1916: First Uniforms to use Numbers
The Cleveland Indians become the first baseball team to wear numbers on their uniforms. They had large numbers stitched onto their left sleeves for the first time in a game against the Chicago Cubs. This concept only lasts for a few weeks before the team decides to do away with it. The next season they attempted the same thing briefly before they completely stopped wearing numbers. This could have helped lead to the uniform numbers worn today.
1944: Three Team Game?
On this day, a baseball game was played at the Polo Grounds involving three New York teams. The Dodgers, Giants and Yankees played a six-inning game for charity that drew a crowd of over 50,000. The way the game worked is that one team would play two full innings against both teams, then sit out for one inning. For example, the Yankees would play one inning against the Giants, then one inning against the Dodgers before sitting out an inning. The Dodgers won by a score of 5-1-0, the Yankees having the other run. The game that raised money for war bonds was given the title of the “Tri-Cornered Baseball Game.”
1970: Frank Robinson Hits Two Grand Slams
Frank Robinson hit grand slams in consecutive at-bats against the Washington Senators. The Orioles’ outfielder helped his team win the game by a score of 12-2. A lot of great action happened in the game, including a 4-for-5 day from Orioles’ Don Buford. The fact that all nine Orioles starters reached base is also an impressive feat. However, none of them compare to Robinson’s two grand slam night. The win brought the Orioles win-lost record to 46-25.
1985: Umpire Ejects Organist
In a Class-A baseball game at Jack Russell Stadium in Florida, Umpire Keith O’Connor ejected the games’ organist. Wilbur Snapp, the organist of the game is ejected for playing Three Blind Mice after a close call went in favor of the away team. The small joke from Snapp gained a good amount of popularity as he even signed autographs for fans as “Wilbur Snapp, Three Blind Mice Organist.” The incident even got featured by NBC as well as a popular radio program.
2003: Edgar Martinez Breaks Another Mariners Record
Edgar Martinez already holds numerous Mariners’ records, such as most games played, hits, walks and runs scored. But on this day he added another to the list: runs batted in. His 1,153 RBIs passes Ken Griffey Jr. for most all-time as a Mariner. The designated hitters’ two-run homer gives him the go-ahead RBIs that also contributes to a 10-6 victory over the Los Angeles Angles.
Martinez is being inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on July 21. This was the slugger’s last year on the main ballot.
Feature Image Courtesy of powerlineblog.com
You can like The Game Haus on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles from great TGH writers along with Tommy.