1962 in baseball
Encyclopedia
The 1962 season is perhaps most notable for the dismal 40–120 record of the New York Mets
, the third-worst winning percentage and the record for most games lost since 1900.
New York Mets
The New York Mets are a professional baseball team based in the borough of Queens in New York City, New York. They belong to Major League Baseball's National League East Division. One of baseball's first expansion teams, the Mets were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed National League...
, the third-worst winning percentage and the record for most games lost since 1900.
Major League Baseball
- World Series1962 World SeriesThe 1962 World Series matched the defending American League and World Series champions New York Yankees against the National League champion San Francisco Giants, who had won their first NL pennant since 1954 and first since moving from New York in 1958, defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers in a...
: 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 San Francisco 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); Ralph TerryRalph TerryRalph Willard Terry is a former right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the New York Yankees , Kansas City Athletics , Cleveland Indians and New York Mets...
, MVP - All-Star Game (#1)Major 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 D.C. StadiumRobert F. Kennedy Memorial StadiumRobert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in Washington, D.C., United States, and the current home of MLS's D.C. United....
: National League, 3–1; Maury WillsMaury WillsMaurice Morning "Maury" Wills is a former Major League Baseball shortstop and switch-hitting batter who played most prominently with the Los Angeles Dodgers , and also with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Montreal Expos...
, MVP - All-Star Game (#2)Major 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 30 at Wrigley FieldWrigley FieldWrigley Field is a baseball stadium in Chicago, Illinois, United States that has served as the home ballpark of the Chicago Cubs since 1916. It was built in 1914 as Weeghman Park for the Chicago Federal League baseball team, the Chicago Whales...
: American League, 9–4; Leon WagnerLeon WagnerLeon Lamar Wagner was an American left fielder in Major League Baseball who played with the San Francisco Giants , St. Louis Cardinals , Los Angeles Angels , Cleveland Indians and Chicago White Sox . He batted left-handed and threw right-handed...
, MVP
Other champions
- 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,...
: MichiganUniversity of MichiganThe University of Michigan is a public research university located in Ann Arbor, Michigan in the United States. It is the state's oldest university and the flagship campus of the University of Michigan... - Cuban National Series1961-62 Cuban National SeriesThe inaugural season of the Cuban National Series was won by Occidentales, composed largely of players from Pinar del Río.In 1961, the post-revolutionary government outlawed professional sports, including the Cuban League, a small professional baseball league. The Cuban national baseball system was...
: IndustrialesIndustrialesIndustriales is a baseball team in the Cuban National Series. One of the two teams based in the city of Havana, Industriales is historically the most successful team in the National Series, the main domestic competition in post-revolutionary Cuban baseball... - 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....
: Toei FlyersHokkaido Nippon Ham FightersThe are a Japanese professional baseball team based in Sapporo, Hokkaidō. They compete in the Pacific League of Nippon Professional Baseball, playing the majority of their home games at the Sapporo Dome. The Fighters also host a select number of regional home games in cities across Hokkaidō,...
over Hanshin TigersHanshin TigersThe are a Nippon Professional Baseball team based in Koshien, Nishinomiya, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan, and are in the Central League. Hanshin Electric Railway Co., Ltd., the subsidiary of Hankyu Hanshin Holdings Inc., owns the Hanshin Tigers directly...
(4–2–1) - 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...
: Moreland, San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose is the third-largest city in California, the tenth-largest in the U.S., and the county seat of Santa Clara County which is located at the southern end of San Francisco Bay... - Major League BaseballMajor League BaseballMajor League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
.
Awards and honors
- Most Valuable PlayerMLB 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...
- Mickey MantleMickey MantleMickey Charles Mantle was an American professional baseball player. Mantle is regarded by many to be the greatest switch hitter of all time, and one of the greatest players in baseball history. Mantle was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974.Mantle was noted for his hitting...
, 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...
, OF (AL) - Maury WillsMaury WillsMaurice Morning "Maury" Wills is a former Major League Baseball shortstop and switch-hitting batter who played most prominently with the Los Angeles Dodgers , and also with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Montreal Expos...
, Los Angeles 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...
, SS (NL)
- Mickey Mantle
- Cy Young AwardCy Young AwardThe Cy Young Award is an honor given annually in baseball to the best pitchers in Major League Baseball , one each for the American League and National League . The award was first introduced in 1956 by Baseball Commissioner Ford Frick in honor of Hall of Fame pitcher Cy Young, who died in 1955...
- Don DrysdaleDon DrysdaleDonald Scott "Don" Drysdale was a Major League Baseball player and Hall of Fame right-handed pitcher with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was one of the dominant starting pitchers of the 1960s, and became a radio and television broadcaster following his playing career...
, Los Angeles 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...
- Don Drysdale
- Rookie of the YearMLB 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...
- Tom TreshTom TreshThomas Michael Tresh was a Major League Baseball infielder and outfielder who played for the New York Yankees and Detroit Tigers . Tresh was a switch-hitter and threw right-handed...
, 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...
, SS (AL) - Ken HubbsKen HubbsKenneth Douglass Hubbs was an American second baseman who played from to for the Chicago Cubs in the National League. He was killed in a plane crash near Provo, Utah prior to the 1964 season....
, Chicago CubsChicago CubsThe Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...
, 2B (NL)
- Tom Tresh
MLB statistical leaders
| American League American League The 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... |
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... |
|||
| AVG Batting average Batting average is a statistic in both cricket and baseball that measures the performance of cricket batsmen and baseball hitters. The two statistics are related in that baseball averages are directly descended from the concept of cricket averages.- Cricket :... |
Pete Runnels Pete Runnels James Edward "Pete" Runnels was a Major League Baseball infielder who played for the Washington Senators , Boston Red Sox and Houston Colt .45s . He batted left-handed and threw right-handed.... BOS |
.326 | Tommy Davis Tommy Davis Herman Thomas Davis, Jr. is an American former Major League Baseball left fielder and third baseman. He played from 1959-1976 for ten different teams, but he is best known for his years with the Los Angeles Dodgers. During an 18-year baseball career, Davis batted .294 with 153 home runs, 2,121... LAD |
.346 |
| HR Home run In 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... |
Harmon Killebrew Harmon Killebrew Harmon Clayton Killebrew , nicknamed "Killer" and "Hammerin' Harmon", was an American professional baseball first baseman, third baseman, and left fielder. During his 22-year career in Major League Baseball , he played for the Washington Senators, a team which later became the Minnesota Twins, and... MIN |
48 | Willie Mays Willie Mays Willie 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... SFG |
49 |
| RBI | Harmon Killebrew Harmon Killebrew Harmon Clayton Killebrew , nicknamed "Killer" and "Hammerin' Harmon", was an American professional baseball first baseman, third baseman, and left fielder. During his 22-year career in Major League Baseball , he played for the Washington Senators, a team which later became the Minnesota Twins, and... MIN |
126 | Tommy Davis Tommy Davis Herman Thomas Davis, Jr. is an American former Major League Baseball left fielder and third baseman. He played from 1959-1976 for ten different teams, but he is best known for his years with the Los Angeles Dodgers. During an 18-year baseball career, Davis batted .294 with 153 home runs, 2,121... LAD |
153 |
| Wins Win (baseball) In professional baseball, there are two types of decisions: a win and a loss . In each game, one pitcher on the winning team is awarded a win and one pitcher on the losing team is given a loss in their respective statistics. These pitchers are collectively known as the pitchers of record. Only... |
Ralph Terry Ralph Terry Ralph Willard Terry is a former right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the New York Yankees , Kansas City Athletics , Cleveland Indians and New York Mets... NYY |
23 | Don Drysdale Don Drysdale Donald Scott "Don" Drysdale was a Major League Baseball player and Hall of Fame right-handed pitcher with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was one of the dominant starting pitchers of the 1960s, and became a radio and television broadcaster following his playing career... LAD |
25 |
| ERA Earned run average In baseball statistics, earned run average is the mean of earned runs given up by a pitcher per nine innings pitched. It is determined by dividing the number of earned runs allowed by the number of innings pitched and multiplying by nine... |
Hank Aguirre Hank Aguirre Henry John "Hank" Aguirre was a Major League Baseball pitcher who played with the Cleveland Indians , Detroit Tigers , Los Angeles Dodgers , and Chicago Cubs... DET |
2.21 | Sandy Koufax Sandy Koufax Sanford "Sandy" Koufax is a former left-handed baseball pitcher who played his entire 12-year Major League Baseball career for the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers... LAD |
2.54 |
| Ks Strikeout In baseball or softball, a strikeout or strike-out occurs when a batter receives three strikes during his time at bat. A strikeout is a statistic recorded for both pitchers and batters.... |
Camilo Pascual Camilo Pascual Camilo Alberto Pascual is a former Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher. During an 18-year baseball career , he played for the Washington Senators , the second Washington Senators franchise, Cincinnati Reds, Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Cleveland Indians... MIN |
