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
Memorable Moments: A Look at the History of the Breeders’ Cup
The Breeders’ Cup has long been a pinnacle of horse racing, bringing together the
The Greatest Phoenix Suns Players of All Time
Since joining the NBA in 1968, the Phoenix Suns have been home to some
The Bell’s of Saint JR (Relating to Jim Ross)
INTRO: Gregorian chant music as Ariel enters a church confession booth. PRIEST and ARIEL:
The NFL’s Forgotten Gold Medalist!
As usual during the staging of the Summer Olympics, numerous stars are born, discovered,
From Underdogs to Champions: The Patriots’ Super Bowl XXXVI Victory
The New England Patriots victory in Super Bowl XXXVI was a defining moment in
NFL All-Time Coaching Wins: A Top 5 Countdown
It’s NFL trivia time! Who holds the coveted title of the winningest coach in
1976 Olympics Revisited (Weightlifting Medal Winners)
The 1976 Olympics were in Montreal, and the weightlifting started on July 18 and
Three Racing Legends who have achieved 100 Formula One Podiums
After seven decades of Formula One racing, there have been more than a thousand