1951 in baseball
Encyclopedia
Headline Event of the Year
Baseball's Shot Heard 'Round the WorldShot Heard 'Round the World (baseball)
In baseball, the "Shot Heard 'round the World" is the term given to the walk-off home run hit by New York Giants outfielder Bobby Thomson off Brooklyn Dodgers pitcher Ralph Branca at the Polo Grounds to win the National League pennant at 3:58 p.m...
gives the New York Giants
San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
the National League
National League
The National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
Pennant in the third game of a best-of-three-games tiebreaker series over the Brooklyn Dodgers.
Major League Baseball
- World Series1951 World SeriesThe 1951 World Series matched the two-time defending champion New York Yankees against the New York Giants, who had won the National League pennant in a thrilling three-game playoff with the Brooklyn Dodgers on the legendary home run by Bobby Thomson .In the Series, the Yankees showed some power of...
: New York YankeesNew York YankeesThe New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
over New York GiantsSan Francisco GiantsThe San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
(4-2) - All-Star GameMajor League Baseball All-Star GameThe Major League Baseball All-Star Game, also known as the "Midsummer Classic", is an annual baseball game between players from the National League and the American League, currently selected by a combination of fans, players, coaches, and managers...
, July 10 at Briggs Stadium: National League, 8-3
Other champions
- Caribbean World SeriesCaribbean World SeriesThe Caribbean Series , also called the Caribbean World Series is the highest baseball tournament at club level in Latin America. The league winners from the Winter Leagues of Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Venezuela participate in the tournament...
: Cangrejeros de SanturceSanturce Crabbers (baseball)The Cangrejeros de Santurce were a professional baseball team based in Santurce, the largest barrio of San Juan, Puerto Rico. The franchise joined the Puerto Rico Baseball League since it was the semi-professional Liga de Béisbol Semi-Profesional de Puerto Rico...
(Puerto Rico) - College World SeriesCollege World SeriesThe College World Series or CWS is an annual baseball tournament held in Omaha, Nebraska that is the culmination of the NCAA Division I Baseball Championship, which determines the NCAA Division I college baseball champion. The eight teams are split into two, four-team, double-elimination brackets,...
: OklahomaUniversity of OklahomaThe University of Oklahoma is a coeducational public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma. Founded in 1890, it existed in Oklahoma Territory near Indian Territory for 17 years before the two became the state of Oklahoma. the university had 29,931 students enrolled, most located at its... - Japan SeriesJapan Series, or is the annual championship series in Nippon Professional Baseball, the top baseball league in Japan. It is a seven-game series between the winning clubs of the league's two circuits, the Central League and the Pacific League....
: Yomiuri GiantsYomiuri GiantsThe are a professional baseball team based in Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan. The team competes in the Central League in Nippon Professional Baseball, the top level of professional play in Japan. They play their home games in the Tokyo Dome, opened in 1988. The English-language press occasionally calls the...
over Nankai Hawks (4-2) - Little League World SeriesLittle League World SeriesThe Little League Baseball World Series is a baseball tournament for children aged 11 to 13 years old. It was originally called the National Little League Tournament and was later renamed for the World Series in Major League Baseball. It was first held in 1947 and is held every August in South...
: Stamford, ConnecticutStamford, ConnecticutStamford is a city in Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States. According to the 2010 census, the population of the city is 122,643, making it the fourth largest city in the state and the eighth largest city in New England... - All-American Girls Professional Baseball LeagueAll-American Girls Professional Baseball LeagueThe All-American Girls Professional Baseball League was a women's professional baseball league founded by Philip K. Wrigley which existed from 1943 to 1954. During the league's history, over 600 women played ball.-History:...
: South Bend Blue SoxSouth Bend Blue SoxThe South Bend Blue Sox were a women's professional baseball team who played from through in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League...
Awards and honors
- MLB Most Valuable Player AwardMLB Most Valuable Player AwardThe Major League Baseball Most Valuable Player Award is an annual Major League Baseball award, given to one outstanding player in the American League and one in the National League. Since 1931, it has been awarded by the Baseball Writers Association of America...
- Yogi BerraYogi BerraLawrence Peter "Yogi" Berra is a former American Major League Baseball catcher, outfielder, and manager. He played almost his entire 19-year baseball career for the New York Yankees...
, New York YankeesNew York YankeesThe New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
, C - Roy CampanellaRoy CampanellaRoy Campanella , nicknamed "Campy", was an American baseball player, primarily at the position of catcher, in the Negro leagues and Major League Baseball...
, Brooklyn DodgersLos Angeles DodgersThe Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming...
, C
- Yogi Berra
- MLB Rookie of the Year AwardMLB Rookie of the Year AwardIn Major League Baseball, the Rookie of the Year Award is annually given to one player from each league as voted on by the Baseball Writers Association of America . The award was established in 1940 by the Chicago chapter of the BBWAA, which selected an annual winner from 1940 through 1946...
- Gil McDougaldGil McDougaldGilbert James McDougald was an American infielder who spent all ten seasons of his Major League Baseball career with the New York Yankees from 1951 to 1960. He was a member of eight American League pennant winners and five World Series Champions. He was also the AL Rookie of the Year in 1951 and...
, New York YankeesNew York YankeesThe New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
, 3B - Willie MaysWillie MaysWillie Howard Mays, Jr. is a retired American professional baseball player who played the majority of his major league career with the New York and San Francisco Giants before finishing with the New York Mets. Nicknamed The Say Hey Kid, Mays was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1979, his...
, New York GiantsSan Francisco GiantsThe San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
, OF
- Gil McDougald
- The Sporting News Player of the Year AwardThe Sporting News Player of the Year AwardThis is a list of the Major League Baseball players chosen by The Sporting News since 1936 as recipients of the TSN Player of the Year Award. Until 1969, it was the only major award given to a single player from MLB, rather than to a player in each league. In 1969, Baseball Digest began its Player...
- Stan MusialStan MusialStanley Frank "Stan" Musial is a retired professional baseball player who played 22 seasons in Major League Baseball for the St. Louis Cardinals . Nicknamed "Stan the Man", Musial was a record 24-time All-Star selection , and is widely considered to be one of the greatest hitters in baseball...
St. Louis CardinalsSt. Louis CardinalsThe St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
- Stan Musial
- The Sporting News Manager of the Year AwardThe Sporting News Manager of the Year AwardThe Sporting News Manager of the Year Award was established in 1936 by The Sporting News and was given annually to one manager in Major League Baseball...
- Leo DurocherLeo DurocherLeo Ernest Durocher , nicknamed Leo the Lip, was an American infielder and manager in Major League Baseball. Upon his retirement, he ranked fifth all-time among managers with 2,009 career victories, second only to John McGraw in National League history. Durocher still ranks tenth in career wins by...
New York GiantsSan Francisco GiantsThe San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
- Leo Durocher
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January–March
- January 23 - Guido Rugo sells his interest in the Boston BravesAtlanta BravesThe Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
to copartners Lou PeriniLou PeriniLouis R. Perini was the principal owner of the Boston/Milwaukee Braves of the National League from through . In 1945, he purchased the club from Bob Quinn, and he moved the club to Milwaukee, Wisconsin for the season after complaining of poor attendance and revenue in Boston...
and treasurer Joe Maney.
- January 26 - The baseball writers vote Mel OttMel OttMelvin Thomas Ott , nicknamed "Master Melvin", was a Major League Baseball right fielder. He played his entire career for the New York Giants . Ott was born in Gretna, Louisiana. He batted left-handed and threw right-handed...
and Jimmie FoxxJimmie FoxxJames Emory "Jimmie" Foxx , nicknamed "Double X" and "The Beast", was a right-handed American Major League Baseball first baseman and noted power hitter....
into the Hall Of Fame.
- March 10 - The St. Louis BrownsBaltimore OriolesThe Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...
reveal plans to move the club to Milwaukee because of poor attendance.
- March 21 - Pittsburgh PiratesPittsburgh PiratesThe Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball club based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They play in the Central Division of the National League, and are five-time World Series Champions...
' lefty first basemanFirst basemanFirst base, or 1B, is the first of four stations on a baseball diamond which must be touched in succession by a baserunner in order to score a run for that player's team...