206 | Don Drysdale Don Drysdale Donald Scott "Don" Drysdale was a Major League Baseball player and Hall of Fame right-handed pitcher with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was one of the dominant starting pitchers of the 1960s, and became a radio and television broadcaster following his playing career... LAD |
232 |
American League final standings
| Rank | Club | Wins | Losses | Win % | GB |
| 1st | New York Yankees New York Yankees The 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... |
96 | 66 | .593 | – |
| 2nd | Minnesota Twins Minnesota Twins The Minnesota Twins are a professional baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The team is named after the Twin Cities area of Minneapolis and St. Paul. They played in Metropolitan Stadium from 1961 to 1981 and the... |
91 | 71 | .562 | 5.0 |
| 3rd | Los Angeles Angels Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a professional baseball team based in Anaheim, California, United States. The Angels are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The "Angels" name originates from the city in which the team started, Los Angeles... |
86 | 76 | .531 | 10.0 |
| 4th | Detroit Tigers Detroit Tigers The 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... |
85 | 76 | .528 | 10.5 |
| 5th | Chicago White Sox Chicago White Sox The 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... |
85 | 77 | .525 | 11.0 |
| 6th | Cleveland Indians Cleveland Indians The 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... |
80 | 82 | .494 | 16.0 |
| 7th | Baltimore Orioles Baltimore Orioles The 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... |
77 | 85 | .475 | 19.0 |
| 8th | Boston Red Sox Boston Red Sox The 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"... |
76 | 84 | .475 | 19.0 |
| 9th | Kansas City Athletics Oakland Athletics The Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum.... |
72 | 90 | .444 | 24.0 |
| 10th | Washington Senators Texas Rangers (baseball) The Texas Rangers are a professional baseball team in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, based in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League, and are the reigning A.L. Western Division and A.L. Champions. Since , the Rangers have... |
60 | 101 | .373 | 35.5 |
National League final standings
| Rank | Club | Wins | Losses | Win % | GB |
| 1st | San Francisco 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.... |
103 | 62 | .624 | – |
| 2nd | Los Angeles Dodgers Los Angeles Dodgers The 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... |
102 | 63 | .618 | 1.0 |
| 3rd | Cincinnati Reds Cincinnati Reds The Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the National League Central Division. The club was established in 1882 as a charter member of the American Association and joined the National League in 1890.... |
98 | 64 | .605 | 3.5 |
| 4th | Pittsburgh Pirates Pittsburgh Pirates The 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... |
93 | 68 | .578 | 8.0 |
| 5th | Milwaukee Braves Atlanta Braves The 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.... |
86 | 76 | .531 | 15.5 |
| 6th | St. Louis Cardinals St. Louis Cardinals The 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... |
84 | 78 | .519 | 17.5 |
| 7th | Philadelphia Phillies Philadelphia Phillies The 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... |
81 | 80 | .503 | 20.0 |
| 8th | Houston Colt .45s Houston Astros The Houston Astros are a Major League Baseball team located in Houston, Texas. They are a member of the National League Central division. The Astros are expected to join the American League West division in 2013. Since , they have played their home games at Minute Maid Park, known as Enron Field... |
64 | 96 | .400 | 36.5 |
| 9th | Chicago Cubs Chicago Cubs The Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National... |
59 | 103 | .364 | 42.5 |
| 10th | New York Mets New York Mets The New York Mets are a professional baseball team based in the borough of Queens in New York City, New York. They belong to Major League Baseball's National League East Division. One of baseball's first expansion teams, the Mets were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed National League... |
40 | 120 | .250 | 60.5 |
January–April
- January 23 – In their first year of eligibility, 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...
and Jackie RobinsonJackie RobinsonJack Roosevelt "Jackie" Robinson was the first black Major League Baseball player of the modern era. Robinson broke the baseball color line when he debuted with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947...
are selected for the Hall of Fame by the Baseball Writers Association of AmericaBaseball Writers Association of AmericaThe Baseball Writers' Association of America is a professional association for baseball journalists writing for daily newspapers, magazines and qualifying Web sites. The BBWAA was founded on October 14, 1908, to improve working conditions for sportswriters in the early part of the 20th century...
.
- January 28 – Edd RoushEdd RoushEdd J. Roush was a Major League Baseball player who was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962. He played the majority of his career in center field....
and Bill McKechnieBill McKechnieWilliam Boyd McKechnie was an American third baseman, manager and coach in Major League Baseball. He was the first manager to win World Series titles with two different teams , and remains one of only two managers to win pennants with three teams, also capturing the National League title in 1928...
are added to the Hall of Fame by the Special Veterans Committee.
- April 10 – In the very first regular-season game ever at Dodger StadiumDodger StadiumDodger Stadium, also sometimes called Chavez Ravine, is a stadium in Los Angeles. Located adjacent to Downtown Los Angeles, Dodger Stadium has been the home ballpark of Major League Baseball's Los Angeles Dodgers team since 1962...
, the Cincinnati RedsCincinnati RedsThe Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the National League Central Division. The club was established in 1882 as a charter member of the American Association and joined the National League in 1890....
spoil the Los Angeles 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...
' opening-day party by beating them 6–3.
- April 11 – The New York MetsNew York MetsThe New York Mets are a professional baseball team based in the borough of Queens in New York City, New York. They belong to Major League Baseball's National League East Division. One of baseball's first expansion teams, the Mets were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed National League...
play the first official game in franchise history, an 11–4 loss to the 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...
at Busch StadiumSportsman's ParkSportsman's Park was the name of several former Major League Baseball ballpark structures in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, all but one of which were located on the same piece of land, the northwest corner of Grand Boulevard and Dodier Street on the north side of the city.- History :From...
in St. Louis, MissouriSt. Louis, MissouriSt. Louis is an independent city on the eastern border of Missouri, United States. With a population of 319,294, it was the 58th-largest U.S. city at the 2010 U.S. Census. The Greater St...
. Gil HodgesGil HodgesGilbert Ray Hodges was an American Major League Baseball first baseman and manager. During an 18-year baseball career, he played in 1943 and from 1947–63, spending most of his career with the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers...
and Charlie NealCharlie NealCharles Lenard Neal was an American second baseman in Major League Baseball. He was signed by the Brooklyn Dodgers as an amateur free agent in 1950, and won the 1959 World Series after the team moved to Los Angeles. He hit two home runs in Game 2 of the Series, at Chicago's Comiskey Park...
provide bright spots for the Mets, hitting the first two home runs in the new franchise's history.
- April 12 – In his Major League debut, Pete RichertPete RichertPeter Gerard Richert is a former Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher. He pitched for the Los Angeles Dodgers , Washington Senators , Baltimore Orioles , St...
of the Los Angeles 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...
ties Karl SpoonerKarl SpoonerKarl Benjamin Spooner was a Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher....
's record by striking out the first six Major League batters he faces. He enters the game against the Cincinnati RedsCincinnati RedsThe Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the National League Central Division. The club was established in 1882 as a charter member of the American Association and joined the National League in 1890....
at Dodger StadiumDodger StadiumDodger Stadium, also sometimes called Chavez Ravine, is a stadium in Los Angeles. Located adjacent to Downtown Los Angeles, Dodger Stadium has been the home ballpark of Major League Baseball's Los Angeles Dodgers team since 1962...
with two out in the second inning and strikes out Vada PinsonVada PinsonVada Edward Pinson, Jr. was an American center fielder and coach in Major League Baseball. Pinson played in the major leagues for 18 years, from 1958 through 1975, and his greatest seasons were with the Cincinnati Redlegs/Reds, for whom he played from 1958–68.Pinson combined power, speed and...
for the final out. He then records a four-strikeout third inning; the victims are Frank RobinsonFrank RobinsonFrank Robinson , is a former Major League Baseball outfielder and manager. He played from 1956–1976, most notably for the Cincinnati Reds and the Baltimore Orioles. He is the only player to win league MVP honors in both the National and American Leagues...
, Gordy ColemanGordy ColemanGordon Calvin Coleman was a Major League first baseman with the Cleveland Indians and the Cincinnati Reds ....
(who reaches first on a Johnny RoseboroJohnny RoseboroJohn Junior Roseboro was a Major League Baseball catcher and coach, who was born in Ashland, Ohio.-Career:A left-handed-hitter, Roseboro had a lifetime .249 batting average with 104 home runs and 548 RBI in 1585 games played with the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers , Minnesota Twins and...
passed ball), Wally PostWally PostWalter Charles Post was a right fielder in Major League Baseball. From 1949 through 1964, Post played for the Cincinnati Reds & Redlegs , Philadelphia Phillies , Minnesota Twins and Cleveland Indians...
and Johnny EdwardsJohnny Edwards (baseball player)John Alban Edwards was a former professional baseball catcher known for his excellent defensive skills. He played in the Major Leagues for the Cincinnati Reds , St...
. To date, Richert is the only pitcher to strike out four batters in one inning in his Major League debut. His record-tying sixth strikeout is of Tommy HarperTommy HarperTommy Harper is an American former Major League Baseball outfielder and third baseman. He played with the Cincinnati Reds , Cleveland Indians , Seattle Pilots , Milwaukee Brewers , Boston Red Sox , California Angels , Oakland Athletics , and the Baltimore Orioles .-High School...
leading off the fourth inning. The Dodgers defeat the Reds 11–7 with Richert gaining the victory, having struck out seven batters, walking none, and allowing no hits in 3 1/3 innings.
