August 28, 1884 – Baseball pitcher “Smiling “Mickey Welsh made MLB history by setting a record for most consecutive batters struck out to begin a game. The hurler struck out the first 9 batters he faced. Welsh was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame for his spectacular talent displayed in how he played the game. During his 13 major league seasons, he posted 20 or more wins nine times, seven of them in consecutive seasons.
The pitcher success was attributed to his accuracy and timing with a wicked curveball, an excellent change-up, and a version of the screwball all thrown underhand. He is also known for becoming the third pitcher in history to win 300 MLB games and is credited as being the first pinch hitter in major league history when he batted for Hank O’Day and struck out in September of 1889.
To find more great daily sports history make sure to check out the Sports Jersey Dispatch and Pigskin Dispatch.
More From Sports History Network
Which Teams Have Never Reached the Super Bowl? (And Could One Do It in 2026?)
When Carson Wentz tore his ACL against the Rams in December 2017, a 13-3
Common Sense Advice For Weight Training
Layoffs from Training As a personal trainer and coach, I am often asked, “Should
The Dominant Season of the 1986 New York Mets
After winning the World Series in 1969 and the National League Pennant in 1973,
Traditional Bookmakers vs. Modern Sportsbook Apps: What’s Changed for Bettors?
Credit Eslam Mohammed Abdelmaksoud via Pexels.com Sports betting has changed considerably over the past
Coming Back for the Ball in the 1970s
One of the important duties for any wide receiver in the sport of football
A look at the evolution of the NCAA College Basketball bracket
Every March, the NCAA tournament becomes a national discussion. Each upset seems personal in
Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe 2026: horses, history and what to watch
Few races in world horse racing carry the prestige of the Prix de l’Arc
From Box Scores to Live Data: How Fans Follow Sport
The games have changed less than you might think. A touchdown in 1970 counts