Sunday, August 24, 2008

This Week In Yankees History

August 24th - August 30th

August 24th

1904 - The Highlanders Willie Keeler collects two HR’s against the Browns in a 9-1 win at New York. Both of his HR drives are inside the park shots.

1951 - Against the Indian's Early Wynn, Gene Woodling cracks his 3rd HR off the Tribe ace this season, as the Yankees win the game by a score of 2-0. Woodling went deep on Wynn on June 24th, July 24th and today. Mickey Mantle makes his 1st Yankee appearance since his recall from the Kansas City Blues (AAA).

1960 - Despite Roy Sievers 2-HRs and a double, the Yankees still beat the White Sox, by a score of 3-2, dropping Chicago to 1 1/2 games off the pace and into a 2nd place tie with the Orioles. Yankees starter Art Ditmar is the winner over veteran lefty hurler Herb Score.

1964 - The Yankees win their 1st Mayor’s trophy game at Shea Stadium by the score of 6-4 before a crowd of 60,167 fans.

1968 - In a battle between team pitching aces, the Yankees Mel Stottlemyre tops the Tigers ace Denny McLain, by the score of 2-1.

1977 - Catfish Hunter notches his final win of the year, an 11-1, 4-hit victory over the Twins. The Yankees batting line-up supports Hunter with HRs outages by Roy White, Mickey Rivers, Chris Chambliss and Bucky Dent.

1981 - In his first MLB at bat, Twins rookie1B Kent Hrbek hits a 12th-inning homer giving them, a 3-2 victory over the Yankees.

1985 - Yankees Don Baylor ties a MLB record, when he hit by a pitch for the 189th time in his MLB playing career.

August 25th

1889 - Former Yankees C/1B Les Nunamaker (1914-1917) was born. On May 13, 1914, Les was purchased by the Yankees from the Red Sox. He hit .261 in 369 games for the Yankees. On January 22, 1918, he was traded by the Yankees along with P Nick Cullop, Joe Gedeon, Fritz Maisel, P Urban Shocker, and $15,000 to the Browns for P Eddie Plank and 2B Del Pratt.

1902 - AL President Ban Johnson announces the AL's intention to have a New York team in 1903, with Clark Griffith as manager. The Baltimore Orioles franchise will be moved to New York City in 1903, becoming the Highlanders.

1906 - Yankees rookie hurler "Slow" Joe Doyle makes his MLB debut with a 2-0 shutout against the Indians. Doyle would go 22-21 in 70 games for Yankees (1906-1910).

1913 - Yankees obtained OF Frank Gilhooley from the Cardinals for cash.

1921 - With the Indians waltzing to a 15-1 win over the Yankees. NY hurler Harry Harper, pitching in the 8th inning, plunks Tribe OF Charles Jamieson in the ribs, Larry Gardner in the arm, and Steve O'Neill in the back. O'Neill throws the ball back at Harper precipitates a bench clearing brawl. Yankees OF Bob Meusel contributes 4 errors in the game. The Tribe takes over 1st place in the AL from the Yankees.

1928 - Former Yankees reserve C and MLB Manager Darrell Johnson (1957-1958) was born (1928-2004). Darrell came to the Yankees in the big 17-man trade with the Orioles in the winter of 1954. He would be one of the back up catchers for Yogi Berra during the 1957-1958 seasons. On November 30, 1959, Darrell was drafted by the Cardinals from the Yankees in the 1959 Rule 5 player draft. Darrell would make his only World Series appearance in 1961, as a member of the Reds playing against his former team. He would later move on to become a MLB Manager with the Red Sox, Mariners and the Rangers.

1929 - After 3 straight shutouts by Browns hurlers Gray, Blaeholder, and Crowder the Yankees break their 32-inning scoreless streak with a 4th-inning HR by Babe Ruth. The Browns still win the game by a score of 3-2.

1931 - At Chicago, the Yankees record their 1st shutout of the 1931 AL season, when Herb Pennock blanks the White Sox, by the score of 6-0. Yankees OF Ben Chapman has a good day at the plate with a triple, single, 2- runs scored and his 50th and 51st stolen bases of the year. In addition, he beats the White Sox player Carl Reynolds in a pre-game 100-yard dash.

1935 - Yankees CF Earle Combs collides with 3B Red Rolfe on a fly ball and suffers a severe shoulder injury. It will contribute to his decision to retire at the end of the 1935 AL season. Coombs was the 1st of the great Yankees centerfielders; he would be replaced by Joe DiMaggio in 1936.

1939 - Yankees 3rd baseman Red Rolfe scores in his 18th consecutive game, giving him a total of 30 runs.