- April 13 – 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...
baseball officially returns to New York CityNew York CityNew York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
, as the New York MetsNew York MetsThe New York Mets are a professional baseball team based in the borough of Queens in New York City, New York. They belong to Major League Baseball's National League East Division. One of baseball's first expansion teams, the Mets were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed National League...
play the first home game in franchise history, a 4–3 loss to 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...
at the Polo GroundsPolo GroundsThe Polo Grounds was the name given to four different stadiums in Upper Manhattan, New York City, used by many professional teams in both baseball and American football from 1880 until 1963...
.
- April 18 – Ernie BanksErnie BanksErnest "Ernie" Banks , nicknamed "Mr. Cub", is a former Major League Baseball shortstop and first baseman. He played his entire 19-year baseball career with the Chicago Cubs . He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977.-High school years:Banks was a letterman and standout in football,...
hits his 300th career home run, helping the Chicago CubsChicago CubsThe Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...
beat the Houston Colt .45sHouston AstrosThe Houston Astros are a Major League Baseball team located in Houston, Texas. They are a member of the National League Central division. The Astros are expected to join the American League West division in 2013. Since , they have played their home games at Minute Maid Park, known as Enron Field...
3–2.
- April 23 – The New York MetsNew York MetsThe New York Mets are a professional baseball team based in the borough of Queens in New York City, New York. They belong to Major League Baseball's National League East Division. One of baseball's first expansion teams, the Mets were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed National League...
earn their first victory in franchise history, 9–1 over 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...
in Pittsburgh.
May–August
- May 5 – Bo BelinskyBo BelinskyRobert "Bo" Belinsky was an American left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball, who became an instant southern California celebrity as a rookie with the original Los Angeles Angels, especially when the fourth of his season-opening four straight wins was a no-hit, no-run game against his former...
of the Los Angeles AngelsLos Angeles Angels of AnaheimThe Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a professional baseball team based in Anaheim, California, United States. The Angels are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The "Angels" name originates from the city in which the team started, Los Angeles...
no-hitsNo-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"...
the Baltimore OriolesBaltimore 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...
2–0 at Dodger StadiumDodger StadiumDodger Stadium, also sometimes called Chavez Ravine, is a stadium in Los Angeles. Located adjacent to Downtown Los Angeles, Dodger Stadium has been the home ballpark of Major League Baseball's Los Angeles Dodgers team since 1962...
. The no-hitter is the first in both franchise and stadium history.
- May 12 - New York MetsNew York MetsThe New York Mets are a professional baseball team based in the borough of Queens in New York City, New York. They belong to Major League Baseball's National League East Division. One of baseball's first expansion teams, the Mets were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed National League...
relief pitcher Craig Anderson wins both ends 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...
against the Milwaukee 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....
. Success will soon turn to failure, because Anderson will lose his next 16 decisions on the season and 19 decisions overall. In fact, he will never win another game in the major leagues.
- May 29 – Ernie BanksErnie BanksErnest "Ernie" Banks , nicknamed "Mr. Cub", is a former Major League Baseball shortstop and first baseman. He played his entire 19-year baseball career with the Chicago Cubs . He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977.-High school years:Banks was a letterman and standout in football,...
hits three home runs, but his Chicago CubsChicago CubsThe Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...
still fall to the Milwaukee 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....
11–9 at Wrigley FieldWrigley FieldWrigley Field is a baseball stadium in Chicago, Illinois, United States that has served as the home ballpark of the Chicago Cubs since 1916. It was built in 1914 as Weeghman Park for the Chicago Federal League baseball team, the Chicago Whales...
in ChicagoChicagoChicago is the largest city in the US state of Illinois. With nearly 2.7 million residents, it is the most populous city in the Midwestern United States and the third most populous in the US, after New York City and Los Angeles...
.
- June 26 – At Fenway ParkFenway ParkFenway Park is a baseball park near Kenmore Square in Boston, Massachusetts. Located at 4 Yawkey Way, it has served as the home ballpark of the Boston Red Sox baseball club since it opened in 1912, and is the oldest Major League Baseball stadium currently in use. It is one of two "classic"...
, 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"...
pitcher Earl Wilson no-hitsNo-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"...
the Los Angeles AngelsLos Angeles Angels of AnaheimThe Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a professional baseball team based in Anaheim, California, United States. The Angels are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The "Angels" name originates from the city in which the team started, Los Angeles...
2–0 and helps his own cause by homeringHome 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...
in the same game. He becomes the second pitcher, after Wes FerrellWes FerrellWesley Cheek Ferrell was an American professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball from 1927 through 1941. Primarily a starting pitcher, Ferrell played for the Cleveland Indians , Boston Red Sox , Washington Senators , New York Yankees , Brooklyn Dodgers and Boston Braves...
in 19311931 in baseball-Champions:*World Series: St. Louis Cardinals over Philadelphia Athletics -Awards and honors:*MLB Most Valuable Player Award** Lefty Grove, Philadelphia Athletics, P** Frankie Frisch, St...
, to hit a home run supporting his own no-hitter. Rick WiseRick WiseRichard Charles Wise is a former right-handed starting pitcher in Major League Baseball for 18 seasons...
will join them in 19711971 in baseball-Major League Baseball:National League: Pittsburgh PiratesAmerican League: Baltimore Orioles1971 World Series: Pittsburgh def. Baltimore , 4 games to 3.Inter-league playoff: Pittsburgh declined challenge by Tokyo Yomiuri Giants....
, homering twice in his no-hitter.
- June 27 - In Pittsburgh, the Mets' Richie AshburnRichie AshburnDon Richard "Richie" Ashburn , also known by the nicknames, "Putt-Putt", "The Tilden Flash", and "Whitey" due to his light-blond hair, was an American center fielder in Major League Baseball. He was born in Tilden, Nebraska...
singles in the 4th inning against Bob FriendBob FriendRobert Bartmess Friend is a former right-handed starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who pitched primarily for the Pittsburgh Pirates , joining the New York Yankees and New York Mets in his final season of...
. It is Ashburn's 2,500th career hit, and he is the 39th player in history to reach that level. the pirates win the game, 6-5, in 10 innings.
- June 30 – At Dodger StadiumDodger StadiumDodger Stadium, also sometimes called Chavez Ravine, is a stadium in Los Angeles. Located adjacent to Downtown Los Angeles, Dodger Stadium has been the home ballpark of Major League Baseball's Los Angeles Dodgers team since 1962...
, Sandy KoufaxSandy KoufaxSanford "Sandy" Koufax is a former left-handed baseball pitcher who played his entire 12-year Major League Baseball career for the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers...
of the Los Angeles 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...
no-hitsNo-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"...
the New York MetsNew York MetsThe New York Mets are a professional baseball team based in the borough of Queens in New York City, New York. They belong to Major League Baseball's National League East Division. One of baseball's first expansion teams, the Mets were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed National League...
5–0. He begins the game by striking out the first three batters (Richie AshburnRichie AshburnDon Richard "Richie" Ashburn , also known by the nicknames, "Putt-Putt", "The Tilden Flash", and "Whitey" due to his light-blond hair, was an American center fielder in Major League Baseball. He was born in Tilden, Nebraska...
, Rod KanehlRod KanehlRoderick Edwin Kanehl was an American second baseman and outfielder in Major League Baseball who played his entire career with the New York Mets . Beloved by Mets fans, his attitude was exemplary for a team that lost a modern-era record 120 games in its inaugural season...
and Félix Mantilla) on nine pitches. The no-hitter is the first by a Dodger since the franchise's move from BrooklynBrooklynBrooklyn is the most populous of New York City's five boroughs, with nearly 2.6 million residents, and the second-largest in area. Since 1896, Brooklyn has had the same boundaries as Kings County, which is now the most populous county in New York State and the second-most densely populated...
after the 1957 season, as well as the only one to feature a nine-pitch, three strikeout half-inning to date. Koufax will go on to pitch no-hitters in each of the next three seasons, including a perfect gameSandy Koufax's perfect gameSandy Koufax of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitched a perfect game in Major League Baseball against the Chicago Cubs at Dodger Stadium on September 9, 1965. Koufax, by retiring 27 consecutive batters without allowing any to reach base, became the sixth pitcher of the modern era, eighth overall, to...
in ; his record of four career no-hitters will be broken by Nolan RyanNolan RyanLynn Nolan Ryan, Jr. , nicknamed "The Ryan Express", is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He is currently principal owner, president and CEO of the Texas Rangers....
in .
- July 9 – At a meeting held in conjunction with the All-Star Game, the major league players request a reduced schedule for the 19631963 in baseball-Major League Baseball:*World Series: Los Angeles Dodgers beat New York Yankees ; Sandy Koufax, MVP*All-Star Game, July 9 at Municipal Stadium: National League, 5–3; Willie Mays, MVP-Other champions:*College World Series: USC...
season. They also vote unanimously to continue playing two All-Star Games each year.
- July 10 – At newly opened D.C. Stadium, John F. KennedyJohn F. KennedyJohn Fitzgerald "Jack" Kennedy , often referred to by his initials JFK, was the 35th President of the United States, serving from 1961 until his assassination in 1963....
becomes the only U.S. president ever to throw the ceremonial first pitch at an All-Star Game, as 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...
beats 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...
