Last Updated: June 17th, 2026 by Jake Cain
1946: Cecil Travis’ Six Straight Hits
On May 4, 1946, Cecil Travis, playing for the Washington Senators, achieved a remarkable feat by hitting successfully in six consecutive at-bats. Travis left a mark that day, showcasing the skill that made him one of the storied hitters of his era.
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1966: Willie Mays’ Record-Breaking Home Run
On May 4, 1966, Willie Mays made baseball history by hitting his 512th homer, claiming the National League record previously held by Mel Ott. This historic swing not only etched his name at the top of the record books but also further solidified his status as one of baseball’s legendary hitters.
1975: Baseball’s Millionth Run
On May 4, 1975, an unprecedented milestone in baseball history occurred when Bob Watson of the Houston Astros registered the millionth run in Major League Baseball. Watson etched his name in the record books by scoring this historic run against the Giants at San Francisco’s Candlestick Park.
1981: Ron Davis’ Strikeout Record
On May 4th, a remarkable feat unfolded on the mound as Ron Davis, a reliever for the New York Yankees, matched the American League record for most consecutive strikeouts in a game. His performance left a permanent mark, highlighting the capability of bullpen pitchers to dominate at critical junctures of a game.
1996: Rangers’ Back-To-Back One-Hitters
On May 4, 1996, Roger Pavlik etched his name into the Texas Rangers’ record books with a masterful one-hitter. This stellar performance came on the heels of another one-hitter thrown by a Rangers’ pitcher the day before. It was a historic moment for the Rangers and the American League, as it marked the first time since 1917 that an AL team had pitched back-to-back one-hitters.
1997: Willie Blair’s Comeback After Injury
In an unfortunate turn of events, Detroit Tigers’ pitcher Willie Blair was struck by a line drive, leading to a fractured jaw. Displaying resilience, Blair didn’t let this setback keep him down for long. After recovering, he returned to the mound and logged a personal-best 16 victories that season, underscoring his remarkable comeback.
Today’s Baseball Birthdays
Celebrating the birthdays of several accomplished Major League Baseball players who were born on May 4th, this section honors their contributions and achievements within the sport.
1891: Vic Saier
Vic Saier was a gifted first baseman, known for his tenure with the Chicago Cubs in the early 20th century.
1892: Jack Tobin
Right fielder Jack Tobin made a significant impact on the field and was a key player during the dead-ball era.
1956: Ken Oberkfell
Infielder Ken Oberkfell played for various teams and was appreciated for his consistent performance and stability on the field.
1968: Eddie Perez
Catcher Eddie Perez became well-regarded for his defensive skills and his time with the Atlanta Braves.
1971: Joe Borowski
Joe Borowski, a reliable relief pitcher, was known for his time on the mound with several MLB teams, especially his role as a closer.
1974: Miguel Cairo
Miguel Cairo earned respect for his versatility, playing multiple infield positions throughout his career.
1976: Jason Michaels
Outfielder Jason Michaels brought energy and skill to the field and contributed to the teams he played for with solid batting and fielding.
1976: Ben Grieve
Ben Grieve was celebrated for his powerful hitting and was named the 1998 American League Rookie of the Year.