1939 - Former Yankees P Dooley Womack (1966-68) was born. Before the 1958 AL Season, Dooley was signed by the Yankees as an amateur free agent. Dooley went 15-16 in 152 games with 24 saves for the Yankees. On December 4, 1968, he was traded by the Yankees to the Astros for OF Richard Simpson.

1951 - Before 66,110 fans at Cleveland, Mickey Mantle belts an opposite field 2-run HR off of Tribe starter Mike Garcia to help the Yankees win, by a score of 7-3. New York (77-46) moves to a game in back of the Tribe.

1952 - In a 1-0 win over the Yankees in Yankee Stadium, Tigers starter Virgil Trucks pitches his 2nd no-hitter of the 1952 AL season. The no-hitter is in doubt for 3 innings when a play made by shortstop Johnny Pesky in the 3rd inning is under debate. The official scorer, John Drebinger, records it as an error when Pesky has trouble getting a ball hit by Phil Rizzuto out of his glove. Dan Daniel of The New York World Telegram convinces Drebinger that it cannot be ruled an error because the ball was stuck in the fielder's glove, and Rizzuto is awarded a hit. In the 6th inning, with Trucks not having given up another hit, Drebinger calls Pesky in the dugout from the press box, and the Shortstop says that he should be given the error rather than Rizzuto the hit. The call is changed again, and Trucks' no-hitter is preserved. Trucks' pitching record for the 1952 AL season is now at 5-15 mark.

1956 - Prior to the Old Timer's Game at Yankee Stadium, shortstop Phil Rizzuto is asked to consult with Yankees GM George Weiss and Manager Casey Stengel concerning a player move necessitated by reacquiring Enos Slaughter from the A's. After making several suggestions about who should be cut from the squad, the veteran INF is told by GM Weiss, that he is the player about to be let go. Rizzutto would be the last Yankee player to play for Yankee managers Joe McCarthy and Casey Stengel. Through the instigation of major sponsor for the Yankees, Ballantine Beer, Rizzuto will be in the announcing booth next year, replacing veteran announcer Jim Woods. Phil turns down a offer from the Brooklyn Dodgers to play with them, because they want him to get into playing shape at their AAA farm team in Montreal (IL) before joining the team. Also Phil turns down an offer to manage the Washington Senators for the 1957 AL season.

1956 - The Yankees required OF Enos “Country” Slaughter from the A’s for cash. Enos 2nd tour with the Yankees proved to be more successful than his first, before fading during the 1959 AL season, with Enos being sold to the Braves.

1959 - In Cleveland, Indians slugger Rocky Colavito homers twice as the Tribe tops the Yankees, by a score of 6-3. The Indians have now won 7 straight to move 2 games behind the 1st-place White Sox.

1960 - Former Yankees INF and Current 3B Coach Bobby Meacham (1983-1988) was born. December 14, 1982, Bobby was traded by the Cardinals along with OF Stan Javier to the Yankees for minor league players Bob Helsom, Marty Mason, and Steve Fincher. Bobby would hit .276 in 457 games with the Yankees. He led the AL in Sac hits in 1984 (14) and 1985 ((23). On December 5, 1988, Bobby was traded by the Yankees to the Rangers for OF Bob Brower.

1966 - Yankees veteran All Star starter Whitey Ford (2-5) undergoes surgery for a circulatory problem in his left shoulder.

1968 - With the Tigers, ahead 5-0, fail to score with 2 men on base in the 4th inning when the Yankees bring in Rocky Colavito. The 35-year-old slugger retires Al Kaline and Willie Horton and tosses 2 2/3 innings of scoreless relief to earn the win. In Rocky's only other appearance, in 1958, he also faced Al Kaline, and the victory by a non-pitcher will be the last in 20th century. Yankees Bill Robinson and Bobby Cox crash successive HRs to tie the score and, after a walk, Rocky comes around to score the winning run. In the 8th inning, Yankees reliever Lindy McDaniel ties the AL record for consecutive batters retired by setting down the 1st Tiger he faces, giving him 32 straight batters retired over 4 appearances. The Yankees sweep the doubleheader, winning the 1st game by the score of 6-5 and then topping Tigers starter Mickey Lolich, by the score of 5-4 in the nightcap. The 4 losses at Yankee Stadium, leaves the Tigers just 5 games ahead of the Orioles.

1976 - The Yankees edge the Twins 5-4 in a 19-inning marathon. Grant Jackson is the winner for the Yankees over Twin’s Pete Redfern.

1977 - The Twins blow a 4-2 lead over the Yankees, when Mickey Rivers hits a 2-run single in the 7th inning and Reggie Jackson drives home a run in the 8th inning.

1978 - With 4 amateur umps officiating, Ron Guidry posts his 18th win, beating the A's by the score of 7-1. Reggie Jackson's HR drives in his 1,001st MLB career RBI. The win keeps the Yankees 7 1/2 games behind the Red Sox.