, 3–1, in the first All-Star Game of 1962. Highlights include Maury WillsMaury WillsMaurice Morning "Maury" Wills is a former Major League Baseball shortstop and switch-hitting batter who played most prominently with the Los Angeles Dodgers , and also with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Montreal Expos...
scoring two of the NL's three runs, Roberto ClementeRoberto ClementeRoberto Clemente Walker was a Puerto Rican Major League Baseball right fielder. He was born in Carolina, Puerto Rico, the youngest of seven children. Clemente played his entire 18-year baseball career with the Pittsburgh Pirates . He was awarded the National League's Most Valuable Player Award in...
rapping three hits, and 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...
making an amazing game-ending catch. Wills receives the first All-Star MVP honors.
- July 11 – For the first time since 19381938 in baseball-Major League Baseball:*World Series: New York Yankees over Chicago Cubs *All-Star Game, July 6 at Crosley Field: National League, 4-1-Awards and honors:*Most Valuable Player**Jimmie Foxx, Boston Red Sox, 1B...
, when LloydLloyd WanerLloyd James Waner , nicknamed "Little Poison", was a Major League Baseball center fielder. His small stature at 5'9" and 132 lb made him one of the smallest players of his era. Along with his brother, Paul Waner, he anchored the Pittsburgh Pirates outfield throughout the 1920s and 1930s...
and Paul WanerPaul WanerPaul Glee Waner , nicknamed "Big Poison", was a German-American Major League Baseball right fielder.-Pittsburgh Pirates:...
pulled the trick, brothers Hank and Tommie AaronTommie AaronTommie Lee Aaron was a first baseman and left fielder in Major League Baseball, and a younger brother of Hall of Famer Hank Aaron. They were the first siblings to appear together in a League Championship Series as teammates. Born in Mobile, Alabama, he was signed by the Milwaukee Braves on May 28,...
hit home runs in the same inning. Both were hit in the last of the ninth, and Hank's grand slamGrand slam (baseball)In the sport of baseball, a grand slam is a home run hit with all three bases occupied by baserunners , thereby scoring four runs—the most possible in one play. According to The Dickson Baseball Dictionary, the term originated in the card game of contract bridge, in which a grand slam involves...
provides the winning margin in an 8–6 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....
win over the 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...
.
- July 14 - Unfortunately for Ralph BrancaRalph BrancaRalph Theodore Joseph Branca is a former starting pitcher in Major League Baseball.From 1944 through 1956, Branca played for the Brooklyn Dodgers , Detroit Tigers , and New York Yankees...
, it is 11 years too late and it doesn't count anyway. In the New YorkMets' first Old-Timers' Game, reliever Ralph Branca faces 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...
, the man who hit the historic 1951 home run against him to give the Giants the 1951 pennant. This time Branca gets Thomson out on a fly ball to center field. In the real game itself, the Dodgers smash the Mets, 17-0.
- July 18 – The Minnesota TwinsMinnesota TwinsThe Minnesota Twins are a professional baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The team is named after the Twin Cities area of Minneapolis and St. Paul. They played in Metropolitan Stadium from 1961 to 1981 and the...
become the first major league club in the 20th century to hit two grand slamsGrand slam (baseball)In the sport of baseball, a grand slam is a home run hit with all three bases occupied by baserunners , thereby scoring four runs—the most possible in one play. According to The Dickson Baseball Dictionary, the term originated in the card game of contract bridge, in which a grand slam involves...
in one inning when Bob AllisonBob AllisonWilliam Robert "Bob" Allison was born in Raytown, Missouri and was a Major League Baseball outfielder and right-handed batter who played in the American League for the Washington Senators / Minnesota Twins from to ....
and Harmon KillebrewHarmon KillebrewHarmon Clayton Killebrew , nicknamed "Killer" and "Hammerin' Harmon", was an American professional baseball first baseman, third baseman, and left fielder. During his 22-year career in Major League Baseball , he played for the Washington Senators, a team which later became the Minnesota Twins, and...
connect in a team-record 11-run first inning 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...
. Pitchers Barry LatmanBarry LatmanArnold Barry Latman is a former professional baseball pitcher.-Career:He played all or part of 11 seasons in the majors, from until , for the Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Indians, Los Angeles/California Angels, and Houston Astros.He was an All Star in both 1961 and 1962...
and Jim PerryJim Perry (baseball)James Evan Perry, Jr. is an American former Major League Baseball pitcher. He pitched for 1959-1975 for four different teams. During a 17-year baseball career, Perry compiled 215 wins, 1,576 strikeouts, and a 3.45 earned run average....
serve the grand gophers in the Twins' 14–3 drubbing of the Tribe.
- July 22 - The Chicago White Sox Floyd RobinsonFloyd RobinsonFloyd Andrew Robinson is a former outfielder in Major League Baseball for the Chicago White Sox , Cincinnati Reds , Oakland Athletics , and Boston Red Sox...
is 6 for 6 - all singles - in a 7-3 victory over the Boston Red Sox.
- July 26 – Warren SpahnWarren SpahnWarren Edward Spahn was an American Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher. He played his entire 21-year baseball career in the National League. He won 20 games each in 13 seasons, including a 23-7 record when he was age 42...
of the Milwaukee Braves sets the National League record for home runs by a pitcher, when he hits his 31st off New York's Craig Anderson. Spahn also deals the Mets their 11th straight loss in a 6–1 Milwaukee victory.
- July 30 – Home runs by Leon WagnerLeon WagnerLeon Lamar Wagner was an American left fielder in Major League Baseball who played with the San Francisco Giants , St. Louis Cardinals , Los Angeles Angels , Cleveland Indians and Chicago White Sox . He batted left-handed and threw right-handed...
, Pete RunnelsPete RunnelsJames Edward "Pete" Runnels was a Major League Baseball infielder who played for the Washington Senators , Boston Red Sox and Houston Colt .45s . He batted left-handed and threw right-handed....
, and Rocky ColavitoRocky ColavitoRocco Domenico "Rocky" Colavito, Jr. is a former right fielder in Major League Baseball best known for his years with the Cleveland Indians. He wore a #6, #7 or #21 jersey during his MLB career...
power 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...
past 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...
9–4 in the second All-Star Game of 1962. Wagner is selected MVP.
- August 1 – Bill MonbouquetteBill MonbouquetteWilliam Charles Monbouquette is an American former Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher...
of 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"...
no-hitsNo-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"...
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...
1–0 at Comiskey ParkComiskey ParkComiskey Park was the ballpark in which the Chicago White Sox played from 1910 to 1990. It was built by Charles Comiskey after a design by Zachary Taylor Davis, and was the site of four World Series and more than 6,000 major league games...
, the Red Sox' second no-hitter of the season. Al SmithAl Smith (baseball outfielder)Alphonse Eugene Smith was a left fielder/third baseman in Major League Baseball. From 1953 through 1964, he played for the Cleveland Indians , Chicago White Sox , Baltimore Orioles and Boston Red Sox .-Biography:Smith was born in Kirkwood, Missouri. As a high school star in St...
, who walked in the second inning, is the only baserunner Monbouquette allows. Monbouquette's catcher, Jim PagliaroniJim PagliaroniJames Vincent Pagliaroni was an American professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball as a catcher from 1955-1969 for the Boston Red Sox, Pittsburgh Pirates, Oakland Athletics and the Seattle Pilots....
, scores the game's lone run, on a Lou ClintonLou ClintonLuciean Louis Clinton was a Major League Baseball outfielder who batted and threw right-handed, spanning 8 seasons, debuting in and playing his final season in , during which he played for five American League teams in the 1960s: Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles/California Angels, Kansas City...
single in the eighth inning.
- August 18 - The Cardinals' Minnie Minoso returns to action for the first time since july 18, when he fractured his skull and broke his wrist running into an outfield fence. Today in the nightcap, he is hit by a pitch by the Mets' Craig AndersonCraig AndersonCraig 'Ando' Anderson - is an Australian motocross rider from West Wallsend in the Hunter Valley Region of New South Wales.In 2003, Anderson travelled to the United States to compete in the AMA 125cc national championship for the Yamaha of Troy team, he finished the year in seventh place overall...
in the 6th and suffers a broken bone in his forearm. Earlier, Minoso had a homer and a double. St. Louis sweeps, 7-4 and 10-0.
- August 26 – At Metropolitan StadiumMetropolitan StadiumMetropolitan Stadium was a sports stadium that once stood in Bloomington, Minnesota, just outside Minneapolis. The area where the stadium once stood is now the site of the Mall of America...
, Jack KralickJack KralickJohn Francis Kralick , is a former professional baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues from 1959 to 1967. He participated in 235 games in the course of an eight-year career that included stints with the Washington Senators/Minnesota Twins and Cleveland Indians...
of the Minnesota TwinsMinnesota TwinsThe Minnesota Twins are a professional baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The team is named after the Twin Cities area of Minneapolis and St. Paul. They played in Metropolitan Stadium from 1961 to 1981 and the...
no-hitsNo-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"...
the Kansas City AthleticsOakland AthleticsThe Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum....
, 1–0. The no-hitter is the first in the franchise's Minnesota history; they had moved from Washington, D. C. after the 1960 season1960 in baseball-Major League Baseball:*World Series: Pittsburgh Pirates over New York Yankees ; Bobby Richardson, MVP*All-Star Game , July 11 at Municipal Stadium: National League, 5-3*All-Star Game , July 13 at Yankee Stadium: National League, 6-0...
. Kralick retires the first 25 batters before a walk to the 26th (George AlusikGeorge AlusikGeorge Joseph Alusik is a retired American Major League Baseball player who played five seasons with the Detroit Tigers and Kansas City Athletics ....