Dale LongDale LongRichard Dale Long was a first baseman in professional baseball. Between 1951 and 1963, Long played in Major League Baseball with the Pittsburgh Pirates , St. Louis Browns , Chicago Cubs , San Francisco Giants , New York Yankees and Washington Senators...
makes his first appearance as a catcherCatcherCatcher is a position for a baseball or softball player. When a batter takes his turn to hit, the catcher crouches behind home plate, in front of the umpire, and receives the ball from the pitcher. This is a catcher's primary duty, but he is also called upon to master many other skills in order to...
in an exhibition game against San Diego.
April–June
- May 2 - A Special Pinch Hit Home Run: The Batter, Pitcher, and Catcher Were Jewish
On May 2, 1951 at Briggs Stadium in Detroit, Philadelphia A's pinch hitter Lou Limmer stepped into the batters box to face the Tigers' Saul Rogovin. The 6'2" right-hander peered in to get the signal from catcher Joe Ginsberg, nodded assent, and went into the windup. Around came the arm, in came the pitch and Limmer swung, sending a drive to deep right that cleared the fence for a home run. Now, pinch hit home runs are not unique, but what is unique is that the pitcher, the catcher, and the hitter were all Jewish. It is the only known time in major league baseball that has occurred.
- May 6 - In the second game of a doubleheaderDoubleheader (baseball)A doubleheader is a set of two baseball games played between the same two teams on the same day in front of the same crowd. In addition, the term is often used unofficially to refer to a pair of games played by a team in a single day, but in front of different crowds and not in immediate...
, Cliff ChambersCliff ChambersClifford Day Chambers , was a former professional baseball player who played pitcher in the Major Leagues from 1948-1953. He played for the Chicago Cubs, Pittsburgh Pirates, and St...
pitches a no-hitterNo-hitterA no-hitter is a baseball game in which one team has no hits. In Major League Baseball, the team must be without hits during the entire game, and the game must be at least nine innings. A pitcher who prevents the opposing team from achieving a hit is said to have "thrown a no-hitter"...
, as the Pittsburgh PiratesPittsburgh PiratesThe Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball club based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They play in the Central Division of the National League, and are five-time World Series Champions...
top the Boston BravesAtlanta BravesThe Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
, 3-0.
July–September
- July 1 - In the first game of a doubleheader, Bob FellerBob FellerOn December 8, 1941, Feller enlisted in the Navy, volunteering immediately for combat service, becoming the first Major League Baseball player to do so following the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7. Feller served as Gun Captain aboard the USS Alabama, and missed four seasons during his service...
tosses the third no-hitterNo-hitterA no-hitter is a baseball game in which one team has no hits. In Major League Baseball, the team must be without hits during the entire game, and the game must be at least nine innings. A pitcher who prevents the opposing team from achieving a hit is said to have "thrown a no-hitter"...
of his career for the Cleveland IndiansCleveland IndiansThe Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...
in a 2-1 win over the Detroit TigersDetroit TigersThe Detroit Tigers are a Major League Baseball team located in Detroit, Michigan. One of the American League's eight charter franchises, the club was founded in Detroit in as part of the Western League. The Tigers have won four World Series championships and have won the American League pennant...
.
- July 10 - Exploding for a record four home runHome runIn baseball, a home run is scored when the ball is hit in such a way that the batter is able to reach home safely in one play without any errors being committed by the defensive team in the process...
s, the National LeagueNational LeagueThe National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
trounces the American LeagueAmerican LeagueThe American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League , is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western League, a minor league based in the Great Lakes states, which eventually aspired to major...
, 8-3, at the annual All-Star GameAll-star gameAn all-star game is an exhibition game played by the best players in their sports league, except in the circumstances of professional sports systems in which a democratic voting system is used...
, at Briggs Stadium in Detroit. Pittsburgh PiratesPittsburgh PiratesThe Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball club based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They play in the Central Division of the National League, and are five-time World Series Champions...
' slugger Ralph KinerRalph KinerRalph McPherran Kiner is an American former Major League Baseball player and has been an announcer for the New York Mets since the team's inception. Though injuries forced his retirement from active play after 10 seasons, Kiner's tremendous slugging outpaced nearly all of his National League...
hits a home run for the 3rd year in a row.
- July 12 - New York YankeesNew York YankeesThe New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
hurler Allie ReynoldsAllie ReynoldsAllie Pierce Reynolds was a pitcher in Major League Baseball.-Biography:...
pitches a no-hitterNo-hitterA no-hitter is a baseball game in which one team has no hits. In Major League Baseball, the team must be without hits during the entire game, and the game must be at least nine innings. A pitcher who prevents the opposing team from achieving a hit is said to have "thrown a no-hitter"...
against the Cleveland IndiansCleveland IndiansThe Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...
in a 1-0 win.
- July 17 - After pitching for Bill VeeckBill VeeckWilliam Louis Veeck, Jr. , also known as "Sport Shirt Bill", was a native of Chicago, Illinois, and a franchise owner and promoter in Major League Baseball. He was best known for his publicity stunts to raise attendance. Veeck was at various times the owner of the Cleveland Indians, St. Louis...
in Cleveland in 1948, Satchel PaigeSatchel PaigeLeroy Robert "Satchel" Paige was an American baseball player whose pitching in the Negro leagues and in Major League Baseball made him a legend in his own lifetime...
rejoins him with the St. Louis BrownsBaltimore OriolesThe Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...
.
- July 28 - Clyde VollmerClyde VollmerClyde Frederick Vollmer , was an American professional baseball player. An outfielder, he played in 685 Major League games for three teams: the Cincinnati Reds, Washington Senators and Boston Red Sox. During one of his seasons with the Red Sox, his timely hitting earned him the nickname "Dutch the...
, who started the month on the bench, continues his explosive fireworks against the Indians. Vollmer singles in the tying run in the 15th inning and then in the 16th hits a grand slam off reliever Bob FellerBob FellerOn December 8, 1941, Feller enlisted in the Navy, volunteering immediately for combat service, becoming the first Major League Baseball player to do so following the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7. Feller served as Gun Captain aboard the USS Alabama, and missed four seasons during his service...
for an 8-4 Red Sox win. The grand slam is the latest hit in a game in major-league history. Mickey McDermottMickey McDermottMaurice Joseph "Mickey" McDermott Jr. was an American left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball.-Pre-professional career:...
pitches all 16 innings for the Sox, striking out 15 and walking one.
- August 11 - Robin Roberts of the Philadelphia PhilliesPhiladelphia PhilliesThe Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team. They are the oldest continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional American sports, dating to 1883. The Phillies are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
beat the New York GiantsSan Francisco GiantsThe San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
, 4-0, dropping the Giants 13.5 games behind the first-place Brooklyn Dodgers.
- August 19 - Bill VeeckBill VeeckWilliam Louis Veeck, Jr. , also known as "Sport Shirt Bill", was a native of Chicago, Illinois, and a franchise owner and promoter in Major League Baseball. He was best known for his publicity stunts to raise attendance. Veeck was at various times the owner of the Cleveland Indians, St. Louis...
, the showman and maverick owner of the St. Louis BrownsBaltimore OriolesThe Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...
, pulls off one of the greatest stunts in baseball history. In the second game of a doubleheader against the Detroit TigersDetroit TigersThe Detroit Tigers are a Major League Baseball team located in Detroit, Michigan. One of the American League's eight charter franchises, the club was founded in Detroit in as part of the Western League. The Tigers have won four World Series championships and have won the American League pennant...
, Veeck sends Eddie GaedelEddie GaedelEdward Carl Gaedel was an American with dwarfism who became famous for participating in a Major League Baseball game....
to the plate as a pinch-hitter for leadoff batter Frank SaucierFrank SaucierFrancis Field Saucier played two months of the 1951 baseball season for the St. Louis Browns. Although he had a spectactular minor league career, he is perhaps best known for being replaced by the shortest player in baseball history, Eddie Gaedel, who pinch-hit for him in a stunt devised by...
. At 3 in 7 in (1.09 m) tall, Gaedel became the shortest player in baseball history. Due to his extremely small strike zone, Gaedel walked on four consecutive pitches and was immediately pulled for a pinch-runner. American LeagueAmerican LeagueThe American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League , is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western League, a minor league based in the Great Lakes states, which eventually aspired to major...
president Will HarridgeWill HarridgeWilliam Harridge was an American executive in professional baseball whose most significant role was as president of the American League from 1931 to 1958...