1984 - Former Yankees HOF hurler Waite “School Boy” Hoyt (1921 - 1930) passed away (1899 - 1984). Hoyt would go 157-98, with a WP of .617 in 9 ½ years with the Yankees. He was on the only 20-game winner on the 1927 World Championship team, going 22-7. He posted a 6-4 record in World Series with ERA of 1.83. After his playing days, he became a long time broadcaster with the Reds.

1989 - Former Yankees INF Jim Brideweser (1951 - 53) passed away (1927 - 1989). Before the 1950 AL Season, Jim was signed by the Yankees as an amateur free agent after attending USC. Jim hit .363 (16 for 44) in 51 games as Yankee before being claimed on waivers by the Orioles on May 11, 1954. Jim was a good utility infielder, but there was no room for him on the Yankees 25 man roster. Jim would play for the Orioles, White Sox and Tigers before finishing up in 1959 as MLB player.

1996 - The Yankees dedicate their 1st new monument in 47 years, to HOF'er Mickey Mantle, in Monument Park in center field at Yankee Stadium. Miller Huggins, Babe Ruth, and Lou Gehrig are also honored with monuments, while 15 men are honored on plaques.

2001 - The Yankees defeat the Angels by score of 7-5, as Roger Clemens becomes the 1st AL hurler to go 17-1 to begin a season. Yankees RF Paul O'Neill hits his 20th HR of the year, making him the oldest player in MLB history at age 38 to reach the 20 HR-20 SB mark in a season.

August 26th

1916 - The Yankees turn a big triple play during a 10-6 win over the Browns. With a 3-run Yankee lead, the Browns load the bases in the 7th inning with no-outs, only watch a line drive to 3rd base clear the bases.

1919 - Ban Johnson casts the deciding vote in a National Commission decision awarding the disputed services of P Jack Quinn to the Yankees for 1919 over the claim of the White Sox, for whom Quinn was 5-1 this year.

1922 - The Yankees take over 1st place in AL by beating the Browns, by the score of 9-2, behind starter Carl Mays. Rasty Wright is the loser for the Browns.

1935 - Lumbering 1B Zeke Bonura of the White Sox steals home with 2 outs in the 15th inning to beat the Yankees by score of 9-8.

1951 - In the 2nd game against the Yankees, veteran INF Bert Haas hits a pinch HR in the 6th inning for the White Sox, his last MLB at bat. The Sox will release the 37-year old veteran tomorrow. The Yankees win the game by a score of 8-6, to remain a game behind the Indians. The Sox take the opener, by the score of 3-2, behind starter Saul Rogovin.

1956 - The Yankees announced the purchase of veteran OF Enos Slaughter from the A’s for cash ($50,000). To make room for Slaughter on the 25 man roster, the Yankees released longtime AL All Star shortstop Phil Rizzuto.

1957 - Yankee-killer Tiger starter Frank Lary stops the Bombers as Detroit wins by a score of
5-2.The Yankee lead over the White Sox is now 3 ½ games. The Yankees will go into Chicago, where they will sweep the White Sox in a 3 game series.

1959 - The Indians stretch their winning streak to 8 games when Rocky Colavito snaps a 4- 4 tie with an 8th inning HR. Jim Perry, in relief of starter Gary Bell, picks up the win, a 5-4 victory, over the Yankees.

1960 - The Yankees crash 5-solo HRs and 4-pinch hits, the latter tying an AL record, to top the Indians by a score of 7-6. Yogi Berra's 2nd HR gives the Yankees the win in the 11th inning. In the 2nd game, the Yankees win by a score of 7-5, with Bob Cerv's 3-run HR is the big blast that wins the game.

1961 - Yankees All Star RF Roger Maris belts HR #51, off of A's hurler Jerry Walker. Roger's HR in the 6th inning follows, a Tony Kubek HR blast. Yankees starter Bill Stafford allows just 1- hit, till the 9th inning as the Yankees win, by the score of 5-1.

1962 - Veteran starter Robin Roberts, discarded by the Yankees at the end of spring training, beats Whitey Ford by a score of 2-1 on HRs by Brooks Robinson and Jim Gentile to complete a 5-game Oriole sweep of the sagging Yankees. The Twins and Angels are now 3 games behind the Yankees.

1966 - Detroit's Earl Wilson, winner of 6 straight games, hits an 8th inning HR to give himself a 5-3 lead over New York. But the Yankees, batting against reliever Hank Aguirre in the 9th inning, tally 1-run on a Clete Boyer single, and win it, by a score of 6-5, when Mickey Mantle clouts a pinch HR over a leaping Al Kaline in RF. The win still leaves New York (57-72) in last place in AL.

