It’s great to be back in front of the mic, everyone! Last week was another whirlwind of stops that took me to Virginia and back to Fort Lauderdale.
What a week for baseball, though - especially Ronald Acuña Jr. becoming the first player in AL/NL history with 30 homers and 60 steals. This week has some exciting moments to reflect on, so let’s get right to it.
Oh - and thanks again for being a subscriber.
This Week’s Memorable Moments:
September 4, 1993: A One-Handed Pitcher Tosses a No-Hitter
Jim Abbott of the New York Yankees threw a no-hitter, shutting out the Cleveland Indians in a 4-0 victory at Yankee Stadium.
Despite being born without a right hand, Jim Abbott rose through the ranks of professional baseball to become an accomplished major league pitcher. His no-hitter stands as a testament to his determination, skill, and an inspiration to countless individuals facing physical challenges.
September 5, 1927: Babe Ruth Nears Home Run Record
Babe Ruth of the New York Yankees hit his 50th home run of the season today, becoming the first player in MLB history to reach this milestone in three separate seasons.
Without a doubt, Babe Ruth's power at the plate was legendary. His 1927 season was especially significant as he would eventually set a new single-season home run record by hitting 60, a mark that would stand for 34 years.
September 6, 1995: Cal Ripken Jr. Breaks Consecutive Games Played Record
Cal Ripken Jr. of the Baltimore Orioles played in his 2,131st consecutive game, surpassing Lou Gehrig's longstanding record of 2,130.
Known for his incredible durability and love for the game, Ripken's achievement highlighted his unwavering commitment to baseball. He would eventually stretch his consecutive games played streak to 2,632, creating a record that might never be broken.
September 7, 1916: The Brooklyn Robins (later Dodgers) Pull Off a Rare Triple Steal
During a game against the Boston Braves, the Brooklyn Robins successfully executed a triple steal. Such feats are rare in baseball, and when they happen, they showcase a unique blend of skill, timing, and daring.
September 8, 1998: Mark McGwire Hits His 62nd Home Run of the Season
Mark McGwire of the St. Louis Cardinals belted his 62nd home run, breaking the single-season record previously set by Roger Maris in 1961.
The 1998 season saw a fierce home run race between McGwire and Sammy Sosa of the Chicago Cubs. When McGwire hit the record-breaking homer, it was a moment celebrated not just by Cardinals fans, but by baseball enthusiasts worldwide.
September 9, 1965: Sandy Koufax Pitches a Perfect Game
Sandy Koufax of the Los Angeles Dodgers delivered a perfect game against the Chicago Cubs, striking out 14 batters in the process.
Koufax, one of the most dominant pitchers of his era, had an illustrious career marked by multiple no-hitters. This perfect game stood out as one of the crowning achievements of his time in Major League Baseball.
Hop Into the Time Machine! 🗓️
In 2020, I re-explore and make the case for why Smead Jolly deserves a more prominent place amongst baseball’s greatest hitters. Check out the episode and let me know if you agree!
September 10, 1974: Lou Brock Sets the Single-Season Stolen Base Record
Lou Brock of the St. Louis Cardinals swiped his 105th base of the season, overtaking Maury Wills' single-season record from 1962.
Known for his blazing speed and base-running prowess, Brock was one of the premier base stealers of the 1970s. His record-breaking feat underscored his place among the game's elite base thieves and stood until Ricky Henderson claimed the record with 130 swiped bags during the 1982 season.
This Week in Baseball History: September 4-12