, saying Veeck was making a mockery of the game, voided Gaedel's contract the next day. Detroit went on to win the game, 6-2.
October–December
- September 14 - Bob NiemanBob NiemanRobert Charles Nieman was a Major League Baseball outfielder and right-handed batter who played for the St. Louis Browns , Detroit Tigers , Chicago White Sox , Baltimore Orioles , St. Louis Cardinals , Cleveland Indians and San Francisco Giants...
of the St. Louis BrownsBaltimore OriolesThe Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...
became the first player in Major League history to hit two home runHome runIn baseball, a home run is scored when the ball is hit in such a way that the batter is able to reach home safely in one play without any errors being committed by the defensive team in the process...
s in his debut. Nieman will be joined by Bert CampanerisBert CampanerisDagoberto Campaneris Blanco , nicknamed "Campy", is a former shortstop in Major League Baseball who played for four American League teams, primarily the Kansas City and Oakland Athletics...
and Mark QuinnMark QuinnMark David Quinn is a former Major League Baseball outfielder and right-handed batter who played for the Kansas City Royals. Quinn was drafted in the 11th round of the 1995 Amateur Draft after playing two seasons for the Rice University Owls. He played for the Royals between 1999-2002...
in the select group.
- September 28 - Allie ReynoldsAllie ReynoldsAllie Pierce Reynolds was a pitcher in Major League Baseball.-Biography:...
turns in the second no-hitterNo-hitterA no-hitter is a baseball game in which one team has no hits. In Major League Baseball, the team must be without hits during the entire game, and the game must be at least nine innings. A pitcher who prevents the opposing team from achieving a hit is said to have "thrown a no-hitter"...
of his career, and his second this season, as the New York YankeesNew York YankeesThe New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
blank the Boston Red SoxBoston Red SoxThe Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
, 8-0.
- October 3 - The New York GiantsSan Francisco GiantsThe San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
had been thirteen and one-half games behind the National LeagueNational LeagueThe National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
leading Brooklyn Dodgers in August, but under Leo DurocherLeo DurocherLeo Ernest Durocher , nicknamed Leo the Lip, was an American infielder and manager in Major League Baseball. Upon his retirement, he ranked fifth all-time among managers with 2,009 career victories, second only to John McGraw in National League history. Durocher still ranks tenth in career wins by...
's guidance and with the aid of a sixteen-game winning streak, caught the Dodgers to tie for the lead with two days left in the season. As both teams won their last two games, they ended up tied. The two teams play a best-of three playoff1951 National League tie-breaker seriesThe 1951 National League tie-breaker series was a three-game series played at the conclusion of the 1951 Major League Baseball season between the New York Giants and Brooklyn Dodgers...
. In Game 3 with one out in the ninth inningInningInning is a municipality in the district of Erding in Bavaria in Germany....
and runners on second and third, the Giants were down 4-2 to the Dodgers when Bobby ThomsonBobby ThomsonRobert Brown "Bobby" Thomson was a Scottish-born American professional baseball player. Nicknamed "The Staten Island Scot", he was an outfielder and right-handed batter for the New York Giants , Milwaukee Braves , Chicago Cubs , Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles .His season-ending three-run...
hit a home runHome runIn baseball, a home run is scored when the ball is hit in such a way that the batter is able to reach home safely in one play without any errors being committed by the defensive team in the process...
to win the game 5-4. The "Shot heard 'round the worldShot Heard 'Round the World (baseball)In baseball, the "Shot Heard 'round the World" is the term given to the walk-off home run hit by New York Giants outfielder Bobby Thomson off Brooklyn Dodgers pitcher Ralph Branca at the Polo Grounds to win the National League pennant at 3:58 p.m...
" clinched the National League pennant for the Giants, and WMCA-AMWMCAWMCA, 570 AM, is a radio station in New York City, most known for its "Good Guys" Top 40 era in the 1960s. It is currently owned by Salem Communications and plays a Christian radio format...
radio announcer Russ HodgesRuss HodgesRussell Patrick Hodges was an American broadcaster who did play-by-play for several baseball teams, most notably the New York and San Francisco Giants.-Early career:...
' frantic "The Giants won the pennant!", said four times consecutively, is one of the most famous home run calls in baseball history.
- October 10 - The New York YankeesNew York YankeesThe New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
defeat the New York GiantsSan Francisco GiantsThe San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
, 4-3, in Game 6 of the World Series1951 World SeriesThe 1951 World Series matched the two-time defending champion New York Yankees against the New York Giants, who had won the National League pennant in a thrilling three-game playoff with the Brooklyn Dodgers on the legendary home run by Bobby Thomson .In the Series, the Yankees showed some power of...
to win their third consecutive World ChampionshipWorld championshipA world championship is the top achievement for any sport or contest. The title is usually awarded by contests, ranking systems, stature, ability, etc. This determines the best nation, team, individual in the world in a particular field. Certain sports do not have a world championship, instead...
, and fourteenth overall. Just before the game, Giants manager Leo DurocherLeo DurocherLeo Ernest Durocher , nicknamed Leo the Lip, was an American infielder and manager in Major League Baseball. Upon his retirement, he ranked fifth all-time among managers with 2,009 career victories, second only to John McGraw in National League history. Durocher still ranks tenth in career wins by...
turns over a letter he received to Ford FrickFord FrickFord Christopher Frick was an American sportswriter and executive who served as president of the National League from to and as the third Commissioner of Major League Baseball from 1951 to . He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1970...
that offered the Giants managerManager (baseball)In baseball, the field manager is an individual who is responsible for matters of team strategy on the field and team leadership. Managers are typically assisted by between one and six assistant coaches, whose responsibilities are specialized...
a $15,000 bribe "if the Giants managed to lose the next 3 games".
- October 17 - The Yomiuri GiantsYomiuri GiantsThe are a professional baseball team based in Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan. The team competes in the Central League in Nippon Professional Baseball, the top level of professional play in Japan. They play their home games in the Tokyo Dome, opened in 1988. The English-language press occasionally calls the...
win the Japan SeriesJapan Series, or is the annual championship series in Nippon Professional Baseball, the top baseball league in Japan. It is a seven-game series between the winning clubs of the league's two circuits, the Central League and the Pacific League....
over the Nankai Hawks. The Giants went on to win the Central LeagueCentral LeagueThe or is one the two professional baseball leagues that constitute Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan. The winner of the league championship plays against the winner of the Pacific League in the annual Japan Series. It currently consists of six teams from around the country,The Central League...
pennant 19 times in the next 23 years, including nine in succession (1965-73).
- November 10 - In Tokyo, Japan 50,000 fans are on hand as an American All-Star team battles a Central LeagueCentral LeagueThe or is one the two professional baseball leagues that constitute Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan. The winner of the league championship plays against the winner of the Pacific League in the annual Japan Series. It currently consists of six teams from around the country,The Central League...
All-Star team. Joe DiMaggioJoe DiMaggioJoseph Paul "Joe" DiMaggio , nicknamed "Joltin' Joe" and "The Yankee Clipper," was an American Major League Baseball center fielder who played his entire 13-year career for the New York Yankees. He is perhaps best known for his 56-game hitting streak , a record that still stands...
hits a 400 ft. home run in the eighth inning to tie the game at 1–1, then his younger brother DomDom DiMaggioDominic Paul DiMaggio , nicknamed "The Little Professor", was a Major League Baseball center fielder. He played his entire 11-year baseball career for the Boston Red Sox...
laces an RBI-triple in the ninth and later scores to give the Americans a 3–2 victory. The Americans have won 12 games and tied one.
- November 23 - The New York YankeesNew York YankeesThe New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
send young catcher Clint CourtneyClint CourtneyClinton Dawdson Courtney was an American catcher in Major League Baseball who played for the New York Yankees , St. Louis Browns , Baltimore Orioles , Chicago White Sox , Washington Senators and Kansas City Athletics . Courtney batted left-handed and threw right-handed...
to the St. Louis BrownsBaltimore OriolesThe Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...
in exchange for pitcher Jim McDonaldJim McDonald (baseball pitcher)Jimmie Le Roy McDonald [Hot Rod] is a former pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for five different teams between 1950 and 1958. Listed at 5' 10", 185 lb., he batted and threw right-handed....