1977 - The Yankees wins their 12th game in 13 games, when Graig Nettles triples home 2 runs in the 9th inning to give the Bombers, a 6-5 win over the Rangers. With the Red Sox losing, the Yankees move in front of the AL East by 2 games.

1985 - Former Yankees PH Richard Wakefield (1950) passed away (1921 - 1985). On December 17, 1949, he was traded by the Tigers to the Yankees for 1B Richard Kryhoski. He appeared in 3 games for the Yankees. Before the 1952 AL Season, he was released by the Yankees.

1987 - The Yankees and Reds exchange starting pitchers, with Dennis Rasmussen going to Cincinnati for Bill Gullickson. Bill went 4-2 in 8 games for the Yankees, before leaving as a free agent to play in Japan.

1991 - Number 1 draft pick Brien Taylor is signed to a guaranteed $1.55 million contract by the Yankees. It is the largest deal ever given to an amateur player, surpassing the $1.2 million paid to Todd Van Poppel by A’s in 1990. He will injured his pitching shoulder in a off season bar fight and never recover from it, costing him his chance for MLB career with the Yankees.

1997 - The Yankees pound out 22 hits in an 18-2 win over the A’s. Joe Girardi and Rey Sanchez lead the way for the Yankees with 4 hits apiece.

2002 - The 1st video streaming coverage of a MLB game takes place on the Internet. Approximately 30,000 fans visit MLB.com to see the Yankees defeat the Rangers, by the score of 10-3. With a solo shot in 4th inning in 10-3 victory over the Rangers, Yankee 2B Alfonso Soriano sets a team record for HRs by a 2B. The previous club mark of 30 HR’s was established in 1940 by 2B Joe “Flash” Gordon.

August 27th

1909 - 35-year old veteran P Jack Chesbro (0-4, 9 games) makes his final appearance in a Yankee uniform and is ineffective in relief of starter Peter Wilson during the Yankees 17-6 loss to the Tigers. He would be put on waivers by Yankees in September to be claimed by the Red Sox. His 1903 record of 41 wins is still a MLB record and Yankees club record for victories by pitchers.

1910 - In the 1st of 2 games, Highlander P Jack Warhop swipes home in 6th inning. His run is the difference as the Yankees beat the White Sox, by a score of 4-3.

1922 - The Yankees increase their lead by beating the Browns, by a score of 2-1, in 11 innings on Bob Meusel's sac fly. Hank Severeid's HR is the only score for the Browns. An apparent 2-run double off the LF wall by Eddie Foster in the 10th inning is ruled foul by Umpire Moriarty. The Yankees take the 4 game series with the Browns, 3 games to 1.

1926 - Veteran hurler Dutch Ruether is picked up from Senators by the Yankees. He went 13-7 on the 1927 World Championship team and then he retired from MLB.

1935 - The Yankees out-slug the White Sox in a 13-10 victory in the 1st game of doubleheader. In the 2nd game, Lou Gehrig ties an AL record with 5 walks, as the Yankees lose to the Sox by a score of 4-3.

1938 - In the 1st game of a twin bill at Yankee Stadium, Joe DiMaggio hits 3 consecutive triples. His offensive outburst helps the Bronx Bombers edge the Indians, by the score of 8-7. In the 2nd game, Monte Pearson becomes the 1st pitcher to throw a no-hitter in Yankee Stadium. Facing only 27 batters, thanks to 2 double plays, he beats his former team, the Indians, by the score of 13-0 for his 10th consecutive victory. The Yankees, playing their 6th successive doubleheader, increase their AL lead to 12 games.

1946 - Former Yankees back-up C/DH Ed Herman (1975) was born. April 1, 1975, Ed was traded by the White Sox to the Yankees for minor league players Fred Anyzeski, John Narron, Ken Bennett, Terry Quinn, and cash. Ed hit .255 in 80 games as a back-up catcher and DH for the Yanks in 1975. On February 20, 1976, Ed was purchased by the Angels from the Yankees.

1947 - Former Yankees P Jim York (1976) was born. On January 8, 1976, Jim was purchased by the Yankees from the Astros. Jim went 1-0 in 3 appearances with the Yankees, before being released in August of 1976.

1950 - Yankees veteran starter Allie Reynolds hurls a 2-hitter in a 2-1 win over the White Sox.

1977 - Rangers Toby Harrah and Bump Wills hit back-to-back inside-the-park HRs on consecutive pitches off of Ken Clay, highlighting an 8-2 win over the Yankees, only the 2nd loss for New York in 14 games. It ties the MLB mark and it is the 1st time since 1946 that 2 batters have connected consecutively on in-the-park HRs.