) spoils his bid for a perfect gamePerfect gameA perfect game is defined by Major League Baseball as a game in which a pitcher pitches a victory that lasts a minimum of nine innings and in which no opposing player reaches base. Thus, the pitcher cannot allow any hits, walks, hit batsmen, or any opposing player to reach base safely for any...
.
September–December
- September 10 – Mickey MantleMickey MantleMickey Charles Mantle was an American professional baseball player. Mantle is regarded by many to be the greatest switch hitter of all time, and one of the greatest players in baseball history. Mantle was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974.Mantle was noted for his hitting...
hits his 400th career home run, helping 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...
beat 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...
3–1.
- October 3 – Eleven years to the day 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....
beat the 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...
for the National League pennant on 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...
'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...
home run, the San Francisco Giants score four runs in the ninth to defeat the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium, 6–4, in the third game of a playoffOne-game playoffA one-game playoff, sometimes known as a pennant playoff or play-in game, is a tiebreaker in certain sports—usually but not always professional—to determine which of two teams, tied in the final standings, will qualify for a post-season tournament...
to determine the 1962 NL pennant.
- October 16 – 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 San Francisco GiantsSan Francisco GiantsThe San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
, 1–0, in the seventh game of the World Series1962 World SeriesThe 1962 World Series matched the defending American League and World Series champions New York Yankees against the National League champion San Francisco Giants, who had won their first NL pennant since 1954 and first since moving from New York in 1958, defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers in a...
to win their second straight World Championship and 20th overall. The Giants, down to their last out, threaten with Matty AlouMatty AlouMateo Rojas "Matty" Alou was a Dominican outfielder who spent fifteen seasons in Major League Baseball with the San Francisco Giants , Pittsburgh Pirates , St. Louis Cardinals , Oakland Athletics , New York Yankees and San Diego Padres...
on third and 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...
on second, but Yankees second baseman Bobby RichardsonBobby RichardsonRobert Clinton "Bobby" Richardson is a former second baseman in Major League Baseball who played for the New York Yankees from through . Batting and throwing right-handed, he was a superb defensive infielder, as well as something of a clutch hitter, who played no small role in the Yankee baseball...
snags a screaming line drive by Willie McCoveyWillie McCoveyWillie Lee McCovey , nicknamed "Mac", "Big Mac", and "Stretch", is a former Major League Baseball first baseman. He played nineteen seasons for the San Francisco Giants, and three more for the San Diego Padres and Oakland Athletics, between and...
to preserve the win. New York pitcher Ralph TerryRalph TerryRalph Willard Terry is a former right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the New York Yankees , Kansas City Athletics , Cleveland Indians and New York Mets...
is named Series MVP.
- November 23 – Los Angeles 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...
shortstop Maury WillsMaury WillsMaurice Morning "Maury" Wills is a former Major League Baseball shortstop and switch-hitting batter who played most prominently with the Los Angeles Dodgers , and also with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Montreal Expos...
, whose 104 stolen bases broke a major league season-record set by Ty CobbTy CobbTyrus Raymond "Ty" Cobb , nicknamed "The Georgia Peach," was an American Major League Baseball outfielder. He was born in Narrows, Georgia...
, wins the National League Most Valuable Player Award. In a controversial vote, Wills beats out teammate Tommy DavisTommy DavisHerman Thomas Davis, Jr. is an American former Major League Baseball left fielder and third baseman. He played from 1959-1976 for ten different teams, but he is best known for his years with the Los Angeles Dodgers. During an 18-year baseball career, Davis batted .294 with 153 home runs, 2,121...
, who led the league with a .346 batting average and 153 RBI.
- November 29:
- After 61 years, the American AssociationAmerican Association (20th century)The American Association was a minor league baseball league at the Triple-A level of baseball in the United States from to and to . Together with the International League, it contested the Junior World Series which determined the championship team in minor league baseball, at least for the...
(AAA) folds, with some of the franchises being absorbed by the International LeagueInternational LeagueThe International League is a minor league baseball league that operates in the eastern United States. Like the Pacific Coast League and the Mexican League, it plays at the Triple-A level, which is one step below Major League Baseball. It was so named because it had teams in both the United States...
and the Pacific Coast LeaguePacific Coast LeagueThe Pacific Coast League is a minor-league baseball league operating in the Western, Midwestern and Southeastern United States. Along with the International League and the Mexican League, it is one of three leagues playing at the Triple-A level, which is one step below Major League Baseball.The...
. The PCL adds the Dallas-Fort Worth, TX; Denver, CO and Oklahoma City, OK clubs and drops the Vancouver, BC club. The International League adds the Indianapolis, IN and Little Rock, AR clubs. As a result, both leagues became ten-club leagues. - MLB officials and player representatives agree to return to a single All-Star Game in . The players' pension fund will receive 95 percent of the one game's proceeds (rather than 60 percent of the two games).
- After 61 years, the American Association
- December 1 – A complete classification overhaul in Minor league baseballMinor league baseballMinor league baseball is a hierarchy of professional baseball leagues in the Americas that compete at levels below Major League Baseball and provide opportunities for player development. All of the minor leagues are operated as independent businesses...
is made. The Eastern and South AtlanticSouthern League (baseball)The Southern League is a minor league baseball league which operates in the Southern United States. It is classified a Double-A league. The original league was formed in , and shut down in . A new league, the Southern Association, was formed in , consisting of twelve teams...
leagues are promoted from Class A to Class AA. Meanwhile, Classes B, C and D are abolished, with those leagues being promoted to Class A. The Class B leagues were the CarolinaCarolina LeagueThe Carolina League is a minor league baseball affiliation which operates in the South Atlantic Coast of the United States. Before 2002, it was classified as a "High A" league, indicating its status as a Class A league with the highest level of competition within that classification, and the fifth...
and NorthwestNorthwest LeagueThe Northwest League of Professional Baseball is a Class A-Short Season minor baseball league. The league is the descendant of the Western International League which ran as a class B league from 1937-1951 and class A from 1952-1954...
leagues; the Class-C leagues were the CaliforniaCalifornia LeagueThe California League is a Class A Advanced minor league baseball league which operates throughout the state of California. Before 2002, it was classified as a "High-A" league, indicating its status as a Class A league with the highest level of competition within that classification, and the fifth...
, Mexican CenterLiga Mexicana de BeisbolThe Mexican League is a summer minor league baseball league with teams based across Mexico. Along with the International League and the Pacific Coast League, it is one of three leagues playing at the triple-A level, which is one step below Major League Baseball. It is the only Minor League...
, NorthernNorthern League (baseball, 1902-71)This article refers to the original incarnations of the Northern League, which operated between 1902 and 1971. For the more recent league, see Northern League ...
, and Pioneer leagues. The Class D leagues were the Florida StateFlorida State LeagueThe Florida State League is a Class A-Advanced minor league baseball league operating in the state of Florida. They are one of three leagues currently operating in Class A-Advanced, the third highest of six classifications of minor leagues...
, Georgia-FloridaGeorgia-Florida LeagueThe Georgia-Florida League was a minor baseball league that existed from 1935 through 1958 and in 1962–1963...
, MidwestMidwest LeagueThe Midwest League is a Class-A minor league baseball league which operates in the Midwestern United States.-History:Six teams – the Belleville Stags, the Centralia Cubs, the Marion Indians, the Mattoon Indians or East Frankfort White Sox, the Mount Vernon Braves, and the West Frankfort...
, New York-PennsylvaniaNew York - Penn LeagueThe New York – Penn League is a minor league baseball league which operates in the northeastern United States. It is classified as a "Short-Season A" league; its season starts in June, after major-league teams have signed their amateur draft picks to professional contracts, and ends in early...
and Western CarolinasWestern Carolinas LeagueThe Western Carolinas League was a Class D and a low Class A full-season league in American minor league baseball. The WCL changed its name prior to the 1980 season and has been known since as the South Atlantic League, a highly successful low Class A circuit with teams up the Eastern Seaboard...
leagues. The Appalachian LeagueAppalachian LeagueThe Appalachian League is a Rookie-class minor league that began play in 1937 with one year of inactivity in 1956. From 1937 to 1962, it was a Class D League. Teams are located in the Appalachian regions of Virginia, North Carolina, West Virginia and Tennessee...
moves from Class D to Rookie League classification.
January–March
- January 3 – Darren DaultonDarren DaultonDarren Arthur Daulton , nicknamed Dutch, is a former catcher in Major League Baseball best remembered for his years with the Philadelphia Phillies...
- January 3 - Howard HiltonHoward HiltonHoward James Hilton was a Major League Baseball pitcher who appeared in two games with the St. Louis Cardinals at the start of the season....
- January 4 – Jay TibbsJay TibbsJay Lindsey Tibbs was a Major League Baseball pitcher with a seven-year career from 1984 to 1990. He played for the Cincinnati Reds, Montreal Expos, Baltimore Orioles, and Pittsburgh Pirates. He had two winning seasons and a career ERA of 4.20. He currently lives in Oneonta, Alabama.-External...
- January 5 – Danny JacksonDanny JacksonDanny Lynn Jackson was a pitcher with a 15-year career from to . He played for the Kansas City Royals of the American League and the Cincinnati Reds, Chicago Cubs, Pittsburgh Pirates, Philadelphia Phillies, St...
