Last Updated: April 30th, 2024 by Jake Cain
1908: Nap Rucker’s No-Hitter
On September 5, 1908, at Washington Park, Nap Rucker of the Brooklyn Superbas, now known as the Dodgers, threw a gem of a game against the Boston Braves. He racked up an impressive 14 strikeouts and managed the game without issuing a single walk, a true display of pitching dominance. The Superbas’ defense had a few hiccups, committing three errors, but that didn’t stop them from cruising to a 6-0 victory. This no-hitter by Rucker is a cherished page in the history books for Brooklyn and baseball fans alike, especially considering how rare such feats were at the time.
1918: Cubs’ Home Game Venue Switch for World Series
In a move to fit more fans for the 1918 championship clash, the Chicago Cubs played their World Series home games at Comiskey Park, not their cozy Wrigley Field. Comiskey Park, usually home to the rival White Sox, could hold more spectators, and the Cubs were looking to pack the stands. During this Series, Babe Ruth cemented his superstar status by increasing his World Series scoreless inning streak to 22, baffling hitters left and right. An iconic moment arose when The Star-Spangled Banner filled the air during the seventh-inning stretch, forging a tradition that spread beyond the World Series to games nationwide.
1921: Walter Johnson Surpasses Cy Young’s Strikeout Record
On September 5, 1921, Walter Johnson made his mark as a pitching legend for the Washington Senators. With seven Yankees caught swinging that day, Johnson’s career strikeouts soared to 2,287, edging past the previous milestone set by the great Cy Young. Fans of baseball history remember this as a moment when “The Big Train” propelled himself further into the annals of the game, setting a new benchmark for pitchers to chase. This electrifying performance underscored Johnson’s dominance on the mound during the early 20th century, an era when he was indisputably one of baseball’s finest.
1954: Joe Bauman’s 72 Season Home Runs
In 1954, Joe Bauman etched his name into baseball history by smashing an unbelievable 72 home runs for the Roswell Rockets in the Longhorn League. Although he was a minor league player, Bauman’s power at the plate was nothing short of legendary, and his single-season home run record stood out as a major achievement. Notably, Bauman achieved the feat without stepping foot into a Major League ballpark, bypassing the big leagues entirely. This record was particularly impressive given that it surpassed the previous professional mark of 69 homers set by Joe Hauser in 1933 and tied by Bob Crues in 1948, which you can read about on the Society for American Baseball Research’s account of Bauman’s power hitting.
1955: Don Newcombe Sets Record for Pitcher Home Runs
On a sunny September day in 1955, history was made when Don Newcombe of the Brooklyn Dodgers smashed his seventh home run of the season. This wasn’t just any homer—it was the one that pushed him past the existing National League record for the most homers hit in a season by a pitcher. The fans roared as Newcombe rounded the bases, capping off an eventful afternoon that saw the Dodgers defeat the Phillies with a comfortable score of 11-4. His power at the plate that season was a rare sight for a pitcher and just another reason why Newcombe was in a league of his own.
1971: J.R. Richard’s Record-Tying Debut
On September 5, 1971, baseball fans witnessed pitching history as J.R. Richard stepped onto the mound for the Houston Astros. In an electrifying Major League debut, he matched a record previously set by Karl Spooner, striking out 15 batters of the San Francisco Giants. This stellar performance helped secure a win for the Astros and left an indelible impression of Richard’s capabilities on his team and fans alike. His feat is still remembered as one of those rare moments that set the tone for what was to come in his subsequent MLB career.
1979: Matt Keough Ends Losing Streak
On September 5, 1979, Matt Keough of the Oakland Athletics dodged a dubious achievement by snapping his 14-game losing streak. They say Keough was skirting close to setting an American League record nobody wants—the most consecutive losses. But he turned his luck around against the Milwaukee Brewers, a victory that surely had A’s fans breathing a sigh of relief. It was one of those moments where you could almost feel the stadium’s collective weight being lifted, and for Keough, it was like hitting the reset button on his season.
1982: Roy Smalley’s Switch-Hitting Feat
In a stunning display of power and versatility, Roy Smalley showcased his switch-hitting prowess during a game with the New York Yankees against the Kansas City Royals. On this day, he hammered out two three-run home runs, hitting one each as a lefty and a righty, lighting up the scoreboard in what would be an 18-7 romp. His ambidextrous ability at the plate was a rare sight, providing fans with an unforgettable performance. Smalley’s dual homers played a key role in sealing a Yankee victory that day.
1998: Mark McGwire Reaches 60 Home Runs
On September 5, 1998, Mark McGwire entered an elite club, knocking his 60th homer of the year out of the park. The St. Louis Cardinals slugger lined up alongside legends like Babe Ruth and Roger Maris, as only the third player to hit that many in a single season. This herculean feat placed him in the heart of one of baseball’s most exciting home run races. McGwire wasn’t just a powerful hitter; his journey to 60 homers had fans on the edge of their seats, cementing his place in baseball lore.
Today’s Baseball Birthdays
Today we celebrate the births of some remarkable players, each of whom has made significant contributions to the game of baseball. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and acknowledge these legends on their special day.
1874: Nap Lajoie
On September 5, 1874, Nap Lajoie, a baseball legend, was born. With a career .338 batting average, he was one of the game’s fiercest hitters and a slick fielding second baseman to boot. His blockbuster move from the Phillies to the Athletics was so controversial it led to the creation of the American League.
1936: Bill Mazeroski
Bill Mazeroski came into the world on September 5, 1936, destined to be a household name for any self-respecting fan. “Maz” hit the series-winning home run in Game 7 of the 1960 World Series, an iconic moment for the Pittsburgh Pirates and all of baseball history.
1975: Rod Barajas
Born on this day in 1975, Rod Barajas would go on to be the reliable backstop that every pitcher dreams of. His journeyman career included stints with seven MLB teams, and he was known for his ability to handle a pitching staff and come up with some timely hits when they mattered most.