1978 - The “Miracle of Catfish Hunter” continues as the veteran Yankees starter downs his former team the A’s, by the score of 6-2. He finishes the month of August 1978 with a 6-0 record with a 1.64 ERA. The win helps keep the Yankees stay at 7 ½ games behind the Red Sox in the AL East.

1984 - Dave Kingman hits a double and HR to help the A’s score 7-runs in the 7th inning, but that's all the A's score in losing to the Yankees, by the score of 7-6. Yankees Bobby Meacham has 2 HRs, including the game winner in the 8th inning, to back Dave Righetti's relief win. A’s Hurler Bill Caudill takes the loss.

1985 - Former Yankees P/OF Johnny Lindell (1941-1950) passed away (1916-1985). Before the 1936 AL Season, Johnny was signed by the Yankees as an amateur free agent. John pitched for the Yankees in 1942, going 2-1 in 23 games. He was converted to an outfielder in 1943. He was selected for the 1943 AL All Star team, but he did not play. His best Yankees season was in 1944, when he hit .300. John appeared in 3 World Series with the Yankees hitting .324 in 12 games. On May 15, 1950, Johnny was purchased by the Cardinals from the Yankees. He would later play for the Pirates and Phillies in the NL, before retiring from MLB in 1954.

1997 - The A’s defeats the Yankees, by the score of 8-7, as DH Dave Magadan leads the way with 5 hits, including a HR.

August 28th

1896 - Former Yankees INF/OF Aaron Ward (1917 - 26) was born (1896 - 1961). Aaron’s best Yankee season was in 1921, when he hit .306. Aaron hit .286 in 3 World Series with the Yankees. On January 13, 1927, Aaron was traded by the Yankees to the White Sox for C Johnny Grabowski and INF Ray Morehart.

1907 - Highlander P John "Tacks" Neuer begins baseball's most successful short career by besting the Red Sox 1-0 in his 1st start, the nightcap of a doubleheader. In 1 month, he will pitch 6 complete games, win 4, including 3 shutouts, and then disappear from the MLB scene. In the 1st game, Boston's Cy Young wins his 20th game, defeating the Highlanders, by a score of 5-3.

1921 - Despite 3 doubles by Babe Ruth, the Tigers drop the Yankee by score of 7-3. Ruth starts a record streak in which he gets at least one extra-base hit in 9 straight games. Into the record books go his 119 extra-base hits, 177 runs, and 457 total bases. His .846 slugging average is 1 point behind that of a year ago.

1924 - Despite Babe Ruth's 2- HRs, the Senators beat the Yankees by the score of 11-6 and move into 1st place. The Yankees will tie them for 2 days in September, but otherwise the Senators stay on top till the end of the 1924 AL season.

1924 - Yanks purchased hurler Walter Beall from Rochester (IL) for $50,000. He went 4-5 for the Yankees, before being sent to Senators.

1938 - Former Yankees OF Billy Cowan (1969) was born. On December 2, 1968, Billy was drafted by the Yankees from the Phillies in the 1968 Rule 5 player draft. Billy hit .166 in 38 games for the Yankees, before being sent to the Angels during the 1969 season.

1943 - Former Yankees OF (1974-84), Coach, Manager (1986-88) and General Manager, Lou Piniella was born. Originally, Lou was signed by the Indians in 1962. In 1969 he was drafted in the AL expansion player draft by the Seattle Pilots who during spring training traded to the Royals. In 1969, he won the AL ROY award with the Royals hitting .282. In 1972, he was a member of the AL All Star team. On December 7, 1973, Lou was traded by the Royals along with P Ken Wright to the Yankees for veteran hurler Lindy McDaniel. Lou hit a career .295 in 1,037 games as a Yankee from 1974-1984. He was a clutch hitter in the post season with a BA .300. In 4 World Series, Lou hit .319 for the Yankees. After retiring as an active player in 1984, he became a Yankees MLB coach.

1946 - Former Yankees P Mike Torrez (1977) was born. On April 27, 1977, Mike was traded by the A’s to the Yankees for P Dock Ellis, INF Marty Perez, and OF Larry Murray. In his only season was a Yankees, Mike went 14-12 in 31 games with 15 complete games. He left the Yankees for free agency, signing with the Red Sox.

1948 - The Yankees stroll into 2nd-place by edging the Indians, by score of 3- 2. Ahead 2-1, Sam Zoldak wilts in the 98-degree weather and Gene Bearden replaces him in the 9th inning. Joe DiMaggio is hit, and 2 wild throws brings in Ed Klieman, who finishes the walk to Yogi Berra. A Bobby Brown sac bunt, and an intentional pass to Phil Rizzuto loads the bases. Cliff Mapes walks to force a run and a grounder brings home the winning run.