- January 7 – Jeff Montgomery
- January 11 – Donn PallDonn PallDonn Steven "The Pope" Pall , is a former professional baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues from 1988-1998. He is currently a Community Relations Representative for the White Sox.-External links:...
- January 13 – Kevin MitchellKevin Mitchell (baseball player)Kevin Darnell Mitchell is a former American Major League Baseball left fielder. He became widely known not only for his occasional brilliance on the field, but also for his unpredictable and sometimes volatile behavior off the field.-New York Mets:In Amazin, Peter Golenbock's oral history of the...
- January 19 – Chris SaboChris SaboChristopher Andrew Sabo is a former third baseman in Major League Baseball who played for the Cincinnati Reds , Baltimore Orioles , Chicago White Sox and St. Louis Cardinals . At 6'0" and 180 lb , he batted and threw right-handed...
- January 23 – Benny DistefanoBenny DistefanoBenito James Distefano is a former professional baseball player who played in the Major Leagues primarily as a utility player from 1984, 1986, 1988-1989, and 1992...
- January 26 – Rick SchuRick SchuRichard Spenser Schu is a former Major League Baseball player and hitting coach.Schu grew up in Fair Oaks, California and was signed as an amateur free agent out of Del Campo High School by the Philadelphia Phillies.Schu debuted with the Philadelphia Phillies in September 1984 and was recalled to...
- February 2 – Paul KilgusPaul KilgusPaul Kilgus , is a former professional baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues from 1987–1991 and 1993.-Fast Facts:* Kilgus won a career high 12 games for the Texas Rangers in...
- February 4 – Dan PlesacDan PlesacDaniel Thomas Plesac is a former Major League Baseball pitcher with an 18-year career from to . He played for the Milwaukee Brewers, Toronto Blue Jays, Chicago Cubs, Pittsburgh Pirates, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Philadelphia Phillies...
- February 19 – Álvaro EspinozaAlvaro EspinozaÁlvaro Alberto Espinoza [es-pe-NO-zah] is a former shortstop in Major League Baseball and current infield coach for the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees.-Early life:...
- February 26 – Kelly GruberKelly GruberKelly Wayne Gruber is a former Major League Baseball third baseman.-Early career:Gruber played baseball at Westlake High School in Austin, Texas where his number was later retired. He was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the 1st round of the 1980 amateur draft but did not see time with the team...
- February 27 – Greg CadaretGreg CadaretGregory James Cadaret is a former professional baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues primarily in relief from - and -....
- March 1 – Mark Gardner
- March 2 – Terry SteinbachTerry SteinbachTerry Lee Steinbach is a former catcher in Major League Baseball who played for 14 years from to . He was drafted in 1980 out of New Ulm High School by the Cleveland Indians. He was the starting catcher for Oakland Athletics teams that won three straight American League pennants from 1988 to...
- March 7 – Germán GonzálezGermán GonzálezGermán José González is a former Major League Baseball relief pitcher who played for the Minnesota Twins . He batted and threw right-handed....
- March 12 – Darryl StrawberryDarryl StrawberryDarryl Eugene Strawberry is a former American Major League Baseball outfielder who is well-known both for his play on the field and for his controversial behavior off it...
- March 18 – Brian FisherBrian Fisher (baseball)Brian Kevin Fisher is a retired Major League Baseball pitcher. He played during seven seasons at the major league level for the New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Pirates, Houston Astros, and Seattle Mariners. He was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 2nd round of the amateur draft...
- March 19 – Ivan CalderónIvan Calderón (baseball player)Iván Calderón Pérez , born in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, was a Puerto Rican Major League Baseball player from 1984 to 1993, and was named an All-Star in 1991. He was murdered in a bar in Loiza, Puerto Rico. Shot seven times in the back and head, he died instantly...
- March 24 – Ron Robinson
- March 25 – Jeff KunkelJeff KunkelJeffrey William Kunkel is a former shortstop in Major League Baseball with the Texas Rangers and Chicago Cubs. The son of American League umpire Bill Kunkel, after receiving All-American honors as a shortstop, he was chosen in the first round of the 1983 Major League Baseball Draft out of Rider...
- March 26 – Kevin SeitzerKevin SeitzerKevin Lee Seitzer is a former third baseman in Major League Baseball with the Kansas City Royals, Milwaukee Brewers, Oakland Athletics, and Cleveland Indians.-Career:...
- March 29 – Billy BeaneBilly BeaneWilliam Lamar "Billy" Beane III is a former Major League Baseball player and the current general manager and minority owner of the Oakland Athletics...
April–June
- April 1 – Rich AmaralRich AmaralRichard Louis Amaral is a former utility player in Major League Baseball who played with the Seattle Mariners , and Baltimore Orioles . He batted and threw right-handed....
- April 3 – Dave MileyDave MileyDavid Allen Miley is a former baseball player and manager.-Playing career:Miley was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the second round of the 1980 Major League Baseball Draft out of George D. Chamberlain High School...
- April 21 – Les LancasterLes LancasterLester Lancaster , is a former professional baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues from 1987–1993 and is currently the manager of the Sioux City Explorers....
- May 6 – Tom BoltonTom Bolton (baseball)Thomas Edward Bolton is a former pitcher in Major League Baseball who played from through for the Boston Red Sox , Cincinnati Reds , Detroit Tigers and Baltimore Orioles . He batted and threw left-handed...
- May 8 – Orestes DestradeOrestes DestradeOrestes Cucuas Destrade , is a former Major League Baseball infielder.-Biography:Destrade was born in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba, but emigrated to the United States with his family at the age of six. During his youth, he played Khoury League at Flagami Park in Miami. He graduated from Christopher...
- May 10 – Robby ThompsonRobby ThompsonRobert Randall "Robby" Thompson is an American professional baseball coach and former college and professional player. He played his entire career in Major League Baseball as the second baseman for the San Francisco Giants from to . Thompson is the current bench coach for the Seattle Mariners...
- May 17 – Greg Mathews
- May 29 – Eric Davis
- May 31 – Joe OrsulakJoe OrsulakJoseph Michael Richardson Orsulak III is a former Major League Baseball player from 1983 to 1997 for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Baltimore Orioles, New York Mets, Florida Marlins, and Montreal Expos. Orsulak, who threw and batted lefthanded, played mostly in the outfield, although he played some games...
- June 2 – Darnell ColesDarnell ColesDarnell Coles is a former Major League Baseball and Nippon Professional Baseball player who played primarily as a third baseman and outfielder from to...
- June 8 – John GibbonsJohn GibbonsJohn Michael Gibbons was the manager of the Toronto Blue Jays in Major League Baseball from 2004 to 2008...
- June 16 – Wally JoynerWally JoynerWallace Keith "Wally" Joyner is a former first baseman and hitting coach in Major League Baseball. He played for four major league teams during a 16-year career, most notably for the California Angels, for whom he was an All-Star...
- June 16 – Calvin SchiraldiCalvin SchiraldiCalvin Drew Schiraldi is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He is best remembered as the losing pitcher of Game 6 and Game 7 of the 1986 World Series.-Amateur career:...
- June 23 – Chris BeasleyChris BeasleyChristopher Charles Beasley is a former middle relief pitcher in Major League Baseball who played briefly for the California Angels during the season. Listed at 6' 2", 190 lb., Beasley batted and threw right-handed. A native of Jackson, Tennessee, he attended Arizona State...
- June 30 – Tony FernándezTony FernándezOctavio Antonio Fernández Castro , better known as Tony Fernández, is a former Major League Baseball player most noted for his defensive skills setting a record for shortstops with a .992 fielding percentage in 1989.-Career:...
July–September
- July 11 – Brian BradyBrian Brady (baseball)Brian Phelan Brady is a former right fielder in Major League Baseball who played briefly for the California Angels during the season. Listed at 5' 11", 185 lb., Brady batted and threw left-handed. A native of Elmhurst, New York, he attended New York Institute of Technology.Brady was...
- July 25 – Doug DrabekDoug DrabekDouglas Dean Drabek is a former Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher. Known for his fluid pitching motion and sound mechanics, he won the National League Cy Young Award in 1990.-Early life:...
- July 26 – Jody ReedJody ReedJody Eric Reed is a former second baseman in Major League Baseball who had an 11-year career from 1987-1997. The 5'9" second baseman played with the Boston Red Sox from 1987–1992, and in 1990 he led the American League with 45 doubles and finished 10th in the AL with 173 hits...
- July 30 – Tom PagnozziTom PagnozziThomas Alan Pagnozzi is a former Major League Baseball player for the St. Louis Cardinals. Primarily a catcher, Pagnozzi also made 40 appearances at first base and seven appearances at third base during his 12-season career, which spanned from 1987 to 1998.Initially a backup catcher and utility...
- August 3 – Mackey SasserMackey SasserMack Daniel Sasser is a former professional baseball catcher, who played from to for the New York Mets, the San Francisco Giants, the Pittsburgh Pirates, and Seattle Mariners....
- August 4 – Roger ClemensRoger ClemensWilliam Roger Clemens , nicknamed "Rocket", is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who broke into the league with the Boston Red Sox, whose pitching staff he would help anchor for 12 years. Clemens won seven Cy Young Awards, more than any other pitcher. He played for four different teams over...