. Courtney, regarded as the first major league catcher to wear eyeglasses, had appeared in one game for New York.
- November 27 - In an eight-player trade, The St. Louis BrownsBaltimore OriolesThe Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...
send C Sherm LollarSherm LollarJohn Sherman Lollar was an American professional baseball player and coach. He played as a catcher in Major League Baseball for the Cleveland Indians , New York Yankees , St. Louis Browns , and the Chicago White Sox...
, P Al WidmarAl WidmarAlbert Joseph Widmar was an American starting pitcher and a pitching coach in Major League Baseball. Between 1945 and 1952, Widmar played for the Boston Red Sox , St. Louis Browns and Chicago White Sox . He batted and threw right-handed...
and IF Tom UptonTom UptonThomas Herbert "Muscles" Upton is a former right-handed Major League Baseball shortstop who played for the St. Louis Browns from 1950 to 1951, and for the Washington Senators in 1952. He began his professional career in 1944, after being signed by the New York Yankees...
to the Chicago White SoxChicago White SoxThe Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans...
in exchange for C Gus NiarhosGus NiarhosConstantine Gregory "Gus" Niarhos was an American professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball as a catcher for the New York Yankees , Chicago White Sox , Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies...
, P Dick LittlefieldDick LittlefieldRichard Bernard "Dick" Littlefield was an American left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for nine teams between 1950 and 1958.Born in Detroit, Michigan, he died there at age 71....
, 1B Gordon GoldsberryGordon GoldsberryGordon Frederick Goldsberry was an American professional baseball player, scout and front-office executive. As a player, he was a first baseman who appeared in 217 Major League Baseball games for the Chicago White Sox and St. Louis Browns between and...
, SS Joe DeMaestriJoe DeMaestriJoseph Paul DeMaestri , nicknamed "Froggy," is a former shortstop in Major League Baseball who played for the Chicago White Sox , St. Louis Browns , Philadelphia & Kansas City Athletics and New York Yankees...
and OF Jim RiveraJim RiveraManuel Joseph "Jim" Rivera is a former Major League Baseball outfielder and left-handed batter who played for the St. Louis Browns , Chicago White Sox and Kansas City Athletics...
. Rivera, a favorite of Browns manager Rogers HornsbyRogers HornsbyRogers Hornsby, Sr. , nicknamed "The Rajah", was an American baseball infielder, manager, and coach who played 23 seasons in Major League Baseball . He played for the St. Louis Cardinals , New York Giants , Boston Braves , Chicago Cubs , and St. Louis Browns...
, will return to the Sox in eight months.
- November 28 - The St. Louis BrownsBaltimore OriolesThe Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...
trade Niarhos, along with OF Ken Wood to the Boston Red SoxBoston Red SoxThe Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
for C Les MossLes MossJohn Lester "Les" Moss is a former American professional baseball player, coach, scout and manager. He played in Major League Baseball as a catcher for the St...
and OF Tom Wright. The Browns also sign Marty MarionMarty MarionMartin Whiteford Marion was an American professional baseball player and manager. He played as a shortstop in Major League Baseball from to . Marion played with the St. Louis Cardinals for the majority of his career before ending with the St. Louis Browns as a player-manager...
, former St. Louis CardinalsSt. Louis CardinalsThe St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
shortstop/manager.
Movies
- RhubarbRhubarb (1951 film)Rhubarb is a 1951 film adapted from the 1946 novel Rhubarb by humorist, H. Allen Smith. Directed by Arthur Lubin, the screwball noir comedy stars the cat Orangey, Jan Sterling and Ray Milland.-Characters and story:...
- Angels in the OutfieldAngels in the Outfield (1951 film)Angels in the Outfield is a 1951 American black-and-white film starring Paul Douglas and Janet Leigh, directed by Clarence Brown, and released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer...
January
- January 2 - Jim EssianJim EssianJames Sarkis Essian, Jr. is an American former catcher and occasional infielder for the Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago White Sox, Oakland Athletics, Seattle Mariners, and Cleveland Indians. He was signed by the Phillies at age 18, but he only amassed 24 at-bats over three seasons...
- January 2 - Bill MadlockBill MadlockBill "Mad Dog" Madlock, Jr. is a former Major League Baseball player. From 1973 to 1987, Madlock was a right-handed hitter who won several National League batting titles. His record of four batting titles as a third baseman would be eclipsed in 1988 by Wade Boggs. Since 1970, only Tony Gwynn has...
- January 2 - Royle StillmanRoyle StillmanRoyle Eldon Stillman is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. He played all or part of three seasons in the majors, from until , for the Baltimore Orioles and Chicago White Sox.-Sources:...
- January 5 - Bob ReeceBob ReeceRobert Scott Reece was a catcher in Major League Baseball.-External links:...
- January 6 - Don Gullett
- January 6 - Joe LovittoJoe LovittoJoseph Lovitto, Jr. was a center fielder in Major League Baseball who played for the Texas Rangers . He was a switch-hitter and threw right-handed...
- January 10 - Gary MartzGary MartzGary Arthur Martz is a former Major League Baseball outfielder who played for one season. He played in one game for the Kansas City Royals on July 8 during the 1975 Kansas City Royals season.-External links:...
- January 14 - Derrel ThomasDerrel ThomasDerrel Osborn Thomas is a former professional baseball player who played in Major League Baseball primarily as a second baseman, center fielder, and shortstop from 1971-85...
- January 22 - Leon RobertsLeon RobertsLeon Kauffman Roberts is a former major league outfielder who played for the Detroit Tigers , Houston Astros , Seattle Mariners , Texas Rangers , Toronto Blue Jays , and Kansas City Royals...
- January 23 - Charlie SpikesCharlie SpikesLeslie Charles Spikes was a Major League Baseball player from 1972 to 1980 for the New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians, Detroit Tigers, and Atlanta Braves. He also played 26 games for the Chunichi Dragons in Japan in . He mostly played the outfield...
- January 25 - Balor MooreBalor MooreBalor Lilbon Moore is a retired Major League Baseball pitcher. He was the first player drafted by the expansion Montreal Expos in the 1969 Major League Baseball Draft .-Expos phenom:...
- January 25 - Vern RuhleVern RuhleVernon Gerald Ruhle was an American right-handed pitcher and coach in Major League Baseball who played thirteen seasons from 1974 to 1986, primarily with the Detroit Tigers and Houston Astros....
- January 27 - Mike OveryMike OveryHarry Michael Overy is a former professional baseball player who played one season for the California Angels of Major League Baseball.-References:...
- January 29 - Sergio FerrerSergio FerrerSergio Ferrer Marrero is a former Major League Baseball shortstop. He played in parts of four seasons in the majors in two separate stints. He played for the Minnesota Twins in and , then spent two seasons in the minor leagues before returning to the majors to play for the New York Mets in and...
February
- February 2 - Leo FosterLeo FosterLeonard Norris Foster is a former Major League Baseball infielder. He played all or part of five major league seasons between and , playing mostly at shortstop, second base, and third base, for the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets.-Sources:...
- February 3 - Mike WallaceMike Wallace (baseball)Michael Sherman Wallace , is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played from to with four teams. He batted and threw left-handed...
- February 4 - Stan PapiStan PapiStanley Gerard Papi was a major league baseball player perhaps most remembered for being traded by the Montreal Expos to the Boston Red Sox for Bill Lee during the 1978-79 off-season....
- February 7 - Benny AyalaBenny AyalaBenigno Ayala Felix is a former Major League Baseball player who had a 10-season career from to . He played outfield, first base, and designated hitter. He played for the New York Mets and St...
- February 8 - Steve DillardSteve Dillard (baseball)Stephen Bradley Dillard is a former reserve infielder in Major League Baseball, playing mainly as second baseman with four different teams between 1975 and 1982...
- February 9 - Eddie Solomon
- February 12 - Don StanhouseDon StanhouseDonald Joseph Stanhouse is a retired baseball pitcher who had a ten-year major league career from 1972–1980, 1982...