1950 - Former Cy Young winner Yankees pitcher and Yankees Pitching Coach Ron “Gator” Guidry (1975-1988) was born. On June 8, 1971, Ron was drafted by the Yankees in the 3rd round of the 1971 amateur player draft. He went 170-91 with a .651 WP in 14 seasons with the Yankees. His best season was in 1978, he went 25-3 in 35 games with 16 complete games, and 9 shut outs with 1.78 ERA. In 1978, Ron won the CY Young Award and MLB Player of the Year Award. He was an AL ALL Star team member in 1978-79 and 1982-83. He led the AL in ERA in 1978-79. He was a Golden Glove winner from 1982-1986. His Yankees post season pitching record was 2-1 (3 World Series) 3-1 (LCS) and 6-2 in post season games.

1951 - The Braves sell veteran starter Johnny Sain to the Yankees for $50,000 and a young hurler named Lew Burdette. It is another late-season insurance measure for the Yankees. Lew Burdette would come back to haunt the Yankees in 1957 World Series with the Braves, beating them 3 times.

1952 - Yankees purchased veteran hurler Ewell “The Whip” Blackwell from the Reds for $35,000 and 4 players: pitchers Johnny Schmitz and Ernie Nevel and Outfielders Bob Marquis and Jim Greengrass. Blackwell will go 3-0 with 2 saves in September and during the 1953 AL season. On March 30, 1955, Ewell was purchased by the A’s from the Yankees for $50,000.

1960 - At Yankee Stadium, the Yankees snap a 3-3 tie, when Mickey Mantle hits a 2-run HR in the 5th inning and Yogi Berra follows up with a solo HR. The Yankees top the Tigers, by a score of 8-5.

1962 - At Yankee Stadium, Mickey Mantle connects for a 2-run shot in the 4th inning off of starter Jim “Mudcat” Grant to give the Yankees a 2-1 win over the Indians.

1972 - Former Yankees P Jay Witasick (2001) was born. On June 23, 2001, Jay was traded by the Padres to the Yankees for minor league INF prospect D'Angelo Jimenez. Jay went 3-0 in 32 games with the Yankees. On December 13, 2001, Jay was traded by the Yankees to the Giants for OF/1B John Vander Wal.

1977 - Yankees starter Ron Guidry fires his 3rd shutout of the 1977 AL season, a 1-0 whitewash of the Rangers. Guidry faces just 28 batters, allowing only 2 hits. Graig Nettles scores the winning run after belting as triple.

1996 - Seattle's 10-2 win over the visiting Yankees is delayed 10 minutes by a bench clearing brawl in the 8th inning following a close pitch by M's rookie Tim Davis. The M's John Marzano and Yankees OF Paul O'Neill and P Jeff Nelson, all receive 2-game suspensions, with the Yankee players, each getting fined $1,000. Jeff Nelson opened the 8th inning by plunking Mariners batter Joey Cora.

1998 - The Mariners clout 3 HRs in a 10-3 loss to the Yankees, making them the 1st team in history to reach the 200-HR mark for a season in 3 consecutive years. Shane Monahan, Russ Davis, and Rob Ducey each belt solo-HRs for Seattle.

August 29th

1925 - After a night on the town, Babe Ruth shows up late for batting practice. Yankees Manager Miller Huggins suspends Ruth and slaps a $5,000 fine on him for disobeying orders on the field and team rules off the field. In the showdown between the Bambino and the tiny manager, Yankees Owner Jake Ruppert backs up his manager. Ruth is forced to apologize, before he's reinstated to the team 9 days later. The day after his return to the Yankee lineup, Ruth hits MLB career HR number 300.

1927 - In St. Louis, the Yankees win their 18th game against the Browns without a loss by the score of 8-3.

1928 - Former Yankees P Mickey Dermont (1956) was born. Mickey went 2-6 with the Yankees in 1956, before being sent to the A’s in 1957.

1931 - In his 1st start following his loss, Lefty Grove fans the side (Byrd, Sewell, Ruth) in the 1st inning, hands out a walk to Lou Gehrig to start the 2nd inning, and records 3 more K's (Chapman, Lary Dickey). Lefty has 2- K's in the 3rd inning but develops a blister from gripping the ball. Gehrig knocks Grove out of the box with a 6th-inning grand slam, but the A's lefty still wins the game by the score of 7-4. Lou now has 142 RBIs. Jimmie Foxx knocks in 5 runs for the A's.

1937 - Former Yankees P Hal Stowe (1960) was born. Before 1959 AL Season, Hal was signed by the Yankees as an amateur free agent. Hal went 0-0 in one game with the Yankees during the 1960 season. He remained in the Yankees farm system during the mid - 1960’s, never to pitch at the MLB level again.

