Last Updated: May 3rd, 2024 by Jake Cain
1963: Mantle’s Monumental Blast
On May 22, 1963, Mickey Mantle demonstrated his legendary hitting prowess. He sent a Bill Fischer pitch nearly over the right-field facade at Yankee Stadium.
1968: Stargell’s Power Display
On May 22, 1968, Willie Stargell hammered three home runs at Wrigley Field, along with a double and a single, in a powerhouse exhibition against the Cubs. He nearly added a fourth homer to his tally, hitting a double that missed leaving the park by mere inches.
1976: Reggie Smith’s Ambidextrous Homers
In a remarkable display of versatility at the plate, Reggie Smith of the St. Louis Cardinals showcased his switch-hitting prowess by hitting three home runs, with two coming as a right-handed batter and one as a left-handed batter. His powerful performance contributed to five RBIs and was instrumental in the Cardinals’ narrow 7-6 win over the Phillies. Smith’s heroics reached a peak in the ninth inning when his third homer of the game broke the tie and sealed the victory for his team.
1977: Fenway Park’s Home Run Barrage
On May 22, 1977, Fenway Park witnessed an extraordinary display of power hitting as the Boston Red Sox and Milwaukee Brewers matched a MLB record with 11 home runs in a single contest. The offensive onslaught came during the opener of a doubleheader, where the Red Sox emerged victorious, outslugging the Brewers in a high-scoring affair that ended at 14-10.
1983: Cliff Johnson Ties Pinch-Homer Record
On May 22, 1983, Cliff Johnson, playing for the Toronto Blue Jays, connected for his 18th career pinch-hit homerun. This historic swing placed him on par with Jerry Lynch as the major leagues’ co-record holder for pinch-hit home runs.
Today’s Baseball Birthdays
Celebrating the birthdays of baseball greats, today turns the spotlight on historic players who left their mark on the game.
1902: Al Simmons
Al Simmons was an exceptional hitter, known for his impressive career batting average that stands as a testament to his skill at the plate.
1943: Tommy John
Tommy John is as famous for the revolutionary elbow surgery named after him as he is for his longevity on the mound, which extended his pitching career.
1966: Jose Mesa
Jose Mesa, who started his MLB career in 1987, evolved into one of the game’s reliable closers, recording a significant number of saves during his career.