Last Updated: May 10th, 2024 by Jake Cain
1946: Senators’ Landmark Night Victory At Yankee Stadium
On May 28, 1946, the Washington Senators clinched a narrow 2-1 victory over the New York Yankees. The matchup went down in history as it was the inaugural night game at the iconic Yankee Stadium, drawing a massive crowd of nearly 50,000 spectators.
1951: Willie Mays’ First Major-League Hit
In the early stages of an illustrious career, Willie Mays overcame a slow start by hitting his first big-league home run off the esteemed pitcher Warren Spahn. This moment marked the beginning of Mays’ ascension to becoming not just a legendary Giant, but one of baseball’s all-time greats.
1957: N.L. Approves West Coast Move For Dodgers And Giants
In a decision that would reshape Major League Baseball, the National League authorized the Brooklyn Dodgers and the New York Giants to transfer to the West Coast. This historic move hinged on both teams submitting their relocation requests by October 1 and ensuring they moved in tandem. The approval marked a monumental shift in the league’s geography, planting flags in California with the Dodgers heading to Los Angeles and the Giants setting up in San Francisco.
1986: Joe Cowley’s Strikeout Record With A Loss
On May 28, 1986, Chicago White Sox pitcher Joe Cowley etched his name into MLB history by striking out the first seven batters in a game, setting a record. Despite this impressive feat, Cowley’s performance took a turn, and over 4 1/3 innings, he allowed six runs.
1994: Dave Winfield’s Milestone Hit
On May 28, 1994, Dave Winfield etched his name deeper into the annals of baseball history by overtaking Rod Carew’s position on the all-time hit list. With his 3,054th hit, Winfield claimed the 15th spot, a testament to his enduring prowess as one of the game’s elite hitters.
1995: Record-Breaking Home Run Derby At Tiger Stadium
On May 28, 1995, baseball fans at Tiger Stadium witnessed a homerun spectacle like no other, as the Chicago White Sox clashed with the Detroit Tigers in an offensive showdown. The teams combined for a staggering record with the most homers ever hit in a single game, making it a memorable day in baseball history. Although the Tigers mounted an impressive display with seven round-trippers, they narrowly fell to the White Sox with a final score of 14-12, demonstrating that a strong offensive game is sometimes not enough for a win.
Today’s Baseball Birthdays
Celebrating the births of legendary ballplayers Jim Thorpe and Kirk Gibson, May 28 is a memorable day in baseball history.
1887: Jim Thorpe
Born on May 28, 1887, Jim Thorpe not only made his mark as a multisport athlete, but also contributed to Major League Baseball as an outfielder. He played for several teams including the New York Giants and Cincinnati Reds, showcasing impressive athleticism in his baseball career.
1957: Kirk Gibson
Kirk Gibson is best known for his iconic home run in the 1988 World Series. His tenacious playstyle and pivotal moments for the Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Dodgers solidify his status as a memorable figure in baseball lore.