1950 - Former Yankees INF George Zeber (1977-78) was born. On June 7, 1968, George was drafted by the Yankees in the 5th round of the 1968 amateur player draft. He won the 1977 James P. Dawson Award for the best Yankees rookie in spring training camp. George appeared in 28 games with the Yankees hitting .296. He appeared in 2 games of the 1977 World Series against the Dodgers.

1951 - The Yankees pick on the lowly Browns for a 15-2 win at Sportsman's Park. Mickey Mantle has 4 RBIs including a 3-run HR in the 9th inning off of veteran hurler Satchel Paige. Browns starter Ned Garver (15-9) is the loser for the Browns.

1964 - On ”Elston Howard Night,” the Yankees take 2 games from the Red Sox, by the scores of 10-2 and 6-1. Joe Pepitone's 3 HRs, including a grand slam HR, and Roger Maris 6-singles lead the Yankees offense. Mickey Mantle hits MLB career HR number #447 in the opener and ties Babe Ruth's MLB career strikeout record (1,330) in the nightcap.

1966 - Former Yankees back-up C Al DeVormer (1921-22) passed away. (1891-1966). Al hit .275 in 46 games with the Yankees, before being traded to the Red Sox in 1923 with cash for P George Pipgras and OF Harvey Hendrick.

1967 - The Red Sox tie an AL record it originally set on July 4, 1905, by playing 29 innings in a doubleheader. Boston wins the 1st game against the Yankees by the score of 2-1, and then dropped the nightcap in 20 innings by the score of 4-3. The Yankees winning P Fred Talbot has a single in 20th inning, off of Darrell Brandon, to set up Horace Clarke's game-winning single. The game lasts 5:15 and is the 3rd game this AL season of 18 innings or more for the Yankees.

1969 - Joe Pepitone quits the Yankees after being fined $500 for leaving the bench during a game. He will return to the team, but he will be traded to Houston in the off-season for former Yankees minor league OF/1B Curt Blefary.

1970 - Former Yankees All Star CF and MVP Mickey Mantle returns to the Yankees as 1B coach

1972 - Yankees CF Bobby Murcer hits for the cycle against the Rangers. He's the 1st Yankee player to hit for the cycle since Mickey Mantle in 1957. The next Yankees player to do this feat will be shortstop Tony Fernandez in 1995.

1973 - Yankees Catcher Thurman Munson gets a tainted 1st-inning hit as a pop fly drops between 2 Angels’ infielders calling for it. It turns out to be the only hit allowed by Angels starter Nolan Ryan as he beats the Yankees, by the score of 5-0.

1977 - The Yankees top the Royals 5-3 on a 3-run pinch-hit HR in the 8th inning by 1B Chris Chambliss.

1978 - Against the Angels, the Yankees go into the record books by receiving 5 intentional passes in the 11-inning contest.

1985 - In the Yankees 4-0 win over the Angels, Don Baylor is hit by a pitch from hurler Kirk McCaskill for the 190th time, breaking the AL record of 189 set by Minnie Minoso.

1996 - The last-place Angels defeat the Yankees, by the score of 14-3, behind OF Garret Anderson's 7-runs batted in. Anderson has 2 doubles and a HR in the game.

1998 - Derek Jeter hits his 17th HR of the season to establish a new mark for Yankee shortstops. The infielder also scores 4 times in an 11-6 victory over the Mariners.

August 30th

1905 - Making his MLB debut, Ty Cobb doubles off of Highlander's Jack Chesbro in a 5-3 Tiger victory at Detroit's Bennett Park.

1906 - Right-hander Slow Joe Doyle of the Highlanders becomes the 1st 20th century player to start out with 2 shutouts when he beats the Nationals by the score of 5-0. Of his 23 lifetime victories, 7 will be shutouts. He is nicknamed "Slow" because of his time-consuming pace on the mound. The Yankees take the nightcap as well, winning by the score of 9-8, to begin a sweep of 5 doubleheaders in 6 days. They'll outscore their opponents 76-31.

1910 - New York's Tom Hughes pitches a no-hitter for 9 1/3 innings before giving up a hit to Cleveland's Harry Niles. Hughes then collapses, allowing 5 runs in the 11th inning to lose the game by the score of 5-0.

1917 - Former Yankees P Red Embree (1948) was born. Red went 5-3 with the Yankees before being sent to the Browns in 1948.

1918 - Former Yankees INF Billy Johnson (1943, 1946-51) was born (1918 - 2006). Before 1936 AL Season, Billy was signed by the Yankees as an amateur free agent. Billy was 1947 AL All Star team member. He appeared in 4 World Series with the Yankees. On May 14, 1951, Billy was traded by the Yankees to the Cardinals for 1B Don Bollweg and $15,000.

