Last Updated: April 30th, 2024 by Jake Cain
1889: Controversial Game In Brooklyn
On September 7, 1889, the St. Louis Browns faced the Bridegrooms in a game that took an unexpected turn. The match was tense, with debates over the fading light leading to a major decision. Concerns for player safety amid the dim conditions prompted the Browns to call it quits, resulting in a controversial forfeiture. The incident left fans and players alike talking about the game long after the sun had set.
1908: Walter Johnson’s Third Shutout
Walter Johnson, pitching for the Washington Senators, was untouchable on September 7, 1908, against the New York Highlanders. With a jaw-dropping performance, he delivered his third consecutive shutout in just four days. This particular game ended with a score of 4-0 and saw Johnson allowing a mere two hits. They say pitching wins games, and Johnson’s mastery on the mound that day was a clear testament to that adage.
1911: Alexander Defeats Cy Young
In a classic pitcher’s duel, rookie phenom Grover Alexander of the Phillies rose to the occasion, pitching a shutout with a slim 1-0 victory against the legendary Cy Young, then with the Boston Braves. The 44-year-old Young, baseball royalty for his prowess on the mound, was outdueled by the upstart Alexander, hinting at the changing of the guard. Fans witnessed Alexander, the new kid on the block, showing he had the chops, shutting down hitters and securing his place in the big leagues. It was more than just a game; it was a symbol of a storied career nearing its end and a bright one just beginning.
1912: Eddie Collins’ Six Steals
On September 7, 1912, Eddie Collins etched his name in the baseball record books. Playing for the Philadelphia Athletics, he astounded the crowd by swiping an incredible six bases in a single game. This remarkable achievement set a 20th-century record, showcasing Collins’ speed and savvy on the basepaths. Later that month, he replicated this impressive feat, further cementing his legacy as one of the game’s master base stealers.
1916: Giants Begin Record Winning Streak
On September 7, 1916, the New York Giants started what became the longest winning streak in Major League Baseball history by defeating the Brooklyn Dodgers. The streak would eventually encompass 26 victories, setting a record that still stands. Giants fans would witness a solid month of triumphs, cementing the team’s legacy in baseball lore. With each game, they edged closer to immortality, etching their names in the history books as one of the most dominant runs the sport has ever seen.
1918: World Series Pitching Duel
Hippo Vaughn of the Cubs and Carl Mays of the Red Sox squared off in an intense pitchers’ battle during Game Three of the 1918 World Series. The match on September 7 came down to the wire with Mays’ team clinching a narrow 2-1 victory in a nail-biting conclusion involving a rundown to end the game. Fans witnessed a classic strategic tussle as both pitchers were in top form, living up to the expectations of a World Series showdown. This game not only displayed their exceptional pitching skills but also the razor-thin margins that often decide baseball’s most prized championship games.
1945: Joe Kuhel’s Inside-The-Park Homer
In 1945, at Washington’s spacious Griffith Stadium, Joe Kuhel snagged the spotlight with a rare feat—an inside-the-park home run. What makes Kuhel’s homer quite the talk of the town is that it stood alone; it was the only round-tripper a Washington Senator would hit at home during the entire season. Picture it: Kuhel, legs churning, racing around the bags while the crowd goes wild. Plays like that are a reminder of baseball’s unexpected thrills, a quirky gem in the sport’s rich tapestry.
1952: Mize Hits For The Cycle Of Parks
On September 7, 1952, Johnny Mize stepped up to the plate and smacked a pinch-hit grand slam. This wasn’t just any home run—Mize made history by belting homers in every Major League stadium that existed back then. They called him “Big Jawn,” and for good reason; he was a slugger who could find the stands anywhere and everywhere. It’s the stuff of baseball lore, the kind of achievement that gets seasoned fans talking and new ones dreaming. Read more about this historic game.
1953: Campanella Sets RBI Record
In the heat of the 1953 baseball season, Roy Campanella did something unforgettable: he shattered the record for most RBIs by a catcher. He racked up an impressive 142 RBIs that season, a tally no catcher had ever reached before. Known to fans as “Campy,” Campanella was having none of the so-called “sophomore slump” – he was a beast at the plate, and pitchers were wary every time he stepped into the batter’s box. That record-smashing performance was one of the bright spots in a stellar career, and it helped cement Campanella’s legacy as one of the all-time greats behind the dish.
For more detailed stats and information about Roy Campanella’s career, visit Society for American Baseball Research.
1955: Ford Throws Consecutive One-Hitters
On a roll in the 1955 season, Whitey Ford showcased his pitching prowess with the Yankees, throwing back-to-back one-hitters. He joined the record books as one of the rare pitchers to accomplish this remarkable feat. His second gem particularly stunned baseball aficionados, confirming that his first was no fluke. The Yankee Stadium crowd was on their toes, wondering if every pitch would maintain the near-perfect game. Ford’s arm seemed unyielding, carving through line-ups with surgical precision that left bats swinging at air. His consecutive one-hitters had fans and commentators tipping their hats to a masterclass in pitching, as he etched his name into baseball history with style.
1962: Maury Wills Breaks NL Stealing Record
On September 7, 1962, Maury Wills made history with electrifying swiftness. He stole base number 82 of the season, shattering the National League’s record—even as his team, the Los Angeles Dodgers, had to swallow a tough loss against the Pittsburgh Pirates. This moment catapulted Wills into the spotlight, and fans couldn’t stop buzzing about his lightning-quick sprints between the bases.
Wills’ feat was more than just a number; it represented a challenge to the boundaries of the game and how players approached the base paths. While most players were jogging back to the dugout, Wills was busy rewriting the playbook on stealing bases, setting a new standard for speedsters in the league. It didn’t just make the record books, it made for endless barstool chatter about the art of the steal—and for many, Wills became the guy who turned the basepath into his own personal track meet.
