Last Updated: April 23rd, 2024 by Jake Cain
1882: Chicago Record-Breaking Victory
On July 24, 1882, Chicago’s baseball team etched its name in the history books with a sensational onslaught, piling up a colossal 35 runs in a showdown with Cleveland. This offensive juggernaut set a National League milestone with a lopsided final score of 35-4. The sluggers of Chicago were relentless at the plate; several players turned in stellar performances with at least four hits and an equal number of runs to their credit. Their unprecedented scoring frenzy remained an untouched record for an impressive 15-year stretch.
1968: Hoyt Wilhelm’s Record-Breaking Game
On July 24, 1968, baseball fans witnessed Hoyt Wilhelm etch his name deeper into the annals of the game. Surpassing Cy Young, he took the mound for his 907th appearance, setting the record for the most games pitched in the Major Leagues. It wasn’t Wilhelm’s day for a win, though; his team, the Chicago White Sox, fell 2-1 to the Oakland Athletics. But even in the loss, the knuckleballer’s milestone was a testament to his longevity and skill in a career that spanned two decades.
1973: All-Star Game Dominance by National League
On July 24, 1973, the National League triumphed in an emphatic manner, outclassing the American League with a commanding 7-1 score in the All-Star Game. The matchup was memorable for its deep roster usage, seeing a total of fifty-four players take the field, showcasing the depth of talent across both leagues. Among those fifty-four were baseball greats such as Willie Mays, making one of his final All-Star appearances, and Catfish Hunter, who endured a thumb injury during the game. This victory was one for the National League’s books, as they claimed bragging rights with a performance that had fans on the edge of their seats.
1977: John Montague’s Perfect Relief Pitching
In a remarkable display of skill, John Montague of the Seattle Mariners flawlessly closed out over six innings against the California Angels. His performance matched an American League record for consecutive batters retired over two games. Mariners fans fondly recall Montague’s steady hand as he maintained a perfect game through multiple innings of relief. This feat etched Montague’s outing that day into baseball lore as a shining example of relief pitching excellence.
1978: Pete Rose’s Hitting Streak
On July 24, 1978, Pete Rose matched a record that had stood tall in the annals of Major League Baseball. By hitting in his 37th consecutive game, he equaled Tommy Holmes’s modern-era streak. His relentless pursuit of the baseball flew straight into the history books as if it had a mind of its own. That day, the Mets’ pitcher Pat Zachry couldn’t stomach the sight of it and ended up hurting himself out of sheer aggravation after Rose’s successful hit.
Rose’s knack for finding the sweet spot between bat and ball turned stadiums into his personal theaters of consistency. His streak captured the imagination of fans, adding another chapter to his legend. Baseball aficionados tipped their caps at Rose’s feat, while Zachry’s misfortune cast a shadow on what was otherwise a remarkable day for “Charlie Hustle.” As his bat continued to sizzle that summer, Pete Rose’s name became synonymous with hitting excellence, one game at a time.
1979: Carl Yastrzemski’s 400th Home Run
In the heart of Fenway Park, Carl Yastrzemski, a legend in Red Sox lore, etched his name deeper into baseball history. On a sunny day facing the Oakland Athletics, Yaz took a pitch from Mike Morgan deep into the stands for his milestone 400th career home run. This iconic swing resonated with fans, capturing the essence of baseball nostalgia. Yaz’s long ball celebrated on July 24, 1979, remains a hallmark moment for Boston enthusiasts and a bright spot in baseball’s rich tapestry.
1983: Pine Tar Game Controversy
On July 24, 1983, a legendary moment transpired in baseball history when George Brett of the Kansas City Royals belted what appeared to be a game-flipping homer against the New York Yankees. However, the Yankees protested that the amount of pine tar on Brett’s bat exceeded regulations. The umpires agreed, nullifying Brett’s hit and overturning the Royals’ lead. The reversal sparked an uproar that led to the game’s outcome being reinstated after an official protest by the Royals, preserving Brett’s home run and the win for Kansas City. This incident has since been immortalized as the “Pine Tar Game.”
1993: Vince Coleman’s Explosive Incident
On a summer day in 1993, an incident at Dodger Stadium involving New York Mets outfielder Vince Coleman shocked the baseball community. After a game, Coleman tossed a firecracker into a crowd near the players’ parking lot. This reckless act resulted in injuries to several fans and set off legal consequences, leading to felony charge filings. His actions that day were seen as unbecoming of a professional athlete, which ultimately led the Mets to sever ties with Coleman, ending his time with the team.
Today’s Baseball Birthdays
July 24th marks the birth of several baseball legends, each leaving a distinct mark on the history of the game.
1863: Tommy McCarthy
Tommy McCarthy, born in 1863, would carve out a place in baseball lore. Recognized for his smart base running and strategic outfield play, he helped the Boston Beaneaters and the St. Louis Browns to championship titles.
1864: Jack Clements
The following year, in 1864, saw the birth of Jack Clements, a trailblazer as the only left-handed catcher to play over 1,000 games. His robust batting skills and remarkable longevity behind the plate made him a memorable figure from the 19th century’s diamond.
1964: Barry Bonds
Fast forward a century to 1964 and we celebrate the birthday of Barry Bonds, a name synonymous with both triumph and controversy. His record-breaking home run tally and seven MVP awards underscore a career that’s as storied as it is scrutinized.