches No-Hitter
On July 17, 1924, Jesse Haines mesmerized baseball fans with a remarkable performance on the mound. Donning the St. Louis Cardinals uniform, Haines masterfully shut down the Boston Braves, throwing a no-hitter and commanding a triumphant 5-0 victory. His precision and control throughout the game underscored a rare and exciting event for Cardinals supporters, highlighting a pivotal moment in the team’s history. Fans still tip their caps to Haines for that unforgettable game, as pitching a no-hitter is one of the most challenging feats in baseball.
1936: Carl Hubbell Begins 24-Game Winning Streak
On July 17, 1936, Carl Hubbell, ace of the New York Giants, kicked off what would become a historic winning streak in the big leagues. He pitched a masterful shutout against the Pittsburgh Pirates, allowing only five hits. The feat marked the beginning of a 24-game stretch where Hubbell seemed unstoppable on the mound. His dominant pitching helped solidify his reputation as one of baseball’s all-time greats, with a winning streak that remains a testament to his skill and consistency.
1941: End Of Joe DiMaggio’s 56-Game Hitting Streak
On July 17, 1941, Joe DiMaggio, a legend for the New York Yankees, saw his historic 56-game hitting streak come to a halt. Despite a tough day at the plate, where DiMaggio couldn’t secure a hit off Cleveland’s pitchers Al Smith and Jim Bagby, the Yankees managed to clinch a tight 4-3 victory. This moment marked the end of a record-setting spree that had captivated the nation and cemented DiMaggio’s status as one of baseball’s all-time great hitters. The streak has since become one of the most cherished memories in baseball history, spoken of with reverence and a bit of awe by fans and players alike.
1969: Jim Kaat Makes Three Errors In One Game
Even the best can have an off day, and that’s exactly what happened to Jim Kaat on a summer day in 1969. Usually known for his slick fielding, the Twins’ ace and seven-time Gold Glove winner racked up a surprising three errors in a single outing. These mishaps resulted in a trio of unearned runs crossing the plate. Despite Kaat’s defensive blunders, the Twins still managed to pull through, defeating the White Sox 8-5.
1974: Bob Gibson Strikes Out His 3,000th Batter
On an electric evening at Busch Stadium, Bob Gibson made baseball history. He became only the second pitcher in MLB to achieve the elusive 3,000 strikeout milestone. The batter? César Geronimo of the Cincinnati Reds, who swung and missed at a blazing fastball, sealing his place as Gibson’s 3,000th strikeout and etching that moment in the hearts of Cardinals fans forever.
It wasn’t just any game; it was a testament to Gibson’s sheer dominance on the mound, a crescendo of a storied career with the Cardinals. Baseball aficionados often recall the tenacity and skill of Gibson, truly one of the titans of the game. His legacy includes two Cy Young Awards and an aura of competitiveness that today’s pitchers still admire.
1978: Doc Medich’s Life-Saving Heroics
Before a Baltimore game got going, Doc Medich of the Texas Rangers stepped up in a way no one expected. When a 61-year-old fan suddenly had a heart attack, Medich didn’t hesitate. With quick thinking, he performed heart massage on the spot, staying by the fan’s side like a true hero until medical pros took over. Word spread fast, and that day, Medich wasn’t just pitching – he was saving lives.
1987: Don Mattingly’s Seven-Game Home Run Streak
During a remarkable stretch in the summer of 1987, Don Mattingly, the Yankees’ first baseman, smashed homers in seven straight games, a record at the time within the American League. It was during this stretch that New York triumphed over the Rangers with a comfortable 8-4 victory. Baseball aficionados still chat about how “Donnie Baseball” captivated fans, adding a dash of thrill each time he stepped up to bat, a genuine power hitter if there ever was one. This hot streak not only showcased Mattingly’s prowess at the plate but also stamped his name in the annals of baseball history, as fans gave him nods of approval and tipped their caps to his strength and consistency.
1990: Minnesota Twins Execute Two Triple Plays In One Game
On a remarkable day in baseball history, the Minnesota Twins pulled off an incredible feat that still stands alone in the record books. On July 17, 1990, they astonishingly executed not one, but two triple plays in the same game against the Boston Red Sox. Despite their tight defense and snazzy glove work, the Twins couldn’t muster any offense, ultimately falling to the Red Sox with a final score of 1-0. This day goes down in history as a testament to the Twins’ fielding chops, showing that even on days when the bats stay silent, the gloves can still do plenty of talking.
2000: Chris Richard Hits Home Run On First Major League Pitch
In an unforgettable entrance onto the big league stage, Chris Richard stepped up to the plate for the St. Louis Cardinals and launched a home run off his first-ever pitch in the majors. The rookie’s electrifying swing etched his name in the baseball books and helped his team seal an 8-3 victory against the Minnesota Twins. It’s the kind of start players dream about—a no-doubter moment showing he belonged in the show right off the bat. Richard’s stellar debut buzzed through the baseball world, a testament to the surprising jolts of magic that the sport often delivers.
Today’s Baseball Birthdays
July 17th marks the birth of several remarkable baseball figures who left their mark on the game. From hall-of-famers to record holders, let’s tip our caps to these legends born on this day.
1917: Lou Boudreau
Lou Boudreau, born in 1917, made a name for himself as a slick-fielding shortstop and a sharp manager. Leading the Cleveland Indians to a World Series win in 1948 as a player-manager, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1970.
1942: Don Kessinger
A birthday greeting goes out to Don Kessinger, a six-time All-Star born in 1942. Known for his stellar defense at shortstop, the glove wizard also served as a player-manager for the Chicago White Sox later in his career.
1963: Bobby Thigpen
Fans remember Bobby Thigpen, born in 1963, for his record-breaking season in 1990 when he saved 57 games—a record until 2008. He was a force on the mound, showcasing a fastball that helped him dominate as a closer for the White Sox.