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So let’s get the show going, starting with memorable historical moments that happened this week!
This Week’s Memorable Moments:
July 24, 1983: The Pine Tar Game Occurs at Yankee Stadium
In the memorable Pine Tar Game at Yankee Stadium, George Brett hit an apparent 2-run home run off Rich Gossage to give the Royals a 5-4 lead with two outs in the ninth inning. But Yankees manager Billy Martin argued with the umpires that the pine tar on Brett's bat handle exceeded the seventeen inches allowed in the rules.
As a result, Brett was called ‘out’ for illegally batting the ball, giving New York a 4-3 victory. The Royals immediately protested, and American League President Lee MacPhail overruled his umpires for the first time, saying, “while the rules should certainly be rewritten and clarified, the home run will stand and the game will be resumed from that point on August 18.”
In the August 18 game, starting from the point of Brett's home run, the Royals held onto their 5-4 lead to win the game.
The incident led to changes in the rules regarding pine tar and its application on baseball bats and sparked discussions about the role of umpires, the rules of the game, and the need for consistency in their enforcement.
July 25, 1959: Violence Erupts at a Minor League Game in Cuba
Fidel Castro supporters brought a halt to the International League contest between the Rochester Red Wings and Havana Sugar Kings. Scattered gunshots were fired in the grandstands, leading to the game’s cancellation.
Red Wings third base coach Frank Verdi and Havana shortstop Leo Cardenas both suffered minor flesh wounds.
Under immense pressure from the U.S. Secretary of State, the owner of the Havana Sugar Kings relocated the team back to the United States. They were re-named the Jersey City Jerseys.
July 26, 1948: The Great Bambino Makes His Last Public Appearance
Babe Ruth attended the premiere of his film, the Babe Ruth Story, at the Astor Theatre in New York. He was in feeble health, and this was his last public appearance.
The film itself was a semi-fictional biography of the Babe’s life. It was directed by Roy Del Ruth, and starred William Bendix as Ruth. The film was reportedly rushed to come out before he passed away.
The film was initially released to mixed reviews, but its dramatic overtures and shoddy director work have since labeled it by many critics as one of the worst films ever made.
Babe Ruth died three weeks after the movie’s premiere.
July 27, 1984: Pete Rose Passes Ty Cobb in Career Singles
Pete Rose achieved a significant milestone in his illustrious career on this day. While playing for the Montreal Expos he hit a single in the 7th inning off of Phillies pitcher Steve Carlton to collect his 3,053rd career single. Rose surpassed Ty Cobb's record for career singles with this hit.
Pete Rose was known for his incredible hitting ability and tenacity on the field. His style of play earned him the nickname "Charlie Hustle" and endeared him to fans across the league. Ty Cobb, another all-time great player, had held the record for career singles for several decades before Rose's achievement.
July 28, 1999: Team USA Defeats Cuba at the PanAm Games for the First Time in 12 Years
In a stunning turn of events, a group of U.S. minor league baseball players achieved a historic victory over the Cuban national team at the Pan American Games in 1999.
The U.S. team, led by catcher Marcus Jensen, managed to break a 5-5 tie in the ninth inning with a three-run home run, leading to a 10-5 comeback victory.
This was a significant achievement as it marked the first time in 12 years that a U.S. amateur team had managed to defeat the Cuban team, which was widely considered superior. The victory was particularly sweet as it came shortly after U.S. Manager Buddy Bell was ejected from the game.
July 29, 1915: Honus Wagner becomes the Oldest Player to Knock a Grand Slam
Honus Wagner, a player for the Pittsburgh Pirates, made baseball history by becoming the oldest player to hit a grand slam. This achievement was even more remarkable because the grand slam was an inside-the-park home run.
At the age of 41, Wagner's feat was a testament to his enduring skill and athleticism. The game ended with a victory for the Pittsburgh Pirates over Brooklyn, scoring 8-2.
Wagner's record as the oldest player to hit a grand slam stood for 70 years until it was broken by Tony Perez in 1985.
Hop Into the Time Machine! 🗓️
In 2021, we spoke to historian Tom Nowlin about the evolution of catcher’s equipment. Take a moment to check it out!
July 30, 1978: The Expos Hang 28 Hits and 19 Runs on the Atlanta Braves
The Montreal Expos made baseball history in a game against the Atlanta Braves. The Expos, who were hoping to finish above .500, had a lineup that included future Hall of Famers Andre Dawson, Gary Carter, and Tony Perez.
The game started with Woodie Fryman on the mound for the Expos and Tommy Boggs for the Braves. The Expos took an early lead in the second inning with a run scored by Larry Parrish. The third inning saw the Expos solidify their lead with four home runs, taking the score to 9-0. By the end of the fourth inning, the Expos had extended their lead to 10-0.
Parrish hit his third consecutive home run in the fifth inning, taking the score to 13-0. The Expos continued their onslaught, scoing three more runs in the sixth inning to go up 16-0. The Expos ended the game with a record-setting 19 runs on 28 hits, the most lopsided victory in their history.
In addition to tying the major-league record with eight home runs, the Expos' 58 total bases set a National League record. Their four home runs in the third inning also set a team record.
This Week in Baseball History: July 24-30