Last Updated: June 17th, 2026 by Jake Cain
1904: Giants’ Winning Streak Ends
On July 5, 1904, the New York Giants‘ remarkable streak of victories came to an end at 18 games when they succumbed to the Philadelphia Phillies in a 10-inning game. The Giants’ dominant run had positioned them comfortably at 53-18, signaling an almost certain lock for the National League title. Their season would become the subject of debate when they opted out of competing in the World Series against the American League’s top team, Boston.
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1935: Cuccinello Brothers’ Homers
On July 5, 1935, an unprecedented event occurred in National League baseball when Tony Cuccinello of the Brooklyn Dodgers and his brother Al Cuccinello of the New York Giants each hit a home run during the same game. For the first time in the league’s history, siblings playing for rival teams both managed to go yard in the same matchup.
1947: Larry Doby Breaks The Color Barrier In The AL
On July 5, 1947, Larry Doby made his historic debut with the Cleveland Indians, becoming the first African American to play in the American League. Despite Doby’s striking out, his entry into the game was a significant milestone in baseball history and occurred during a close match where the Indians faced a tough 6-5 defeat against the Chicago White Sox. Learn more about Doby’s debut game and its historical significance.
1987: Mark McGwire’s Home Run Record
On July 5, 1987, Mark McGwire achieved a remarkable milestone, setting a record by crushing his 30th home run of the season before the MLB All-Star break, an unprecedented feat for a rookie. This historic blast helped drive the Oakland Athletics to a 6-3 victory over the Boston Red Sox.
1989: Bonds Family Home Run Record
On July 5, 1989, Barry Bonds hit a significant home run while playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates. With this swing, he and his father, Bobby Bonds, claimed the major league record for combined home runs by a father and son duo. They eclipsed the historical marks set by the Berra and Bell families, setting a new high in baseball’s storied archives.
1991: Rockies And Marlins Expansion Approval
In 1991, both the Colorado Rockies and the Florida Marlins were granted unanimous consent by MLB team owners to join the league. Slated to enter the National League for the 1993 season, this decision marked a significant expansion for Major League Baseball. The inclusion of these two teams brought new markets and fanbases into the fold, effectively broadening the geographic and cultural reach of the National League.
1993: Rickey Henderson’s Double Lead-Off Homers
On July 5, 1993, Rickey Henderson made history with the Oakland Athletics by launching lead-off home runs in both games of a doubleheader. This remarkable achievement marked him as the first player in six decades to set such a record. His powerful start set the tone early in each game and etched his name deeper into baseball lore as a legendary leadoff hitter and power threat.
1998: Roger Clemens’ 3,000th Strikeout
On July 5, 1998, Roger Clemens joined an elite group of pitchers when he recorded his 3,000th career strikeout. He achieved this milestone during his tenure with the Toronto Blue Jays, marking him as the 11th pitcher in Major League Baseball to reach such a notable threshold.
1998: Juan Gonzalez’s RBI Milestone
On July 5, 1998, Juan Gonzalez showcased his formidable power at the plate by blasting two home runs, propelling him past the 100 RBIs mark before the All-Star Game. Gonzalez’s achievement made him just the second player ever to reach such a remarkable RBI total at this point in the season. His prowess underscored his reputation as one of the game’s elite sluggers during that era.
Today’s Baseball Birthdays
July 5 is a day to celebrate the birthdays of notable Major League Baseball players who made a mark on the game.
1883: Jack Quinn
Jack Quinn was known for his longevity in the game, pitching until the age of 50. His career spanned more than two decades.
1939: Mike Shannon
Mike Shannon became a key player for the St. Louis Cardinals during his career.
1950: Gary Matthews
Gary Matthews was recognized for his powerful hitting and contributions to the teams he played with over his 16-year tenure in the majors.
1951: Rich ‘Goose’ Gossage
Rich ‘Goose’ Gossage, a Hall of Fame reliever, was a dominant force on the mound and an integral part of the bullpen during his career.