- August 7 – John TrautweinJohn TrautweinJohn Howard Trautwein is a former relief pitcher in Major League Baseball who played briefly for the Boston Red Sox during the season. Listed at 6' 3", 205 lb., Trautwein batted and threw right-handed...
- August 12 – Urbano LugoUrbano LugoRafael Urbano Lugo Colina is a former pitcher for Major League Baseball.Lugo was signed by the California Angels as an amateur free agent in 1982. During his career, Colina played for the Angels from 1985–1988, the Montreal Expos in 1989 and the Detroit Tigers in 1990...
- August 14 – Mark GubiczaMark GubiczaMark Steven Gubicza is a former Major League Baseball pitcher for 14 seasons for the Kansas City Royals and Anaheim Angels . He currently does color commentary for Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim games on Fox Sports...
- August 22 – Darrin JacksonDarrin JacksonDarrin "D. J." Jay Jackson is a former center fielder in Major League Baseball who played 12 years for the Chicago Cubs , San Diego Padres , Toronto Blue Jays , New York Mets , Chicago White Sox , Minnesota Twins and Milwaukee Brewers...
- August 25 – Oddibe McDowellOddibe McDowellOddibe McDowell is a former center fielder in Major League Baseball who played from to for the Texas Rangers, Cleveland Indians and Atlanta Braves. McDowell was the first player to hit for the cycle for the Rangers when he accomplished that feat on July 23, 1985...
- September 2 – Johnny ParedesJohnny ParedesJohnny Alfonso Paredes Isambert [pay-RAY-des] is a former second baseman in Major League Baseball who played for the Montreal Expos and Detroit Tigers . He also played in Japan in 1992 for the Yakult Swallows...
- September 3 – Dave ClarkDave Clark (baseball)David Earl Clark is a former outfielder in Major League Baseball who played from 1986 to 1998. He served as manager of the Houston Astros Double-A affiliate, the Corpus Christi Hooks, from 2005 to 2007, and led them to the Texas League Championship in 2006...
- September 8 – Al PardoAl PardoAlberto Judas Pardo is an Spanish former catcher in Major League Baseball for the Baltimore Orioles and the Philadelphia Phillies. He is one of only four players in Major League history to be born in Spain....
- September 19 – Randy MyersRandy MyersRandall Kirk Myers is a former Major League Baseball relief pitcher. During a 14-year baseball career, he pitched from 1985-1998 for the New York Mets, Cincinnati Reds, San Diego Padres, Chicago Cubs, Baltimore Orioles, and Toronto Blue Jays.-Career:Myers first began his major league career with...
- September 28 – Rob WoodwardRob WoodwardRobert John Woodward was a pitcher in Major League Baseball from through for the Boston Red Sox. Listed at 6' 3", 185 lb., he batted and threw right-handed....
- September 30 – Dave MagadanDave MagadanDavid Joseph Magadan is a former Major League Baseball first and third baseman and current Red Sox Hitting Coach. He is the cousin and godson of former manager, Lou Piniella.-Amateur playing career:...
October–December
- October 4 – Dennis CookDennis CookDennis Bryan Cook is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball with nine teams from 1988 to 2002: the San Francisco Giants , Philadelphia Phillies , Los Angeles Dodgers , Cleveland Indians , Chicago White Sox , Texas Rangers ,...
- October 4 – Chris JamesChris JamesDonald Chris James was a utility Major League Baseball player with a 10 year career from 1986 to 1995. He played for the Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants and Houston Astros all of the National League and the Cleveland Indians, Texas Rangers, Kansas City Royals and...
- October 6 – Rich YettRich YettRichard Martin Yett was a long relief pitcher in major league baseball from 1985 to 1990. Yett was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in 1980, but Yett only played one game with the team before being traded to the Cleveland Indians in 1985. The next four years he played often as a long relief pitcher...
- October 12 – Sid FernandezSid FernandezCharles Sidney Fernandez was a Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher from to . Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Fernandez was proud of his roots and wore uniform number 50 in honor of Hawaii being the 50th state...
- October 17 – Glenn BraggsGlenn BraggsGlenn Erick Braggs is a former Major League Baseball outfielder and designated hitter. He is an alumnus of the University of Hawaii at Manoa....
- October 24 – Gene LarkinGene LarkinEugene Thomas Larkin is a former switch-hitting first baseman, designated hitter and right fielder in Major League Baseball who played his entire seven-season career with the Minnesota Twins. During his playing career he wore #9 for Minnesota, and was a member of both the 1987 and 1991 World...
- October 30 – Mark PortugalMark PortugalMark Steven Portugal is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played in the major leagues from 1985 to 1999.-Career:Portugal attended Norwalk High School in Norwalk, California. He was signed by the Minnesota Twins in 1980...
- October 30 – Danny TartabullDanny TartabullDanilo Tartabull Mora , also known as Danny Tartabull, is a former right fielder in Major League Baseball. Born to Cuban parents in San Juan, Puerto Rico, he is the son of José Tartabull, who played in the major leagues from 1962 to 1970.-Playing career:Danny played for the Seattle Mariners ,...
- November 9 – Dion JamesDion JamesDion James played as left and center fielder for an eleven-year career from 1983–1985, 1987–1990, 1992–1993, 1995-1996. James starred at C.K. McClatchy High School in Sacramento, California before being selected by the Milwaukee Brewers in the first round in the 1980 Amateur Entry Draft...
- November 11 – Cory SnyderCory SnyderJames Cory Snyder is a former Major League Baseball player for the Cleveland Indians, Chicago White Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, San Francisco Giants, and Los Angeles Dodgers from 1986 to 1994. Snyder's best season came in 1987 with the Indians when he hit 33 home runs and had 82 runs batted in...
- November 12 – Jeff ReedJeff Reed (baseball player)Jeffrey Scott Reed is a former Major League Baseball catcher who played for the Minnesota Twins , Montreal Expos , Cincinnati Reds , San Francisco Giants , Colorado Rockies and Chicago Cubs . He batted left-handed and threw right-handed...
- November 17 – Jamie MoyerJamie MoyerJamie Moyer is an American professional left handed baseball pitcher who is currently a free agent. At the time of his last game to date , he was the oldest player in the major leagues and had the most wins, losses, and strikeouts of any active Major League pitcher...
- November 21 – Dick SchofieldDick SchofieldRichard Craig "Dick" Schofield was a Major League Baseball shortstop who played 14 seasons, spanning from 1983–96. Schofield played the majority of his career with the California Angels, but also played on the 1993 Toronto Blue Jays team that eventually won the World Series...
- November 24 – Randy VelardeRandy VelardeRandy Lee Velarde is a former Major League Baseball infielder who played for the New York Yankees, California/Anaheim Angels, Oakland Athletics, and Texas Rangers from to...
- November 26 – Chuck FinleyChuck FinleyCharles Edward "Chuck" Finley is an American former Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher. He pitched from 1986-2002 for three different teams, but pitched primarily with the California Angels...
- November 30 – Bo JacksonBo JacksonVincent Edward "Bo" Jackson is a former American baseball and football player. He was the first athlete to be named an All-Star in two major American sports, and also won the Heisman Trophy in 1985....
- November 30 – Gary WayneGary WayneGary Anthony Wayne was a Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher. He is an alumnus of the University of Michigan....
- December 5 – Germán JiménezGermán JiménezGermán Jiménez Camarena [he-may'-nes] is a former Mexican starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Atlanta Braves during the season. Listed at 5' 11", 200 lb., he batted and threw left-handed.As a teenager, Jiménez pitched for local Nayarit teams...
- December 19 – Bill WegmanBill WegmanWilliam Edward Wegman was a Major League Baseball pitcher.After graduating from Oak Hills High School, Wegman was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 5th round of the 1981 amateur draft, where he played throughout his entire eleven-year career, ending October 1, 1995...
- December 29 – Devon White
January–April
- January 5 – Frank SnyderFrank Snyder (baseball player)Frank Elton Snyder , was an American professional baseball player and coach. He played in Major League Baseball as a catcher from 1912 to 1927 for the New York Giants and St. Louis Cardinals...
, 68, catcher for the Cardinals and Giants, including the 1921–22 World Series champions - January 7 – Dutch LerchenDutch LerchenBertram Roe "Dutch" Lerchen was a shortstop who played briefly for the Boston Red Sox during the season. Listed at 5' 8", 160 lb., Lerchen batted and threw right-handed. He was born in Detroit, Michigan. His cousin, George Lerchen, played for Detroit and Cincinnati from 1952-53.In a...
, 72, shortstop for the 1910 Boston Red Sox - January 10 – Fred BratschiFred BratschiFrederick Oscar Bratschi was a left fielder in Major League Baseball between and . Bratschi batted and threw right-handed. He was born in Alliance, Ohio....
, 69, outfielder for the Chicago White Sox and Boston Red Sox between 1921 and 1927 - January 14 – Les MannLes MannLeslie Mann , was a professional baseball player who played outfield in the Major Leagues from 1913-1928. He played for the Boston Braves, St...
, 68, outfielder for five NL teams who in the 1914 World Series drove in Game 2's only run in the top of the 9th and scored the winning run in the 12th inning of Game 3 for the "Miracle Braves" - January 26 – Steve O'NeillSteve O'NeillStephen Francis O'Neill was an American catcher, manager, coach and scout in Major League Baseball.Born to Irish immigrants in Minooka, Pennsylvania , O'Neill was one of six brothers who escaped a life in the coal mines by playing in the major leagues...