- February 14 - Larry MilbourneLarry MilbourneLawrence William "Larry" Milbourne is a retired professional baseball player whose career spanned 15 seasons, 11 of which were spent in Major League Baseball with the Houston Astros , the Seattle Mariners , the New York Yankees , the Minnesota Twins , the Cleveland Indians , and...
- February 15 - Tommy CruzTommy CruzCirilo "Tommy" Cruz Dilan is a former mcc blue river soccer playeroutfielder in Major League Baseball who played for the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago White Sox . Cruz batted and threw left-handed...
- February 16 - Glenn AbbottGlenn AbbottWilliam Glenn Abbott is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. During an 11-year baseball career, he pitched for the Oakland Athletics , Seattle Mariners , and the Detroit Tigers...
- February 17 - Mike Cosgrove
- February 17 - Dave Roberts
- February 24 - Frank OrtenzioFrank OrtenzioFrank Joseph Ortenzio, Jr. is a former Major League Baseball first baseman. He played nine games for the Kansas City Royals in . He also played two seasons in Japan for the Nankai Hawks....
- February 25 - César CedeñoCésar CedeñoCésar Cedeño Encarnación is a former center fielder in Major League Baseball who played with the Houston Astros , Cincinnati Reds , St. Louis Cardinals and Los Angeles Dodgers . He batted and threw right-handed....
- February 28 - Rufino LinaresRufino LinaresRufino de la Cruz Linares was a professional baseball player who played four seasons for the Atlanta Braves and California Angels of Major League Baseball....
- February 28 - Tom Spencer
- February 28 - Jim WohlfordJim WohlfordJames Eugene Wohlford is a retired Major League Baseball outfielder. In his 15-year MLB career, he played for the Kansas City Royals , the Milwaukee Brewers , San Francisco Giants , and Montreal Expos .- Baseball career :Wohlford was primarily a backup outfielder, used primarily for his good...
March
- March 2 - Mike JohnsonMike Johnson (1970s pitcher)Michael Norton Johnson is former Major League Baseball pitcher. Johnson played for the San Diego Padres in . He batted and threw right-handed.-External links:*...
- March 4 - Sam PerlozzoSam PerlozzoSamuel Benedict Perlozzo is a former second baseman and manager in Major League Baseball, most recently with the Baltimore Orioles...
- March 7 - Jeff BurroughsJeff BurroughsJeffrey Alan Burroughs is a former player in Major League Baseball. From through , he played for the Washington Senators , Texas Rangers , Atlanta Braves , Seattle Mariners , Oakland Athletics and Toronto Blue Jays . Burroughs batted and threw right-handed...
- March 20 - Terry McDermottTerry McDermott (baseball)Terrance Michael McDermott is a former first baseman in Major League Baseball. He played in nine games for the Los Angeles Dodgers during the 1972 baseball season....
- March 27 - Dick RuthvenDick RuthvenRichard David Ruthven is a former Major League Baseball pitcher with a 14-year career from 1973 to 1986. He played for the Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves and Chicago Cubs all of the National League. During his career, Ruthven had a record of 123-127, an ERA of 4.14, and 1145 career strikeouts...
April
- April 2 - Tom JohnsonTom Johnson (baseball)Thomas Raymond Johnson was a Major League Baseball pitcher. He played five seasons in the majors, from until for the Minnesota Twins. He pitched in 129 games during his career, all but one as a reliever....
- April 5 - Rennie StennettRennie StennettRenaldo Antonio Stennett Porte , is a former second baseman in Major League Baseball. Stennett played with the Pittsburgh Pirates and San Francisco Giants . He batted and threw right-handed...
- April 6 - Bert BlylevenBert BlylevenBert Blyleven is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played from to , and was best known for his curveball. Blyleven was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2011...
- April 7 - Dave CripeDave CripeDavid Gordon Cripe is a former Major League Baseball player. Cripe played for the Kansas City Royals in the 1978 season. He batted and threw right-handed. Cripe was the Manager of the Asheville Tourists in 1982...
- April 7 - Dave OliverDave OliverDavid Jacob Oliver is a former infielder and coach in Major League Baseball. Primarily a second baseman as a professional player, he batted left-handed and threw right-handed, stood 5'11" tall and weighed 180 pounds...
- April 11 - Sid MongeSid MongeIsidro "Sid" Monge Pedroza is a retired Major League Baseball relief pitcher with a ten-year career from 1975 to 1984...
- April 18 - Doug FlynnDoug FlynnRobert Douglas Flynn Jr. is a former Major League Baseball infielder from -. He is best remembered for being one of the players the New York Mets acquired in the infamous "Midnight Massacre."-Cincinnati Reds:...
- April 21 - Randy SterlingRandy SterlingRandall Wayne Sterling is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He pitched in three games for the New York Mets in 1974. He pitched 9 1/3 innings over the three games, winning one game and losing one, with two strikeouts and an earned run average of 4.82...
- April 29 - Rick BurlesonRick BurlesonRichard Paul Burleson is a former Major League Baseball shortstop. "Rooster," as he was nicknamed was a famously intense ballplayer...
May
- May 1 - Rudy MeoliRudy MeoliRudolph Bartholomew Meoli is a former professional baseball player who played six seasons for the California Angels, Chicago Cubs, and Philadelphia Phillies of Major League Baseball.-References:...
- May 6 - Steve StaggsSteve StaggsStephen Robert Staggs is a former Major League Baseball second baseman who played for two seasons. He played 72 games for the Toronto Blue Jays during the 1977 Toronto Blue Jays season and 47 games for the Oakland Athletics during the 1978 Oakland Athletics season.-External links:...
- May 8 - Dennis LeonardDennis LeonardDennis Patrick Leonard was one of the Kansas City Royals' most dominating pitchers of the late '70s and early '80s, but a promising career cut short due to injuries. In 1975, his first full year he managed to bust out with a 15-7 record...
- May 9 - Dan ThomasDan ThomasDanny Lee Thomas was a Major League Baseball player who played for the Milwaukee Brewers in 1976 and 1977. During his brief major league career, he became known as the "Sundown Kid" because of his well-publicized refusal to play on seventh-day Sabbath.-Early years:Born in Birmingham, Alabama,...
- May 12 - Joe NolanJoe NolanJoseph D J Nolan. , spent eleven seasons in the Major Leagues as a catcher with the New York Mets , Atlanta Braves , Cincinnati Reds and Baltimore Orioles...
- May 16 - Mike PotterMike Potter (baseball)Michael Gary Potter is a former right-handed major league baseball outfielder who played from to for the St. Louis Cardinals....
- May 18 - Eric GreggEric GreggEric Eugene Gregg was an American umpire in Major League Baseball who worked in the National League from 1975 to 1999...
- May 18 - Jim SundbergJim SundbergJames Howard Sundberg is a former professional baseball catcher known for being one of the best defensive catchers of his era. He played for a number of Major League teams, most significantly the Texas Rangers and Kansas City Royals, with whom we won a World Championship...
- May 24 - Dave MachemerDave MachemerDavid Ritchie Machemer is a former professional baseball player and current minor league manager. He played two seasons for the California Angels and Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball. He is currently the manager of the Richmond Flying Squirrels.-Biography:Machemer has recorded over 1,000...
June
- June 5 - Randy ElliottRandy ElliottRandy Lee Elliott is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. He played parts of four seasons in the majors, spread out over nine years. After being drafted by the San Diego Padres during their inaugural season, he played for them in and . He later played for the San Francisco Giants in and...
- June 5 - Darryl JonesDarryl Jones (baseball)Darryl Lee Jones is a former Major League Baseball designated hitter. He was born on June 5, 1951 in Meadville, Pennsylvania. Jones is the brother of former Major League Baseball player Lynn Jones. Darryl attended college at Westminster College and was drafted by the New York Yankees in the 5th...
- June 9 - Billy BaldwinBilly Baldwin (baseball)Robert Harvey Baldwin was a backup outfielder in Major League Baseball who played from 1975 through 1976 for the 1975 Detroit Tigers and the 1976 New York Mets. Listed at 6'0", 175 lb., he batted and threw left handed....
- June 9 - Dave Parker
- June 12 - Dave SkaggsDave SkaggsDavid Lindsey Skaggs is a former Major League Baseball catcher. He played all or part of four seasons, from until , for the Baltimore Orioles and California Angels.-Sources:...