1970: White Sox’s Record Player Usage
On September 7, 1970, in a peculiar twist of baseball fate, the Chicago White Sox managed to set a rather unusual Major League record. In a doubleheader contest against the Oakland A’s, the Sox called upon an astonishing 41 players to take the field. Despite this record-setting rotation of talent, the team came up short in both games.
The usage of such an extensive roster in a single day’s matchup was unheard of and became a quirky footnote in the annals of baseball. Though the strategy did not lead to victory, it certainly left fans and opponents alike scratching their heads at the revolving door of White Sox players stepping onto the diamond.
1975: Reds’ Earliest Clinch
In the annals of baseball, September 7th, 1975 was a red-letter day for the Cincinnati Reds. They wrapped up the National League West with plenty of baseball left on the schedule, a feat unrivaled in terms of timing. Their dominant season set a new benchmark for early success, securing their postseason berth with an air of invincibility. It wasn’t just another win; it was a statement that reverberated through the league, etching the ’75 Reds in the memory of fans as a powerhouse that couldn’t be stopped early on.
1978: Start Of The “Boston Massacre”
In September 1978, the Yankees landed in Boston with their eyes set on a critical four-game series. They weren’t just aiming to win; they were looking to dominate. And dominate they did. Over the course of those four days, the Yankees crushed the Red Sox, sweeping the series in a display of baseball prowess that left fans stunned. This epic beating quickly earned the moniker “Boston Massacre,” echoing the same sense of defeat felt in the historic event of the same name.
Yankee hitters seemed to find the Green Monster, Fenway’s famous left-field wall, as if they had homed in on it, each crack of the bat deepening the wound. The pitching was relentless, too, with the Red Sox lineup crumbling under the pressure. Those games transformed the AL East race entirely, as what once was a tight division lead for the Red Sox evaporated into the crisp New England air.
This stretch of games isn’t just remembered for the impressive statistics or the complete reversal of fortune, but for the moment it marked in the fierce rivalry between these two storied franchises. It’s a series etched in the memories of fans, as year after year, they relive the lore of the “Boston Massacre.”
1984: Gooden’s Rookie Strikeout Record
In 1984, Dwight Gooden took the baseball world by storm. He thundered past the National League record for strikeouts by a rookie, a record that had been untouchable since 1911. Doc, as his fans would call him, didn’t just edge past the old record; he shattered it, leaving no question about his place in the game. The New York Mets’ young sensation was lighting up the scoreboard and sending batters back with a shake of the head, making it seem like kids’ play.
1993: Whiten’s Historic Offensive Game
On September 7, 1993, Mark Whiten, playing for the Cardinals, crafted a game for the ages. He launched four home runs and racked up twelve RBIs in a single outing, a feat that still stands alone in baseball records. Known as “Hard-Hittin’ Mark Whiten,” his remarkable power display is one that baseball fans reminisce about with awe to this day. This prolific performance etched his name into the annals of baseball history and has left fans wondering if anyone will ever match “Whiten’s Historic Offensive Game.”
1998: Griffey Joins Elite 50-Homer Club
In 1998, Ken Griffey Jr. achieved a remarkable feat that carved his name into baseball history. He knocked his 50th home run of the season out of the park, making him one of the select sluggers to hit 50 homers in back-to-back seasons. This powerhouse performance affirmed Griffey as one of the game’s best hitters, a legend who could swing with both power and grace. With such an impressive milestone, Junior, as fans affectionately call him, embodied the power-hitting hero that every kid in the 90s wanted to emulate on the sandlot.
1998: McGwire’s 61st Home Run
On September 7, 1998, Mark McGwire stepped up to the plate and launched his 61st home run of the season, matching the magical number set by Roger Maris in 1961. This titanic blast came in the midst of a gripping duel with Sammy Sosa for the single-season home run record. McGwire’s towering shot over the left-field wall wasn’t just any homer; it sent a wave of excitement through Busch Stadium and etched his name alongside one of baseball’s most hallowed records. Fans and players alike shared a moment that encapsulated the summer—a relentless chase full of suspense and awe, as two sluggers rewrote the record books.
Today’s Baseball Birthdays
September 7 is a day of celebration for several notable former MLB players. Let’s tip our caps to these baseball personalities as we remember their contributions to America’s pastime.
1856: Dave Foutz
On this day in 1856, Dave Foutz was born. A true utility man of the 19th century, he played first base and pitched. With a career 147-66 pitching record, Foutz had a remarkable journey on the diamond.
1877: Mike O’Neill
Mike O’Neill, born in 1877, made his mark as a solid pitcher during the dead-ball era. His legacy includes a no-hitter he threw in 1908, showing off his prowess on the mound.
1880: Hooks Wiltse
1880 brought the birth of Hooks Wiltse, remembered for his nasty left-handed curveball. His name is forever etched in history with a 10-inning no-hitter in 1908 – and he could hit too!
1946: Joe Rudi
Sharing his birthday with Willie Crawford, Joe Rudi hit the scene in 1946. An integral player with three World Series titles, Rudi is often mentioned for his outstanding defensive skills in left field.
1946: Willie Crawford
Willie Crawford, also born in 1946, swung a mean bat in his time in the majors. His 15-year career was highlighted by consistently solid hitting and a World Series appearance with the Dodgers.
1947: Dave Wallace
Happy birthday to Dave Wallace, born in 1947. Known as a great pitching coach, Wallace’s keen eye for the game has helped shape many successful pitchers over his long career in baseball.
1972: Jason Isringhausen
Last but not least, Jason Isringhausen came into the world in 1972. A standout closer, Isringhausen racked up 300 saves, leaving batters shaking in their cleats during the 9th inning.