1925 - Former Yankees OF George “Teddy” Wilson (1956) was born (1925-1974). On August 22, 1956, George was selected off waivers by the Yankees from the Giants. He hit .167 in 11 games and also appeared in 1956 World Series.

1931 - At Fenway Park, Ben Chapman and Lou Gehrig each have 4 hits and together total 9-RBIs as the Yankees roll over the Red Sox, by the score of 14-4. One of Gehrig's hits is a HR, his 37th, and 2 of Chapman's leave the park. Hal Rhyne has 4 hits for Boston

1939 - Yankees rookie hurler Atley Donald pitches a baseball at 94.7 miles per hours to establish a new record for a fastball.

1941 - Former Yankees OF Archie Moore (1964-1965) was born. Before the 1963 AL Season, Archie was signed by the Yankees as an amateur free agent. Archie appeared in 40 games, hitting .275 for the Yankees.

1945 - Yankees rookie hurler Floyd Bevans, 28, retires the 1st 18 Red Sox batters before giving up a walk and a double to Bob Johnson, the only hit for the Sox. Bevans wins the game by a score of 7-1, defeating Red Sox starter Boo Ferriss, who was trying for his 21st win of the season.

1956 - Former Yankees P Roger Erickson (1982-83) was born. On May 12, 1982, Roger was traded by the Twins along with C Butch Wynegar to the Yankees for P John Pacella, INF Larry Milbourne, P Pete Filson, and cash. Roger went 4-6 in 21 games for the Yankees. On December 8, 1983, Roger was traded by the Yankees along with1B/DH Steve Balboni to the Royals for P Mike Armstrong and minor league player Duane Dewey.

1961 - Mickey Mantle connects for HR #47, off the Twins Jim Kaat, as the Yankees win, by the score of 4-0. He'll hit HR #48 tomorrow, off of Twins hurler Jack Kralick, in the Twins, 4-3 win over the Yankees.

1972 - Yankees obtained P Casey Cox from the Rangers for P Jim Roland. A classic nothing for nothing trade.

1977 - Against the Yankees, the Mariners tie the score, 5 -5, in the 8th inning, and then lose in the 11th inning, by 6-5, when Mickey Rivers leads off the inning with a home run.

1986 - Two Veteran Yankee hurlers Tommy John (43) and Joe Niekro (41) become the first 40+ pitchers since 1933 to start both ends of a doubleheader. John loses his start by the score of 1-0 while Joe Niekro pitches 5 innings for a 3-0 victory over the Mariners.

1989 - The Yankees send veteran slugger DH/1B Ken Phelps, hitting .249, to A’s for minor league P Scott Holcomb.

1989 - Former Yankees 1B/OF Joe Collins (1949-1957) passed away. Before 1939 AL Season, Joe was signed by the Yankees as an amateur free agent. In 10 seasons with the Yankees Joe hit .256, never really living up to the hitting promise that the Yankees had hoped for. Joe appeared in 7 World Series with the Yankees. He was replaced by Bill Skowron as the regular Yankee 1st baseman in 1957. On March 20, 1958, Joe was purchased by the Phillies from the Yankees. Joe retired from MLB, turning down a $100,000 contract offer from the Phillies. He told the media that he wanted to be remembered as a Yankee.

1996 - Adding their 8th new player this month, the Yankees reacquired 3B Charlie Hayes from the Pirates in exchange for a player to be named. This makes current Yankees 3B Wade Boggs, a platoon player and he angrily states, "I'll get my 3,000 hits somewhere."

1997 - Yankees starter David Wells strikes a familiar note as he threatens to punch out owner George Steinbrenner during a clubhouse argument. Reportedly, the argument began after the team's 7-2 loss to the Expos, when a play occurred that was similar to last year's ALCS. This time it was against the Yankees; Darrin Fletcher's gets a HR when a fan in RF reaches over and snagged the ball before Paul O'Neill could catch it. Wells voiced to Steinbrenner that extra security should be added in RF to prevent this sort of incident, George answered that Wells ought to stick to his pitching. When Wells said that Steinbrenner could trade him, the Yankees owner answered that no one wanted the lefty. It was then that Wells joined the ranks of earlier Yankee players, who have wanted to flatten the feisty owner since 1973.

2005 - In the long tradition of the Yankees, All Star 3B Alex Rodriguez becomes only the 2nd right-handed batter in Yankees history to hit 40 HRs in a season. The Yankee's 3B joins Joe DiMaggio, who hit 46 HR s in 1937, making it the only time "Joltin Joe" reached the 40 HR mark in his MLB career.


(As always I'd like to thank Fw57Clipper51 for his great contribution.)

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