- June 16 - Stan WallStan WallStanley Arthur Wall is a former pitcher in Major League Baseball. He pitched in 66 games for the Los Angeles Dodgers from 1975-1977.-External links:...
- June 22 - Mike Anderson
- June 24 - Mike BruhertMike BruhertMichael Edwin Bruhert is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He is the former son-in-law of former New York Mets manager Gil Hodges....
- June 24 - Ken ReitzKen ReitzKenneth John Reitz is a former third baseman in Major League Baseball. A right-handed hitter, Reitz played for the St...
- June 29 - Jimmy FreemanJimmy FreemanJimmy Lee Freeman is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who made two brief appearances with the Atlanta Braves in the early 1970s. He batted and threw left handed....
- June 29 - Bruce KimmBruce KimmBruce Edward Kimm is a retired American professional baseball catcher and manager. He played all or part of four seasons in Major League Baseball for the Detroit Tigers, Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox between 1976 until 1980....
July
- July 1 - Jim OttenJim OttenJames Edward Otten was a baseball player for the Chicago White Sox and the St. Louis Cardinals from 1974-1981. He went to Arizona State University. He is 6'2 and weighs 195lbs.-External links:*...
- July 2 - Keith MarshallKeith MarshallKeith Alan Marshall is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. He played eight games for the Kansas City Royals in . He played in the minor leagues from until , all in the Royals' organization except his final year, when he played for the Cincinnati Reds' top farm club, the Indianapolis...
- July 5 - Rich GossageRich GossageRichard Michael "Goose" Gossage is a former Major League Baseball right-handed relief pitcher. During a 22-year baseball career, he pitched from 1972-1994 for nine different teams, spending his best years with the New York Yankees and San Diego Padres. The nickname "Goose" is a play on his surname...
- July 8 - Alan AshbyAlan AshbyAlan Dean Ashby is a former catcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Cleveland Indians, Toronto Blue Jays, and Houston Astros...
- July 10 - Bob BailorBob BailorRobert Michael Bailor is a former right-handed utility player in Major League Baseball, best known for his speed and for being difficult to strike out...
- July 11 - Ed OttEd OttNathan Edward Ott is a former professional baseball catcher and coach who played in the Major Leagues for the Pittsburgh Pirates and California Angels between 1974 and 1981...
- July 29 - Dan DriessenDan DriessenDaniel Driessen is a former Major League Baseball infielder who played for five teams in his eighteen year career, and is best known as a member of the Cincinnati Reds "Big Red Machine" of the 1970s....
- July 29 - Ken KravecKen KravecKen Kravec , is a former professional baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues from 1975-1982. Ken graduated from Midpark High School and played college baseball at Ashland University.-Fast Facts:...
- July 29 - Greg MintonGreg MintonGregory Brian Minton is a former Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher who played for the California Angels and San Francisco Giants....
- July 29 - Gary ThomassonGary ThomassonGary Leah Thomasson is a former outfielder in Major League Baseball who played from 1972-1980.He played in 1981-1982 for the Yomiuri Giants in Japanese Nippon Pro Baseball...
August
- August 1 - Pete MackaninPete MackaninPeter Mackanin, Jr. is a former second baseman and manager in Major League Baseball who most recently served as the acting manager of the Cincinnati Reds, having replaced Jerry Narron in 2007 before being replaced at season's end by Dusty Baker...
- August 4 - Joe McIntoshJoe McIntoshJoseph Anthony McIntosh is a former Major League Baseball pitcher.Drafted by the San Diego Padres in 1973, McIntosh was called up the following year. He went 0–4 in 10 games, including five starts, and had a 3.62 earned run average . In , he started 28 games for the Padres, and made nine relief...
- August 5 - Mardie CornejoMardie CornejoNieves Mardie Cornejo was a Major League Baseball relief pitcher in 1978 for the New York Mets. He is the father of Nate Cornejo who pitched for the Detroit Tigers from to .-Drafts:...
- August 7 - Charlie ChantCharlie ChantCharles Joseph Chant is a former American Major League Baseball outfielder. He played for the Oakland Athletics during the season and the St. Louis Cardinals during the season.-References:...
- August 7 - Jim SadowskiJim SadowskiJames Michael Sadowski is a former relief pitcher in Major League Baseball who played briefly for the Pittsburgh Pirates during the season. Sadowski batted and threw right-handed...
- August 9 - Steve SwisherSteve SwisherSteven Eugene Swisher is a former Major League Baseball catcher who played for the Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals, and San Diego Padres from 1974 to 1982. Swisher was elected to the 1976 National League All-Star team with the Cubs but did not play in the game...
- August 11 - Jim HughesJim Hughes (1970s pitcher)James Michael Hughes is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He pitched all or part of four seasons in the majors, from until , all with the Minnesota Twins.-External links:...
- August 19 - Luis Gómez
- August 19 - Butch HobsonButch HobsonClell Lavern "Butch" Hobson, Jr. is a former third baseman and manager in Major League Baseball. Hobson played for the Boston Red Sox , California Angels and New York Yankees . He batted and threw right-handed.After retiring, he managed the Pawtucket Red Sox and the Boston Red Sox...
- August 21 - John StearnsJohn StearnsJohn Hardin Stearns is a former major league catcher who played for the New York Mets from to , and played a single game for the Philadelphia Phillies in ....
- August 22 - John DohertyJohn Doherty (MLB first baseman)John Michael Doherty is a former reserve first baseman/designated hitter in Major League Baseball who played for the California Angels between and...
- August 22 - Ike HamptonIke HamptonIsaac Bernard Hampton is a former Major League Baseball catcher. He was signed by the New York Mets as an amateur free agent on August 22, 1970 and played for the Mets and the California Angels .Hampton made his major league debut as a pinch hitter on September 12, 1974 at Shea Stadium...
- August 27 - Buddy BellBuddy BellDavid Gus "Buddy" Bell is a former third baseman and manager in Major League Baseball. After an 18-year career with four teams, most notably the Cleveland Indians and Texas Rangers, he managed the Detroit Tigers, Colorado Rockies and Kansas City Royals for three seasons each...
- August 28 - Joel YoungbloodJoel YoungbloodJoel Randolph Youngblood III is a former Major League Baseball player for the Cincinnati Reds, St. Louis Cardinals, New York Mets, Montreal Expos and San Francisco Giants from to . Youngblood was a versatile player who could play many different positions, as well as pinch hit...
September
- September 2 - Dave CriscioneDave CriscioneDavid Gerald Criscione is a former Major League Baseball catcher. He played seven games for the Baltimore Orioles in , going 3-for-9 at the plate....
- September 3 - Alan BannisterAlan BannisterAlan Bannister is a retired professional baseball player who played for the Philadelphia Phillies , Chicago White Sox , Cleveland Indians , Houston Astros and Texas Rangers...
- September 3 - Dave CampbellDave Campbell (pitcher)David Alan Campbell is a former professional baseball pitcher. Campbell pitched two seasons in Major League Baseball for the Atlanta Braves in 1977 and 1978. He appeared in 118 games, all but 14 in relief....
- September 8 - Steve BarrSteve BarrSteven Charles Barr is a former starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Boston Red Sox and the Texas Rangers . Barr batted and threw left-handed...
- September 10 - Randy WilesRandy WilesRandall E. Wiles is a former baseball pitcher who appeared in five games for the Chicago White Sox in 1977.-External links:...
- September 13 - Tom McMillan
- September 18 - Tony ScottTony Scott (baseball)Anthony Scott is a former Major League Baseball outfielder.-Montreal Expos:Scott was drafted by the Montreal Expos in the 71st round of the 1969 Major League Baseball Draft. After five seasons in their farm system, he received a September call-up to the Expos in...
- September 19 - Nardi ContrerasNardi ContrerasArnaldo Juan Contreras is a former professional baseball pitcher and coach. His brief time in Major League Baseball, as well as the majority of his time as a coach, came with the Chicago White Sox...
- September 27 - Doug KoniecznyDoug KoniecznyDouglas James Konieczny is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. Konieczny pitched in all or part of four seasons between and , all for the Houston Astros....
- September 28 - Dave RajsichDave RajsichDavid Christopher Rajsich is a former Major League Baseball pitcher from 1978 to 1980 for the New York Yankees and Texas Rangers. He also played one season in Japan for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in 1984...
