Yogi Berra
photo by Tim Evearitt
Happy birthday, Yogi Berra. 90 years-old yesterday, May 12.
1929 For the first time in major league history, a game features both teams wearing numbers on the back of their jerseys when the Indians host the Yankees at League Park in Cleveland. The numerals will become a permanent fixture on each club's attire.
1947 During the pre-game infield practice, a barrage of racial slurs is directed at Jackie Robinson by the Cincinnati fans during the Dodgers' first visit to Crosley Field this season.
Brooklyn shortstop Pee Wee Reese, a Southerner from Kentucky with friends attending the game and captain of the team, engages the black infielder in conversation, and then put his arm around his teammate's shoulder, a gesture that stuns and silences the crowd.
1948 On WBZ-TV, the first Red Sox game ever televised from Fenway becomes must-see TV when Boston scores three runs in the bottom of the tenth inning for the 6-5 walk-off victory. Chicago had tallied two runs in the top of the frame, breaking the 3-3 deadlock.
1955 For the first time in his major league career, Mickey Mantle hits home runs from both sides of the plate, finishing the game with three round-trippers – two from the left side and one batting right-handed. The switch-hitting slugger drives in all of his team's runs in the 5–2 victory over Detroit at Yankee Stadium.
1958 As a pinch-hitter, Stan Musial collects his 3000th hit in the sixth inning off Moe Drabowsky in the Cardinals' 5-3 victory over the Cubs at Wrigley Field. 'The Man', the youngest player to reach the milestone, is the eighth major leaguer to accomplish the feat.
1976 For the sixth consecutive game, George Brett collects at least three hits, batting an incredible .692 during the span. The Royals' third baseman, who is 18-for-26 against the Orioles, Twins, and White Sox, raises his season's batting average from .277 to .396 with his torrid pace at the plate.
2013 Justin Upton, playing In his first game at Chase Field since the January trade that sent him to Atlanta in a seven-player deal, collects four hits, including a home run and a double. The first overall pick by Arizona in the 2005 amateur draft receives a mixed reaction from the crowd, with slightly more cheers than boos during Atlanta's 10-1 rout of the Diamondbacks.