1940
The Cardinals play their first night game at home, losing to Brooklyn, 10-1, despite Joe Medwick's 5-for-5 performance that included three doubles. The honor of hosting the first evening tilt in St. Louis, that took place on May 24, was given to the Browns, after the two teams finally agreed to split the $150,000 cost of installing lights at Sportsman's Park, the ballpark they share.
1940
The Braves sign South Park High School (Buffalo, NY) standout Warren Spahn, who will make his major league debut in 1942 when he appears in two games as a 20 year-old for Boston before serving three years in the Army during World War II.
The Bronze Star and Purple Heart recipient will return to the National League in 1946 to win the first game of his career at the age of 25 en route to becoming the all-time winningest southpaw in the history of the game with 363 victories.
1951
Pirates outfielder Gus Bell hits for the cycle in Philadelphia as the Bucs beat the Phillies, 12-4. In 2004, his grandson David, whose dad Buddy also played in the major leagues, also collects a single, double, triple and home run in a game, marking the first time a grandfather-grandson combination has accomplished the feat.
1964
At Connie Mack Stadium, Sandy Koufax throws his third no-hitter in three years, blanking the Phillies 3-0. The Dodgers' southpaw, who will add a perfect game to his resume next season, joins Bob Feller as the only other modern major leaguer to pitch three career hitless games.
1968
In LA's Ambassador Hotel, Robert Kennedy, giving his victory speech for his win in the California primary before being fatally shot, tells his followers in the packed ballroom, “I'd like to express my high regard to Don Drysdale, who pitched his sixth straight shutout tonight. And I hope we can have as good fortune in our campaign.” At nearby Chavez Ravine, the Dodgers right-hander had blanked the Bucs, 6-0, extending his scoreless streak to 54 innings.
1986
In a 12-3 rout of the Braves, Pirates rookie outfielder Barry Bonds hits his first major league home run, off Craig McMurtry. Bobby’s son will become the All-time career home run leader, hitting 762 during his 22-year career playing for Pittsburgh and the San Francisco Giants.
2004
At Turner Field, Julio Franco became the oldest player in baseball history to hit a grand slam. The 45 year-old Dominican first baseman’s first inning base-loaded home run proves to be the difference as the Braves beat the Phillies, 8-4.