October
- October 1 - Ken PapeKen PapeKenneth Wayne "Ken" Pape was an American baseball player who played infielder in the Major Leagues in 1976. He played for the Texas Rangers.-References:...
- October 2 - Bob ColuccioBob ColuccioRobert Pasquali Coluccio is a former professional baseball player. He played all or part of five seasons in Major League Baseball, between 1973 and 1978, for the Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago White Sox, and St. Louis Cardinals, primarily as an outfielder.-External links:...
- October 3 - Dave WinfieldDave WinfieldDavid Mark Winfield is an American former Major League Baseball outfielder. He is currently Executive Vice President/Senior Advisor of the San Diego Padres and an analyst for the ESPN program Baseball Tonight...
- October 4 - Horace SpeedHorace SpeedHorace Speed was an Oklahoma pioneer and the first United States District Attorney for Oklahoma Territory....
- October 9 - Derek BryantDerek Bryant (baseball)Derek Roszell Bryant is a former professional baseball player. He played in 39 games in Major League Baseball for the Oakland Athletics in , primarily as an outfielder. He currently serves as manager of the Olmecas de Tabasco in the Mexican League....
- October 13 - Frank LaCorteFrank LaCorteFrank Joseph LaCorte , is a retired professional baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues from 1975-1984. He would play for the Atlanta Braves, Houston Astros, and California Angels. On May 25, 1979, Frank was traded from Atlanta to Houston for P Bo McLaughlin...
- October 15 - Mitchell PageMitchell PageMitchell Otis Page is a former Major League Baseball player. He finished second to Hall of Famer Eddie Murray in American League Rookie of the Year balloting when he came up with the Oakland Athletics in .-Early years:...
- October 15 - Tommy TomsTommy TomsThomas Howard Toms is a former relief pitcher who played from through in Major League Baseball. Listed at 6' 4", Weight: 195 lb., Toms batted and threw right handed. He was born in Charlottesville, Virginia....
- October 18 - Andy HasslerAndy HasslerAndrew Earl Hassler was a Major League pitcher for the California Angels , Kansas City Royals , Boston Red Sox , New York Mets , Pittsburgh Pirates and St...
- October 18 - Rudy HernándezRudy Hernández (shortstop)Rodolfo Hernández Acosta is a former Major League Baseball shortstop who appeared in eight games for the Chicago White Sox in 1972. he 5'9", 150 lb. rookie was acquired from the Charros de Jalisco of the Mexican League in July 1972 and made his major league debut on September 6 of that same...
- October 21 - Ron PruittRon PruittRonald Ralph Pruitt is a former professional baseball player. He played all or part of nine seasons in Major League Baseball for the Texas Rangers , Cleveland Indians , Chicago White Sox and San Francisco Giants...
- October 25 - Al CowensAl CowensAlfred Edward Cowens, Jr. was a right fielder in Major League Baseball. From through , Cowens played for the Kansas City Royals , California Angels , Detroit Tigers and Seattle Mariners . He batted and threw right-handed.A native of Los Angeles, California, Cowens was a product of the Kansas...
- October 25 - John LaRoseJohn LaRoseHenry John LaRose is a former pitcher in Major League Baseball who played briefly for the Boston Red Sox during the season. Listed at 6' 1", 185 lb., he batted and threw left-handed....
- October 26 - Steve Ontiveros
- October 30 - Tom PoquetteTom PoquetteThomas Arthur Poquette is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. He played all or part of seven seasons in the majors, between and , for the Kansas City Royals, Boston Red Sox, and Texas Rangers...
- October 31 - Dave FreislebenDave FreislebenDavid James Freisleben is a retired professional baseball pitcher. He played all or part of six seasons in Major League Baseball, from 1974–79, for the San Diego Padres, Cleveland Indians, and Toronto Blue Jays.-External links:*...
- October 31 - Dave TrembleyDave TrembleyDavid Michael Trembley is a former manager of the Baltimore Orioles. Before managing the Orioles Trembley was a minor league manager for twenty seasons compiling a 1369–1413 record. He won two league titles and earned Manager of the Year awards in three leagues...
November
- November 1 - Eric RaichEric RaichEric James Raich is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for two seasons. He played for the Cleveland Indians from 1975 to 1976, pitching in 19 career games. He currently works as a pitching instructor at The Brunswick B.A.T. Cage baseball training facility in a suburb of Cleveland,...
- November 1 - Chico RuizChico Ruiz (Braves infielder)Manuel Ruiz Cruz is a former professional baseball player. An infielder, he played parts of two seasons in Major League Baseball, 1978 and 1980, for the Atlanta Braves.Ruiz was signed by the Braves in 1969 at age 17...
- November 3 - Dwight EvansDwight EvansDwight Michael Evans , nicknamed "Dewey", is an American former professional baseball right fielder and right-handed batter who played with the Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles in Major League Baseball....
- November 7 - John TamargoJohn TamargoJohn Felix Tamargo is a former Major League Baseball catcher and coach and long-time minor league manager. He played all or part of five seasons in the majors from until...
- November 10 - Mike VailMike VailMichael Lewis Vail is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. He played from 1975-1984....
- November 13 - Larry HarlowLarry Harlow (baseball)Larry Duane Harlow is a retired professional baseball player who played 6 seasons for the Baltimore Orioles and California Angels of Major League Baseball. Most of his career highs came during the season when he scored 67 runs scored, recorded 112 hits, and 14 stolen bases...
- November 15 - Orlando González
- November 16 - Herb WashingtonHerb WashingtonHerbert Lee Washington is a former world-class sprinter in the early 1970s who parlayed his speed into a brief Major League Baseball stint, and later became the owner/operator of numerous McDonald's restaurants and a minor-league professional hockey franchise and held a number of high-ranking...
- November 20 - Jackson ToddJackson ToddJackson A. Todd is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for the New York Mets and Toronto Blue Jays from 1977 to 1981. He was originally drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 11th round of the 1970 amateur draft out of high school, but did not sign with the team...
- November 23 - Wayne CageWayne CageWayne Levell Cage is a former professional baseball player in the late 1970s and early 1980s. In 1971 he was drafted by the Cleveland Indians. Although Cage was on the team until 1981, Cage only played in the major leagues in and , when he had batting averages of .245 and .232...
- November 25 - Bucky DentBucky DentRussell Earl "Bucky" Dent , is a former American Major League Baseball player and manager. He earned two World Series rings as the starting shortstop for the New York Yankees in and , and was voted the World Series MVP in 1978...
- November 27 - Dan SpillnerDan SpillnerDaniel Ray Spillner , is a professional baseball player who played pitcher in the Major Leagues from 1974-1985. He played for the San Diego Padres, Cleveland Indians, and Chicago White Sox....
- November 29 - Gary WheelockGary WheelockGary Richard Wheelock is a former Major League Baseball pitcher for the California Angels and Seattle Mariners ....
December
- December 2 - Adrian DevineAdrian DevinePaul Adrian Devine was a Major League Baseball pitcher from 1973 to 1980 for the Atlanta Braves and Texas Rangers. Devine primarily pitched in relief and had his best season in 1977 with the Rangers when he posted a win-loss record of 11–6 with 15 saves. He and his wife breed Cavalier King...
- December 3 - Lafayette CurrenceLafayette CurrenceLafayette Currence is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. Currence was signed as a free agent in 1970 by the Pittsburgh Pirates. In 1973, he was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers for Greg Erardi. He played at the Major League level with the team in 1975.-References:...
- December 7 - Paul DadePaul DadeLonnie Paul Dade is a former Major League Baseball outfielder/third baseman. On June 4, 1970 he was drafted by the California Angels in the 1st round of the 1970 amateur draft...
- December 12 - Tim McClellandTim McClellandTimothy Reid McClelland is an umpire in Major League Baseball who has worked in the American League from 1983 to 1999 and throughout both leagues since 2000. He has called many important games, from post-season games to the George Brett "Pine Tar" game in...
- December 15 - Jimmy SextonJimmy SextonJimmy Dale Sexton was a Major League Baseball infielder, and played in professional baseball from 1970–1984. He played with the Seattle Mariners, Houston Astros, Oakland Athletics, and St. Louis Cardinals at the major league level. Sexton signed his first professional contract with the Pittsburgh...