, 70, longtime Indians catcher who later managed the Tigers to the 1945 World Series title - January 27 – Joe VosmikJoe VosmikJoseph Franklin Vosmik born in Cleveland, Ohio was an Outfielder for the Cleveland Indians , St. Louis Browns , Boston Red Sox , Brooklyn Dodgers and Washington Senators . He helped the Dodgers win the 1941 National League Pennant.He was voted to the 1935 American League All-Star Team as a Right...
, 51, All-Star outfielder who hit .307 lifetime, over .300 six times - February 6 – Ernest LaniganErnest LaniganErnest John Lanigan was an American sportswriter and historian on the subject of baseball. He was considered the premier baseball statistician and historian of his day...
, 89, statistician, sportswriter and historian who in the 1890s devised the run batted in and other statistics, in 1922 wrote the sport's first comprehensive biographical encyclopedia; later historian at the Hall of Fame for ten years - February 24 – Max BishopMax BishopMax Frederick Bishop was a second baseman in Major League Baseball who played from through for the Philadelphia Athletics and Boston Red Sox . Bishop batted left-handed and threw right-handed...
, 62, second baseman for the Athletics' pennant winners from 1929–1931, coach at the Naval Academy since 1938 - March 16 – George OrmeGeorge OrmeGeorge William Orme was a backup outfielder in Major League Baseball who played briefly for the Boston Red Sox during the season. Listed at 5' 10", 160 lb., Orme batted and threw right-handed...
, 70, backup outfielder who played for the 1920 Boston Red Sox - March 29 – Otto MillerOtto Miller (baseball catcher)Lowell Otto Miller [Moonie] was a catcher in Major League Baseball who played from through for the Brooklyn teams Superbas , Dodgers and Robins . Listed at 6' 0", 196 lb., Miller batted and threw right-handed...
, 72, catcher for the Dodgers from 1910 to 1922, including two NL champions - April 5 – Vince ShupeVince ShupeVincent William Shupe was a Major League Baseball first baseman who played for the Boston Braves in 1945. The 23-year-old rookie was a native of East Canton, Ohio....
, 40, first baseman for the 1945 Boston Braves, and one of many players who only appeared in the majors during World War II - April 21 – Bill NormanBill NormanHenry Willis Patrick "Bill" Norman was an American outfielder, coach, manager and scout in Major League Baseball. A longtime minor league player and manager, he is best remembered for his brief term as pilot of the Detroit Tigers in 1958-59.Norman was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and served as a...
, 51, outfielder for the White Sox in 1931–32, longtime minor league pilot, and manager of the Tigers from June 1958 through early May 1959 - April 30 – Al DemareeAl DemareeAlbert Wentworth Demaree , is a professional baseball player who played pitcher in the Major Leagues from 1912-1919. He played for the New York Giants, Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs and Boston Braves.-External links:...
, 77, pitcher who won 80 games for four NL teams, later a noted sports cartoonist
May–August
- May 10 – Lefty WillisLefty WillisCharles William "Lefty" Willis was a Major League Baseball pitcher who played from to with the Philadelphia Athletics.-External links:...
, 56, pitcher for the Philadelphia Athletics from 1925 to 1927 - May 23 – Rip RadcliffRip RadcliffRaymond Allen Radcliff was a Major League Baseball outfielder and first baseman. He played mainly for the Chicago White Sox, but also played for the St. Louis Browns and the Detroit Tigers. His best season came in when he batted .342 and finished 9th in AL MVP voting...
, 56, All-Star outfielder who batted .311 for the White Sox, Browns and Tigers, led AL in hits in 1940 - June 11 – Nap KlozaJohn KlozaJohn Clarence "Nap" Kloza was a professional baseball player and manager. Listed at 5' 11", 180 lb., he batted and threw right-handed. Sometimes he is credited as Jack Kloza....
, 58, outfielder for 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 the early 1930s, later a manager for the AAGPBL Rockford PeachesRockford PeachesThe Rockford Peaches were a team in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League playing out of Rockford, Illinois for the entire existence of the league from 1943 to 1954.... - June 28 – Mickey CochraneMickey CochraneGordon Stanley "Mickey" Cochrane was a professional baseball player and manager. He played in Major League Baseball as a catcher for the Philadelphia Athletics and Detroit Tigers...
, 59, Hall of Fame catcher who was MVP in 1928 and 1934, batting .320 lifetime, and managed Tigers to World Series title in 1935 - July 3 – Jimmy Walsh, 56, Irish outfielder for the 1916 Boston Red Sox World Champions, who also hit better than .300 ten times in the International League, winning the league batting title in 1925 and 1926
- July 14 – Howard CragheadHoward CragheadHoward Craghead played professional baseball in the 1930s. Craghead mainly played in the minor leagues, for the Toledo Mud Hens. Craghead did manage to pitch 23 innings during his career however for the Cleveland Indians, with no decisions and an earned run average of 6.26. He later became a...
, 58, pitched for the Cleveland Indians in the 1931 and 1933 seasons - July 18 – Carl HollingCarl HollingCarl Theodore Holling was a pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Detroit Tigers from -. Listed at 6'1", 172 lb., Holling batted and threw right-handed. He was born in Dixon, California....
, 66, pitched for the Detroit Tigers in the 1920s - July 23 – Ralph ShinnersRalph ShinnersRalph Peter Shinners was a centerfielder in Major League Baseball who played from 1922 through 1925 for the New York Giants and St. Louis Cardinals...
, 66, outfielder for the New York Giants and St. Louis Cardinals from 1922 to 1925, and later a manager in the AAGPBL - July 29 – Burt ShottonBurt ShottonBurton Edwin Shotton was an American player, manager, coach and scout in Major League Baseball. As manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers , he won two National League pennants and served as Jackie Robinson's first permanent major league manager.-Playing career: Fleet-of-foot outfielder:Shotton was born...
, 77, outfielder for the Browns and Cardinals, later managed Dodgers to two NL pennants - August 11 – Jake VolzJake VolzJacob Phillip "Silent Jake" Volz was a pitcher in Major League Baseball who played between 1901 and 1908 for the Boston Americans , Boston Beaneaters and Cincinnati Reds . Listed at 5' 10", 175 lb., Volz batted and threw right-handed...
, 84, pitcher for the Boston Americans, Boston Beaneaters and Cincinnati Reds between 1901 and 1908
September–December
- September 1 – Hank GarrityHank Garrity (baseball)Francis Joseph "Hank" Garrity was a professional baseball player. He played eight games in Major League Baseball for the Chicago White Sox in 1931, primarily as a catcher...
, 54, catcher for the 1931 Chicago White Sox - September 12 – Spot PolesSpot PolesSpottswood Poles was an American outfielder in baseball's Negro Leagues. Born in Winchester, Virginia, he died at age 74 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania....
, 74, star outfielder of the Negro Leagues - October 31 - Larry GoetzLarry GoetzLawrence John Goetz was a professional baseball umpire. Goetz started umpiring in the Blue Grass League from 1920 to 1922. He also umpired in the Western Ohio League, Piedmont League, and the American Association. He then became a successful National League umpire from 1936 to 1957...
, 67, National League umpire - November 14 – Dick HoblitzelDick HoblitzelRichard Carleton "Dick" Hoblitzel , was a professional baseball player who played first base in the Major Leagues from 1908-1918. He played for the Cincinnati Reds and Boston Red Sox. Hoblitzel was the National League at bats leader in 1910 & 1911 and Cincinnati MVP in 1911...
, 74, first baseman on Red Sox champions of 1915–1916 - November 16 – Hugh HighHugh HighHugh Jenkin High , nicknamed "Bunny," was a Major League Baseball outfielder from Pottstown, Pennsylvania, who played six seasons in the majors, for the Detroit Tigers in and , and for the New York Yankees from through...
, 75, Outfielder for the Tigers and Yankees; 1913-1818. - November 27 – Bob PetersonBob Peterson (baseball)Robert Andrew Peterson was an utility in Major League Baseball, playing mainly as a catcher for the Boston Americans from 1906 through 1907. Listed at 6' 1", 160 lb., Peterson batted and threw right-handed...
, 78, catcher for the Boston Americans between 1906 and 1907 - November 29 – Red KressRed KressRalph "Red" Kress was a shortstop and coach in Major League Baseball. From through , he played for the St. Louis Browns , Chicago White Sox , Washington Senators , Detroit Tigers and New York Giants . Kress batted and threw right-handed...
, 55, coach for the Mets, previously an AL shortstop during the 1930s - December 7 – Bobo NewsomBobo NewsomLouis Norman Newsom was an American starting pitcher in Major League Baseball. Also known as "Buck", Newsom played for a number of teams from 1929 through 1953...
, 55, much-traveled All-Star pitcher who won 211 games with nine different teams, including five stints with the Senators - December 7 – J. G. Taylor SpinkJ. G. Taylor SpinkJohn George Taylor Spink was the publisher of The Sporting News from 1914 to 1962.Born in St. Louis, Missouri, he inherited the newspaper from his father and ran it from April 22, 1914 until his death...
, 74, publisher and editor of The Sporting News since 1914 and a tireless champion of the sport