- December 16 - Mike Flanagan
- December 18 - Orlando RamírezOrlando RamírezOrlando Ramírez Leal is a former Major League Baseball shortstop and right-handed batter who played for the California Angels between 1974 and 1979...
- December 20 - Mike HartMike Hart (switch hitter)James Michael Hart is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. He played five games for the Texas Rangers in , getting one hit in four at bats. Following his major league career, Hart has had a long career as a minor league manager and coach. His most recent managerial stint was in with the...
- December 24 - John D'AcquistoJohn D'AcquistoJohn Francis D'Acquisto , is a former Major League Baseball player who pitched for six teams in his ten year career that spanned from to ....
- December 25 - Luis QuintanaLuis QuintanaLuis Joaquín Quintana Santos was a professional baseball player who played two seasons for the California Angels of Major League Baseball. Quintana was born in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico....
- December 31 - Joe Simpson
Deaths
- January 26 - Bill BarrettBill Barrett (baseball outfielder)William Joseph Barrett was an outfielder who played in Major League Baseball between 1921 and 1930. Nicknamed "Whispering Bill", he batted and threw right-handed.-Biography:...
, 50, outfielder for the Philadelphia Athletics, Chicago White Sox, Boston Red Sox and Washington Senators between 1921 and 1930.
- February 2 - Bill SowdersBill SowdersWilliam Jefferson "Little Bill" Sowders was a former professional baseball player. He was a right-handed pitcher over parts of three seasons with the Boston Beaneaters and Pittsburg Alleghenys...
, 86, pitcher for three seasons from 1888 to 1890.
- February 6 - Gabby StreetGabby StreetCharles Evard “Gabby” Street , also nicknamed "The Old Sarge", was an American catcher, manager, coach and radio broadcaster in Major League Baseball during the first half of the 20th century. As a catcher, he participated in one of the most publicized baseball stunts of the century's first decade....
, 68, manager of the Cardinals' 1931 World Series champions, previously a catcher for Hall of Fame pitcher Walter JohnsonWalter JohnsonWalter Perry Johnson , nicknamed "Barney" and "The Big Train", was a Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher. He played his entire 21-year baseball career for the Washington Senators...
.
- February 20 - Marty ShayMarty ShayArthur Joseph "Marty" Shay was a professional baseball player. He played parts of two seasons in Major League Baseball for the Chicago Cubs and Boston Braves , primarily as a second baseman...
, 54, infielder who played for the Chicago Cubs (1916) and the Boston Braves (1924).
- February 25 - Smokey Joe Williams, 64, fireballing Negro Leagues pitcher.
- March 20 - Roscoe CoughlinRoscoe CoughlinWilliam Edward "Roscoe" Coughlin was an American professional baseball player who was a pitcher for two seasons in the National League . In he pitched for the Chicago Colts and in he played for the New York Giants...
, 83, pitcher for two seasons in the NL, 1890-1891.
- March 25 - Eddie CollinsEddie CollinsEdward Trowbridge Collins, Sr. , nicknamed "Cocky", was an American Major League Baseball second baseman, manager and executive...
, 63, Hall of Fame second baseman and a career .333 hitter for the Athletics and White Sox, the 1914 AL MVP, the sixth player to make 3000 hits, and second to Ty CobbTy CobbTyrus Raymond "Ty" Cobb , nicknamed "The Georgia Peach," was an American Major League Baseball outfielder. He was born in Narrows, Georgia...
in career stolen bases.
- May 26 - George WinterGeorge Winter (baseball)George Lovington Winter [Sassafrass] was a pitcher in Major League Baseball who played from 1901 through 1908 for the Boston Americans /Red Sox and the Detroit Tigers . Listed at 5' 8", 155 lb., Winter batted and threw right-handed...
, pitcher who won 82 games for the Boston Americans/Red Sox from 1901 to 1908, and the only member both of the original 1901 and 1908 teams.
- July 9 - Harry HeilmannHarry HeilmannHarry Edwin Heilmann , nicknamed “Slug,” was a Major League Baseball player who played 17 seasons with the Detroit Tigers and Cincinnati Reds . He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1952.Heilmann was a line drive hitter who won four American League batting crowns: in 1921, 1923, 1925 and...
, 56, right fielder and four-time American League batting champion who hit .342 in his career, primarily with the Detroit Tigers.
- August 1 - Harry CurtisHarry Curtis (baseball)Harry Albert Curtis was a catcher in Major League Baseball who played briefly for the New York Giants during the season. He threw right-handed . A native of Portland, Maine, he attended University of Notre Dame and Syracuse University.Little is known about this player on a Giants uniform...
, 68, catcher for the 1907 New York Giants.
- August 2 - Guy CooperGuy CooperGuy Evans Cooper was a pitcher in Major League Baseball who played from through for the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox . Listed at 6' 1", 185 lb., Cooper was a switch-hitter and threw right-handed...
, 68, pitcher for the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox in the 1910s.
- August 4 - Tony TonnemanTony TonnemanCharles Richard Tonneman was a reserve catcher in Major League Baseball who played two games for the Boston Red Sox during the season. Listed at 5' 10.5", 175 lb., Tonneman batted and threw right-handed. He was born in Chicago, Illinois.In a two-game career, Tonneman hit a three-RBI double...
, 69, catcher who played briefly for the 1911 Boston Red Sox.
- August 10 - Win KellumWin KellumWinford Ansley Kellum was a starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played between and for the Boston Americans , Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals . Listed at 5'10", 190 lb., Kellum was a switch-hitter and threw left-handed...
, 75, who in 1901 became the first Opening Day starting pitcher in Boston American League franchise's history.
- September 16 - Bill KlemBill KlemWilliam Joseph Klem, born William Joseph Klimm , known as the "father of baseball umpires", was a National League umpire in Major League Baseball from 1905 to 1941...
, 77, named "father of baseball umpires", who worked in a record 18 World Series during a 37-year career, and introduced the inside chest protector.
- October 27 - John BrockJohn Brock (baseball)John Roy Brock was a professional baseball player]]. He played parts of two seasons, 1917 and 1918, in Major League Baseball, primarily as a catcher. Listed at 5' 6½", 165 lb., Brock batted and threw right handed. He was born in Hamilton, Illinois.After playing minor league baseball in 1916, Brock...
, 55, backup catcher for the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1917 and 1918 seasons.
- November 18 - Wally MayerWally MayerWalter A. Mayer was a backup catcher in Major League Baseball who played from through for the Chicago White Sox , Boston Red Sox and St. Louis Browns . Listed at 5' 11", 168 lb., Mayer batted and threw right-handed...
, 61, catcher who played from 1911 through 1919 for the Chicago White Sox, Boston Red Sox and St. Louis Browns.
- November 19 - Marty GriffinMarty GriffinMartin John Griffin was a pitcher in Major League Baseball who played briefly for the Boston Red Sox during the season. Listed at 6' 2", 200 lb., Griffin batted and threw right-handed...
, 50, pitcher for the 1928 Boston Red Sox.
- November 26 - Pete HillPete Hill* , Personal profiles at Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. – identical to Riley -External links:* – unknown content, URL confirmed 2010-04-16...
, 71, baseball's first great African American outfielder.
- December 5 - Shoeless Joe JacksonShoeless Joe JacksonJoseph Jefferson Jackson , nicknamed "Shoeless Joe", was an American baseball player who played Major League Baseball in the early part of the 20th century...
, 63, a career .356 hitter who was the most prominent of the eight players banned from baseball after the Black Sox scandalBlack Sox ScandalThe Black Sox Scandal took place around and during the play of the American baseball 1919 World Series. Eight members of the Chicago White Sox were banned for life from baseball for intentionally losing games, which allowed the Cincinnati Reds to win the World Series...
. He is the first of those eight to die.
- December 8 - Bobby LoweBobby LoweRobert Lincoln "Bobby" Lowe , nicknamed "Link", was an American baseball player, coach and scout. He played Major League Baseball for the Boston Beaneaters , Chicago Cubs , Pittsburgh Pirates , and Detroit Tigers...
, 86, second baseman for multiple Boston champions in the 1890s.